K/R/Alter: Red Graphic Print Dress

Hi Everyone!

The AC at our new apartment was out all yesterday as the maintenance crew had to replace the entire unit. And I'm waiting for them to replace the dowel rods in the closet so I can finally hang up my clothes. Right now, they are carefully wrapped in bags which are littering my bedroom floor in giant piles. Nothing like a move to make you realize how much clothing you have! Which is naturally why I brought home another dress.

To beat the heat, I headed to the mall and I found this dress at Nordstrom. I'd love to get some opinions on it. I really, REALLY love the print and the drapey/grecian front. I have a feeling that this dress needs some wedge heels or something on me though. Or maybe it needs to be hemmed? I think also that I'm not used to wearing dresses this long. Does it kind of overwhelm me? It comes with a matching belt, which I'm wearing in the photo, but I've posted some examples of accessories I could wear with it.

Thank you!

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13 years ago

celia

Veteran

Hi Ana,

I really like the print but the skirt looks a little bit big to me.Maybe adding a belt like you posted would give it a bit of defnition.

Heather

Ana, I received an email from Anthro about the Karen Walker collection there....the entire spread made me think of you!

http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....-mik-4.jsp

Sorry to be a downer, but I think this frock this too big. Perfect color, though!

Ana

(website)

Thank you so much Celia and Heather! That's interesting because I actually sized down one size from what I normally wear in this dress.

Heather, OMG! Thank you for that link. That collection is so cute!!

I see the last picture now.It is suposed to be kind of greek edgy
I am sure you can find something that looks fab on fab you.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Ana, the dress has potential but at the moment it's not quite right. Can you size down? The top front is too long on your torso. The photo shows a different front drape too. Have you belted it in the same way? It's also the wrong silhouette to be a midi - not straight enough and not flared enough either.

Goodluck with the move! Get that A/C back on asap!

Diana

It's a pretty dress, but I agree that it appears to be a little too big for you. And this may just be my personal taste, but I think it needs either some higher contrast or chunkier shoes on the bottom (like a platform sandal maybe?). The nude shoes seem too delicate and, well, nude.

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

Angie, I don't think I could size down and have the dress fit my top half. I usually wear a 6, but this dress is a 4. The dress also has pockets which kept bunching around my hips instead of lying flat. If I decided to keep the dress, I would have the pockets removed. The dress has a little flap in the drape that you can pass the belt through (that's what they've done on the model). But I didn't really favor that look on me, so I put the belt over the whole thing to make it more waist-defining. I think as-is this dress is midi length, which is why it feels overwhelming to me. I could easily get it hemmed, since I have to hem almost all dresses and skirts I buy anyway.

Diana, thanks for the suggestion. What about the brown wedge shoes I posted with it? In the photos I was just wearing the shoes I walked into the store in, but I agree they aren't right for the dress.

Thanks again, everyone!

Anonymous

Gorgeous draping and print! I can see why you like it. My first thought was: does it need to be taken up at the shoulder seam? I can't tell from the model how much blousing is in the design. You might still need to hem it. And remove the pockets. Okay, now we're re-designing the whole dress, lol!

I think the brown shoes would definitely be better, but possibly still too delicate. I think with the length and volume of the dress as is, it's a little overwhelming so you need something chunky on the bottom to balance it out, but if you shortened the dress as you mentioned the shoes would probably work.

Thanks Claire and Diana!

Claire, maybe there's just too much draping on the top for me, which is causing it to seem too long. The belt sits at my natural waist.

I think I might just return the dress, since it seems like I'd have to extensively alter the whole thing to make it work.

rae

It's such a pretty dress, Ana, but I agree that it looks too big... I feel like you'd have to make it pretty darn short to keep the volume from overwhelming you. :T

Jonesy

I recognize that DVF lovely :)! I agree with the others that something is just a bit off, but I'm not sure what....

annagybe

I vote return. Way more hassle to get it right than what's worth.

Echo

I tend to agree that it is a beautiful print and the colours are very flattering, but the drape in the front is too long. But this is a popular colour this season, as are bright prints, and I would bet you would be able to find something similar with a more flattering silhouette.

Deborah

Ana it is a stunning dress and suits you so well, however I must agree with the general consensus that something is not quite right in the fit. I was going to suggest sizing down but I see you have considered that. If you absolutely love it, would you consider having it tailored to perfection?

Annettecorie

Member

Casual fashion for women is quickly becoming a popular trend. Though some still choose to look their best every time they leave their home, many others are choosing to dress down a bit to be comfortable. However, it is important to know that fashion has to be sacrificed for comfort.

Meredith1953

It's lovely and the print and color are gorgeous on you but it looks like it would need to be altered to have the neckline drape up to hit you higher on the torso and also would need to have the skirt hemmed to work with your petite frame.

Thank you so much, everyone! I decided to take it back since it seems like it would require extensive alterations and I already have a fair amount of summer dresses. I'll keep looking. Thanks again!

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