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More dresses - a winner - and a wildcard?

Helena

Veteran

Hi friends, ok, sorry but more dresses from me (with thanks to everyone that commented on my other thread!)

One of the concerns I had was not getting much wear out of a brightly coloured dress - I do LOVE a bright colour - but don't get loads of wear out of them. So I had also ordered a couple of neutral dresses (from Amazon - I know, I know, the Evil empire ... I swear I don't shop there often but got sucked into one of those "10 best on Amazon" lists!!)

The plain black t-shirt dress seems like a no-brainer - it was folded up in the packaging but shook out with nary a wrinkle, so great for travel. The black will dress up and dress down, it's minimal and classic in style, and it fits and is comfortable. It looks cute with the sandals but I could see wear it with sneakers and a jean jacket for errands, etc. around home too.

The black and white swooshy dress feels like a wild card - I actually like it quite a lot more than expected! It fits nicely and again didn't wrinkle. I like the print, and the tiered skirt style, which I've seen so much of but rarely in a dress cut that would work on me as this one seems to. My only misgiving is the ruffles on the sleeves - too much? Or is minimal me just reacting to having more detail than I'm used to. Honest feedback welcome!

(Busy morning this a.m., so ignore the dire hair situation and lack of makeup!!)

Thanks for your help as always! x

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38 replies

Latest reply was from

slim cat

Veteran

I like the tee shirt dress - you can do simple knot front or back. I'm not partial to ruffles but it's just me - the printed dress looks promising otherwise.

JAileen

Veteran

The T shirt dress will work in so many settings. You can dress it up with some jewelry.

The other dress is pretty. It doesn’t seem like you, but maybe it is, and I just don’t know. The ruffles are very minimal, and the pattern is not childish. Aside from your upcoming trip, it could also work for a summer wedding, dinner out, etc.

Runcarla

Veteran

The first dress (solid T) looks like your style. The second dress (print tiered) is in your wheel-house but at the edge of it, IYKWIM. I actually really like the second dress, and could see you wearing it during hot summer, with a jean jacket thrown over for A/C at the grocery store or cool evening. I like it with the cognac sandals, and I like it on you a smidge more than the first one.

RobinF

Veteran

I like them both but am partial to the patterned dress. I don't think the ruffles are too much and I like the swooshiness of it.

SarahD8

Veteran

I like them both. I think Runcarla's comments are extremely on point. Agree that both dresses could be dressed up or down.

I actually think a *little* bit of feminine detail really suits you (maybe...even MORE than an austere French girl minimalist look?). The ruffles on dress #2 are a good example. Similar to a slightly puffed sleeve on a sweater or the like. But *you* have to like it!

I really want to advise you to get both (I find dresses SO practical for the summer even with my super-casual lifestyle!), but I don't want you to end up ignoring dress #2 because dress #1 is available and a bit more in your comfort zone. You know?

Bonnie

Veteran

Both dresses look perfect for you. The ruffles are a feminine touch in a subtle way and balance the dress.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks so much for your comments! Sarah, I think I have room for both ... certainly on our vacation, 2 dresses would be good to have. I think the black one I would get a lot of wear out of as an 'everyday' dress; whereas the other might be more occasional, but it would work for my daughter's elementary grad, maybe Easter, a date night, etc.

Interesting comment about the feminine/pretty detail; although I don't always include it, I do love a touch of prety; hmm maybe this dress would be a fun way to experiment with it ...

Robin, thanks!
Carla, good point and maybe that's a fun place to be ... especially within my 'safe' colour palette ...

JAileen, slimcat thanks for your thoughts ... slimcat, I hear you, I often react to ruffles ... I feel these are on the edge of my comfort zone to Carla's point (I also think they'd look much better if they weren't offset by the awful bun :D) JAileen, the t-shirt dress is definitely my style ... the other dress has elements that are and elements that aren't so much.

Helena

Veteran

Bonnie, thanks

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Both dresses work well, Helena!

my 2 cents:

I suspect that you won't enjoy wearing #1 as much as you think. It seems too fitted for the casual way you are describing wearing it. You're going to grab your jeans, leggings, joggers, or shorts instead

I much prefer the floral dress #2 and agree with SarahD8! I'm wondering if you need a size down? Although the fluidity is welcome in hot weather. It's not perfect, but good!

