K/R: Dress edition - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R: Dress edition

kellygirl

Veteran

I'd love to get your opinion on some dress replacements. I have three up for review. Summer is a whole different animal for me and I'm not really striving to meet UWP criteria. I'm happy with cool, flattering, frump-less and can be worn with sandals. The last picture shows the dresses that I'm replacing. Just want to make sure I'm not making any mistakes. TIA

1.) Cynthia Rowley Striped Dress: It's lined and loose fitting. It looks more current to me than my brown Target dress, I think. It looks okay with various toppers and can stand alone. Machine washable too.
2.) MK knit dress. I like that it's drapey and doesn't require shapewear. Is this style of dress dated though? It's not very easy to style with toppers because of the draping in the front. I think the only thing that will work is my cropped black cardigan which is currently MIA (in DD's closet, me thinks.) I think it's more current that my tiered dress which is bordering on too short and tight?
3.) CR sequin skirted dress: I like this but am not sure I should. It would be the first component of my dressy capsule. I like the looser fit and I think it could possibly span the seasons. Is it nice or just weird?

Honesty appreciated. My dress situation is kind of a mess. Thanks!

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32 replies

Latest reply was from Jjsloane

bj1111

Veteran

my fave is #2 because of how the shoulders are cut at the side. they angle up and in minimizing your shoulders. but the other dresses look great with a topper.

i like the dressy dress tone especially with the leather coat. the denim vest combos leave me cold but this is my poison eye.

pil

Veteran

Kelly, I absolutely love 1 and 3! 2 is nice too, but I think I like your three current dresses better. Is there something wrong with them that they need replacing? or maybe you're just tired of them : )

kellygirl

Veteran

Thanks for your honesty, Bj1111. I just tried a bunch of toppers--I think denim will be too hot for summer anyway. Wasn't sure about the proportions of the long moto--so thanks!
@pil: Thank you! I'm afraid the brown Target dress is just worn out. The tiered dress seems a little too body con for the occasional happy hour or dinner out for this mom. I feel kind of self conscious in it unless it's really dark. The last dress makes me feel frumpy. I've tried it a dozen different ways and it always makes me feel the same.

jayne

Veteran

I loved dresses 2 and 3. 1 looks also fab but best without toppers for some reason. Can you wear it without a jacket? or another length. I didn't feel any of these toppers worked.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

OMG, that sequined dress is KILLER on you!!

Love.

I feel like the neckline on the MK might be a little too high to be uberflattering. Or maybe the dress has a lot of fabric in the front? It's cute, but I wish it had a wider or deeper neckline. Reading more comments, I see that bj111 mentions that it's good for minimizing shoulders - that never occurred to me, but I can see that now.

I like the Cynthia Rowley dress on you, but I do wish the layers wrapped all the way around the back, like those Bailey 44 dresses. Still, I think the colors are really cute and the cut is flattering.

kellygirl

Veteran

Thanks, Jayne. Unfortunately, these were the best of the toppers I had for 1. I think everything else is just too long and too wintery. On the plus side, it's usually too hot for a topper anyway

Thanks, Laura! Love that the frock queen has chimed in! I didn't even think about the wrap around tiers. It's definitely not a B44! Good point about the neckline in 2. I didn't notice that either. I just thought the style might be dated or frumpy. Great things to think about! Thanks for the thumbs up on 3

Echo

Veteran

You have the figure to wear anything, but I don't think #2 is fab enough for you. The colours on #1 are fantastic and very flattering, but the dress itself I could take or leave.

But #3 is OUTSTANDING. Absolutely amazing on you - super-flattering, fun and just bare enough and covered enough to be perfect for most dressy occasions. I think it is an absolute must-have (and I am not usually a big fan of sequins)!

cciele

Veteran

My favorites are 1 and 3. I also like your current tiered dress -- for daytime wear, it doesn't seem too short and tight on a hot, sunny day. But really, it's up to your comfort level as you know!

MNsara

Veteran

#1 - not my favorite of the three but definitely could do the job the tired Target dress was doing.

#2 - really like this one and love the length (vs. the old tiered one). I know what you mean about it and toppers. Is that a deal breaker? and are you sure? I'm a huge fan of B&W prints!

#3 - is awesome on you I'm not feeling the vests over it, but alone or with one of the black blazers or short moto look super to me. What a fun piece to have on hand

I like your idea of dresses specifically to replace ones you're thinking of retiring. It's 1-in-1-out thought thru in advance - clever you!!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

#3 is spectacular on you - what a great base for a dressy capsule.

You look great in everything but I'm not getting that wow feeling from the other dresses.

