Keep or return: the summer dress edition (all Angie picks)

sarah

In my attempt to move away from the hot-weather tee/shorts formula of my past, I'm trying to increase my summer dress wardrobe.

1/2 - Angie's Nic+Zoe pick. The fit seems flattering - is the color OK for me? Suggestions on accessories?

3/4 - Similar dress in blue - the color may be better, but the wrap top is less flattering, I think. I can only keep one of these first two.

5/6 - Merona twist front - It makes me look a bit busty, but I think I'll keep, as it's SOOO comfortable for super hot days (which will get here eventually!)

7/8 - Mossimo wrap dress - DH loves this, but I'm not sure that the Grecian formula is doing much for my upper half!

Comments? Suggestions?

thanks for taking the time!

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15 years ago

Shopping

28 replies

Latest reply was from Lynne

Lavinia

Active Member

My favorite is definitely 7/8, followed by 2/3 (beautiful against your complexion!), then 5 and my least favourite is 1/2 (the cut is ok but not special and the color isn't as flattering as the rest).

oh, and that Grecian formula is PERFECT for you!

15 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Definitely the last one. I think it is the lower waist on it that makes it look "right" to me. The proportions are very flattering but I would like it better without the tights and with a fun summer shoe. Very nice dress on you.

15 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Hi sarah! Congratulations on your new loot. Here are my impressions:

1/2: the color does not suit you.

3/4: The whole difference in the world! Beautiful! Now I see your eyes, the blondness of your hair, your smile. In other words, I see you!

5/6: love the dress. The black leggings bother me. Because they don't blend in, then that's all I see and to me, makes the whole outfit too girly, when in fact the dress is a very good pick for you. Have you tried pairing it with white slim clams and light colored footwear? Here is another solution, it seems very wild but has worked wonderfully for me and I am over 40, short with short legs:

1) ballet flats + white gauchos + dress + belt, medium to wide, worn high;
2) wedges + white palazzos + dress + belt

These combos will depend on the quality of the items and their match together, but if you are looking for cool ways to cover your legs in the summer heat, it's worth trying.

7/8: Ah! Now that's how to wear your black leggings and sandals! This is so cute, so in, and you rock it. Now go find a chunky wooden ethnic piece of jewellery to finish the look: a big cuff would look fantastic.

15 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

7/8: and a cropped jacket! (cropped leather perfecto?)

15 years ago

ButterflyLady

(website)

Veteran

I agree with krishnidoux completely *nods* - and am loving her ideas of different ways to wear 5/6 (which might look nice with white leggings, instead of the black?).

15 years ago

Anonymous

When I buy dresses, I have to really love the colors and feel good in them. Are these colors you love to wear? If not, then I'd say no to the dress no matter how good the cut is.

15 years ago

rosee

Veteran

the cut of 1/2 photgraphed better but it seems to be the same (or similar dress) to 3/4, and 3/4 is a much better color for you. You need to wear a topper in a flattering shade with 1/2 and that defeats the purpose of a summer dress.
Really like 5/6 (but not so much with black leggings) and 7/8 on you -- these are definitely keepers!!!

EDIT (w/ coffee consumed): I looked a second time... and I think a little differently now (just to confuse the issue).
1/2 is now my favorite, the cut seems better than 3/4 -- I was influenced by the blonde hair and blue dress idea, but I actually think the first dress is prettier in style and pattern. And if 7/8 could work for you then 1/2 definitely could, b/c they are a similar tone. I now prefer 1/2 to 7/8 as well.
The 2 keepers in my opinion are 1/2 and 5/6 -- the other 2 are fine also, but only if you have the cash.

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I love the first Nick & Zoe dress on you. I think I prefer the color of it over the second dress actually.
Love the dotted target dress, but not with black leggings. If you feel the need to wear leggins, maybe white?
I"m not loving the last dress as much on you.

OMG... I just read the other responses and see that I saw everything completely opposite. I should give the disclaimer that I haven't had a drop of coffee yet.

15 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

Wow, love 7/8 on you! The repeated touches of black work well together. Add some gold jewelry when you need to dress it up a notch and you'll be surprised how often you can use this over the summer. Also, try it with a cognac belt sometime (like TX Sarah did), I think she also did a turquoise necklace and those colors were also great with this dress.

I agree that if it's 1/2 or 3/4, then keep 3/4!

I can see why you like 5/6 - the color is lovely on you too! But the black leggings contrast is pretty dramatic. I wonder if you repeated black somewhere on your top half is that would bring balance? krishnidoux's ideas are good to look into also. Or butterfly's suggestion of cropped leggings in white. I've never even looked for those, but I bet they do exist

15 years ago

kitty400

Active Member

I like the cut and pattern of dress 1/2 but I prefer 3/4 on you the color in 3/4 really does make your lovely eyes really pop. I love 5/6 that is such a cute dress but the black leggings really don't work well IMO I have to agree with krishnidoux's idea's about dress 5/6 white leggings would be great with that. I think that 7/8 works well on you love the color and the black looks great with it.

15 years ago

Marigold

Active Member

WOW for the last one, perfect with the belt, black leggings and black sandals! Hubby is right :). Like the polka dot one as well, but without leggings, they're too heavy for the dress, maybe try the white clams as someone suggested? Or without? It's not too short to my eye

15 years ago

Melissa

Active Member

This is a difficult lot to decide on! The good news is that you look amazing in dresses. Like others, I am torn on the individual dresses. I think the reason for this is that the differences are not enormous, you look pretty great in all of them.

