Keep/Purge: a top and a dress from the closet ETA: styled top

(Last post for now... sorry for taking over the forum!)

Here are a couple of things I pulled out of the closet that I haven't been wearing, and I'm wondering if I should keep or purge.

First is a mixed media top - black jersey bodice and printed woven chiffon shoulders/sleeves. It's too short for pants so would only be worn with skirts. Is this look dated? Should I at least remove the flower? (I haven't been wearing my flower pins at all lately... are they dated?)

Second is a black jersey dress. Tanya's keep/toss post about empire waists made me wonder if this style is dated. The last photo is super overexposed in an attempt to show the empire cut. It's not a banded waist or anything, just a simple seam so maybe it's OK? I haven't worn this for a while. I'm also not crazy about the tied keyhole top. Maybe it is too conservative for me... but I do like that it has sleeves, is warmish, and is not super dressy like my other black dresses. The weird white spot is from my camera, and is not on the dress.

ETA: I photoshopped the flower off of the top. Does this help at all?

ETA2: OK, I tried the top with some other bottoms from my closet. (7) A short full olive skirt - I think this makes me look incredibly short waisted. (8) A longer, fuller black cotton skirt. and (9) my taupe slouchy crops. These are the only pants I own (plus their black twin) that I can wear this top with - all the rest are too low rise for the short top. I might also be able to wear it with some of my shorts.

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12 years ago

Anonymous

I would say purge the top, and I really like that dress on you!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I like #1 because it is different - If it were me, I'd like to see it without the flower at least. Is that why you haven't worn it? It seems more bodycon than you usually go.

I don't think the black dress is dated, though I can't see the empire waist on my screen. Do you have other warm dresses you wear more? How long have you gone without wanting to wear this one?

bella

I am not a fan of the top. I love how the dress emphasizes your tiny teeny waist, but if you don't love it then pass it on.

Amy

Keep the dress. I'm not crazy about the top, though.

Diana

Hmm, I don't know why I've not been wearing the dress. I think I'm just not feeling longer dresses/skirts with tights and boots these days. I much prefer the shorter ones, worn over tights or pants. I might also be a bit off of jersey dresses/skirts these days too.... But I might hang on to it and see what I can do in spring with oxfords and/or bare legs. Good to know that it does not look dated.

I photoshopped the flower off of the top... added photo up above. Does this help at all, or is it still dated?

Suz

They both look good on you. The top is interesting (without the flower). And the dress flatters. But if you're not wearing and enjoying them - make room for the new!

I like the top much better with no flower. I don't think it was dated, because I don't remember that style being a huge trend - it's just eternally it's own thing. But if YOU don't like it...

shedev

I like the top, especially without the flower. Don't think the dress is fab enough for you.

Beth Ann

I say no to the flower, but the top is interesting and flattering. Keep if the happiness factor pays it rent in the closet. (I'm into bossing my clothes now, and I've laid down the law. Every item has to earn its place).

I like the dress very much. It is more conservative, but it would look nice with your fitted blazers, with brighter accessories, and I think a conservative black dress would be good to have around ---- for example, in you had need for a dress for a funeral.

T-Rex

Have you tried layering something under the top and wearing it with pants or jeans? Try that at least once before you toss it.

And I like the dress. A jersey dress in black could be a wardrobe staple. It may not excite you right now, but it may end up being a good backdrop for something else later on. I think it would look cute with some crazy patterned tights and simple shoes or boots. You could try leaving the keyhole untied, too, in case you like that better.

Echo

The dress is very flattering, IMO, and it doesn't even look empire-waisted on my screen. The waist seam is lower on the torso than a typical empire style. And I like the top without the flower, but that may be because I've never seen anything like it! It is certainly flattering on you and looks good, but as others have said, the only question that matters is whether you like it and will wear it. I think those considerations trump what anyone else thinks.

Hmm, OK, I will keep the dress for now. Beth Ann, you make a good point about needing a "funeral dress". I might see if I can do something about the keyhole closure. It's not really the keyhole, it's the ties that I don't like, so maybe I might try to sew it shut. It's a little too low-cut untied.

Still undecided about the top. Some of you have mentioned why I have kept it all this time, which is that it's a very unique style. I will definitely lose the flower! I think I might try styling it with some other things when I get home, I think the knit pencil skirt I'm wearing in the photos is too body-con with the fitted top. But I will try with a looser skirt, or maybe even tucked into loose trousers (it may be too short to tuck though). Unfortunately I don't think I can layer anything under it except maybe a very thin cami, as the bodice is quite fitted.

Thistle

I like the shirt sans the flower. I think it is unique and flattering. Maybe see if you will wear it without the flower.

I love the dress! It is beautiful on you! Keeper for sure. Try spicing it up with some bold accessories or some knitted sweaters.

Kiwichik

I like the blouse without the flower. It's a lovely dress but to me doesn't seem in synch with your style at least as I have seen it in your most recent posts.

lyn67

Sorry, but Iove them both. pls.keep:-)

Molly L-R

Active Member

I wouldn't say the dress was dated, more "vintage-inspired" :). It's a lovely shape on you. I'd wear the top with a pair of trousers rather than the skirt.

OK, I tried the top with some different, more voluminous bottoms from my closet and I added the photos up top. What do you think? The slouchy crops (plus their black twin) are the only pants I own that are high rise enough to work with this top.

Sarah A

I am really bad at purge decisions. The slouchy crops are really fun with the top. The dress looks versatile. Maybe try a bit of alterations with the keyhole and if it works bonus and if not, it isnt a huge loss?

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