Help me stay warm at an evening event - YouLookFab Forum

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Help me stay warm at an evening event

whirlwindgirl

My son's public school holds a dinner and auction with dancing at the end every year to fundraise. We attended last year and the attire was wide ranging. Men wore everything from Hawaiian shirts to suits and women wore everything from date-night type dresses to formals. I wore a fairly dressy date-night type dress and had a ruffled sweater coat that I ended up keeping on all evening because I was so cold. The event will be in the same venue this year so I expect to be cold again. I have a couple of sleeveless dress that are right in terms of how dressy they are, but brrr.

I found this long sleeve maxi dress at anthropologie. What do you think? Too casual? Are maxis about to be out of fashion? Other suggestions?

(This is my first ever post here, by the way. Hi!)

Thank you for any thoughts.

Shopping

25 replies

Latest reply was from whirlwindgirl

whirlwindgirl

And here's the link: http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....Regular_42. Sorry!

rabbit

Veteran

Hi! Welcome, I'm new too

I think that's a beautiful dress, and seems very versatile if it works well on your body. It also seems like it would go with a few different kinds of toppers, or even with something layered under it (that might not show) for warmth.

LoriFLA

Hi whirlwindgirl. I'm new as well.

I think this dress is very pretty and elegant as it is presented in the photo. I like how it is accessorized in the moss version with the chandelier earrings and the hair up.

How tall are you? I think maxi dresses look best on tall people. I'm tall but tend to avoid them because many look like nightgowns. This one definitely does not look like a nightgown.

One option would be to wear dressy pants -- a wide length black pant with a dressy sweater. Add festive jewelry and shoes. You could even wear tights under the pants (or dress) to add an extra warm layer.

whirlwindgirl

I am 5'7" and 135 pounds. I am more or less a pear shape--big thighs, small bust, but with shoulders as broad as the thighs which helps balance things out a little. I can't wear earrings, but I could do a necklace and/bracelet to go with it. I think I could pull the dress off, though not as elegantly as the model of course. I do have a wide black patent leather belt, which might work around the waist to help give the dress a little structure?

If you like the dress, what color would you choose? I'm leaning toward the green. I have short dark brown hair, pale blue eyes and very pale skin. Greens usually work on me.

And what shoes? I have a pair of silver cole haan air talia wedges that are pretty comfortable. We may walk to the event, so comfortable shoes are important. Do you think the wedges would be too casual?

Suggestions for a topper?

Pants would be warm and could be really elegant. I do have a hot pink silk shirt that might work with pants. I even own black wool trousers, but I don't think they are evening enough for this. I wear jeans everyday (SAHM) so I tend to gravitate to dresses and skirts when I have an excuse to dress up.

Thank you so much for your thoughts!

LoriFLA

I hope some more experienced people weigh in but I think the moss sounds beautiful. I know the Air Talia wedges and I think silver would be fine, especially with the charcoal color. If I were wearing the moss green I might go with a "warm" colored shoe and skip the silver but I'm no expert.

If you do purchase the dress, try to post some photos if you're so inclined. The forum is always helpful with constructive advice.

unfrumped

Veteran

If you look good in this dress, I think it would be fabulously appropriate. Its a style you can dress up or down it looks like. Would go for your most flattering color. Wedges sound great.

rabbit

Veteran

I think the moss would be great. I wear olives with silvers, because golds don't look as good with the rest of my coloring. Can you tell how long the skirt will be? You might want to measure against your waist to get an idea of what height heels will work best on you.

For a top I'd try maybe a softer blazer, or a shrug or loose vest. http://images.bloomingdales.co.....0&

It's hard to know because the way the top with sleeves drapes on the model is so nice, that I kind of don't want to interrupt that. I'd probably get the dress and then try on what I have as toppers to see if there was a cut or item that worked right in terms of shape, even if it didn't in terms of color. That might give you a place to start. I've also used pashmina type shawls/wide scarfs occasionally when I really didn't want to go with a jacket or topper. They are a little trickier/more high maintenance while wearing though.

shiny

Veteran

Was just off reading the reviews. Many said they wear the dress with booties, so that is another option, because you could wear socks for warmth.

As for toppers, one reviewer said she wore it with a cropped moto jacket. Do you have one? Another idea is a BF jacket worn slung over your shoulders. But you may find you don't need a topper with this, as you can easily wear warm tights underneath, it has a lining, and you can also wear a slip too. And socks if you go with booties.

As for whether maxis are in or out... I can say that I was at two formal events this winter and maxi's were out in full force.

I'd go with matching gold cuff bracelets on the wrists.

What are you going to do for a bag?

whirlwindgirl

I will skip a bag. I make my husband stick my lip gloss in his pocket and pay for anything we need to pay for. and we give his cell number to the babysitter. Turnabout is fair play for all the times I end up carrying his iPad in my handbag.

I do have a great gold cuff bracelet, although that would nix the silver wedges. I also have the Stella and Dot Zoe lariat, which is mixed metals: http://www.stelladot.com/shop/.....s-all/n281.

Sounds like the dress is a go, assuming it looks good on me of course. I will order it tonight! I agree that I can finalize shoe and topper choices after I see it on.

Thank you all so much for the feedback and links!

