Help! Awesome print dress - found this Calvin Klein 40% off!

Hello! It's my first photo post...thank you for looking!

So, I have a special occasion to attend in a few weeks ("debut" - girl's 16th birthday for her family & friends) at my friend & her daughter's home (not formal), and I am wondering if this dress looks good on me. I was drawn to to the beautiful pattern and simple lines! I am in pure Apple mode right now (tummy galore), and I like how the waist is puckered for a bit of camouflage. As you can tell, I was not able to do up the button at the nape of my neck, so there's an awkward pull there which should disappear once the top is buttoned!

Like? In a perfect world, I would find a dress with sleeves that I like and that fits, but for now, this is what I've got. My plan is to wear it with a fitted black cardigan.

All comments welcome!

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14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think when you can button the top button it'll be fab with a cardigan!

Christelle

Active Member

You're so beautiful! I think it looks good on you : ) You're right; those pleats and gathers at the waistline are camouflaging. I was going to suggest a cardigan as well, but you're already on top of it : )

Will you wear a necklace with it? I find, being larger-busted, I'm not always comfortable in high-cut tops, so I either have to have a necklace or SOMETHING to break up the expanse of fabric across the chest. Depending on the cardigan you wear, you may not need that, though. I love the colors of it! Definitely a good color combo for your skin!

Nakidra

So cute! Post another pic with the cardigan if you get a chance!

modgrl

(website)

I really like the dress and I think the basic shape and pattern are great for an apple. I just don't like how it's puckering under the bust. Can you add a wide belt to reign in some of that volume and create the illusion of a waist? Sometimes that trick can work when there is a bit too much volume.... Were there any other possibilities? I really like some of the printed, structured and ruched dresses out there these days. They can do very nice things for your figure. I am a petite apple and struggle with this as well.

HelenInCanada

Thank you ladies!

Cristelle, aww, thanks! I love rich colours like this. You're right about creating more of an elongating neckline - I do normally wear v-necks and scoop necks, so this is a change for me. If I wear this dress, I'll add a long simple gold chain & charm necklace! I appreciate the compliment!

Modgrl, the dress actually comes with a belt (gold buckle), but it's quite thin. I need to invest in a flattering wide belt, I think. I agree that the dress is quite roomy in the bust area - I'm used to tailored items that pull across my chest...ick. The petite apple is indeed a challenge when shopping! I would love to find a great wrap dress for me at this size! I just love the pattern & colours so much. Shopping continues...

missvee

The colours are lovely on you, and with a cardigan it will look great!

Anonymous

What a gorgeous dress (on a gorgeous gal)! I think its even better that you need to wear a cardigan....aren't open cardigans supposed to be really flattering on apple shapes? A long necklace and some rockin' shoes and you are good to go. Thanks for posting!

Antje

Nice. Such rich colors! You might try to pick one of the dress colors in an accessory (e.g. shoes, bag), or in the cardigan itself.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I love the colours on you, Helen! And a sheath silhouette is great on your figure. I do think that a lower neckline is the way to go though. The puckering across the chest is a deal breaker here.

Thank you again for the helpful comments, gals! It's a big bad process to adjust to my new shape (thank you babies...kidding!) I'm going to have to take Angie's advice - perhaps look for something more low-cut. If only I was a whiz tailor, I'd fix this up myself!

lyn67

Hi Fab Girl! Agree the V neck will be more flattering, but, this is not a bad option, eitherl!! The puckering accross chest will be hidden by the black(but why not a pink??) cardi (if cardi has a lower, deeper round neck and buttonned on one or two the upper side) I can be all perfect IMO-just keep the cardi on, all the way!! small heels, and you'll look smashing!
Fab colors, and great dress!!! Wellcome to the wiw forum!

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