Keep or return: the Trina Turk dress!

So in my quest for dresses, I decided to try this dress. And it is STUNNING. The colors are just unbelievable. If I keep it, I will need to size down one because of the shoulders. It can't be hemmed because the hem has these lovely inverted pleats that give it a bubble-like shape. So is the length a problem? In the first photo it's a bit hitched up with my hands on both hips.

Please tell me honestly if it works. I would wear this often, but it has to be amazing because it is a pure indulgence for me right now.

For these photos I threw it on with the only real heels I have and I'm still wearing my tight from work. I want to get some opinions before I bother styling it. I could also belt it but I am HORRIBLE with belts and feel they look awful on me.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

15 years ago

Anonymous

It is a beautiful dress especially for the darker winter days we have.
I don't know about styling it but will be watching the thread to see others ideas.

Stephanie

Veteran

I have a dress that is a lot like this in concept: bright, abstract print, trapeze shape. It is my go-to outfit for "I want to look good and feel fab but I don't want to think about what to wear." I almost always wear it with nude shoes and a long necklace. I personally really love to have a feel-fab outfit that is EASY EASY EASY. I'd say it's one of my most worn items of clothing, even though I only really wear it one way.

oh, and I love the dress on you. In the first picture it looks too big, but in the others it looks perfect. I'm assuming the first picture is just some sort of camera effect.

rute

This is a daring dress and it looks lovely on you! I would not add any belt or accessorie because it's already such a statement!
You look lovely with this loose look!

Queen Mum

this looks great on you! I think once you size down the length will be perfect.

Oh I like it a lot... The smaller size should work. I vote KEEP.

Sorry, AG, I just noticed your comments about the fit of the dress (obviously I stayed up too late on YLF!)

marsh

Active Member

I love this dress on you! Those bright colors are fantastic!! I vote keep.

JenT

To me, even though the colors are beautiful, this is not a keeper.

Debora

Beautiful colors! I vote keep but size down one size.

kellygirl

Striking dress! The length looks good but it definitely is too roomy on top. I think it works with your style and coloring--you can definitely pull it off. I tend to shy away from bold prints like that because I am sort of self conscious about wearing the same thing over and over and a piece like that definitely stands out. I'm much more comfortable in my neutrals--kind of blending in with the background : ) Just my take.

Barbara

The print is fantastic! But I definitely think you need a smaller size.

(website)

It's definitely a statement dress! Lovely. I think the smaller size would be perfect, it does not look too long even in this larger size. You say you're finding yourself wearing tunics a lot. This is in the same family - I bet you'd find plenty of times to wear it, as well. Not sure what a splurge constitutes for you - are you concerned about price per wear or just value in general?

Jonesy

YES, get the smaller size! Love the print and the shape. I'm wondering about those sleeves--I'm guessing with the smaller size they will be a bit shorter. Right now they look like they are not quite full length, not quite 3/4, and not quite meant to be bracelet length.

Jenava

To my eye it looks only slightly loose and a touch too long.
Personally I think it's stunning on you. The colors go with your coloring very well, the shape and style just seem to suit you. I don't think you need a belt with this. I'd love to see it with forest green tights...I like the tan shoes.

annagybe

I'm also in the no belt camp. It's amazing though!

catgirl

Thanks all for the feedback! Mo, it's a splurge in the sense that "a funky cool dress" was not on my list of closet holes. Although it wasn't because I have one, it's because I didn't see it as a need. It's that need vs. desire dilemma!

I am definitely going to try the smaller size and take better photos. Something like this has to be perfect or it will languish.

Jonesy, the sleeves have an elastic and are kind of blousy. I think this is another item that doesn't photograph as well as it looks in motion, but it is definitely big on me. I'm sure it's made for someone 5'8" with a perfect figure. I really want to be able to wear it, though!!

Have you tried it with some of your great jackets? An edgy jacket would be a good one to try, maybe with boots too.

Marley

Oh My - what are you questioning here? I mean, this dress is absolutely STUNNING - love, love, love it! It looks GREAT on you - the colors are gorgeous - I say size down one size and you've got a STAND OUT piece!

LeahJanes

I don't know that it is too big, it's supposed to be floaty and hang a little bit away from the body, that way the fabric swings and moves with you and looks prettier. You're tiny so that's not a big problem for you.

I disagree that's it's made for 5'8" models - it looks better on you than on the model on the website. Simply gorgeous, you wear saturated colour so damn well.

LeahJanes, thank you for that compliment! I think it's too big in the shoulders (amazingly!), because it is sliding around. I think I will be more comfortable in a smaller size and not have to fidget. There is at least two inches of give on either side, so I think one size down will still keep that flowy effect.

Traci

I love it even WITH the tights. It may be my favorite thing I've seen you post. I can't wait to see the smaller size all styled up.

Vix

So glad you are ordering a smaller size -- love the colors on you and think this works well with your style, but I do think sizing down will help with what I feel is a too big/boxy thing happening.

I believe a side-by-side comparison with this vs one of your other new waist-surrendering tunic/dresses would tell the tale very clearly. Even on sale, Ms Trina does NOT come cheap and you do not want to look better in a bargain than in one of her numbers. So if the smaller size doesn't work, I vote you wait for something that does you more justice to come along....

Maya

Just booked my tickets to Alaska to come to your house and steal this dress. When you get the right size, of course.

I don't mind how it looks in this size, but I guess if it feels off you should try a size down. I just hope a size down doesn't detract from the flowy, voluminous silhouette. It won't look right if it is too fitted.

Lori

Absolutely gorgeous, but you already knew that. I hope you feel great in the smaller size too, because you look gorgeous in all these bright colors, just beautiful with your skin tone!

Category