Floral... Subtle? Your Opinions please - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

About: How to Wear Floral Patterns in Subtle Ways

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Floral... Subtle? Your Opinions please

Deborah

Veteran

Hi Ladies,

There is a brief story attached to this dress but I will keep that to myself for now, as I would like your honest feedback.

As you know, pattern and florals are not my norm. I do quite like Angie's idea of wearing floral patterns in subtle ways. This may or may not be considered wearing floral in a subtle way but I will leave it to you to judge.

The logic behind this outfit is two fold. I have a small capsule of more classic pieces that I wear for work meeting and presentations and I am looking for a new job which could potentially have a more classic business type dress code.

So I have styled this dress in a way that I think I "might" wear it. The dress is definitely more conservative than what I would normally choose to wear but I have challenged myself to see if styling could make it more reflective of my overall style?

The dress is an almost abstract floral with black panels down each side of the dress. The front and back panels of the dress are also textured. I have paired it with opaque leggings, booties and a tailored jacket. I have added the belt because I just felt it needed it:)

What do you think? I am seeking kind but honest opinions:) I am not attached to the dress in any way. Does this work for my style, or is it just too way off.

I suppose the ultimate question here is, is the dress worth keeping?

Thanks so much.
xxx Deborah

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Dressing

40 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

Kiwichik

Veteran

So I applied no science to this other that putting my thumb over your head and asking myself whether I would still be able to tell this was you.
I couldn't although I can see elements if your style and the dress is very nice it just doesn't read as your usual style - maybe if the floral was way more abstract.

Andrea W

Veteran

I think the dress definately works on you (even if it is a little more outside your normal style). I love the bluey grey colours in the print and the edge that the black panel sides add to it. The obi belt is just a great touch too.

It would definately suit you in a more conservative work environment.

Neel

Veteran

The dress is nice. But I don't see the arty drapey Deborah in this. More like modern classic Deborah. Does that help?

Lyn D.

Veteran

It reminds me of the Garden of Eden, particularly with the placement of the centre flower

Anonymous

I see small touches of Deb in the dress style and how you've worn it, but not totally you. Though, I'm guessing that's how you may have to dress in a more conservative role. I do like the dress, a lot.

An

I want the flowers to be just a bit more abstract then I think it would be a great option. I like the side panels and the way you've styled it makes it more you.

Deborah

Veteran

LOL Lyn, why do I not see these things:) Well I suspect therein lies the decision.

fuzzylogic

Veteran

I love this on you, Deborah! It is outside what I have seen you wear, but I think it looks great!!!

Joyce B

Veteran

I love the dress on you but that center flower that Lyn mentioned would drive me nuts and I would look for another dress of the same print but maybe that's just me...
I think you can wear it well, it is elegant and pretty and I love the way you styled it.

leopardluxe

Veteran

I think the style and cut look like they could be "you" pushing outside/evolving your style just a bit. I do think, though, that if the floral pattern were more of an abstract floral in shades of gray/deep blue or violet it would read as more "you." I'm not a fan of the realistic flower overlays in the pattern (for more than just the garden of eden reason Lyn mentions). I think that's the part that just doesn't read as your style to me.

Debra

Veteran

Hmmmmm I still see this silhouette as you even though there's no drape.
I really like the way you have styled this simple dress, the addition of the belt, jacket, tights and boots have made it yours and I think it resonates your edginess in a more conservative setting.
I'm just not sure of the pattern.....and after reading Lyn's comment that's all I'm seeing.....sorry......lol

carolbee

Veteran

Deborah, I really like the overall print, but not sure about it as a dress, maybe its too much dress. I think it would be brilliant as an asymmetrical hem tunic over leggings? But that's not the intent is it?

kerry

Veteran

Yes, yes, yes! Fantastic dress - fits you beautifully. You've styled it so that I think it's still Deborah. A perfect expression of how to try a trend (floral) your way.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I can't get past the pattern placement after Lyn's comment. It looks good but I don't love it for you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Lyn....that was a devilish comment!!

