Nicole Miller dress: help with hacking decision

Hi all

I have this Nicole Miller dress that I bought on a trip to New York in 2009 (pic 1). I have not worn it for a couple of years. I know the print is very splashy but my issue with it is more a seasonal confusion issue. Because it has long fitted sleeves and is silk it makes me feel quite warm so I can only wear it in our winter. This means my only footwear option is boots (my only closed toe shoes are boots and sneakers). That is what I have worn it with in the past, but generally I prefer to wear long dresses with flat sandals or open toed shoes.

Also it is quite statement-ish and I am tired of it. I bought it for a song and I have worn it a fair bit, so it owes me nothing. But I would like to keep it so I am considering the following hacking options to refresh it:

Option 1 (pic 2): Remove the sleeves. This would turn it into a maxi dress that is wearable in summer. I could then wear it with sandals. In pic 3 I am trying to demonstrate what it would like. It would end up fairly rectangular in shape. Is that a bad thing?

Option 2 (pic 4): Shorten the skirt to midi length. I could then happily wear it in winter with boots.The downside of this option is that I would have to cut through the pattern at the front. The upside is that I could then wear it to work. However I do already have a lot of other winter work dresses saying "pick me, pick me" every time I open my closet, so that is not a huge factor.

I am having trouble deciding which way to go. I would love to hear other people's thoughts.

This post has 4 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.

8 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I confess I prefer the shorter version to the sleeveless, even tho it seems you don't need another winter dress. I think the sleeves are smart and really make the dress.

Cerinda

Well, I think it loses it's statement quality minus the sleeves, and that might not be a bad thing for how you feel, right? And it certainly doesn't look like a rectangle on your body! But, please don't slice that pattern!

Maneera

(website)

What a gorgeous dress!!!! I prefer the long sleeve midi version with boots....even though you don't need another Wintery dress, that keeps the integrity of the dress intact, somehow. Between #3&4, #4 is the clear winner to my eye.

Anonymous

Definitely the midi with sleeves. Love it with boots!

cobaltblue

I love the midi with sleeves. Look at the expression on your face in the sleeveless iteration, though - you look so happy!

LaPed

I think the neck is a little too high for maxi. Unless you feel like altering the neckline too, I vote midi. Plus, it's a great color and print for F/W.

retailgirl

MIDI with sleeves, by a mile!

Bijou

I vote midi with sleeves too. Those boots look fantastic with the shorter version of this dress.

Spannering in here to say I like both options, but have a strong preference for the maxi sleeveless version. It's more modern to me; I love the column it creates. You look like a model! To my, eye slashing the skirt off mid-pattern makes the dress appear a bit unfinished and less unique. I feel like I've seen that 'hourglass' print on midi length fitted or bodycon dresses so much, it doesn't seem as special as the full length version.

Janet

I love the silhouette of the midi version, but don't love the idea of cutting that circular portion of the print. I bet the sleeveless maxi version would look great on you, if you decide to remove the sleeves, especially since you say you have plenty of winter dresses.

Jaime

I like the midi version, but it mostly comes down to which way you would actually wear it.

Colette

You look gorgeous in the dress! I like both options, but I'm leaning towards the maxi version because I'd hate for you to slice that beautiful print off and you said that you already have several dresses to wear at the same length.

BrieN

I agree that the sleeves are an important part of the dress and I think as long as you leave at least an inch of part of the circle on the medallion on the bottom (as you have shown) it will look complete. I actually prefer the medallion just a bit truncated on that length of dress.

ps-- what a great dress and it suits you well.

Tanya

Another vote for midi with sleeves! love the colors and pattern of the dress and it fits you really well.

El Cee

Another vote for the long-sleeve midi option. That length looks fabulous on you. But -- if a sleeveless maxi will better fit your wardrobe needs, that is also a lovely look for you. I don't think you could lose either way you go.

Wow, this dress has a really nice colour and pattern!

Do you think the maxi be too hot in the summer due to the cling?
Anyway, I think both maxi and midi are great, although I do like the look a little better without the arms. I think the maxi would assume the same shape as with arms.

Sara L.

I like the sleeveless option. I don't like the idea of cutting off the bottom of the pattern. Which version do you think would get more wear? Do you need a maxi dress for summer?

Angie

Fashion Stylist

#4 is the perfect length. LOVE the long sleeves.

JAileen

I like it short with long sleeves.

Muffin

Tough decision because they both look fantastic but I prefer #4. The long sleeves really do add a lot to the dress, more so than the full medallion to my eyes.

Bonnie

I like #4 the best, too.

Joy

I think that you could do either chop, but like 4 best. As you get older, you will love that the dress is rectangular and skims the body. YLF

texstyle

I have to say I prefer #4 as well.

catgirl

MIDI with sleeves! Pattern is still fab.

Mochi

I like the shorter, sleeved version as well, fwiw.

viva

I also vote for #4. What a gorgeous print! It looks fantastic on you!

olga

Active Member

I like option 4 best

Desmo April

This is what I would do...

Option one: This may not be possible I would actually need to see the fabric and construction. Alter this into two pieces, a body-con tunic ending just at the white at your hips and a midi tube skirt. It would mainly keep the integrity of the pattern.

Option two: This also may not be possible depending on the fabric and construction. Also requires major alteration. Shorten both the bodice and the skirt. This would remove the black at the waist and reduce the color at the center, moving the main pattern up. If it still ran too long, the dress can be hemmed from the bottom to bring it up to a midi length.

Option three: The simplest and because I'm lazy and a hack sewer, the most likely for me to actually do ...I would chop the skirt of the dress off and wear it as a midi tube skirt.

Sal

I,can see why you are torn....of course you could buy some flat closed toe shoes to wear with it as is...but you say you are tired of it.

I think the midi sleeved dress looks incredible on you, and I think that is what I would do.

You suit a sleeveless maxi but I think the neck might be too high, and I can't imagine altering that..

Category