Event Dress Take 3: following the boss's orders - YouLookFab Forum

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Event Dress Take 3: following the boss's orders

sarah

Veteran

Angie (and Suz) sent me to Talbot's to search for a dress to wear to an evening "business" dress event (in late April in DC). I also need a second dress for a "garden party". Here are some contenders (I tried to overexpose the navy ones, so you can actually see them).

1/2: light wool sheath; I tried it on again and I don't think the buckling in the back is an issue.

Note: I also found that gold wallet at Target - could I use that as a clutch?

3/4/5: heavier wool cutout sheath. I'm afraid this is seasonally confused, as it's pretty heavy wool twill.

6/7/8/9: short sleeve ponte knit in two colors. Not sure this is very flattering.

10/11: three-quarter sleeve ponte knit.

12: I ordered this as a possible "garden party" dress. Not sure it will fit, though, as it's a regular size.

Thanks for your opinions. One would think that with the thousands of dresses out there, this wouldn't be so hard.

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28 replies

Latest reply was from chouette22

Marmee

Veteran

I think that 12 might be a good possibility, as that seems to be a good shape on you. I prefer the fit of 1/2 and 3/4/5 to the short sleeved dresses. 6/7 looks like it needs some tailoring at the waistline, and the high neck doesn't flatter you. Also, I hear your concern about 3/4/5 being seasonally confused, but I really like the visual interest that the cutouts provide.

Do you have a necklace you could wear with 1/2 or 10/11?

ETA: Do you have a tailor/seamstress you like? Some of my best dresses didn't fit well right off the rack, but look fabulous after alterations.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I think they are all contenders, but prefer the first two. The shape is really flattering on you, especially the neckline. Love the bookending with the shoes. It might be my monitor, but the red dress seems a tiny bit like it's wearing you. The red looks too bright for your coloring.

Diana

Veteran

I like 1/2 and the last one (provided it fits). The pontes look too casual to me, although the one with longer sleeves has a nice fit.

The fit of the red dress is good, but I think the color washes you out a bit.

Ginkgo

Veteran

I prefer #10/11 on you; the fit looks exactly right and flattering, and the color is good on you. You can change the look easily with a scarf or jewelry, and best of all, you look very at ease and confident in this one.

Also like the dress that's on order.

sarah

Veteran

Thanks for the feedback. It sounds like you all like the ones I like- 1/2 and 10/11, although I'm leaning towards 1/2. I could either wear pearls or could probably borrow a more bling-y statement necklace from my sister, depending on what you all think is best.

Any thoughts on that clutch (wallet) in #1?

thanks again.

Helena

Veteran

I also love the first too. I like the clutch; if you could add a bit of shine to the neckline on that one, it would be perfect I think? The red is absolutely gorgeous.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good grief. I LOVE #3 to #5. Slam dunk killer fit and colour. WOW. There is no comparison to my eye.

#10/11 is a beautiful fit too. Baby gold clutch is fab.

carter

Veteran

#1 gets my vote too, and the clutch wallet is perfect.

sarah

Veteran

Oh, dear, Angie. But what about the weight? It really does feel like "Christmas" fabrication to me - it's quite a heavy wool.

Glad the clutch will work. Thanks, Target.

kellygirl

Veteran

Love 1/2 and 3/4. The red is just spectacular on you! Hope you get sorted on the fabrication!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The colour is gorgeous. My word. You are jaw dropping dazzling in that red frock. It takes my breath away. As for the weight. Will you really be hot in April wearing it? It's hard for me to get being too hot in something because I am always cold. If so - onto the next frock. #1 is great too, if you can prevent the back buckling.

*sobbing*

sarah

Veteran

I suppose I could wait and see what the weather is going to be. I'm just worried that it LOOKS/FEELS like a winter dress, instead of a spring dress - the wool is almost a felt texture - wool flannel, really. Darn it. I do see what you mean about the fit (and color, and I would promise to wear some eyebrows and lips). AAARGH...

Will probably have to go with 1/2, as 10/11 feels a smidge short to me. I will triple-check on the "buckling" issue.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think the red frock looks very Spring. In fact, I'd wear it in Summer too. The lazer-cut texture is floral-esque, and the sleeveless cut denotes warm weather. Not to mention the colour. It's whether you'll be too hot wearing it because the wool is thick. I can arrange for fairies to fan you throughout the event if that will help. xo

pil

Veteran

Have you looked for other dresses made by the manufacturer of #3?
I like #1 and #8 but see why Angie is so wowed by #3.

