fit questions with satin dress

I am hemming and hawing between 2 different sizes in this satin dress. [EDIT: size 6 in pic #1, size 4 in pic #2. Obviously they are on different shaped mannequins, but I think it shows how loose vs snug changes the vibe.] The smaller size is my true waist but about 1/2" smaller than my actual hips. It does have some stretch, and it is an evening look, but am I right to be wary of any satin fitting too snug?
Then again, I made the mistake of going too big on this dress (#3) and the bodice needs taking in for it to look less sweet and more edgy on me.

Would you err on the side of snug or loose?

yay - go for the smaller size that fits everywhere else
nay - go up a size so the skirt doesn't hug your hips

Thanks!

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13 years ago

Dressing

8 replies

Latest reply was from rae

Claudia

Veteran

I'd err on loose. I think it's usually best to fit the biggest area and then take in elsewhere if need be.

Tight in the hips if you sit for any amount of time might strain the seam stitching and also make for those sitting creases to be way worse.

13 years ago

morethanbeige

Veteran

I also think err on loose. I think it's a more elegant look.

13 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

You definitely want to size up with satin. In fact, can I try and talk you out of satin? Satin reminds me of bridesmaids and prom dresses and the creases + shininess are never flattering.

Sorry, but you want me to be honest, right?

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Thanks gals! Sylvie, I hear you on the associations with satin but I love the chain detail and think it offsets any bridesmaid vibe. You should know, I have black satin pants I recently had altered into cigarette legs, hee hee. Wore them on my birthday in May and loved 'em! (too hot for that now)

13 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Well, I also love satin. I find stretch satin flattering. Maybe I'm wrong but when I wear it I feel totally fab and also glamorous. I love the look with a denim jacket -- the opposites attract idea.

There's probably a reason you are posting pics of the dress on a mannequin and not your own self, and I'm just clueless because I have been MIA for too long. So I won't ask to see it on you instead...

I would say that the dress looks totally different in the two sizes. I have this same quandary myself when sizing up or down. I think size 6 may be what it's supposed to look like, as it's hitting the mannequin's real waist, while in size 4, it appears more empire because the natural waistline is obviously below the bodice. Question is, where is your real natural waistline? I don't know. Mine is up high so for me personally this would be a no-brainer and I'd choose size 4. I don't mind some va-voom; I think it is offset in this case by the bodice riding up farther for more coverage. I'd also personally like this look because I'd think that it would extend the length of my lower half.

But I'm not you so I can't say. Either look is great. They are just two entirely different looks.

Oh! Also I'd go with size 4, personally, because it drives me batty having the armholes too low. But I am prone to a bit of flab under the armpits, so I like higher armholes.

I hope that helps! I think the dress is quite lovely.

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Shiny, thanks for taking the time to respond in depth! I do have a higher waist, and low armholes are the bane of my existence, too lol. Oddly, I wear a petite in jackets only, at 5' 4.5".
I'm posting on mannequins because I shop 99% online and can't try on Both are returnable, but I get so sick of walking to the post office in FL summer.

FWIW, here is me in a fitted dress

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13 years ago

Anonymous

Mo, if you don't mind the possible va da boom, I think you should go with the 4. Altering the bodice is a very expensive alteration, whereas they might be able to let go some of the side seam allowance, if the dress ends up a big snug at the hip.

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Hm, I just find the looser fit more flattering in satin, unless there is draping on the hips. Satin shows shadows easily, so if there is any pulling it will definitely show. It's one reason I stayed away from satin for my wedding dress.

I've read that celebs choose the larger sizes and have 'em taken in, rather than the other way. But I have no idea about the cost that Zap mentions.

13 years ago

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