FFBO idea: dresses with sneakers

About a week ago there was a post about how large our wardrobes were. Though I was not surprised by how many items of clothing I had, I was surprised by how many dresses I owned, which was almost 20, despite rarely wearing them. I wear a uniform at work and live a fairly casual lifestyle at home, which makes dresses a challenge for me, especially as I have a "generous hourglass" body type and make dresses look bombshell without meaning to. This is my attempt to make some of my dresses more casual and not date-night only attire. I am hoping this post will help me figure out if I need to cull any items, or aquire any assessories to make the ffbo work.

Photo 1 and 2: a DVF dress I have posted before. Paired with black sequined keds, grey bomber, black clutch and gunmetal necklace doubled to make a choker. I wore this to run errands, and was pretty happy with it.

Photo 3: A thrifted dress. It's pretty short, so I paired it with white jeans and madden girl sneakers. I like this combo, though the pants look short in the photo (maybe I will try flatter sneakers in the future), but I'm afraid I don't have any other styling options due to the length of the dress. Am open to ideas.

Photo 4 and 5: DVF dress with yellows cons and scarf. It looks pretty bombshell without the scarf, but I do have a yellow cami I can wear underneath. I like this dress-- it has pockets which make me happy, so I would love to figure out how to wear it more. It veers a little preppy for me, so options to make it not preppy or bombshell, would be much appreciated.

Photo 6: Red orange dress I've had for a few years. I'm not super happy with this one. I've held onto this dress for a while, because it is very generous as my weight fluctuates. I'm still working on my style direction, but I worry that this dress hits a lot of descriptors that I do not want to be. I do not want to be: girly, flirty, arty or bohemian. I thinking that this might be culled. Thoughts?

Photo 7: Michael Kors dress with madden girl sneakers. I feel like this almost works but something is missing.

Photo 8 and 9: collection of dresses and sneakers.

Im thinking that I might need a watch with a wide black band to complete some of these looks (like a leather cuff, but with a watch-- i get really uncomfortable when I don't know the time). I also ordered a white leather cuff for a different occasion. I will try to post a link, but am afraid I will loose the post if I toggle around ( already happened once). http://http//www.amazon.com/Le.....tlinesWrap

I'm looking forward to your feedback!

This post has 9 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

12 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Great idea! I particularly like the dresses in #1/2 and 4/5. I am also not a big fan of the dress in #3 - it does not read as sophisticated enough for you. I see what you say about the vibe of dress #6, but I quite like it on you.

Kristin L

I can see what you're saying about the dress in #6. If it's not doing it for you, then it's time for it to be passed on.

I like #1/2, #4/5 and #7! Do you have any leggings or skinny pants? I think that could help with #3.

Irene

I really like #7. Cool color combo, flattering shoes -heeled and nudish color that lengthens your legs. I'm not sure about the fit across the bust though. Maybe it's a tad too tight. Could you try with another bra?

Ali

Active Member

Wow I'd die for your figure! I think you look fab in all the outfits.

Echo

LOVE 1/2, 4/5 and 7. You look fantastic! The third dress, though, isn't fab enough for you, and I am not sure skinnier pants would help. I see what you mean about the style on dress #6, but it is very flattering and looks great. I'd keep 6 for a while longer and cull #3.

Liz A.

4/5 is so cute. Great idea to try to remix your dresses. I'm wondering if you want to try some sneakers with a lower vamp, like a slip-on sneaker.

Janet

(website)

I like your dress/sneaker combos, and am thinking maybe I should try this with some of my dresses too, since I also have a causal life and too many dresses that I do like and wouldn't want to part with! I hesitate, though, because I usually prefer low-vamp shoes with my skirts and dresses, to help flatter my not-so-shapely legs. Your legs, however, are fantastic, so no worries there!

I agree with the others that #3 is not my favorite. I really like #6 on you though. I don't think I would really describe that dress as "girly, flirty, arty or bohemian."

Robin M

Thank you so much for the feedback! It looks like #3 is going to go into the "holding closet" until the next time I am donating clothes.

Number 6 is tricky. I'm finding that I hold onto or buy certain items of clothing because they fit really well. And since they fit really well, it seems like I should try to make them work. Does anyone else run into this? I'm thinking a short sleeve black cotton moto might work with the orange/red dress work (and a few other items as well.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

#1 and #2 are so 2013. Good job

#4 is fabulous too!

Sounds like you've sorted out which outfits make you most happy and that's important.

Mia

I agree that #6 should go if you are really not feeling it anymore but the print is great on you and would look good under a neutral coat if you ever have occasion to wear that type of outfit. Maybe hang on to it a wee bit longer.

Great work to get those dresses out of the closet. I was also shocked how many I had when I counted recently. I wear them, just not enough.

goldenpig

You've got a cool sneaker collection! Like you I love dresses, and as a mom sneakers are great for chasing after kids, so I also have been combining dresses/skirts and sneakers more lately (in fact, I'm wearing a dress over jeans and sneakers today!) I think 1/2 is great--perfect combo of dress and sneaks. Do you have a white denim jacket to go with #3? I like the colors in 4/5 but I sort of feel like the scarf is hiding too much of the dress and your lovely chest--like you're wearing a big bib. I'd prefer if the scarf were tied in a smaller way or left off...but I am not much of a scarf girl so I may be biased. I actually really like #6 on you...sorry you're not feeling it, but it is really flattering to your figure. What about toughening it up with a leather moto jacket on top? #7 is cute but a little clingy--I think it would be more fun with a cropped denim jacket. Love your WIWs and look forward to seeing more of your style Robin!

Jules

Do you have a denim jacket to throw over #7? Actually, climate permitting, a denim jacket seems like the perfect complement to your dress & sneakers formula.
I like 6 but it is appealing to my boho side, also perhaps a little girly. Maybe it's been good to you long enough But again, a denim jacket would tone it down a bit.

rachylou

I love dresses with sneaks! Your outfits are great. I'd do the grey dress with the yellow sneakers, for a shot of colour.

Category