Tina.b

Veteran

#3 is so gorgeous on you, very modern and elegant! Perfect addition to your dressy capsule. I also think #2 is flattering and versatile, an excellent wardrobe addition. I find dresses with any sort of draping the easiest to wear.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Nothing at all dated here, I think they are all so flattering and cute on you. The sequin dress is unusual but in a good way; I like it on you. I vote keep all three. They are certainly more current than the empire-style dresses you are replacing.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I didn't read the others. I think #1 is uber cute on you and #3 is outstanding. Those are my favorites but they are all very pretty dresses.

catgirl

Veteran

As a sister IT #2 is my favorite with the cut of the shoulders. I don't see it as dated, I actually think it's on trend with the whole looser fit. The other two are nice, but this one was the first I noticed!

It is amazing how similar our upper bodies are!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Kelly, what do you think about something like this dress? Fun, modern, on trend - I don't know how long it is but maybe someone here has tried it, from the new Savvy Dept.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/as.....sultback=0

ETA: This one from Madewell is really pretty too - would be a great color on you!

http://www.madewell.com/madewe...../39285.jsp

p.s. Can you tell I like dress shopping?

Lyrebirdgully

Hi Kellygirl, just had to chime in and say how dropdead gorgeous you look in the black dress #3!- both with and without the jackets. I think this dress silhouette could be one that you reprise in the future, as it is insanely flattering.
#2 and #3. They look really you in terms of fit, colour and style – and you really suit stripes, also the pattern in #2. I like the strong style sense that comes through from your choices. If you like these dresses already, I hope my nitpicking below doesn’t put you off them. My next comments are about silhouette, which is a huge priority for me, but you may be much more tolerant and unbothered than I am in this area. So, FWIW…
#2: I like the draping and I have a lot of love for a frock with natural movement, elegance and a soft feel; this style is a classic, and will not date fast IMO. The indented armholes draw attention to and emphasise your well curved, shapely upper arms, as compared to the standard armholes in #1 and #3. But I have one slight niggle - the neckline. I’m not a fan of how the indented armholes make the neckline narrower than the width of your hips, (your hips are the widest point in this dress); my personal preference is more equality between these 2 points on the torso. (As a comparison, the neckline in #3 dress balances shoulders and hips evenly.) Of course, with a jacket on, the neckline is irrelevant. BTW, you could look out for a silky unlined drapy blazer to go over this frock (in a bright colour?)e.g. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hi.....er/3120314 as an alternative to a cardigan;, though I think your black linen jacket in #3 would also be fine.
#1: Disclaimer - I have to say that I have only seen one Bailey44-style dress WIW that I like totally without reservation. It seems that my eyes are always riveted by the placement of the huge diagonal arrowhead right across the hips; especially when not balanced by a similar huge diagonal arrowhead up top. I would love to see this dress with more fabric at the neck and shoulder area- like the back of your dress- or a high boat neckline (as in #3). Wider straps- or the original low neckline with short sleeves added would also create volume up top, which would also counterbalance the hip diagonals. But of course a jacket will do that anyway. Your black jackets in #3 with diagonal cuts or lines (to pick up the diagonals in the dress) would really look good, I think.
Thanks for sharing these pics!

Tina

Veteran

I love them all. Each one is different and fabulous in it's own right. Your body is made for these and I think you should keep all 3! I could only wish for this kind of success in dress shopping.
I like #1 with the denim vest and jacket, it also looks great on it's own. I think all 3 are very versatile and would have you set for almost any occasion.

Thistle

Veteran

Honestly, I like the three you already have better than any of the new ones. I understand your reasons for choosing to cull them.

Honestly, I would keep looking. You can find ones as good or better than the ones you already have.

bj1111

Veteran

circling back...i love #2 even without a topper!

Nicole D

Veteran

i like #1, but only with topper. I like #2 with or without. #3 is fab!! I do like your cast offs too - although they all do have a similar shape. I really like hose suggestions from Laura - you ladies are both savvy dress shoppers!

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I vote keep 2 and 3 but return 1. The lack of tiers in the back bothers me.

I would also keep the old polka dot dress, but maybe not wear it with that cardi and sweaters but something tougher/less sweet.

You look great in dresses!

sarah

Veteran

Well I like your old dresses a lot, just had to say that. #1 is fab as long as the sort of loose cowlish neckline looks intentional IRL. The others look great too. You're gorgeous!

Aida

Veteran

Well I like them all but I LOOOOOVE #3! Want it And goodness don't just save that for dressy days, wear it out and about, lady!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Kelly: I like all three, and think they meet your needs for summer in a way that honors your stellar style and flatters your shape.

#1 is a wonderful color and shape. This could go anywhere and is not too bare to go without a topper. I actually think bare shoulders offer a softer line than covered do --- I say this, but I never feel that you need to miinimize your balanced IT shape. Strong shoulders are lovely and help define the waist.

#2 --- Could so easily dress up and down. This would be an excellent dress for travel.

#3 --- This one is beyond special! Such a modern, festive, but easy silhouette! Fits your need to a t also!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ooh! Really love 2-3 - especially 3, WOW! Keeperoonies.

