Keep or Return: Sweater Dresses and batwings

I went on a shopping spree lately and bought a few things that were definitely outside my comfort zone.

First up is a beige colored sweater dress with turtleneck (images 1 & 2). I'm on the fence about it because I hardly ever buy earth toned garments and because it's on the short side. Is the color ok on me or does it make me look wan? Is it too short to wear to work? I'm planning on wearing it with opaque tights.

Next up is a batwing sweater dress (pictures 3 & 4). The length is a little more conservative, but the crazy (fun) sleeves are definitely a different style for me. I thought they'd help broaden my upper half. I have narrow shoulders.

The last item isn't a dress, but it does have similar wide, flappy sleeves as the grey dress (images 5 & 6). I'm both intrigued by the shape of the garment and worried that it may make me look a bit dumpy. Can't have that!

Thanks!

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14 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I'm not a fan of #1/2. The color looks off somehow...not enough contrast with your hair/skin. And it's a little too short to wear by itself. I really like #3/4 and #5/6. I like the top, it's an interesting pattern and shape. The fitted bottom part helps define your waist. I've seen that shape of top a LOT at Anthro lately with the dolman sleeves/blouson top and fitted waist, so I think it's really in style now. You look so sultry in #3! In 3/4, I really like the sleeves but it looks a tiny bit shapeless in the front. I'd pair it with a wide black belt, (elastic or obi style), sheer black tights, red (or other bright color) flats or black boots and maybe a large/chunky pendant necklace. And a bright red bag! Or maybe pair it with skinny jeans or leggings instead. I'm always wary of wearing a sweater dress by itself ever since I did that in the 80's and someone at school teased me saying "You forgot your pants!"

Deborah

Hi Amy, I am not sure the color is #1/2 is the best for you. I prefer the batwing sweater dress and could see it worn with opaques, leggings, or pants/skinny jeans. You could also wear it as is or with a long sleeve top (maybe a striped top) underneath. I would be interested to see how it looks belted too. #5/6 is very nice however I am somewhat put off by the length of the top but that could just be my personal preference. I do think it is falttering otherwise.

krishnidoux

Are you kidding? Too cute. #1-2 would go well with opaque, capri leggings and/or a belt... or chunky boots or booties, and I encourage you to try it with long sleeves underneath too. The color is current, it will harmonize with the other current and upcoming Spring palette and it does not make you look wan. You might adjust your make-up (a little on the lips for example) or add a bright accessory if you feel more comfortable but it is find as is. This color will go well with purple, turquoise, emerald, sage, lilac pink, taupe among others. I love how this dress shows off your beautiful figure, it's very flattering.

#3-4 is simply stunning! Breathtaking. Absolutely keep. It was made for you!

#5-6 is very flattering, it looks effortless. It has an understated appeal and there are lots of possibilities for accessories. It's also good for emphasizing upper half.

All keeps, good choices!

rute

Love both dresses! The brown is my favorite! Keep both!!!!!

lyn67

Aggree with Deborah and Goldenpig that1-2 looks blah on the skin:-((, but aggree with krsihnidoux that just needs some styling eith thin and strechy long sleeve underneath of a deep colour (blacks, purle, teal, red, etc) some opaques on the legs, maybe a long necklace (or a belt), too. This will give the whole outfit a bit of structure/definition and the contrast needed.
Grey dress looks good on the skin and with any colour underneath, too.
You can keep them both!!:-))

sarah

I love them all. I would like to see #1 with leggings or with opague/semi-opaque tights (and maybe a matching long-sleeve tee underneath). For example, maybe black leggings/boots and a black long-sleeve tee? I'd give that a try and post before giving up on this one. The other dress is great. And that top is very cool.

Suz

I'm also not sure about the colour of dress #1; did it come in a different colour? I agree with Krishnidoux that it could be styled to work extremely well on you, and potentially it is a really versatile piece, but if it won't go with other things in your closet that might be a problem. Do you feel great in it? Does it feel like a fun stretch for you? in that case, go for it.

The other dress is great, and the top is very cool!

Also, as a writer, I LOVE your bookshelves!!!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I love the second sweater dress! (#3 and #4). That's fabulous!! I feel that #1 and #2 is too short to wear like a dress.

kate

Active Member

#1/2- It looks like it's missing something on the bottom. The bulkiness of the neck seems a bit unbalanced with the length.
#3/4- I love this one on you. You look great in pic #3-- captured your curves at a great angle!
#5/6- I was too busy straining my eyes to see if I could read any of the titles on your bookshelves to notice the outfit. =) No,really, I think the top looks nice, but would look nicer if it was a little longer, but that may be my personal preference.
Good job stepping out of your comfort zone!

Amy

Thanks for your input! I'll most likely be returning the beige dress look for something that's an easier fit into my wardrobe and color preferences. I'm wearing the grey dress today, but will definitely have to think a little harder about how to style it. I'll post pics soon.

rachylou

3/4 and 5/6! I really really like 3/4.

1/2 - funny colour, short, and i feel it needs something to define the waist.

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