ETA I see now they are all from Talbots.

sarah

Veteran

HAHAHAHAH!!!

That is so interesting about the fabrication. I will hang on to the red one until I have a better sense of the forecast. Hoping for 70.

I've just ordered this one in navy and pink (!) as it just showed up on the website, in case it's a better fit than 1/2.
http://www.talbots.com/online/.....038;mode=s

Hmmm...now on to thinking about accessories.

Angie, and everyone else, THANK YOU!

unfrumped

Veteran

Wow , you dress up fab!
I like 1-4. The back in 1-2 does need to fit correctly so that needs to be sorted out. The red IS more special; it is strong for your coloring unless as you say you will be in more party makeup mode; but the fit and quality stand out, to me, as a " real" dress. The nude shoes are fab both for leg line and to make a spring look.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I haven't read the comments yet but really love the red dress on you. It's such a nice shape and color and the cut outs are lovely. The other dresses could work too but I hope you keep the fab red dress.

Deborah

Veteran

Without reading the other comments (don't want to be swayed) I think the red dress is pefect. It is a beautiful fit and is so flattering on you. I don't think you wear a lot of makeup (??) and this colour just bring life to your fair features. I am sorry the other dresses just fade into insignificance compared to the red:) And the garden party dress you are waiting on... looks stunning.

Jjsloane

Veteran

First of all - will you have any chance to meet up with the DC crowd when you come? Our weather is always a crapshoot. Could be 90. Could be 50. It was 60's this weekend and now they say snow on Tuesday?

Second - I LOVE LOVE LOVE the red and LOVE LOVE the navy. Gold with both and those killer shoes. I like the last one, but think flowy for garden parties. Do you have a cardi to go with any of them?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

For this event, I think you deserve to stand out. That's why I prefer the red. But #1 would do in a pinch.

I hear you about the fabrication. I think you should buy the red and keep it, just in case. Meanwhile, continue to haunt the site for spring weight versions of this same dress. Or ask the Sales Associates what is on its way. You know you can get a decent fit here, so you can more or less limit your shopping to this one place, perhaps. And there is still time.

shiny

Veteran

I'd take the navy 1/2 and the red 3/4 and decide when I got there, weather depending. The red does not look seasonally confused to me at all, but if it's too hot to wear, it's too hot. Could still get a cold day in April so bring both and you are covered for all contingencies.

Let's see the garden party dress when it arrives, but otherwise, you could easily wear the navy or the red to a garden party, just with different shoes -- flat sandals/ballet flats, or low-heeled wedges would work.

Echo

Veteran

I completely agree with Angie. None of the others really compare to the red dress. While I understand it is wool, it LOOKS very spring, with the cut-out design and the beautiful colour and the sleeveless style. You look absolutely amazing in it.

sarah

Veteran

Thanks so much, everyone. The red dress is getting a LOT of love!!!! It's the clear winner.

Hopefully with the cutouts (!) and the lack of sleeves, I can wear it even if it's pretty warm outside, and at least the event is indoors in the evening, so the temp will probably be pretty reasonable regardless of what it's like outside. In fact, in true DC form, it could be freezing inside. I'll keep it, and work on getting another dress as a good backup.

Deborah, I will have to figure out some minimal makeup, I think, to pull of the dress, since it is a strong color for my lack of features. Too bad you are not here to teach me ; ).

Jeanne, I don't think I'll have any extra time, unfortunately. I'm sneaking in a weekend between teaching, and actually the whole family is coming (DH, kids, and my parents) - between that and the planned activities/events, I think I'll be booked. But I anticipate more trips to DC in the coming years, so we'll definitely have to have a get-together one of these days. Thanks for thinking of it.

Echo and Shiny, I'm glad you are on board with the red dress for spring.

Unfrumped and Columbine, thanks!

Suz, I did order a newer Talbots dress that just came online - it's more of a brocade (see the link above). It comes in fuchsia, your color! Not sure I can pull that off, though, but we'll see when it comes. (Honestly, I always have to look up how to spell "fuchsia").

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ooh! Why can't I win an award?

Seriously, that dress might be perfect -- and then you could have two fab outfits!!

sarah

Veteran

Um, well you are an award-winner, aren't you!? I'm sure another event will come your way soon enough, what with your talent ; ).

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Love love love that red dress on you Sarah!

sarah

Veteran

Thanks, Shannon : )

chouette22

Veteran

Wow, you have indeed found perfect dresses, they look fantastic on you and I really love both. I also just wanted to add how much I love the nude shoes, absolutely fabulous!