Keep or return - checkered winterdress - YouLookFab Forum

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Keep or return - checkered winterdress

Astrid

Veteran

I bought this dress on a whim today. I love the vibe of it but I'm not sure if it is quite right. I have a winterdress on my list, I'm just not sure if this is the perfect one. Please help me to figure this one out?

#1 It ends just above the knee and I like the neckline. I'm not sure if it would be impractical though, to wear with scarves and so on. Plus it is sleeveless.

#2/3 I think the bottom part is very flattering and the fit is great. I normally never fit straight skirts this nicely, perhaps one of the reasons I was so drawn to this dress. The fabric is a polyester/viscose/elastane blend and the dress is lined.

#4 It has pockets (I love pockets on dresses and skirts). I'm not sure about the buckles on the waist, they could be easily removed though. I looked.

#5 The dress belted. How does it look? Would you wear it with a belt and remove the buckles in case I keep it?

#6 The only big problem - the dress is too lose in the top. But I have this problem with EVERY dress that doesn't have a full skirt. I have at least one size difference between top and bottom. The top would need altering. Is it worth it?

#7 Just a close-up view of the fabric with one of my new tights next to it. I love it! I know that there's black in it and I said no more black. Is this a dealbreaker? It looks more like gray from afar.

What do you think? Please be honest. I would prefer a dress with sleeves, but these seem to be conspiciously absent in our stores.

I'm interested in one other dress I saw online that I liked, but I haven't seen that one in real life yet. It's this one:
http://www.massimodutti.com/we.....R%2BTAILLE
Although the neckline on this one may be too high and it may be too short, I'm not sure. What do you think? Should I try to find this one instead?

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Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Queen Mum

Veteran

very cute!

Kate

Veteran

Layering: the neckline will work just fine under scarves, plus it looks good on its own. I've found that I much prefer sleeveless dresses because they can allow for layering under or over (or both!) and I can wear them when it's warm AND when it's cold. My long sleeved heavier weight dresses can't be worn half the year, and it makes me sad. Try playing around with some layers and especially scarves if you aren't convinced.

Belts and buckles: It looks good with the belt, and I think it would work with almost any color, which would dramatically increase versatility. The buckles are cute from the side, but the belt is better. I would remove the buckles.

Alterations: This should be an easy fix, and I think it would be worth it to get a perfect fit. The rest fits beautifully (from what I can see)!

I vote keep!!!

The bow on the other one really limits its versatility, but they are different enough that you could eventually get both dresses and wear them both all the time!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I really like this. With a top layered underneath, does it really need altering? It doesn't look too big on top from the pictures, so maybe you can just leave it?

Jonesy

Veteran

This looks great--I love the buckle detailing at the waist, the length is great, and the plaid is so cute. I say keep and have a tailor take a bit in on top--should be an easy alteration.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Looks like easy alteration. I love the little buckles, makes a great detail. This looks very nice on you. A versatile, well-fitting piece.

san

Veteran

I like it best with the belt for some reason.
The dress is cute in a schoolgirl sort of way. Maybe it does remind me of a school uniform.
The other dress you linked to has such a different vibe to me. It looks more like a party dress because of the bow on the front. I would really like to see that one on you too.
They are both cute dresses.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks everbody for chiming in.

Kate, you're right about the layering! I hadn't thought about the restrictions of a sleeved dress. I tried to layer some scarves on top and it works if the scarf is drapey enough. I think if I want to belt the dress I really have to remove the buckles, the belt wasn't very comfortable with them underneath. You're right, the alteration seems to be an easy fix - I can take the sides in a little with my hands and the rest still looks good. You're also right about the bow, but this bow was sort of calling to me.

Khris, it looks okay as long as I stand very straight. But when I move you can see that there's too much fabric. And when I take the top in a bit with my hands I look much slimmer!

Thanks, Jonesy! Do we have a vote for the buckles?

Thanks, cjh! Mmh, another vote for the buckles.

san, I also like it belted! And it's fun to play with different belts. I understand why you would think schoolgirl cute. Actually I'm not sure if this is a good thing, I'm already called cute when I dress tough. I could try to find the other dress tomorrow. But I can only keep one dress in any case, I still need to buy a good coat.

Irene

Veteran

I like it a lot with the red belt. It makes such a change, and you are so cute!

celia

Veteran

I'll be blunt(sorry), I like this dress and think it would be much more appropriate for you daily life than the red one.In fact I think it looks perfect for you.
About being big on top , sometimes it happens to me and instead of taking fabric from the sides I usually tale it from the top. Try to push the fabric from your shoulders a little bit up and see if you like the proportions better.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This looks like a versatile dress, Astrid. I can really see you getting wear out of it with your scarves, boots, jackets. And you are right, it is really nice to be able to wear a straighter skirt for a change of pace. If the alteration isn't a difficult one, then it's a good choice.

