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Dressing for a previous version of me

nuancedream

Veteran

Today, I put on this dress that I haven't worn for years. It's well above knee length and it's a sheath, which used to be my preferred dress style. Two strikes against the dress. On the other hand, it has a bateau neckline and it looks great with long pearls. Do I keep the dress and wear it for an event like a memorial service? Or is it time to find it a new home? Comments and suggestions appreciated, as always.

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27 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Carla

Veteran

Is there a colour you can’t wear?

nuancedream

Veteran

Runcarla, there are lots of colors that are not my friends. The lilac that looks spectacular on you or Angie's blush pink make me look like I need a blood transfusion and a long nap.

Anonymous

The dress shows off your great figure. You could hold on to it to see if you wear it.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Am l to assume that the shortness of the dress and the style are no longer your thing?Because you look very nice in it .l understand your dilemma though ,it’s hard to let go of things that still fit isn’t it!Maybe the holding zone for a specified amount of time?

Vildy

Veteran

O could you ever look less than lovely in anything! Despite non-preferred shorter length - sooo quietly elegant. This is a head turner on you.

slim cat

Veteran

Looks like a perfect fit and great color - I vote to keep it!

cat2

Veteran

Ballet slippers are back and would make this read a bit more casual. I have been dressing down my work dresses and skirts with current flats and it gets me to rethink the accessories as well.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

How do you feel wearing it today? Would you ever reach for it again? It sounds like it might be time to pass it on. It still looks great, but it doesn't sound like it brings you joy.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Chewy said. Looks great, but judging by how you feel, it does not spark joy. It might spark joy again......it's a gamble!

That said, you might prefer longer sheaths from now on. Or something more A-line. I'm inclined to suggest pass it on.

nuancedream

Veteran

I don't have a clothing holding zone, mostly because the condo does not have generous closet and storage space. CS and Angie hit the nail on the head. I responded Angie's blog post yesterday and mentioned I am having more fun getting dressed and creating outfits than I ever had previously. Why would I keep something in my closet that does not spark joy for me right now? Decision made. I'll find a new home for the dress.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

You look gorgeous.
Following Cat2’s idea of flats to de-bombshell it a bit, you could try wearing a duster or long cardi with it, and opaque tights.

ETA I see I was a smidge too late.

rachylou

Veteran

It looks really good. I suspect, tho, you know, that I wouldn’t like it as much on you if you had long hair.

missvee

Veteran

I was going to suggest having it shortened to wear as a top, maybe with some flowy pants. It’s a great fit through the bodice.

It sounds like you’ve made your mind up to pass it on though, and that makes sense especially if you feel you’ve had good use out of it.

JAileen

Veteran

It looks lovely on you. But if you don’t like it…

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

You look great but passing it on sounds like the right decision.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I have the same trouble as Cardiff Girl in giving stuff up! This looks awesome on you and you have great legs. I would be keeping it, but then I do have room. I have moved my similar slightly-too-short dress to my dress-up storage area in case of a 1920s party (I live in hope!)

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Vildy

Veteran

Ok, I get it now If pretty much everything looks equally wonderful on a person then there has to be different grounds to choose and what could be better than joy.

Jules

Veteran

I realize you already decided but I’ll reinforce your decision It is a lovely dress and lovely on you, but you have no shortage of elegant clothes to choose from for various occasions. So it seems unlikely it would get a lot of wear as a backup item. It’s also a very standalone piece that doesn’t lend itself to layering or remixing with new items.

kkards

Veteran

Yes, this is something that I struggle with as well, so it’s so helpful to see someone voice what often tickles at the back of my brain. Just seeing the way you worded it, dressing for a previous version of me, was so helpful. Now I’m going to repeat to myself, dress for the body you have now, the life you lead now, and the you you are now.

merwoman

Veteran

This is stunning on you. But to answer your question, you mentioned the possibility of wearing it for a memorial service. It could feel that niche very well, but…do you think you might reach for something else instead and leave this beauty lingering in the closet?

Lana

(website)

Veteran

I think you made the right decision. When you said a “previous version of me” I realized I have been holding on to some things that fit me, I love the design but there is something that is a deal breaker. I love the off shoulder style of this sweater and the ruching on the skirt, but the black is harsh, and they are just to hard to style to work for my present self. Outfit below compared to a more recent one. This post has helped me finally get rid of a few things. Thank you!

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AndiB

Veteran

Might edit it a bit, remove the ruffled sleeves making it elbow or 3/4 length and chop and hem the bottom to make it tunic length to wear with skinny jeans, leggings or slender black bottoms.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I think you are doing the right thing. It’s a nice dress but not your usual level of gorgeous-ness.

Jonesy

Veteran

You look great but I agree that it doesn't quite measure up to your current style fabulosity!

gryffin

Veteran

Dress is gorgeous on you. The color is spectacular and it would be very hard to replace. I look at it, do you have a dress in your wardrobe that fits the identical niche that you like better? If you do, then I think you have a choice donate vs holding. Would you consider it styled another way OTK boots, a low hip belt. Moto jacket. Tights? Booties. Again styled against type or worn as tunic? Also if you don’t have something that fulfills it’s function I would keep until you find the perfect replacement. But that’s me. I hate donating until I’ve replaced with better.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Would you wear such a colour for a memorial service? Or would black still do?

It's a lovely dress but, since it's still in good condition, it would likely make someone else happy to receive it as a donation instead

Sal

Veteran

I can see both sides here. I think you have moved on - it is lovely but for a previous time. Some things are harder to change up and I think this dress stands alone - I don’t see it layered or worn with sneakers etc

I had a real love for sheaths - and Mad Men style. I still love this look but I don’t think I will go back to it. I found it easier to wear at 40 than 50- I want a different vibe now. Maybe this resonates with you?