Don't forget about the pink dress on the other thread......

kkards

Veteran

looked at the pictures first, then read what you wrote.
my 1st thought on the black dress was exactly what you said, no brainer. that being said, if you looking for "resorty", this maybe feels more city vacay. the floral dress feels more fun and "resorty". can it pass the lean over test? and can you throw a denim jacket or cardi on with those sleeve. if the answer to both is yes, than i think that's a strong contender

Helena

Veteran

Oh interesting Angie ... I'll have to think that one over .... and that's the smallest size What do you think - is the fit good enough or no ... it feels fine but I don't have a great eye for these things ...

And I haven't forgotten the magenta! Try on will be this weekend

kkards, yes - the sleeves are super light and sheer, so a cardigan should be fine and a jean jacket would be easy to put over.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES, the fit is good enough for hot weather! Is it 100% polyester?

Helena

Veteran

It is ... But I'm hoping because it's that sheer chiffon-y type that it will still allow for some air flow (?) Thanks for your help with it Angie

Jules

Veteran

I like them both a lot and think two dresses is good for the resort - now this is purely projection but when I go to those places I like to ‘dress for dinner’ every night (even for casual buffet dinners) because I’ve spent the day mostly in a bathing suit and dinner is pretty much the only entertainment for the evening. So making a mini event of it is fun. If there’s any nightclub/dancing possibility the tee shirt dress would be great for that.
I do understand how your eye might be drawn to the ruffled sleeve when you would rather not see it (?), but I think people are looking less at the details and more the overall lovely look.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I think dress 1 looks like you, but sorry, it does seem a bit boring? And not the best for your daughter’s graduation later. You should get wear out of it later at least.
Otherwise I am, so far, more drawn to the magenta on the other thread. Mind you, that is probably my own preference for colour talking.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks Jules!

Jenni, fair comments! I think the boring-ness of the t-shirt dress is why I like it haha ... I am usually happy disappearing in my clothes once they are reasonably smart/neat/polished!

I hear you on the magenta ... it is such a pretty colour ... I think the try-on will make the decision for me; I'll either love it, or I'll be unsure ... if unsure, given it's bright which is not always my comfort zone, I'm not likley to wear it. I'm sort of in a frame of mind right now to say, what I am most visually drawn to (which does often include, say, a bold colour), and what I am likely to wear a lot (simple and black/neutral), aren't necessarily the same thing, and I'm trying to appreciate the former but stick to purchasing the latter! Not sure if that's the right approach, but it's where my mood is at lately ...

unfrumped

Veteran

I like the print of the dress and don’t mind ruffles, but I’m not a fan of cap type sleeves- that’s just me- polyester for outdoor wear ( but ok in freezing a/c!) , and also wonder if it’s too big. You might try belting with a slightly wider belt inside if the self belt as that would give it more structure.
These are just things I try to review when evaluating an item and are not intended as nay-say. Also my experience is that items with swoosh or movement often look better IRL than in these type photos.

Helena

Veteran

Unfrumped I appreciate your feedback! Not naysaying at all; very helpful. I'm going to try it again later with a really critical eye on the fit ... I think I need to go to the mall and try on a whack of dresses just to get a sense of the different fits and cuts ...

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I’m having a hard time not seeing these through my own lens. A couple years ago, my “color” for the year was wearing pink with my black & white patterns. I know yours for this year is something similar. Between the two posts, you’ve got it;)
Can’t wrap my head around not wearing dresses in summer. I recently drafted a packing list in case I get to spend Sept working in my friend’s town. Then I looked at it and realized it is nearly ALL skirts & dresses!

