K/T: Black sheath

Ingunn

All this talk of LBDs and sheaths reminded me of a dress I bought a few years ago, but haven't worn in a while. It has been in the donation bag for several weeks. However, I don't have anything that resembles a black sleeveless sheath, and I guess this one possibly could fill that hole a while longer. It is not lined, so I have to wear a slip. The fabric is quite thick and with stretch.

A few months ago I tried to style it and took a few pics. What do you think? Is this flattering, worth keeping, or should I finally toss it? Please be very honest.

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13 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from Ingunn

Jules

Veteran

It's not terrible but in context of your other wonderful clothes, the fit is not perfectly flattering and I find the low scoop neckline off. This is purely in context of what I've seen of your clothes! Sounds like you're over it anyway.
It's better with the jacket but that many layers (slip, dress, shirt, jacket) would drive me nuts.

13 years ago

Raisin

Veteran

It's not bad, but it's not awesome either. I think if your other dresses are filling all your needs, then why keep it? I would think it's second pick to most of what you have, so why wear less than fab?

13 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

You're both right, of course. I knew this already, but all of a sudden this stupid idea crept into my mind that it still was worth keeping. Thanks!

13 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I agree and sympathize. I'm bad about retrieving a maybe item. With the neckline, it seems it will end up being a jumper. Tossing lets you find a more versatile LBD.

13 years ago

Anonymous

The neckline is too low to wear alone and the fabric seems to cling. I think you can let go of this one. Not as fav as your other stuff.

13 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

Agreed, it's not up to your current fit and flatter standards. Zap voiced my two issues with it - neckline and cling.

If you DO decide to go after a new black sheath, I have no doubt your criteria will result in making sure you find a great one

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

If it's a hole that you reach for often yet have not been able to fill, it is nice enough to keep around while you search. Those of us looking for trenches, BF jeans, and the like can attest to the fact that finding that perfect wardrobe workhorse can sometimes be a lengthy process.

13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

It really isn't all that flattering on you and it is not up the level of the other items I have seen you post. I really think you can do better.

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

The fit seems a bit off Ingunn but like Rae suggested, you could keep it around until you find "the one".

Do you have Banana Republic there? I'm very pleased with the black v-neck sheath I bought at BR.

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You know, I've been waffling about getting rid of my own trusty black sheath. Yours looks better than mine, to tell you the truth. But mine is such a workhorse I don't really feel I have a choice about it until I get a replacement.

Meanwhile, I've been doing a lot of thinking about sheath particulars. Depending upon how you want to wear it (and your body type) I think a couple of things are key.

If you want to layer under it successfully yet ALSO be able to wear it as a dress without a layer underneath, the right neckline is key. So...jewel, crew, boat, and maybe a V...but a low scoop like this or narrow straps make it feel too jumper-like.

Fabric weight: some are too thick to be cross seasonal (in my climate). But some are too thin. My present dress, and maybe yours, fall into that category. This one lacks a bit of structure. So does my current dress, though admittedly it used to look a lot better before I wore it into the ground!

I think your wrap is doing the work you want from this dress anyway. Personally, I love a sheath shape and think it fills a different niche than an A line skirted dress does, so you can continue to look for the perfect one - perhaps in another of your best neutrals.

13 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

You are a bunch of wise women:) When I see the pictures now and red your comments, it becomes very clear that I must toss this dress. I agree to everything you've pointed out. It doesn't cut it.

Shannon, I wish I had a BR nearby, but I believe London is the closest to a BR for me.

Suz, good thinking as always. I really want a sheath that span three seasons, preferably in wool/wool blend. I think I want black, but like you I've been thinking a lot about navy, too. I want a high necline, no sleeves, and lining. Maybe I'll find it in Toronto?

13 years ago

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