K/R: Is this my L(L)BD? - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R: Is this my L(L)BD?

cciele

Veteran

That would be "Little (Leather) Black Dress"!

So 'tis the party season and I need to replace my LBD equivalents, due to some weight gain (sigh). Anyhow, I love the black leather dress that Lauren has, so when I saw it on sale I decided to check it out, even though I don't usually wear fit-and-flare style dresses.

Even on sale, this is a bit spendy for me, so I'd like to tap into YLF wisdom. How is the fit? Can it be dressed down? Do you think this style has some longevity?

The first three shots are with extremely high heels I can't really wear; I'm thinking Okalas would be more manageable if I decide to keep the dress. The last one is an attempt at casual-fying the dress.

Thanks for your help, and happy holidays to all!

P.S. I am getting over a cold and looking pretty run down, thus the sunglasses.

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Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Ooooh; I have been looking at LLBDs too, especially since seeing them look so good on other people.

Have you tried sizing up in this dress? It looks a bit tight maybe across the chest (does it pull under the arms)?

I have not bitten on this type of dress because I think that there is a lot of attention drawn to the chest because of the light reflection - does this bother you?

PS: Get better soon!

MsLuna

Veteran

I really like this dress on you, though I have similar concerns as lyn*. It seems like the dress is pulling at the bust. Is it comfortable?

cciele

Veteran

lyn and KatieKat: Good question about the chest fit! I think if I went larger, it would be problematic in the upper chest area; in the side view you can see how there's a little fold/wrinkle. It's not tight feeling at all; since the back is stretchy lycra-type material, there's quite a bit of give. I wonder if the leather parts will stretch out, hmm... Also, unfortunately I don't think there are any sizes left of the dress, although I can keep stalking.

And lyn, I don't mind attention on my chest, really. My stomach, on the other hand...!

MsLuna

Veteran

LOL cciele, I'm with you on chest attention (haha!)... It seems to fit well on the stomach area, so no problem there.

Emily

Veteran

I like the way you've styled it, sunnies and all, but I have to give this a nay for fit. The shine of the leather exacerbates the issue a bit, but it does look like there is some pulling around the bodice.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I love it! (surprise, surprise) I think the leather edges up the fit-and-flare silhouette really nicely. The length is great, too.

Honestly, I'm not really seeing a big fit issue in the bust. Leather always looks more fitted in photos than IRL. How does it feel?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I really like it, Cathy! I love the way the leather makes the fit and flare silhouette a bit more edgy, while the fit and flare silhouette makes it seem less va-va-voom bombshell THIS IS A SEXY DRESS. It's a dress with a sense of humour. I did wonder about the bust fit, but with the stretchy back (genius!) if it feels fine (and clearly you can layer) it will probably be okay. I guess it depends on your comfort level with attention to that area. It will look great with the Okalas.

Anonymous

I really like it too and agree with what Suz said. You can also wear a denim jacket or vest or cardigan over it to make it more casual. You could even wear a sweater over it for a leather skirt look.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

No stomach attention problems here! I love stretchy backs!

Gigi

Veteran

I like the dress overall, but I would nix it because of the gaping at the armhole. Leather dresses aren't cheap, so I would want one that fits perfectly.

kellygirl

Veteran

Ooh, SO fab. It looks amazing on you, Cathy. I see the bit of gaping at the armhole from the side but it's not a deal breaker for me. I would imagine when you are moving around normally it would not even be noticeable. Love it layered with the shirt underneath too! Keep!

deb

Veteran

I like it best as a jumper. It hides the gaping. Have you tried a black lace tee under it?

Susie

Veteran

I think the fit looks good. I like it a lot!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I love it, too! I'm with Janet; I don't see any fit issues. I think it's especially flattering from the side, too!

Liz A.

Veteran

That dress is on fire! I don't see a fit issue. I think it might just be bunched a little at the shoulder. Would pulling it down a smidge close the gap?

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I think this dress fits you beautifully, and you look gorgeous! A dress like this is supposed to be fitted, not baggy, in my opinion. It does take a certain bold attitude, and I think you've got that I vote yay

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

O.M.G.!!!!! I am totally in love with this on you. You could also try it with a white button up/down shirt.
http://blog.shopbop.com/resort.....-an-oxford

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I love it too. Hope you are feeling better.

Debra

Veteran

Wow........ This will look fabulous with the okalas and I love the day look with the shirt and flats. How versatile is this little dress
I think a keeper for sure

carambola

Veteran

My first impression was WOW, that looks fantastic! Both alone and with the shirt layered under. Then I saw some of the other comments about pulling at the bust, so I went back and looked again and... I don't see it. Still think it looks amazing on you!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I love it!

Shirley

It fits you very well. I can think of a lot of ways wearing it: by itself, with casual jackets, classic jackets, pull-over, leather vest, cashmere wrap... You should definitely keep it.

Echo

Veteran

LOVE this dress on you. I went back looking for the pulling issue and I don't see it. Leather is supposed to fit well/snug, and this piece fits perfectly. And I don't see gaping at the arm holes, either; they are just cut more square instead of high and rounded. Definitely not a deal-breaker. I'm not terribly fond of layering under it (though a long sleeved lace tee might work), but that's just my own bias. If I were to try to tone it down a bit, I'd layer over instead of under (and if a shirt has pockets or bumps, the leather can take on that shape and the bumps can be hard to get to go away). I vote keep!

cciele

Veteran

Thank you all for your feedback! Seems to be a mix of too tight vs just right. I'm leaning toward "keep" though

Emily: I get you about the shine and pulling. I do think it looks different in person though; the leather is hard to photograph.

Janet: It feel comfortable, especially with the stretchy back!

Suz: Good point about the fit-and-flare silhouette! There's something about a lot of black leather that can go either S&M or bombshell, but I don't feel either way wearing it.

Joy: Great ideas -- will have to try it out. Hopefully I can find a sweater that works.

Gigi: Yeah, leather is pricey. I think though given my body shape, I'd have to get alterations for most dresses of that type for a perfect fit. I should check into getting some darts put in.. hm

Kelly: Thanks! I'm sure people wouldn't be looking at the armholes when I am wearing the dress

Deb: I don't have a black lace one but I do have a sheer black tee -- I'll give that a shot!

Susie: Thanks!

Rae: Side view, check

Liz: Yes, the gaping goes away a bit when I pull it down, but ride up a bit. Has to do with my torso length, I think.

La Bell Demimondaine: I'm glad the attitude comes across Thank you!

Denise: Aha, another good reason to get a white oxford -- I keep hunting for one that fits and hopefully will find it!

Caro: Thanks, and yes I am on the mend! Just in time for New Years

Debra: Can't wait to try them with the Okalas (which should be here on Monday).

Carambola: Heh, you gave me a good chuckle there

Annagybe: Thanks!

Shirley: More great ideas -- I am particularly intrigued by wearing a leather vest over it.

Echo: Good point about the bumps. I hadn't thought of that!

Anonymous

I love it too. I would not go any larger.

Nanabear

I think it's perfect as it is and works great for your style. I vote keep!

Anonymous

I absolutely love this! I hope you keep it.

I am not fond of the shirt under the dress, but I don't ever love that look with any shirt/dress. I think a jean jacket over the top would look great though.