That said, the magenta and ruffled dresses both strike me as very staid, almost office-like, not the fun kind of thing I’d pull on to be a little cute and a little flirty in the sultry summer. I said “me” because maybe you would do that, or maybe “flirty” isn’t on your wish list.
I like the black T-shirt dress best of the 3. It would be a change from your usual habits, so you’d have to push yourself to wear it at first,but then I bet you’d get used to it.
What would you think of a classic sundress? https://www.nordstrom.com/s/a-.....;color=680

https://www.hessnatur.com/de/j.....EoEALw_wcB

https://www.zalando.de/gap-cam.....p5EALw_wcB

https://www.lascana.de/strandk.....=932932775

https://www.trendyol.com/de/tr.....NaEALw_wcB

Sal

Veteran

The thing is Helena that they both suit you and look good!

I like them both and could see you wearing them. Nice with the tan sandals and a bit of sparkle. It’s just what will you pull out! Leaning into your instincts is usually right. I am going to wear a fancy dress to work today for nothing special just because I can. Doing a Bijou!!

Aquamarine

Veteran

I agree the black one is a no-brainer. Dress up, dress down, looks good with a tan I’d take it on vacation to a warm place, but I like black in the summer.

The print dress is nice on you too, but to me it looks less “tropical vacation” than baby shower-guest dress, Easter/spring events dress etc….especially if it’s polyester. But if you’d wear it to other events, as you mentioned, I’d toss it in my luggage if I had it. Might work just fine for a nice dinner out on your vacation.

I’m curious to see the pink one, too.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I like both.
They're different enough that you will get use out of both.

Anonymous

I like the wildcard dress, a lot!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, I was nodding along with Runcarla but ultimately I think you might be happier with the second dress in for the graduation. It does not read as too ruffley to me, and I am particular about ruffles (although like them). Yes to actually trying on the original one from the first thread too. Is the solid black dress cotton or polyester? It could really be dressed up and might be more comfortable in the heat. Clearly I am undecided!

Vildy

Veteran

I like both of these for you. With a little jacket, the print one could go anywhere. To me, this is a real dress up or down dress.

Everybody likes to say a black dress can be dressed up or down but it's darned tricky. I wouldn't tut tut at you if you showed up at my kindergartner's graduation or at my church for Easter service or at a business conference with a thigh baring slit but I'd pick something else for those kinds of occasions - like the tiered floral dress.

Brooklyn

Veteran

You are a knockout in the black dress. I vote yes if you love it.

I like the ruffle dress too but it does seem a little less resort-wear-ish.

When is the vacation? Are you settling when you don’t need to yet? (Keeping in mind that it is early for summer wear where you are.) I did a quick search of shirt dresses here (summer of course) and there are lots of options in natural fibres and clear colours. Could you wait a while for something that you really love?

(Pic 1 Trenery, Pic 2-3 Sportscraft).

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Brooklyn

Veteran

A tank dress might be another option. Lots of them here. But that’s more casual of course.

(This one is Country Road.)

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Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Ooh! Ok first off both dresses fit you well, so well done there!

But I agree with @kkards that dress #1 reads more 'city slicker' or casual date night than resort/ kiddie-celebration appropriate.

Dress #2 is 'ok' but I think the combination of the ruffles *&* the tie waist *&* the ditsy floral print *&* the surplice neckline *&* the tiered skirt reads a little ALGO for what I understand of your personal style (not saying you can't inject a little femininity, just that I suspect you might find all 5 things *combined* in one dress a little fussy - back to my original 'beachy bohemian' point). Also, polyester?? In my experience it doesn't breathe well, even in a floaty fabric. But it will likely dry quickly - which is useful for sink washing & hanging whilst on holiday!

I actually really like @Brooklyn's second suggestion for you - the soft (but not dusky) pink is happy without being too far out of your comfort zone (though I still like the magenta one, I realise not everyone else wants to dress like a Crayola crayon, lol!)
I also like how it has that touch of femininity with the tie & tiered skirt, but the sleeves & collarless neckline reduce the 'boho' feeling.

(Bonus: you could incorporate the different shirt layers I suggested in your previous post with that dress - like a floaty duster jacket over denim. Just a suggestion though )

SuzyQ2

I had a jumpsuit with similar ruffle sleeves. Loved everything about it except the sleeves. I took it to a seamstress who removed the ruffles and made it more “me” Try tucking the ruffles under to see if you like it better. Might be worth a few dollars of alteration.

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