Modern Classic or Poor Man's Fashion Icon - YouLookFab Forum

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Modern Classic or Poor Man's Fashion Icon

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I added this dress in geranium to my basket today http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/C.....Dress.html for events in which I want to feel polished and attractive but not necessarily edgy or vintage or fashion(y) BUT I have a nagging suspicion the dress may be too close to the famous Issa dress worn by Kate Middleton upon announcing her engagement.

I am therefore having a little trouble deciding if this dress is a true modern classic piece or if it is just a poor mans Issa which will forever be associated with (and dated to) a royal. What is your take?

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22 replies

Latest reply was from RoseandJoan

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

I think the print makes it totally different. I didn't think of the Issa connotation at all. It just looks like a nice knit dress to me.

bj1111

Veteran

i, for one, love the dress regardless of the association (or taint). in a few years, you'll still look fab in it. great color.

morethanbeige

Veteran

I think the print is really nice. To me, it seems too classic to be associated to any one dress.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think it's a classic shape, and the print makes it different enough that no one will associate it with the Duchess. Go for it!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Phew, I hate it when I start to doubt a purchase before it even arrives! Thank you.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

You ordered it in the solid geranium right? I think you made an excellent choice. Definitely a classic and I love the fabric, silk viscose. I would never associate it with Kate Middleton but then again I pay little attention to her, however in the UK that might be unavoidable as I know the media gives everyone a constant royal diet.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Beautiful dress with lovely styling and in a gorgeous colour!

catgirl

Veteran

I think it's lovely and I would NEVER have made that connection! But I see it's pretty much sold out, as usual with Boden - hope you got it!

christieanne

Veteran

It does not seem like a "copy" at all. Even so, since she wore such a trendy color in a simple style but that photo was seen everywhere, I don't think most folks think "Kate" every time they see a deep blue dress. Unless you add the sapphire ring circled with diamonds of course.....;)

You should get tons of possible wears out of the dress you ordered - great print.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Print saves it.

Velma

Veteran

No way--no association at all with Kate Middleton. It's a classic, pretty wrap dress! I love the geranium color.

Anonymous

Not in the print, at all, as it partially obscures the design. I hope other UK YLFers chime in though because it must be whole different ball game over there.

Meredith1953

Veteran

What a lovely dress!

Inge

(website)

To me this reads as a timeless silhouette in a gorgeous and unexpected colour. A dress that stands on its own, not a copy of the blue engament dress.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I agree with the rest of the YLF crowd! It's a classic, not a copy. You're in the UK, aren't you? I don't know if you'd get this reference, but I gave up black berets for a decade after the Monica Lewinsky / Bill Clinton debacle. Ms. Lewinsky hugged Mr. C. in a parade line wearing one -- a picture that lived in infamy! For years, every time I donned my beret, with my dark 90's era hot-curled hair --- I received stares. Well, I love berets, and people forget even iconic photos faster than you'd think!

Jjsloane

Veteran

If it's flattering on I would not worry about the association. (Personally I love her style) Boden does drapey knits so well I think you made a great selection. Hope it works out - please post when it arrives!!

Deborah

Veteran

Im a bit confused! Is it the Geranium you are getting? The block pink/red color? Some mentioned a print but unless there is a self print in the fabric I can't see it.

It is a lovely classic dress and I think the color would be lovely on you.

I am also partial to the blue with the print.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Comparing photos, I do see see what you mean about the lines of the dress.

But I think the colour is different enough that on the street it wouldn't instantly come across as a DoC copycat, and I daresay you aren't surrounded by tabloid followers who have no other better jobs than to identify royal inspiration in real life!

Of course, adding accessories would take it to another place entirely. This would look truly scrumptious with the current emerald green!

lyn67

Veteran

I think it's a classic, go on!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Dresses are often full of surprises, Julie. They can look fab on a hanger and awful on - and vice versa. Awful on the hanger and fab on the bod. Soooooooo, I think you should order the dress and pop it on! It has the potential to be a 10

rachylou

Veteran

I had to go back and look at Kate Middleton's Issa dress to see how similar they are. And they are similar, but I had a completely different impression of her dress. You don't have any worries there.

I don't know why, but I feel reluctant to call it classic. But it's imminently tasteful and clearly has staying power... Maybe it's the preppy in me... I feel it's a pretty body-con dress.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Oh I ordered the dress in a 10 & 12 and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works out! Thanks for reassuring me the dress does not scream DoC.

Deborah, you are right I ordered the block colour version.

Angie, a potential 10, I hope it lives up to it's promise.

Rachylou, it is bodycon!