ETA: Ask Angie ---> K/R: Aidan Mattox dress - YouLookFab Forum

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ETA: Ask Angie ---> K/R: Aidan Mattox dress

rae

(website)

Veteran

I ended up ordering the dress I saw at Nordies a while back that had a wonky seam, since it seemed to get a positive reaction here. Now that it is in my home, I thought I'd take some better-lit photos for a proper keep or return... I'm leaning toward returning, unfortunately.

Pros:
- hides gut
- hides saddlebags
- tapered skirt
- love the print
- great quality
- good for dancing with DH (yes, he likes to go!)
- I like it a lot over jeggings

Cons:
- questionable length for bare legs/tights
- possibly too "young" for me... (ugh! already??)
- also questioning the cap sleeves in the cold light of day

Thoughts?

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28 replies

Latest reply was from rae

MsMary

Veteran

Would sizing up help with the length?

Julie

Veteran

Looks really good with the jeggings. How does it look with boot cuts?
Definite thumbs up!!

Anonymous

I don't think it's up to your wonderful style and vote return.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Are you looking for a going out dress? If I'm being honest, it looks almost 'clubby' to me. I mean, it looks great on your figure, I'm just not certain of the style itself. Could it be that volume has taken over so much so that tight fit, in contrast, comes across this way [shrug]?

rae

(website)

Veteran

Hm, good question, MaryK. I am more than 5 pounds over my normal weight right now. The length might get better with the loss of my depression chub.

But Mo also has a good point... we've had so much bodycon for so long, maybe that look has started to read as overly juvenile and club-ish...? There is also the fact that I've started to explore more preppy looks, so maybe it looks wrong *on me*?

Beth Ann

Veteran

Rae: You are rocking this dress, and I definitely see what drew you it. This exact dress, in a midi length, and I'd be completely wowed. As it is, I agree that it seems a little "clubby." That said, don't you have a band? This is definitely "girl in a band" material.

Deborah

Veteran

I have mixed feelings on this one. I like the dress but am unsure of the length. Agree this could be cool for a gig bit I don't see it going to work. I feel it's not very versatile, but they may not matter?

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I like the print, the style, the fit, the neckline and the cap sleeves. But I'm not crazy about the length. The short length takes away from the sophistication of the dress, too bad.

Jjsloane

Veteran

Too short as a dress unless you are performing.

Anonymous

Ummm... Actually, now that we have better photos, I actually like it. I wish it was longer but looks like the perfect club dress and that is NOT a bad thing. Perhaps you need a mini capsule for that. I was really going by the stock photo when I gave you my initial opinion.
Question: Does it ride up as you walk? That is a deal breaker for me. Short and tight equals girl pulling dress down, 99% of the time. That is severely unflattering.

I think Mo is on point re. us getting accustomed to loose fitting clothing. You are still very young, It's ok to let out our sexy self from time to time. Heck, I do it at the tender age of 38...

Perhaps trying the size up could be the ticket on the length issue.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Zap -- this is great if you want some options for clubby evenings out and a bit of young sex appeal. If you need this to be part of your work wardrobe, I'd keep looking for a longer length.

shiny

Veteran

I'm chuckling that you think this length is too young for you! I don't know your age, but I don't think you're too old for this length. It's all in how you wear it. I love this dress over the jeans/leggings. It would also work with opaque tights, or knee-high boots. I think if you wore it bare-legged with 4 inch pumps that would be too clubby. But you could certainly pull off the clubby look if you were going dancing.

When I hit 40 I decided I was too old for skirts more than one inch above the knee. I'm hitting 47 soon and I'm re-visiting that idea.There's something cheeky about a skirt this length worn with flats.

Of course, as others suggest, if you find you are constantly tugging the skirt down, or if it shows to much when you bend over, then yes it's too short. But it doesn't look that way to me, in these pictures.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I love the colour, the drape, the fit and the style of the dress on you Rae - and if I were younger and had legs like yours, I'd wear it in a second! I think it looks fab over the leggings. It is on the short side, but you can pull it off. Is it work appropriate? Nope. But is it good for playing with the band, hanging out with hubby in the evening, etc.? Yep.

ramya

Veteran

Rae, It looks good... Shannon phrased it perfectly... It is upto you... If comfortable keep it else with your skills you could always find another...

