I want a casual dress. Not sure what I'm looking for... - YouLookFab Forum

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I want a casual dress. Not sure what I'm looking for...

Cilleena

Veteran

Can anybody help me here? I'm getting a little bored with the jeans, tee and sweater or jacket combo. I'd like to try out a casual dress with tights and boots. But, I'm not sure what I'm looking for. It needs to be warm, casual, comfy and obviously, cute! I'm pear shaped. I guess the obvious answer is a sweater dress, but I am open to other options too. Anybody want to help me shop?

Shopping

22 replies

Latest reply was from

Barbara

Veteran

Me too, Cilleena!

And I have been looking for a LONG time. My ideal casual dress would be sleeveless, knee length, slightly fitted, scoop neck and be loose enough to layer a tee or blouse under it. Natural fabrics are a must, and VERY hard to find! I do like to sew so I may end up designing and making something, because I certainly can't find what I'm looking for!

An empire waistline would suit us both - I'm a slim hourglass.

crwilson

Veteran

I have a completely different body shape, but this is saved in my list for things I might buy after SYC. I don't know if it's too sporty/casual for your style, though.

http://www.zappos.com/patagoni.....ess-purple

Cilleena

Veteran

Cute dress, crwilson! Thanks! I may have to try that one. Seems like a black cardi and black boots would look cute to warm it up.

Would this look ok a pear shape? I'm thinking with either dark leans or back ponte knit leggings and tall boots. The color is odd, but would work well for my coloring.

http://dimg.dillards.com/s7/zo.....;locale=en

Di

(website)

Veteran

I LOVE Athleta and Title Nine for casual dresses. They're a little stretchy, but not clingy (which seems to work well to skim lots of different shapes).

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....?cid=46838

http://www.titlenine.com/categ.....do?nType=1

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Cilleena, if you have pear tendencies I would stay away from any sweater dress that is cut tight across the hips or thighs. I'm not sure if the dress you linked to might do that - it's hard to tell because models they use are so much thinner than the average person. Just something to think about. I have a sweater dress that has an empire waist and balloon sleeves and then floats away from the body in an almost babydoll fashion that works great for any bottom heaviness. Sadly, the solid black color is too heavy for me, but the silhoutte works great!

Deb

@ Barbara: I came across this dress while carousing around the 'net a couple of days ago. I thought of it when I read your description. It might be suitable for layering over a tee or blouse. It also comes in a dressier fabric:

http://www.theoutnet.com/product/210892
and
http://www.theoutnet.com/product/210891

@ cilleena: The Dillards dress w/leggings and boots would look fab, and still be casual and warm - I think it would work w/a pear shape - esp. with a substantial cardi. You might also consider a chunky scarf for balance.

Isabel

Veteran

I echo Mo on the tight sweater dress. I am a pear and wearing it over pants made me look rally unbalanced ( not mentally....physically ! ).

I had great success at Target where I found a thin merino wool dress with short sleeves and an A line shape and front tuxedo ruffles. It is on clearance now, I am going to pick up another color.

http://www.target.com/Merona-C.....ombrowse=0

I also adore Title Nine and Atleta.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I found a similar style to what you linked with a possibly more forgiving shape here. You could layer under or over this for warmth. And it's not super $$$$ ,either! http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fr....._(juniors):306987&cm_pla=dresses:women:dress&cm_ven=Like&mr:referralID=4a8e4b2c-2edd-11e0-b827-001b2166c62d

Deb

Oooh ...and in wool! http://www.theoutnet.com/product/93170

I looooove Outnet ... I could get lost in that website for hours.

Heather

Veteran

You should try a faux-wrap dress like this one:

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=632283022

It is a three season dress. Lots of ways to style it: boots, booties, tights, sheer hose, bare legs, peep-toes wedges, lots of jewelry options, scarves, cardigans. Best of all, it is a faux wrap--no toying with it or pinning.

Good luck!

Cilleena

Veteran

Thanks ladies! Off to check out these dresses! More suggestions welcome!

Anonymous

Other than a sweater dress, and they can be tricky especially if the knit is too thin nad clingy, I'd suggest a denim dress. Mine is from the Gap and ancient..a snap-down-the-front sleeveless shirtwaist. Do you have a denim skirt?
Khris (Chewyspaghetti) has some casual dresses that are not knits. You might check out her WIW's.

Claudia

Veteran

Chambray or denim dresses and shirt dresses are versatile and casual options to look at:

http://youlookfab.com/2010/05/.....nim-dress/

http://youlookfab.com/store/20.....ray-dress/

http://youlookfab.com/search-r.....ab%2F#1370

Easy to layer in cold weather and then wear by themself in warm weather.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Don't forget Max Studio (remember you can do a lot of layering with those dresses so don't let sleeveless scare you off).

Kristine

Veteran

How about a denim shirtdress? It's really not that far from jeans and can be dressed up for dinner or down for running around. It also has some structure (collar, button down, seaming) which will help you break away from jeans and t-shirts. I wish I could give a specific recommendation but I'm looking myself!

Isabel

Veteran

Deb, I have never heard of the outnet. It looks wonderful, thanks ! I LOVE< LOVE< LOVE, the wool herringbone that you posted. I have to save my pennies !

Cilleena

Veteran

Actually, I was wondering about shirt dresses. I don't think I've seen them around much on YLF.

Laura, ah yes...max studio. I had forgotten them.

Deb

@ Isabel: That is a fabulous dress! Don't you love the website?! Agreed, it's pricey. But the sales are *real sales* of designer pieces at huge markdowns. I have filled my wish list with tons of items ... and then just let them sit there. LOL! Well, it beats loitering in the streets ... :-O

Barbara

Veteran

Deb, thank you SO much for posting about the outnet. I love all those dresses!

anne

Veteran

I just bought a shirdress and I love it, but i don't really think of it as casual. There have been many shirtdresses on display at YLF over the years.

I wonder if a flared one would be best for a pear figure. Sal of already pretty likes the one in this post so much she has three (but it is from last year so don't know if available)
http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....-with.html

Isabel

Veteran

Deb, I am at the point where I have all the "basics" and "essentials" that I need. So this is definitely one of those extra, wow pieces that is worth it since I really don't need to budget for the other things anymore !!!!! I am soooooo excied !

Thanks again!

Anonymous

If you can wear a size 6 or larger, here are some more washable ones:
http://www.travelsmith.com/jum.....432%2C2880