I like the dress and you look terrific, as always. I do think it could work well for you in a more conservative work environment. For myself -- I feel the lightness fights a bit with the quantity of black so I might lighten up the hose or something -- but of course that would depend on the time of year and you are moving into autumn.

And while I think it could work, it won't if you don't feel fab in it. I see what are saying about the print being not "quite" one that transitions as you might like. Or it may not be the print alone -- it might be the combination of predominantly light colour, structure, and print. Maybe looking to change up one or two of those elements in each item vs. all three at once would be a better way to evolve your style back towards a more modern classic business-ready version for work purposes?

kkards

Veteran

well i like the dress, but, and this may be just me, go back and look at the photos. don't look at the dress, look at you, imo the way you are standing and holding yourself reads to me like you are uncomfortable. so, will you wear this?

Diana

Veteran

I like it but I do think it is a more classic look for you. Wondering what it would look like with a drapier topper and no belt. I want to see more movement.

abc

Veteran

Now I can't un-see the flower Lyn mentioned - grr

My first take was what Suz mentioned about lighter hosiery.

Overall it doesn't read as typical "you" but if the dress code is more conservative then this is a good interpretation. I agree a bigger more abstract pattern in gray and black and maybe eggplant even would seem more you but there is nothing wrong with this at all. Just a bit different than what you're used to (and I think prefer).

ironkurtin

Veteran

I don't really care if this is your usual style, I like it on you very much. The black panels on the sides and the obi belt give it a very Deborah edge IMO.

Golden

Veteran

I like the outfit a lot, although it's different than what you typically wear I still see you. I am not loving it with the booties. I would like to see a nude leg and a pump, or even possibly a tall boot?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The sky has fallen down again. Debs is wearing a coloured floral. I LOVE the non-black addition, Debs.

I think the frock is a killer good move. Why can't this be part of Deb's evolving style? She's styled it with her "Deb Touches". Perfect. Well done.

I vote Killer to the power of Killer.

I might need to recover. xo

rabbit

Veteran

I love the way you have styled it, and love the black framing on the dress. That said, I think a similar dress with a more abstract or watercolor or unusual floral print in the panels would read closer to the 'edgy/artistic' I associate with your style. I like the tonal lines, but not the print of the flowers over them so much, but I get very picky and subjective about prints so grain of salt.

MovingFashionForward

I really like it, and to me it looks very you actually. It is not your average floral, is it? To me, it is floral done your way. In fact, I think it masterfully marries the two aspects I have seen of your style -- the avant-garde edge and the classic. I think it's fab.

Sarah

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Count me as a fan of this dress, Deborah! I love it, because the wonderful black detailing "is Deborah" and the floral fitted nature is an exciting departure into a new territory that works beautifully on you.

MsMaven

Veteran

This is a great way for a non-floral person to add it to your wardrobe. Nordstrom has a similar style that I am seriously considering. Nothing like a change now and then to keep things interesting.

I don't think the flower will be noticeable while you are wearing it and moving around. I didn't notice it at first, and I am sensitive to print placement. I considered a Kay Unger dress for an upcoming wedding, but darn, there is a big flowering thing drawing attentions to places I'd prefer not to highlight. I noticed it right away.

I like the dress on you, but if it continues to make you feel uncomfortable, it won't get worn. At least that is my history. "When in doubt, toss it out."

Anonymous

I really like the dress and think the overall look keeps enough of your style while working for the purpose you want it for. The lines in the pattern actually really remind me of the lines in the tree picture on your wall. So maybe that's helping me see it as "you"!

Scarlet

Veteran

It looks really wonderful on you, and I like the way you styled it. I can't see a downside except that you are so neutral I wonder if it doesn't make you happy. By the way I wouldn't worry about the pattern placement AT ALL.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I really love this on you and feel with the rest of the styling all in black, it still has your edge to it. It is a great way to do floral in a less in your face way.

NDMom

Hi Deborah! I think you look great in the dress. I would love to see it in a photo of how you usually pose though....could that be throwing if off some people too? Anyways, I really like it!

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