K/R Presley Skye Silk Print Dress

My mission to find a summer work dress has begun. Last year's winner is pictured in #6. It was a great dress and I wore it to death. I need a new one for this summer. I'm looking this far ahead because as a petite, it's hard to find my size and I have to bbq if anything ever becomes available.

This is the Presley Skye silk print dress: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pr.....n=category

Pros:
Real silk
Pretty unique abstract print
Nice length
Funky asymetrical neckline

Cons:
Pricey
No lining
No structure
Belt loops a little too low, probably for a taller person

1/2 shows the dress with the self belt, not very exciting. the belt is too low and doesn't give me enough waist definition

3/4/5 shows the dress with my black leather obi belt. It is a cohesive look, it doesn't scream mismatch to me, covers the too low belt loops, and I think it makes me look like I have a waist.

Does this dress say friendly, approachable, confident, voice of authority? Or is it too sweet? If it's too sweet, should I keep it anyway to fill my summer dress capsule?

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14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I like it with the obi belt and it doesn't read "sweet" to me.

Jonesy

Hmmmm. From the looks of these pics, I'm not sure it holds a candle to your other dress. It seems sort of beachy-summery rather than professional-summery, you know? Something about the print and the shape, like it might be awkward to put a jacket over it. But, OTOH, the pics are kind of hard to see....I guess I'm ambivalent :). How do you feel in it?

modgrl

(website)

@Jonesy, it is soft silk. I feel pretty. Not powerful like in a structured suit.... maybe this isn't the summer presentation dress after all.

Stephanie

I agree with Jonesy. I don't dislike the dress, but I don't think it particularly suits the purpose you have in mind. Also, I think it's less versatile and less flattering than the dress you found last year, which is a whiz-bang-pow, in my book.

Heather

I think if it was perfect there would be fewer cons in your column. It is pretty, but I don't think "the 2012 Summer of Rita frock."

goldenpig

It looks OK with the obi, but the arm holes are a little low (is that your bra/cami peeking out?) And the cowl neck stands out a bit too much in #4 too.

But holy cow, #6 is drop dead gorgeous on you! I would keep wearing that twice as often instead of getting this new one!

Hubby said, "Hey Now!" which makes me want to hold on to it for my summer fun dress capsule, but keep looking for THE work dress.

@GP, I know last year's dress was the bomb, that's why it got worn to death!!

cobaltblue

I agree that this dress doesn't live up to the expectations created by last summer's great frock!

HelenInCanada

I think it looks pretty with the obi belt! If hubby likes it, I say hang on to it! It's lovely as a fresh and funky summer dress.

citygirldc

I think the print is a bit off but I'd have to see it on you.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I love the print on you, the drape of the fabric, the style, the length. I agree it does not look too sweet--the effect to me is sophisticated, arty, feminine. I really like it with the obi, and you can always move the belt loops to where you want them or just remove them. For a more serious-business look, you could try a narrow patent belt, perhaps. One thing I notice in #4 is that the armhole looks pretty big; that is one of my pet peeves with sleeveless dresses. You can adjust your bra straps so that your bra doesn't show, and I don't think this one is too revealing on you; it's just a bigger armhole than I would prefer on myself.
P.S. I'd vote keep. You can wear it for lots of occasions, and it will work for the conference. It's good to have a bird in hand. You might find another conference dress, and then this one would still be a great date dress, since your husband likes it!

sarah

It's pretty, BUT, I'm not sold on the fit - it seems to be a bit awkward on you, not as flattering as your other more fitted dress. If it's pricey, I would hold out for something that is a more flattering fit/shape. Sorry to be a bit of a spanner.

Girl X

Another 'it's pretty, but...' It seems more of a breezy vacation type dress than a work dress to me - especially when compared to the last year's winner.

Transcona Shannon

It's a beautiful dress Rita and you'd look lovely no matter what but I don't think this dress does your gorgeous figure justice. Just my two cents worth.

catgirl

It's a pretty dress but it somehow says "I'm on vacation" to me more than "I can serve several purposes." Also I'm not sure I love the fit around your top half as much after seeing your other dress.

Refugee

Cute dress, but I don't think it is 'THE summer work dress of 2012'

CocoLion

Wow, I think this is a faaabulous dress and I absolutely love it with the obi belt. I don't think it's too feminine to be inappropriate for work. It has a softness which is approachable yet it is smart and stylish and I think a woman with style commands respect.

ETA: you would have to wear a slip with this one for work.

LoP

I love the dress on you. It is gorgeous and lady-like. However, no lining on a silk dress always makes me think twice or even mostly not consider a dress. Adding a slip in the summer hear is generally more restrictive then wearing a dress with a lining.

Wow, lots of mixed responses! I think I'm going to hold on to this dress for now but keep it for regular summer wear, not these presentations. I'll be meeting with a large and varied audience. I can't risk even one of these audience members thinking that this is a summer vacation dress and that I'm not taking my responsibility seriously. I need to harness all of my power and charisma, all the while being friendly and approachable, and do it in 100 degree heat!

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