K/R: Two red floral dresses (ETA: new pics at bottom) - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

K/R: Two red floral dresses (ETA: new pics at bottom)

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Hi! Wanted to get your opinion on a couple of red dresses. I'm looking for something to wear to upcoming holiday parties (DH and I usually have holiday parties at work). Do you like either of these dresses?

The first one is a Maggy London sheath. It's size 8 (the 6 is backordered). I don't think I'd want to go any tighter than this anyways though. The second is a Taylor fit and flare. I have size 6 and 8 here. The 6 is very fitted and a little snug around the waist. The 8 has more breathing room at the waist, but I worry that the bodice looks a little too loose and wrinkly. I think I prefer the print placement of the size 6.
1-3. Maggy London sheath, size 8.
4-6. Taylor fit and flare, size 6.
7-9. Taylor fit and flare, size 8.

DH strongly prefers the second one--he thinks the lace detail on the sheath is too frou-frou. DD likes the first one because of the lace. I think the fit and flare is more "me" (plus it has pockets!), but the sheath is maybe more grown-up looking. I just realized that the fit and flare just went on sale, so I can get a price adjustment. I could keep both if you really like both, but they are kind of similar looking so if you have a preference let me know. The theme of my work holiday party is "Winter Wonderland"--would either of these dresses work? Any ideas for toppers--maybe a black or a white faux fur shrug? And do you think I could wear either of these to work later? Thanks so much!

This post has 9 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Maggy London Lace Appliqué Floral Print Sheath Dress (Regular & Petite)

$178.00 $106.80

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

13

Taylor Dresses Floral Print Fit & Flare Dress (Regular & Petite)

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

2

Shopping

26 replies

Latest reply was from Marley

Tanya

Veteran

I like them both, gorgeous dresses and the colors are very flattering. I have a slight preference for the sheath, and I think the size is right. You could dress it down with long cardi for work later.

Diana

Veteran

I prefer the sheath, but that might just be personal preference. Lately I am not feeling fit and flare styles at all. They both seem to fit well. Honestly though I think the fit and flare style is more "frou frou" than the lace! The sheath would be easier to dress down for work too.

catgirl

Veteran

I actually tried on that ML dress (shadow style) and found it way too constricting - sheath dresses can be that way. It looks good on you, though! Not loving the second dress. Something about the waist fit seems odd to me and i find the style less ladylike and more girly.

Did you see the similar Trina Turk dress? Maybe not the right holiday colors?

http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/.....ltback=264

Peri

Veteran

I like the sheath the best, it looks so good on you! Do you feel comfortable in it? I know what Alaskagirl means about how they can feel restricting, but if it feels decent, go for that one!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like the sheath best, hands down. Much more sophisticated looking!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm in complete agreement with others in preference for the sheath dress. I think the fit is spot on plus it will layer easier with your various toppers if/when required. I find fit and flare difficult to wear with any sort of jacket.

Nebraskim

Veteran

I prefer the shape of the sheath on you...the fit and flare seems off to me. Is the sheath comfortable? I don't think either would convert to work wear, but your work may be more accepting of this look. I love the red on you. It and that sheath style picks up an Asian vibe that you may or may not wish to play up.

Alassë

Veteran

I like the sheath better as well; it seems more grown-up ladylike than the other.

Parsley

Veteran

Another vote for the sheath. It's much more sophisticated and flattering, IMO.

Kristin L

Veteran

As much as I love fit and flares, I think I like the sheath better on you. Just looking at the pics, I wonder if the sheath is a little long. Would bringing up to about knee length make it work better for you?

That being said, the fit and flare looks nice as well. I think the 6 looks a little tight, and I wonder if you'd be willing in take the top of the 8 in to make it fit better.

DonnaF

Veteran

The sheath reminds me of a cheongsam; Nebraskim thought the same. I like the longer length. Something feels off about the fit'n'flares. . .but gee, I love pockets, too.

Anonymous

Oh, I love the first one!!! It takes my breath away and you look so lovely in it.

The second one is very pretty too. It doesn't scream glamorous to me and you are glamorous in my mind. I do understand the comfort and pocket thing though so if that speaks to you, by all means, go with that one.

