Following Beth, let's talk about why this dress should go back. - YouLookFab Forum

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Following Beth, let's talk about why this dress should go back.

catgirl

Veteran

As Beth said, a teachable moment! Maybe I can even learn from it.

This Banana Republic dress is a beautiful shade of red, with a cut I really like, and it technically fits perfectly. In the store it looked great with bare shoulders and I thought it was a practical, easy piece to dress up or down. And I had a 30% off coupon. Cha-ching!

But I had to order my size, and now I'm looking at it and thinking this is just what I'm trying to get away from - the "essential" item that thoretically can be styled in any way, but in reality will be orphaned. (SUZ!)

Do you think I'm on the right track in returning it, or is it actually a statement dress?

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35 replies

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kellygirl

Veteran

My initial thought is it looks a little on the sweet side for you. I'm not sure that I've seen you in an A-line. It balances your shoulders and is quite flattering though. Just thinking out loud. I don't really know if this is a statement dress or not--I'll let the experts chime in on that. I should probably just go to bed.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Hm, tough one for me, because I really like it on you... loving the flared skirt with the boots. Feels a teeny bit Betsey Johnson somehow.

Does the fit-flare shape feel too classic for you, maybe? Have you tried it with other jackets in your collection - either one of your chopped motos? Maybe a tonal look with your burgundy boots and the blush jacket? Does the litmus-test Theory jacket play well with it? Could you layer it over some crazy printed leggings?

Echo

Veteran

I can't quite define what it is, but is is not fab enough for you, IMO. It is a perfect basic item you could use for layering or as a backdrop for statement jewelry or shoes, but it is not a statement in itself, despite the bright colour. And while the fit is good, it is not nearly as flattering as other dresses you have. I vote return (sorry!).

catgirl

Veteran

Rae and Kellygirl, I know! That's why I'm feeling like Beth in her 9 but not 10 dress she posted... The fit is flattering, the color is great, the style is right for my body type. So why is it not an obvious keeper?

Echo, thanks for the honesty - I appreciate it!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I want to see it with the leather blazer that I just saw in the other post!

Not that I want to talk you into something you aren't feeling in your heart; I just want to give it a fair chance because you do look great in it. My theory is you are possibly put off because it is not a modern or edgy cut - but I don't think every piece has to be edgy for the look to be edgy. The flare could actually be a bit edgy in that it is unexpected, the way flats have become.

Gaylene

Veteran

This dress looks too lady-like for your style, Una. To my mind, a statement piece has to reflect your style in and of itself, not just serve as a background. That dress is far too preppy and ladylike to serve as a statement piece for an UWP.

This is the sort of thing that I really struggle with-- a garment fits, is flattering to my shape, and is the right color, but wrong for my style. I made that mistake last Christmas when I bought a preppy-looking jacket. Nothing wrong with the jacket or the way it looked on me, except that I felt uncomfortable every time I saw myself in the mirror; it was so not me. That jacket made me realize I DO have a very specific style preference even if I can't articulate it in words. And, unless you are looking to change your style, that dress is probably going to stay in your closet unless you find a way to punk it up every time you want to wear it. Too much work, IMHO

MNsara

Veteran

I don't see Una's style coming thru in this dress at all! I can see it fits fine and it flatters, but you'd have to be in the right mood to take such a departure from your signature style. (Nothing wrong with departures, but I don't know how many of them you have.)

I see Una's style in that leopard shift dress. I saw your style in the coral lace dress. There have been others too, but I'd worry that you're going to orphan this one. . .

DonnaF

Veteran

This might be Una in another dimension. [Watch Fringe?] Looks a bit twee and the length plus fullness overwhelms you; seems like it would be a lot of work to make this UWP. I think it would be easier to start from UWP and then add *whatever* to soften the look then to go super Princess and take more steps to toughen it.

Do you feel like YOU in this dress?

Scarlet

Veteran

It's just not you.

catgirl

Veteran

Oh, there's no question it's going back. I feel like me in a very specific setting - say, a casual summer evening WASP-y wedding on the Cape. That Me does not exist but once every 10 years. I just want to pinpoint why I felt compelled toward something that was not me. Because it's not SO SO SO not me, it's just obliquely wrong somehow.

I think I'm going to start a Pinterest board of my anti-styles, so I know them better. Things I am drawn to and/or admire on others but would orphan. Then I can admire them online instead of being a dope and going through this little process.

ramya

Veteran

Una, it looks more like what I wear than what you wear... No UWP in it :)... It's not you... If you know what I mean

Mona

Veteran

It looks like you have already made the decision to return this but I just wanted to say that the fit is beautiful on you.

