High-neck and empire waist: so ideal for the top-heavy hourglass!

Back in the days when I were like twenty pounds heavier and crazy about polka dots -no matter the style of the item-, I bought this polka dot dress. I still like it, and it probably fits me better now than back then -at least it's not pulling over my bust and the empire waist actually hits under the bust (believe me, it didn't). I so want to wear this dress, but never have, I guess I've always known it didn't look right on me. I tried it again today with a cardi and boots to see if I could make it work... but I think I like it better without the cardi. Now, try and wear a dress like that in the spanish summer: you may die from the heat before you can tell. What do you think? Is it very bad with the cardi or it's just me? It's been like three or four years already, maybe I should just accept I have better dresses and let this one go.

PS: I would add some black sheer tights to the outfit.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

14 years ago

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I like the dress without the cardi since it has such a high empire cut. Maybe try a cropped cardi?

Irene

I don't have any And I'm so not buying a cropped cardif for a dress I'll probably end up not wearing! Wouldn't it make me look even more top-heavy though? :S

anne

I love this dress and can see why you want to wear it. I liked it on you both with and without the cardi (both ways)

Airin I know you are self conscious about your bust but really, I have never seen an outfit on you where you look top heavy. You look nicely in proportion and not overly large breasted at all.

missvee

This dress is very cute on you, with or without the cardigan. Wear it and enjoy it!

Sowmya

Active Member

I actually like it minus the cardigan, I would wear it that way, and I cannot tell that you are top heavy from this honestly!

I really don't think you look top-heavy, either. I like it both w/ and w/o the cardi, though I prefer the cardi opened to buttoned. Have you tried a long necklace with it to break up the top a little?

Suz

Lovely dress! I prefer it without the cardi and do not think you look top heavy at all!

Kim

Perhaps you could add a belt at the break in the dress? That might attract the eye to the your narrowest part instead of the bust. Try a wide one and a narrow one and see what you like better. I love the dress!

greenglove

I love the dress both with and without the cardi- I say YAY!

Anonymous

I like the dress best on its own without a cardi and is worth keeping. Second choice is the cardi unbuttoned. I don't think #2 works.

Diana

I really love this dress on you! Please keep and wear it! I think it's fine with the cardi, although I do prefer it without because I think the sleeve detailing is really nice. Do you have a shrunken blazer? Maybe with strong shoulders? I think that would look really nice over the dress too, a little more structured than the soft cardigan.

If you're looking for other ways to wear this... I have a tunic with a similar neckline+cap sleeve style that looks good over skinnies + boots as well. Obviously yours is longer than a tunic but it might still work.

Shu

Lovely and super flattering! I vote no cardi. What about sandals? Ooh, or peep-toe pumps? My point is that if you're worried about the heat factor, non-boots would look great - I personally don't think it's too short for bare legs and a pretty shoe or sandal.

bran888

I think the dress is adorable on you...you should keep and wear!

HelenInCanada

Great fit, pattern, and style! Fab dress. Love that you added a rich jewel-toned cardi to it - I think it works very well!

Oh, thank you so much! I'm actually starting to like the dress on me!

I just wanted to say that I don't look top-heavy, but I am, especially for my small frame. I won't say bra size, but I'm way into the alphabet lol So even if it doesn't show with the clothes on, I still feel they are somewhat there.

Shu, the problem with the heat is the neckline, I think it's just too high for me to wear in summer. I suffer in turtle necks even in winter, I can't even think how it would feel in the middle of August!!!!!

I'm on the look for a blazer and will definitely try it with the dress when I find the perfect one. I'll still try and enjoy the dress with cardis and maybe mary janes / boots! Promise! And will post

cheryle (Dianthus)

I think it looks great with the cardi undone and without the cardi. I also don't think you look the least bit top heavy. Sometimes we are fooled by the cup size when it is on a smaller frame.

I know quite a few women who wear a F, G, or GG and if it is on a 28-32 band, it isn't really large at all since the cup and band work together, the small band size and large cup size is the same volume as an alpha that sounds more normal to those of us who aren't familiar with European sizing.

I agree with the others. That is just the wrong cardigan. It would look good with a super cropped shrug or you could go long and wear a boyfriend sweater that is more tunic length. Hopefully you could find one that would go with more than just this dress.

I know what you mean about living in a warm climate. Some clothes just don't work because of the way they are designed. I have one dress in particular that it always seems to be to hot to wear because it requires a camisole, and it is just too hot to wear two layers! A "summer" turtleneck dress would not work for me either, but I love the print. Hope you can use it for fall.

Category