K/R: EF Mandarin collar dress aka nightgown - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R: EF Mandarin collar dress aka nightgown

JAileen

Veteran

I intended to post this dress with the swing dress and see which one you preferred. Obviously I didn't do that, mainly because this one came several days later. This is the same fabric, a very drapey jersey. It is charcoal with a mandarin collar. My husband made a face when I showed him, and said it looked like a nightgown.

What do you think? Does it look like a nightgown, or does it deserve to stay? It feels wonderful. BTW, my husband wasn't fond of the other dress either.

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14 replies

Latest reply was from Staysfit

DonnaF

Veteran

This dress makes me wonder if you're a smaller size in EF. In drapey dresses or even shirtdresses, I generally need to size down; otherwise my DH says they look like nightshirts. And he's right. Can you order a smaller size to compare?

Julie

I like the length and shape of the bottom of this dress, and the color, but am not a fan of the collar. Just my preference though. I liked your swing dress better, as it looked sort of cleaner, and also easier to accessorize to change the look.

JAileen

Veteran

Donna, that's funny your husband uses the same description. You make a good point. I could definitely order a smaller size.

Julie, I see what you mean about accessorizing. The other one had an easier neckline to work with.

rachylou

Veteran

The thing for me is, I'm seeing this dress with different shoes, closed toe ones.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I prefer the other dress J. The other dress is a lovely Spring colour and has a clean front and neckline (for necklaces). And just a fun, happy look. This dress looks more utilitarian. And it could be tricky to embellish with a necklace because of the buttons. I could see it as cool weather dress with boots and a jacket in Autumn, but do you plan to wear it that way? If it's for spring/summer, I vote return. (Full disclosure: I am not wild about shirt dresses.)

Staysfit

Veteran

I would use this dress more as a jacket/cover up than as a dress. It could potentially make a nice top layer opened up over your patterned EF shift dress that you recently posted. I agree that maybe a smaller size would work better.

I like the neckline, but I like high necklines because they suit my long neck and smaller chest. I wear necklaces with clothing that has high necklines, but I would wear a long necklace with this dress, not a collar length necklace. I also think this dress has versatility. I love that it has sleeves. It is a different silhouette than the swing dress, which I also liked on you. It can be paired nicely with jeans, or leggings or colorful tights and I think it is a great transitional weather piece that works well in either Spring or Fall, plus it can be winterized.

Bottom line is that I like it.

Inge

(website)

I think this is the right size, and the fit looks good to me. It's supposed to be a little drapey, and the collar is typical for this type of shirtdress. I like it:-) It's a different vibe than the other dress, which I like too, but totally works on you as well, in my opinion.

JAileen

Veteran

Rachy, do you envision this as a winter dress?

Brooklyn, I was envisioning using them in the same way. They're the same fabric. But maybe you and Rachy are on to something. I agree about necklaces. In my mind I thought maybe focus on earrings.

Staysfit, do you mean Jenn's dress for Florida? Regardless, I was attracted to the high collar for the same reasons as you.

Inge, thanks! I thought I might go to Macy's today (to look for white jeans) and see if they have this in a smaller size.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I'm with Inge. I like this dress, too, and it's quite different than the swing dress you posted. I like the shirt styling, along with the shirt-tail hem, the cool gray color, which will work well for you, and the drapey fabric. It is clearly not your nightgown. Your DH needs time to adjust to these waist-surrendering looks, perhaps.
With these more open sandals (very cool in the metallic, btw), you might try scrunching the sleeves, to show a little bit of arm. I think this dress would also look nice with the sandals you showed with the EF swing dress.

Marlene1

I especially like this dress, even more than the first EF dress. I think the shorter length and shirt-tail hem make the body-surrendering style flattering.

JAileen

Veteran

Firecracker, yes it was the color that attracted me to this dress, but also the neckline. Thanks for the styling suggestions.

Marlene, thank you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love it. It's a different type of dress than the other one; they're both good. This one has structure with the shorter length and would have more with scrunched sleeves. I'd wear it as is with some silvery jewellery or a scarf, or over white crops. I also love mandarin collars for the reason Staysfit gave.

JAileen

Veteran

Suz, I guess Staysfit, you, and I are attracted to similar necklines. I like your styling suggestions, too. Thank you!

Staysfit

Veteran

Oops, too many EF dresses to keep track of recently, sorry!