Lyn D.

Veteran

It reminds me of how I felt the one time I was a Bridesmaid- nice dress that fitted but would not wear again by choice. It is frustrating though when things we are excited about at first don't live up to expectations.

Anonymous

Ummm... I'm with Rae on this one, but if it does not feel like you, it is best to send it back. I actually think this dress can fit very nicely in that capsule of more formal pieces for court appearances and such. Yes, It is a classic dress but the fact that is in your bod, not mine per say, makes it edgy. The color is interesting too.

Jonesy

Veteran

It's the shape of the dress! I remember a thread a while back that Jean/Greenglove started (I think) in which we talked about dresses cut this way. I don't feel like myself in them, and neither did she most of the time (if my foggy brain remembers correctly!). It's a sweet, ladylike shape to my eye, and those descriptions don't work for my style direction, and perhaps they don't for you for the same reasons?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm late to this party, but just chiming in to say it doesn't work for you, but not because it's a simple backdrop essential. Lots of simple backdrop essentials COULD work for you, e.g. a black tunic in a great fabric. It doesn't work for you because it's not your STYLE.

Yup. It fits, flatters, and looks practical and even nice. But it's not you.

Please don't confuse "essentials" with "styles that aren't you." I think YOUR essentials can be equally versatile. They just won't look sweet.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I agree with the shape not being your style. I had a similar moment at the start of this summer with my red fit and flare dress. Looked great, fit like a charm, but just didn't feel 'right' anymore. I'd moved on to more grecian style drape, and the stiff a-line shape of the skirt and banded waist were the antithesis of my new direction.
This looks like it would pair with pearls and slingbacks with a shrunken cardi in a second. Not exactly your style hee hee.

MsMary

Veteran

Yep, it's the shape. I also think it's a bit long on you. I think I would like it a lot more if I could see more of your gorgeous legs. As it is, it' a Whole Lotta Dress.

Anonymous

OK, we don't love it. Perhaps I did not have enough coffee today.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Funny how technically it's right but Una-wise, it's wrong. I do love that colour on you though.

I laughed at your idea of an "anti style" Pinterest board - that's actually a great idea.

MNsara

Veteran

Contrast this with your newly hacked B44 dress. SO fab, and still much more your stye.

Why can't the B44 hacked dress serve the same purpose as this would have? Neither one seems court room appropriate to me, but everyday wearable and capable of lots of variations for footwear and toppers.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I want to see your anti-style board, Una! I've learned a lot from the comments on this thread, and you don't need my input, but I wanted to say that you look beautiful, even if the dress needs to go back!

Queen Mum

Veteran

I agree with Kelly- it seems a bit sweet for you. Either that (or maybe it's why....) but the skirt seems just a tad full. I could see this working better with a few inches taken from the circumference of the skirt.

Anonymous

Oh, I SO get you Una. It's just wrong for *you*. Send it to the First Lady.

ironkurtin

Veteran

AG, this dress is the un-you. It's not a perfect basic for you. Just because it is considered a basic shape doesn't mean it's a basic for everyone. If you were a different person with a different style, maybe this would make your heart thump. But - no.

If it helps, I couldn't wear it either - wrong neckline, wrong fabric, and just so very not me.

Anonymous

You know, this is very much what my fashion brain is thinking about these days. To the point where it's ready to explode. So what if it fits, flatters your body type and the color is good on you (and this is where I usually stop)? The STYLE is the last hurrah, and maybe even the most important thing that needs to be checked off out list before a purchase.

This dress is *not* a blank canvas IMO. The shape and color definitely send a style message. A slouchy black sheath with a slash neckline and elbow length sleeves would be a better blank canvas for you (serving suggestion only). I love the way you turned this around to a learning opportunity. And the anti-style Pinterest board is hilariously brilliant in true Una fashion! Thanks for hanging around here to always inspire me and make me smile. We will get there, I just know it!

rachylou

Veteran

It's a fantastic dress and fantastic on you. The way you've style it, making it tough, is a knockout. The bright color is a big statement.

But you have to want to wear it, be near it. If not, there is just no point. It's all about love ;>

MsMary

Veteran

LOL, Claire! All three Obama ladies were ROCKING that silhouette last night!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I love the dress and I love it on you. Sorry if no one else thinks that, but I would love to see you in a dress like this. The juxtaposition with your hair and persona is fabulous.

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