K/R : Batwing Shift Dress with Abstract Architectural Print - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R : Batwing Shift Dress with Abstract Architectural Print

Deborah

Veteran

Hi Fabbers,

Further to my wardrobe planning post the dress I ordered has arrived:)

I have had to use my phone for photos so I am sorry they are not very good.

Here are my feelings about the dress:
- I love the dress
- I thought it was grey, but it is actually navy and white
- It's a lightweight fabric, feel nice but needs a slip to ensure it glides over the
body.
- The batwing sleeve makes it difficult to layer over
- Fit is good at the shoulder and bust but seems little big in the lower part of
the dress. EDIT: relooking at the photos I think I actually am preferring it as
is... I don't know.
- I think it may require being taken in about inch at each side seam to ensure
the cocoon shape.
- while I love the dress my main concern is that it is not flattering, if I may be
blunt, I don't mind unconventional fits but I don't want to look 'fat' or (my perception of (matronly).

It wasn't expensive, but it wasn't cheap:) and I don't want to keep anything that isn't' fabulous.

#1 Sleeves scrunched and dress at full volume
#2 & #3 Dress with the additional fabric tapered
#4 Side veiw
#5 Back view
#6 With sleeves full length
#7 & #8 Attempt at layering over the dress
Tried a few different shoes.

In short, I LOVE the dress but I am not convinced it loves me.

I seek your collective wisdom:)

xxx Deborah

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Shopping

38 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

Marmee

Veteran

My first reaction to the first picture was that your legs are shapely, and that mitigates the volume of the dress. But, after looking at all of the pictures, I'm afraid that it might really make you look much larger than you are. #7 with the long vest is somewhat better.

I wanted to like this, but I'm just not a fan. Also, I know black is your color. Will you dislike the navy with black shoes?

Deborah

Veteran

Thanks Marmee:) Navy is fine and I am trying to add more of it to my wardrobe because I love how it works with black.

I appreciate the honest feedback.. thank you:)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't think this dress is a 10, Debs. The neckline is too high, the hemline a little long for the volume, and the volume a little too much all over without the break of an open neckline.

You might try sizing down to give it another chance since you love it so much. xo

Thistle

Veteran

I want to love it. . . But I don't. It doesn't have the usual architectural drape, elegance and drama of what I perceive as your style.

To my eye, it does not have enough structure, but I am not fully acclimated to the more fluid look.

shedev

Veteran

I like the dress with the toppers, but not as much by itself. I don't think it quite rises up to your level of fabness.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

What Angie said. But I love you in navy and white.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I think it looks too big all over. Can you size down?

Anonymous

I think it overwhelms you too.

Deborah

Veteran

Thanks so much ladies. You know that feeing when you really want something to work but you know in your heart it doesn't?? I really needed you to keep me on the straight and narrow.

I based on the fit of the neckline and shoulders and I don't think sizing down is an option.

No drama, money back in my bank and I will keep my eyes open for something else.

Peri

Veteran

Joining the chorus...I think it overwhelms you. I see all dress and no Deborah. I have seen you in so many things I like better.

I know the pain, I just returned something I liked that didn't like me. It only hurts for a little while!

Diana

Veteran

It's actually the TOP and not the bottom that I think is overwhelming. I think you'd need either a lower neckline or a sleeveless/cap sleeve - some bare skin to break up all the fabric up top. I think the fit on the bottom half is good - your great legs provide the necessary "structure".

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oooh...I'm sad, because I adore the pattern and loved the idea of this one so, so much. Sigh....

Was it an ASOS dress, Deb? Can't remember.

Deborah

Veteran

Peri was that the Three Dots tunic??? I am coveting that also. But based on your experience I don't think it's going to be a good fit for me:(

Diana, that is a good point! And looking at the pics I think I agree. It does nothing to minimise my bust.

Suz, yes an Asos dress. Im a bit flat because I am ready to buy a few new things for the cooler months but so far not a lot of luck. I think I need to be patient as some stores haven't even got their Winter stock yet.

BTW, Im home with Master 11 today as he was unwell at school. Just told him the YLF ladies recommend I return the dress and I got a polite "I told you so" from him. He thinks I should just consult him in future lol

Gigi

Veteran

Sorry, Deborah, but I have to agree with the other posters that this dress overwhelms you. Generally, although your outfits are not conventional, they are still very flattering. I did not feel that way about this one. I vote to return.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think return is the right decision but I do love the look with the long vest. Master 11 is wise beyond his years.

Marley

Veteran

Man - I love the idea of this dress - and I hope you keep looking for something like this because you could really rock this style Deb!

viva

Veteran

I want to love it too, but immediately I found it just overwhelming on you. I would not vote to have it taken in on the sides because it changes the shape of the dress. Sigh. I would say return.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Angie - I like the idea of the dress but it just seems a bit too much.

unfrumped

Veteran

I think it is great you tried it, because there ARE good things about it. I really like the color and print for you; and the fabric sounds like it might be different and useful. It just doesn't have quite the type of cut and drape for you. It's a great example of "almosts" and how to be inspired by some new features, but not settle on that item. Good for you!

gryffin

Veteran

Deborah - you know how much I love this print but I don't think it does you justice. I see dress, I don't see you any more. You'd need to have it really tailored and that's always dicey. Also with the batwings I think they will be less versatile with your elegant layered style. So sad, very pretty but I think there will be more perfect things with less fuss.

Hil

(website)

Veteran

I think your decision is made but I just wanted to commiserate and say I know how you feel - you want something to work and it just doesn't. Good on you for trying and saying no to something that isn't quite there.

Isabel

Veteran

Deborah, I have to agree with you and the others. I find the dress unflattering. Ironically, looking at the dress when you originally posted I LOVED it. And you very often pull off fab cuts that should've theoretically not been flattering but look awesome. This one just isn't your level of awesomeness. : (

rae

(website)

Veteran

To me it looks a fair bit too big. :T I love the idea, but I don't think it has "just enough structure." I know you'll find just the thing, though; you always do!

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

I really like it, but it does seem like it may need a few alterations to give you a sleeker cocoon look. Reading Angie's great comments, can you try another size? I like the blue and white combination on you, Deborah, because it's a nice muted look and I especially love the layered look in #7, with the longer jacket.

Parsley

Veteran

Oh, darn, Deborah! It's so close to being good, but just not quite. I love the print, and the batwing sleeves, but it does look more sack-like than cocoon-like. I suppose you could have it tapered toward the hem, but I'm afraid it might still be slightly off.
Here's hoping you find something similar that is more worthy of you!

Peri

Veteran

Yes Deborah...the three dots tunic. I know I'm IT but I've really never had something fit quite so small in the shoulders!

Helena

Veteran

I loved it with the long layer, but on its own I don't think it is as flattering as many of your other looks. HOWEVER, you have set that bar rather high, it must be said!!

Hope you find something you love even more!

Debra

Veteran

What a shame, great pattern but the shape doesn't look right to me.
Keep looking

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I don't think it has enough elements of structure to break up the volume; I would like to see it with a bit more skin at the neckline (either bateau or scopp or v-neck), and I'd like to see it tapered a bit more at the knee (or hemmed to be mid-thigh and wear with leggings)...and the sleeves should be very fitted most of the way up or chop them off and let your bare arms show (in this case you could layer a long sleeve top underneath, too.

I do LOVE the fabric and the idea of this dress for you. If it was cheap it might be worth some amount of modification?

I think I'd also like it better with more modern footwear such as a sandal bootie or your fab cuffed flat sandals?

ETA, I'd also like to see it with black ankle-length footless tights.

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