A black wrap or shrug. I can't say if you could wear either of them to work. Both seem too dressy to me, but I may work in a different environment then you.

AviaMariah

Veteran

I'm going to go against the crowd and say I like the fit and flare best for holiday parties. It just reads a little more holiday to me. But they are both really nice and look great on you.

unfrumped

Veteran

The sheath is more flattering and sophisticated. Looks great on you.
I don't see it as a typical work dress just because it's rather dramatic--it just looks "special", but one thing I'd try is a fluid sweater covering the top--not just an open cardigan, but a boxy pullover or a fluid buttoned cardigan--to sort of convert it into a floral pencil skirt look. YMMV in terms of how dressy you like to be at work and whether there are types of work days that are better for that.
That said, I do think the sheath style also is easier to wear with a variety of toppers--long BF cardigan, black blazer, moto all come to mind.

shiny

Veteran

Also going against the crowd - my favorite is the fit and flare. I like the pattern better - but that may be the difference in lighting in the pics. It also seems more festive and twirly.

However, since this is a work event, I'll cast my vote for the sheath.

For toppers for a work party, how much do you intend to wear it? Just to get there and back? Or throughout the event if it's chilly?

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I like the fit and flare but I think you would need to do the larger size and have the extra material on the bust adjusted. I like the sheath also but I think it looks too long. I'm with Shiny on the idea that the fit and flare seems more festive. What shoes are you going to wear?

jackiec

Veteran

You look stunning in both dresses!!! I like them both, but kinda prefer the second one. It's twirly and fun. Either way they are both wins in my opinion. Can't really see the fit difference so I'm no help there.

However, I'd try them both with whatever shoes you're planning to wear. That often helps me make the decision....

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Of the two, I like the sheath better - but I'm a sheath kinda gal. The fit and flare looks beautiful on you as well - so go with what you most love, and makes you feel the most beautiful!

In truth - and maybe this is the costumer/theatre part of me talking - but I feel like "Winter Wonderland" would be a different color palette altogether. I think of Tilda Swinton as the White Witch in "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe", or Cate Blanchett as Galadriel in the "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy: whites, creams, ice blues, pale golds and silvers. Maybe something with a shimmer or a lot of sequins. Spiky, angular jewelry to make one thing of snowflakes and icicles. I am, like, 99% sure you've got stuff like this tucked away in your closet.

Wait... didn't you do something from "Frozen" just recently for a party?

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Sylvie

Veteran

Agreeing with LBD here. The dresses are beautiful and you wear them well, but I'd love to see something icy-blue.

And before I read about the theme, I was sort of thinking, ooh, how about your Kate Spade Florence Broadhurst dress.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE the first dress. That is WOW. xo

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all so much for your input! It sounds like the sheath is a keeper! I still might keep the fit and flare too, because DH strongly prefers that one and I also think it fits my style. I tried it with some toppers and I feel like my coats go better with a fit and flare silhouette. See what you think and if the coat and shoes change your mind about the fit and flare? Which coat and shoes do you think go with each dress the best? And great idea about wearing sweaters over the dresses. It totally changes the vibe!

The topper would mainly be getting to the party, they are indoors. I don't have any "fancy" ice blue or white dresses, I have this "ice crystal dress" that I wore for DD's Frozen birthday, but it's a little too casual for a party:

http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....n-birthday

But I don't think the theme is a major thing for this party, it's mainly just a holiday party. DH is on call for mine so I'll be attending it alone anyways. Maybe I'll wear the sheath for my work party and the floral one for his!

This post has 12 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Anonymous

I'm glad you are keeping both of them. I really do like them both; I just like the sheath more.

I love the look with the red topper. A lot of red, but it is the holidays and my eyes eat that color up.

jackiec

Veteran

My fav is #2 with rockstuds, Chanel bag, and red coat. My goodness these dresses fit right into your repertoire!

Alassë

Veteran

I like the black coat better as a topper (less red). Just personal preference.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

These clearly fit right into your wardrobe. They look even better all styled up. You're right to keep them both.

Marley

Veteran

I really like both dresses and think they look great on you! I would choose whichever one you like the best - and return the other one because I think that the patterns and colors in these dresses look so similar - I would want my other holiday dress to be completely different pattern, color, etc.