Help: buy two rather similar dresses, or not

Synne

Calling for help from you fab fabbers. I recently ordered two midi dresses, and am now wondering if I should keep one or both. They are rather similar, but different colored patterns obviously. The fit is nice, plus they are button-downs, so I can breastfeed. The brown dress is lined and a little heavier. They are both viscose and rather thin and flimsy. They will be summer dresses and summer is a VERY short season here. I'm estimating only three weeks of actual possibility to wear them. The dresses are a little pricey.. any thoughts or suggestions?

5 years ago

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from

Anonymous

Only three weeks of actual possibility to wear them? My vote is to not duplicate.

You may be buying for a fantasy life or have been unduly influenced by all the dresses on the Forum, I would even recommend returning them both.

5 years ago

Synne

Veteran

Hm... you might be on to something here, Sterling. It does seem off to invest in something I know will get so few wears. But midi dresses are so gorg! I must be too heavily influenced by this forum!

5 years ago

Eva

Active Member

Maybe you could extend the period you can wear them in by adding tights and a cardigan, or by wearing a cropped sweater on top? Or a heattech camisole under it? Or try pairing them with leggings or skinny jeans? Of course you should try and see whether you like the look and whether it is practical in your climate before commiting, otherwise this idea might just be an excuse to buy them.

5 years ago

RobinF

Veteran

That seems like a pretty short period of time to get enough wears out of them. I agree if you could somehow extend the time it might be worth it otherwise maybe pick your favorite of the two.

5 years ago

Anonymous

I'm with Sterling. Hate to rain on a dress parade but.....

5 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

Synne, I would be reluctant to buy two dresses if I thought that the window of opportunity to wear them was only 3 weeks. I like dresses like this in cooler weather, because they layer beautifully under coats and with the darker backgrounds, they can also be worn with boots and stockings.

Whilst I don't have a dress exactly the same as yours, this is a combination that I have worn in cooler weather that reminds me of your dresses, because it is a floral dress with a darker background, that would hopefully allow you to get more months of wear and enjoy these beautiful dresses.

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5 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

What would you be wearing them for? How many events each week? If you like them because they're on trend, how many years do you think you will like and wear them?

I hear you on breast feeding and needing things that are practical for that. As a new mom (congratulations!!!), you probably feel a little celebratory about getting "your" body back and so you want something new. I get that. I like the season-extending ideas above for one of the dresses, or you might choose something you can enjoy longer.

I bought clothes that could go from teaching on campus to the playground
with him--I was able to take 3 weeks off after he was born, and then
blended work and solo parenting. Honestly, for me, a t-shirt that could gently fold on the side of his face while nursing was easier than a top that unbuttoned, because the other side of a button-up shirt or dress sometimes flapped open (or he'd reach over there, like a lot of babies do). YMMV, and I know that's not the official party line on what's needed.

5 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

I am in the camp that thinks you should pick only one. I won't say to return both, though - I think you can use some the layering techniques mentioned above. And heck, you need something to wear during those 3 weeks of summer!

5 years ago

Wise Shopper

(website)

Active Member

I would suggest to keep just one, although I'm guilty of duplicating and triplicating more than anyone else. Another thing is the quality, if it's just viscose and quite pricey - not the best deal. On the other hand, if you scored 80% off - different story.

5 years ago

Synne

Veteran

Thank you all for your replies! Layering could work, Eva and Bijou. That way I could extend the period of wear for a couple of weeks.. FashIntern, I haven't got much of a spring/summer wardrobe. This would be casual-pretty daywear for summer, I guess. I don't like the dresses with sneakers though... will have to think this through some more. I do need SOMETHING for summer, that's true Christina

5 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Keep one, and choose your favourite of the two.

5 years ago

John Wilson

Member

Choose your favorite of the two and keep it.

4 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

I see you are in the northern hemisphere so summer is a ways away. I would only get one dress; maybe the brown one if you are prone to leaks. Also, your size or at least your dimensions may change a bit after your child is weaned.

4 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I would keep only one of the two. If it's hard to decide which to keep, do you have a friend who could help you decide? Sometimes when I'm unsure, I model the items for a friend (or friends) who can tell me which one looks more flattering.

Have you styled them yet? I would try them on with different shoes and different toppers. You may find that one is easier to style than the other, and that might help you make a decision.

4 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Old thread- 8 months ago. I’m sure Synne decided long ago.

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Hej Synne! What did you decide in the end? (And where was I eight months ago?)

4 years ago

Synne

Veteran

Oh, thanks for grear input fabbers! But as mentioned, this is an ancient post. In the end I returned both dresses. I have also reached the same conclusion as Angie: pure viscose fabrics are best to be avoided. I learned that the expencive way after washing a new blouse...

4 years ago

Anonymous

Good decision. I'm glad it all worked out for you.

4 years ago

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