Sunee

(website)

I love the dress, elegant and something a little different. It would not be a style I would typically recommend for a pear shape but that's not to say that it won't look amazing on you. I love the idea of the moss colour with that Stella and Dot necklace. And if you really want to wow, you can wear the gold cuffs too!
As for shoes, you may not need to worry about it much. If it is even close to the length on the model as on you, you won't see them much. As for warmth, you can layer as others suggested (my fleece lined leggings have saved me so much this winter!) and a shorter jacket left open might compliment as well.

Good luck with it. Post some photos of you in it when it arrives.

whirlwindgirl

I'm not a hundred percent sure about the style for a pear either. Sometimes my shoulders will make something work that doesn't on a more classic pear shape. I'm hoping the draped neckline on this dress will also help a bit. I will see if I can manage a picture when it comes in.

I m also thinking I may need to have it hemmed. The reviews suggest it runs long. I briefly considered ordering a petite actually as I don't wear very high heels ever, so a bit shorter would probably be better for me even at 5'7". But I decided the sleeves would probably be too short then.

I also debated size, but ended up ordering the medium. Hopefully, I guessed right.

Thank you!

JAileen

Veteran

I like the dress. You say you're a pear, but with broad shoulders you might be an hour glass. I like the color and the suggestions. Another suggestion would be a shawl or stole. If you're lucky you can find one in silver to go with your shoes.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

It is a nice dress if you like maxi length and the sleeves are a nice bonus.
From your description moss color sounds a sure bet for you.
My only concern is the cling which can happen in knits and not a friend for pearish bottom (I have the same problem) but I think the only way to find out is to try.
I like the sound of silver wedges for this dress. If you cannot wear earrings then the cuff would be my preference but I don't have any reservations for mixing metals

Gigi

Veteran

I like the dress too. And I like JAileen's suggestion to wear a shawl. That's an elegant solution to the too-cold problem, I think.

As for the shoes, I think that it depends on how long the dress is on you. I have found that maxis look best when worn almost all the way to the floor--just touching the tops of the shoes. So you'll want whatever heel height allows you to achieve that.

adorkable

Veteran

I think the dress is gorgeous and I love both colors. I would be a little concerned about the fabric though - is it likely to pill? Will it lose its shape quickly?

I love those wedges - I am wearing the exact same ones today, in fact - and I'm in favor. Plus: moss and silver is gorgeous combination, and it sounds like it will look fantastic on you!

whirlwindgirl

Thank you so much for all the feedback. The dress came in and I am going to try to post a couple of pictures. Please forgive the picture quality--obviously taking selfies with my iPad mini.

What do you think?

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adorkable

Veteran

I think I like it, but it's a bit hard to see. Any chance you can have someone else take a few shots?

whirlwindgirl

No one else around to take pictures for the next few days unfortunately. Thanks.

whirlwindgirl

I'm a bit undecided but leaning towards returning it. The color is fabulous--somewhere between an olive green and a hunter green. Very rich, but not bright, and exactly right on me. The fabric feels delicious, soft and best of all, warm! The neckline is very flattering, IMO. I think I would need the hem taken up an inch or two as the dress is dragging the ground a bit in my wedges.

But, the real issues that the bottom half of the dress shows off my flaws a bit too much for comfort. Both my thigh bulges and my stomach are on display. I wouldn't say the dress emphasizes them, but it does not conceal them either. Shape wear might solve the problem, but I hate being uncomfortable.

I'm looking around for alternatives and would gladly take suggestions as well as thoughts on the Anthropologie dress.

Thanks so much!

adorkable

Veteran

It doesn't look clingy to me at all, and I do love the color on you - but again, hard to see!

whirlwindgirl

I can try again in daylight to see if I can get any better pictures. Or is the problem the iPad blocking the view? I can try tomorrow with the iPhone.

I already own this Maggy London cap sleeve dress in black: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/su.....1b2166c62d

If I decide against the Anthropologie dress, maybe the black Maggie London dress could be made warmer with the right topper? That dress does work on me quite nicely, but the empire waist confuses me for a sweater. I have a very cropped short sleeve black sweater that works, but doesn't add all that much warmth. I also have a medium purple wrap that I wear with it, and maybe that's the answer though it feels a bit too Hollywood or something to keep on all evening at a school fundraiser.

Thanks again!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I see the issues. So frustrating. It's really tough finding warm enough dresses for formal wear.

The green appears lovely on you. It's really tough to say if the shape works on you, but I suspect while it does not look bad, it may not be ideal -- simply from what you've said. And if you don't feel confident you won't look your best (even if, objectively, it's perfect.)

If you like fit and flare, then maybe something like this:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ta.....54?origin=

whirlwindgirl

The Anthropologie dess is going back. I couldn't get a better picture, but finally had a second opinion handy and the joint conclusion is that the dress is okay, but not great on me. It's too much money for just okay for me.

I have eyed the fit and flare dress linked above before. It is really pretty and that silhouette generally works quite well for me. But it seems so close to the Maggie London cap sleeve dress I already own that I am a bit reluctant to buy it.

Anyone have any other thoughts? Ways to warm up the Maggie Lindon dress I already own? Or a different warm dress suggestion?

Thank you all so much!

whirlwindgirl

Free people cardigan: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/fr.....ts-_-2_6_A

Too casual?

Thanks!

whirlwindgirl

Another cardigan, this one hi-low with a fringe: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ni.....s-_-2_18_D