That said, I think I am in agreement with QueenMum about 1/2: I like it! The top is definitely more flattering on you than 3/4. I think you can pull the color off, and I'd especially like to see this one with maybe a lighter sandal and then a lighter necklace (maybe blonde wooden beads?) to brighten things up for a summer look. I'd vote keep on this one.

Although I love the color in 3/4, I don't love the fit on the top half. I'd vote pass.

Now 5/6 I love. This is gorgeous on you, and I agree with the other suggestions to accessorize it differently. I can't wait to see this one styled, such a great dress. I vote keep on this one.

7/8 I again love this color on you, but the top is not my cup of tea. How does it feel on you? If it makes you feel fab, keep it, but if it feels fussy or just not you, pass on it.

15 years ago

Anonymous

If you can only keep 1st or 2nd dress I say keep 1st one and pair it with red or silver accessories. The 3rd dress is fun with those leggings, but I agree maybe white instead! I don't care for the Grecian dress, it could be the color but I think it makes you look boxy. Only my opinions!

15 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Oooh, I love a good game of keep or return! First off, I LOVE the midi in the olive/black. It's stunning. I don't think it looks as dramatic in the blue. The blue dot dress is fab--perfect for summer. I'm thinking the black leggings look a bit heavy with it but I still like it. I'm not 100% sure about the seaweed wrap. The fit is perfect--no gaping or sagging in sight. What I don't like about it on you is one of the same reasons I didn't care for it on me--no waist definition. It makes you look very rectangular. I'm not sure if this is a bad thing or not. I just prefer the other two because they make you look more curvy--with the empire thing going on. I'm curious to see what everyone else thinks!

Edit: Wow! I just went to read the comments--opinions are all over the board. Going back to look at the pics again.

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lots of differing opinions here

Sarah, you look amazing in dresses.

I love the Nic & Zoe dress on you too - and much prefer the olive to the blue. Gorgeous! Nice to see you in that length and the slides are fab. (Please write a review when you have a moment).

The polka dot dress is sweet! But sans leggings (too long for that).

Super olive dress and leggings! The black belt *makes* the outfit. Fantastic!

Now how about that crossbody bag?

15 years ago

sarah

Veteran

PHEW! I love it when there's clear consensus ; ) What is it with dresses? The response to Kim's post was all over the map, too!

OK, I think I'm going with 1/2 - the bust is much more flattering, and I feel quite comfortable in neutrals - it's the 'old me'! I will work on accessorizing to brighten things up - I like your ideas, Melissa.

3/4 will go back because I just feel unflattered by the bust.

5/6 - I should never have posted the pic with the leggings! I was just lazy and in a hurry and didn't take them off. I hereby promise to wear the dress without leggings in the future!

7/8 - I'm leaning towards keeping, if I can figure out a necklace that breaks up the broad rectangular chest region! The tags will stay on for a bit longer.

(Hah, Angie - don't rush me - I've got to get tops, shoes, and bottoms sorted out first! Although I did order a mini from Target to 'try it out' - I'll keep you posted)

Stay tuned for the "summer top edition" next!

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A mini will do - and there is no time like the present!!!

#7/8 does not need a necklace. Your pretty face does the trick.

15 years ago

sarah

Veteran

Angie, you are such a charmer!

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I always do a happy dance when Angie agrees with me

15 years ago

chouette22

Veteran

The decision has already been pretty much made, but I just wanted to chime in and say that I really love the last dress on you. It looks SO good and is my favorite of them all. I also bought the polka-dot one in blue yesterday, but am thinking of returning it (not enough need). When I do, I'll look for the olive wrap dress instead.

15 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Sarah, I think all of these dresses fit and flatter you, I would keep them all. I have been eyeing the Olive Grecian dress myself.

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Chuckling @ Kim.

Thanks for the great review, Sarah! (My Mum used to say that I have my Papa's charm. If that's even *remotely* true, it's a great compliment).

And back to the subject of handbags!!! They are a wardrobe priority along with bras

15 years ago

sarah

Veteran

@Kim - me too! Actually I was so relieved that Angie weighed in the way I was leaning.

@Chouette - Target does have petites online, in case you didn't know that (I think we're matched for height).

@Angie - charming *and* persistent!

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I can be like a terrier with a bone. It's no wonder that my Chinese Zodiac sign is a Dog.

Rest assured, I've let go of the bone for now because there's a mini on the way

15 years ago

Aida

Veteran

I'm in agreement with QM and Angie (woo!), love #1/2, and #7/8. #5/6 is good as long as it's worn sans leggings, it feels too long for that (and also I have this dress, too!). I tried that olive wrap dress and the top was too large (I may try it again, the one I tried was a bit wonky) so I'm happy I can maybe live vicariously through you! You look great in dresses

15 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

You are going to end up on Team Handbag, just you wait :)!

I think my favorite of the lot is the first dress. It looks elegant to me. I also really like the last Target dress. What you're seeing in the mirror (thinking the top part isn't flattering somehow) isn't what I'm seeing at all! I think it looks great, and gives you another casual dress option that offers a bit more neck/chest coverage. Not that the others make you look overexposed or anything :)! They are perfectly fab.

15 years ago

sarah

Veteran

Well, ladies, I had a reception to go to this afternoon, and I wore my new tribal Nic+Zoe dress and felt absolutely FAB!

And I'll keep that Grecian wrap and just go for it : ).

15 years ago

Lynne

Veteran

I am loving the polka dot dress on you, Sarah - well done!

15 years ago

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