Personally I would keep it and wear it over leggings, jeggings every where... but then it's the Indian blood in me which makes me comfortable in anything resembling salwar kameez

Oh yeah... About it being too young... COME ON... When did you age???????

My landlady who is 53... Wears a mini skirt... and trust me it looks fab on her... She says me Rummmiyaaaa darling... You are never old for anything ... Its just your mind which plays games with you

So you could keep it...

KathyL

Veteran

I love the dress, but I do think it's a bit short. Great for going out and performing! It also looks great over the leggings.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Angie, do you have an opinion?

I would wear this over leggings for casual wear, then with tights for band stuff or nights out dancing... though I could probably find a cheaper dress for that. I am worried that I just want to keep it because it flatters my hip area and that that emotion is clouding my judgement.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sorry, Rae! Hectic day.

"Short, tight and skimpy" in an outfit genre that is never my favourite look on anyone. That said, I like the length of the dress on you, but not that it's sooo tight. Skirts that length or shorter look better flared to my eye. Short shorts are pants, so that's different. AND, you know I think they look best a little baggy. Just to compare apples with apples

I like #4 best, because you added the jacket and covered the sleeves. Not a 10. I vote return.

rae

(website)

Veteran

That's that!

I didn't realized it looked so tight! It isn't really tight at all, but that doesn't matter if it looks that way. I'll bring it back today and maybe something else will catch my eye in the store. :T

catgirl

Veteran

Rae, I've had this bookmarked for a while now in my Nordstrom list and it's interesting to see it on you here. How would it be if you sized up? I love the dress itself!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I honestly never got to see a size up - didn't even look for it when I first tried on since it doesn't feel tight. Hm...

Do you think it's worth ordering a size up? I definitely *don't* want it to fit like it does on the model, with the loose skirt part.

catgirl

Veteran

Hmm, I don't know... I think it would fit loose on me because I have no hips, but if you don't want that fit, this might not be the dress for you. Too bad because I know why you love it, and I was looking at it as another drop-waist option for myself!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, I figured Angie would have said to size up if that was the easy fix.... :T

I don't like loose short skirts because of my bubble butt (flashbacks from cheerleading days, ahh!) - it would probably be much nicer and fit how it was meant to fit on your slim bottom half.

Anonymous

It's a great dress, Rae, and I can quite see why you went for it. But, though I hate to say this, it's just too form-fitting, even for your gorgeous curves. And like you said, a size-up would ruin the effect you're looking for. If I'm totally honest, its the figure-hugging shape that kills it for me, not the length! Sorry, sweetheart, but on this one I vote return!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Rae, I believe you when you say it doesn't *feel* tight. Stretchy soft fabric that is form fitting has that magical quality.

JulieJohn

Veteran

Well, a little late to the party, and a little bit out of kilter with others, but I thought it was lovely. Like a short cheongsam, which made me happy.

Do what feels right, and more dresses will come your way regardless! ;~)

Vix

Veteran

Hi Rae --

Sounds like you've made your decision to return but FWIW I'm with those who said it looks great on you and is great for a certain (non-work when paired with bare legs) type of item.

To me a body-con look that's not short (legs) + low-cut (bosom) is a classic option. When an item highlights just one of the two I think it can be a great way to celebrate one's womanly assets.

[In fact this might be too conservative for clubbing!]

DonnaF

Veteran

Rae; FWIW, I think the dress looks a bit skimpy through the shoulders. Sizing up only one size may work, esp. if it comes in actual sizes vs. S-M-L.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all for your help! I did return the dress... perhaps it will go on sale one of these days and I will try again in a larger size. Would have tried in store if I could, but no dice.

Una, I hope it works for you so I can "visit" the dress in your WIWs someday!