#1 I do like, but I can't tell if the neckline is laying correctly? Is it sagging/flapping down a bit, or is that the picture playing tricks on me?

qfbrenda

Veteran

Hmmm... I really like the new ones BUT I love your old ones too! If you are looking for dresses to cull I might check back through your closet again because those 3 are great ones. I wish we wore the same size and you could send them to me if you are dying to be rid of them.

#2 took me a minute to appreciate because I'm not a huge fan of the loose trend... but I can see how that would be a great dress-up dress to have around. I really like #1 of the new ones and #2 looks great on you as well, though I think I like #1 better.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well! Lots to chew on here!

#3 is a slam-dunk and I hope you'll look for more with that blouson shape because it looks spectacular on you. What a great piece to have on hand. I love that it feels relaxed and dressy at the same time. And it seems to fit right in with the whole notion of "unstructured structure" that Angie has been talking about. KEEP!!!

#1 I like this on you a lot -- gorgeous colours for you, so fresh! But I prefer it either with no topper or with the white denim jacket. Not crazy about how it looks with the other options.

#2 I really like this one, too. I do see that it might be more flattering with a lower or more scooped or wider neckline (or a sort of cowl dipping to a V) but at the same time, there is something very elegant about it.

I prefer all the new ones to the old ones. The old ones look great on you, too, because you look great in everything. But the new ones feel more fresh and interesting.

carolbee

Veteran

Well I love all 3, of course #3 is awesome. Much fresher than your old dresses. Out with the old, in with the new, I say.

kellygirl

Veteran

Wow! Lots of different opinions. You have shared such great insights--I have a lot to digest The black dress is a keeper though. I’m excited to have something that I can really dress up or down and that really seems to suit my style. To echo Echo, it is “bare enough and covered enough” which is exactly what drew me toward it! I’m still considering the other two and will try not to let the price sway me--those darn sale goggles!
@Echo: Thank you! You hit the nail on the head in describing 3. It’s modest yet fun and could be very versatile.
@ Cathy: Thanks! I think the tiered dress is just more fitted than I’m used to these days. I like it a lot with a jacket but not so much on it’s own.
@MNsara: Thank you! I think you are on the same wavelength with me on 1 No topper on 2 is not a deal breaker for me. That’s the problem with the old dress--it’s always too hot for the topper and I feel self conscious without one. I think 2 is modest enough for my taste these days but is limited to summer because of the topper situation. I'm also a fan on the print. I have several sleeveless dresses but they are old and all black. Not very summery I love Angie’s 1-in-1-out plan Just hope that I can stick to the “out” part--I seem to have no problem with the “in.”
@caro, dianthus, Thistle: Thanks for your honesty
@Tina.b: Thank you. I agree, draping is my friend these days! I’m glad that you like 3--I love your modern style!
@Denise: Thank you. I have a feeling that you understand the kind of summer dresses I reach for when it’s hot. Our climate and environmental norms are similar.
@Una: LOL! Gosh, isn’t that the truth. I see my upper body every time you post something sleeveless. I guess you can get a general idea of how you would look if you put on 20 pounds!
@Laura: SO pretty. You have great taste! The racerback is gorgeous and is in my cart. I’m not 100% sure about the fit through the body though--it may be too straight for me. The color of the Madewell is divine but I haven’t had much success with that kind of waist--it’s either too high or too low. Thank you so much for shopping for me
@Lirebirdgully: Thank you for your detailed response! Your analysis is so helpful--great to have the details broken down like that. You have given me some great insights. IKWYM about the B44--I like them on others but they don’t really suit my style or needs. I might wear it if I were looking for a “going out” dress somewhere other than where I live-- but it’s too much for the boondocks!
@Tina: Thank you. I tried on a lot of dresses to find these three! I think the key is to try on everything so you have a general sense of what you like and what is flattering. I hope that you find some dresses too:)
@Nicole D: Thank you!
@CF: Thanks! LOL about the tiers. I honestly, didn’t even notice that! As for the Target dress--it is too late. It is waaay past it’s prime! That picture doesn’t show it’s current state of disrepair.
@sarah and rae: Thanks. I didn’t notice the neckline until you and Rae pointed that out. I’m not sure it it is a loose tier or not. I will have to check that more closely. I don’t think it is suppose to be a cowl.
@Aida: LOL! Thanks. Will take that under advisement. Not sure DD’s will let me wear that as MOTG.
@BethAnn: Thank you! So interesting about the bare shoulders. I’m glad #1 works both ways.
@Brenda: LOL! Thanks. I wish I was the same size as you! I’m afraid these would all swamp your petite self!
@Suz: Thank you. I thought exactly the same thing about 3 after reading Angie’s post! I think it comes across more structured than it is though. The whole dress is pretty drapey but the sequins give the illusion of structure. Thanks for the thumbs up on pitching the old. I needed to hear that!
@carolbee: Thank you! I like your attitude!

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