I'm not sure how to vote on the buckles/belt. I really like those buckles, but it would be nice to have the option of belting if you wished. Which isn't a lot of help. Maybe you could find a belt with side buckles!

The red dress is also beautiful but looks completely different to me, more like a party dress. This one is a day dress. I think the preponderance of grey in it makes it "read" as grey for you, also, so no worries about the black. I don't think we'll ever be able to weed black completely from our wardrobes!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks, Airin!

Thanks, celia! Be as blunt as you like, I'm glad I get honest opinions here! You're right that this dress is probably more appropriate for daily life. Thanks for the tip concerning the altering - I also do it this way when I have a dress with normal straps, but in this case the neckline would be in the way. I think it would be easier and cheaper to take it in from the sides. But I'll ask!

JennyK (NC)

I guess everyone said what I was planning to say, but I'll say it anyway!

The second dress you linked to is beautiful but looks short (not sure how tall you are) and not as versatile.

I sort of like that this is sleeveless because you can wear different things under it to change it up. It looks really great from the side. and I like the waistband. It's very flattering on you.

I think you could try different belts and play with scarves to see how it looks. I see what you mean about the neckline, but throw one on and just see.

I think it looks like a nice, versatile piece!

JennyK

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks, Suz! You're so right about the straight skirt, I sometimes am a bit bored with the full skirts. I'm not sure how expensive the alteration would be, but I can ask. But I think it will still be within a reasonable price range. I'll have to think and try some more things before I decide about the buckles. You're right that the dress reads as grey, so it should be okay. I'm realistic and know that I can't purge black completely, but maybe I can say only black in patterns or prints paired with other colors that suit me? And I like how the black in the dress looks with my black boots, although I didn't take a picture with the boots.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks, JennyK! I'm petite so the dresses or skirts that look as short as this on the model often are (just above) kneelength for me. It might work, I'd have to try it. I think the grey dress is a sure keep, I'll just have to ask how much the alteration is going to cost. I'll try to play with it a bit tomorrow.

amyreh

(website)

Veteran

I really like this on you, very cute!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Love!

Can you have it taken in on the top side seams?

Stacie

Member

Prefer it with a belt- either black or to complement whichever top you choose to wear. Gives you a perky little tush from the side. I'd have it altered to fit better under the arms, but I like the dress.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks, Stacie!

Thanks for chiming in, Angie! Yes, that was what I was planning. I think it would be and easy alteration, although it's probably going to cost a little more because the dress is lined.

ButterflyLady

(website)

Veteran

I really like it, Astrid - I think that alteration looks simple (do you sew at all?) too. I would take the buckles off so you can change it up with different belts.

I think it will be really versatile, as you can layer different things under it.

I'm not quite so keen on the red dress.

Deborah

Veteran

Astrid, you are adorable. I have spent a bit of time looking at your photos and I think this is a really versatile dress. I love the buckle detail :). There are a lot of options for styling this dress and I could imagine it becoming a bit of a go to outfit. I would keep, but definitely have the alteration done.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks, ButterflyLady! I sew a little bit, but I think I prefer to leave this in more capable hands. If the dress were unlined I would maybe do it myself, but this isn't the case. Oh, and I went today and looked for the red dress. They had it and it fit, but it didn't even came close to this one. The fabric looked cheap and I seemed to be 10 pounds heavier when I had it on.

Thanks, Deborah! I finally decided to keep it! I'll cut the tags in a moment and do some laundry. I thought it would be best if I wash it once before making any changes.

Scarlet

Veteran

I really like the style of this dress, and if you can get it taken in a little, that will be perfect. Just be sure the material is going to keep you warm enough--would it be better to search for a wool blend?

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Scarlet! I'd love to get a wool blend, but I feel like I tried so many dresses on and this had really the best fit so far. I'm not sure if I'll find another one in a different fabric that looks like this. Although it's true that I normally only buy fabrics with a bit of wool or cotton, because these blends always feel better on my skin. The dress is not superwarm, but when I wear thick tights and a longsleeved shirt with it and boots and a coat I think it would be alright.

Astrid

Veteran

Oh, another thing. The dress wasn't cheap so I have to be really sure before I keep it.

Scarlet

Veteran

That makes sense Astrid--this is the kind of dress you would always be layering with anyway. Also, I have been looking for this kind of style in a wool blend for three years and haven't found it. For some reason every one I try on does not fit quite right. Reflecting on that, I think this one is a keeper.

Freckles

Veteran

Beautiful dress Astrid! It wouldn't be warm enough for me but it sounds like you think it will be for you. Berlin is warmer than here too. I really love the side buckles but it probably more versatile with the belt. The belt seemed to add to your really cute shape. Glad you're keeping it.

Lisa

Veteran

I like this dress. I'd love to see it with a button down shirt layered underneath. I don't mind it belted or unbelted. Both are lovely. Nice find!