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How to style this?

Sally

Veteran

I love this for the colour but find it hard to style. Denim jackets look a bit off so I went with a black cardigan. By itself without a belt it seems too much like a night dress. For today I went with a black cardigan and Birkenstocks. Sorry I was rushing out.

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Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from jussie

cjh

(website)

Veteran

It is a pretty color. Two ideas: shorten it about 6-8”, and replace the self fabric belt with a thin black leather belt.

Irina

Veteran

I agree with cjh, look a bit too long. A white belt would work.
I’d prefer shorter sleeves but it’s ok if you like the length.

I would suggest to a do an outfit creation session and to try toppers that you have to see what works for you.

Runcarla

Veteran

Nice colour, and fits well in the shoulders.. Agree that shortening it would help with styling - either without the belt, or with a different one (see pic #1 for length)

You could also wear it open at the bottom over a skirt (#2) or slim leg trousers (like a duster). Try knotting a corner to make it asymmetrical (Janet and Lisa have done this sort of thing.)

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Sal

Veteran

I have a similar dress although mine is a bit more A line and yours is straighter. I ended up cutting mine off although a couple of friends locally suggested keeping it longer.

I mostly wear mine without a topper - but I wear it with sneakers- it doesn't feel too dressy.

I think the cardigan looks fine with it; I don't think it is too dressy worn solo.

I could see it open as well, I am yet to style my one that way.

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Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I'd replace the belt. Something congac-colored would be fun!

LJP

Veteran

Shorten it a bit and wear a leather belt instead. Cute print tho !

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Great ideas above. I would try white rather than black also.

rachylou

Veteran

I’d wear a mustard yellow cardigan, but I like it with the black cardigan. I actually like the length.

Sally

Veteran

Thank you everyone. Great ideas. I did wear it today with black sandals and the black cardigan but felt a bit off about it. Thank you for the pictures Runcarla and Sal. I like the length in the pictures Runcarla sent. Many have suggested taking some of the length off and

I think I will give it the chop so it is more versatile. Good idea about the sneakers Sal and interesting that the dress in the photo is as long as mine is currently but I'm wondering if the Aline shape makes it easier to wear longer. I think the suggestions of another belt might give me more options. I"m going to try wearing it open too once I've shortened it. I dont have short skirts but do have slim trousers. I knew I could rely on all of you to give me some help.

Star

Veteran

I really like this dress. A cognac or white belt. I don't mind it loose either for a casual vibe on a hot day.

kkards

Veteran

Ok, maybe this defeats why your wearing a dress but I’d keep the length and layer under the dress
https://www.huffpost.com/entry.....6390dd247f

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Star

Veteran

That 2nd pic is interesting! @kkards

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Looking forward to the pix of it shorter & maybe open. I’d wear it with a happy yellow or maybe even sour pink or orange.

Helena

Veteran

Echoing the suggestions for a leather belt ... I immediately thought of cognac, but black or white could be good too!

Jonesy

Veteran

To me, this print and color just scream spring and summer, so I would pair with a light-colored topper (white, cream, light gray, light or medium blue) or denim or navy topper, plus some light-colored shoes like sneakers or sandals.

LAR101

I love that Irina suggested a shorter sleeve and I think i would consider that idea first. I think you will get more of a column of color and seem taller/thinner. Personally I adore I adore a cap sleeve as it’s angle draws the eye up.

With a shorter sleeve, I think you will get more flexibility with the dress and a longer dress length might work better. So I would consider the sleeve length/angle and then consider the dress length, belting options and cardigans.

I would also experiment with adding a layering tee underneath and unbuttoning the dress further to create a longer line. It will be interesting to see what others have to say.

I do love that color! And I think it’s fantastic on you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Jonesy said re belt / footwear/ toppers -- it's a gorgeous colour on you, Sally! It would work so well with white or light accessories, or maybe something bright like orange!

Like others, I would shorten it a bit. It still wants to be a midi, I think -- but not quite as long. If it were A-line you could stay this long but with the straighter cut I think it will work better a few inches shorter.

Before you shorten it, pin it up to where you think it will go. Remember that if you do belt it, you might "blouse" it a little bit (since it is a straight cut). So factor that into the length decision. Try also rolling the sleeves to see if you like them a bit shorter. I often do this with short sleeves anyway, to get a bit of an angled line, which to my eye is more flattering on me. Personally, I like elbow length sleeves like these but I know not everyone does.

Sally

Veteran

Thank you once again. I have got heaps of ideas. I like the versatility of the shirt dress and think it would be worth it to shorten it a bit. I guess I can play around with different belts but I"m also looking forward now to wearing it over pants and especially open as a kind of summer duster as I do like to wear a topper with jeans and t-shirt. I will look at the sleeve length too or as Suz suggested I will try and fold the sleeves as there is a button on the sleeves so I could unbutton it and roll up the sleeves. I hadn't thought of wearing it as a coat but what a wonderful idea.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Black stompy boots and black skinny belt. Try that before you shorten it! It might be the right length

Pop your black moto over the top.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I have a very similar green maxi shirt dress, which I like to wear either buttoned & belted all the way, OR with either a top or bottoms showing underneath (buttoned halfway either up or down) OR fully open (sometimes I wear a sleeveless dress underneath, or a top & bottoms).

Some people can pull off wide leg palazzo pants but I'd recommend a slimmer cut of trousers for you, since your dress is straight.

Sally

Veteran

Thanks Angie. Those sound like great suggestions. I’ll try this as it would be a real bonus if I didn’t have to shorten.

Thanks Zaeobi actually you gave me a great idea. I do have some Indian pants white, straight with embroidery at the bottom.

Synne

Veteran

I like it styled with black! Agree with Angie regarding black stompy boots. Very 90s grunge (and modern!) to my eye. Keep the length.
Also, since it's a button up, how about styled open over a column of navy? Long sleeve knit top and trousers for winter.

jussie

Veteran

I haven’t posted in a very long time, but just jumping right on in here! Is the colour a pea green? If so, it may work with a rust coloured topper, because that’s the complementary colour for pea green. I would choose either a rust denim or rust leather jacket, to “toughen up” the ladylike cut of the dress.

Anonymous

I'd like it with brown (especially cognac), white, or gold shoes/bag more than black actually. Even grey or burgundy or taupe would work.

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

This is too long and in that print , long just doesn’t work . I would suggest making it above the knee and wear it with flat light brown booties and matching belt . Black is not the right color . You can also try rust as someone suggested . Leather jacket would be more appropriate to make it more edgy , I feel like cardigan is too blah

nemosmom

Veteran

I like the thought of this as a duster (open over pants), and agree with the others about adding leather to toughen it up.

Sally

Veteran

Thank you Synne, Jussie, suntiger, Victoria and Nemosmon for the suggestions. So many ideas. I think I want it at the length it is most versatile as I plan to wear as shirt dress and also open. I will also try with my combat boots.
@Jussie. It is not pea green more a chartreuse colour.

jussie

Veteran

Chartreuse, ok. The compliment to chartreuse is red-violet.
That is not so common in denim or leather, but here are two options of red violet topper, just to show. One is more violet leaning shade, and one is more towards red. It’s food for thought.

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