opinions on this coral dress - YouLookFab Forum

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opinions on this coral dress

anne

Veteran

While looking for wedding outfits I came across this dress from Portmans. (not for wedding) It is coral and woven, which I had been looking for. It is an adequate length, which is hard to find. And it was reduced from 129 to 49 dollars.
It doesn't fit into my ethical shopping plan. The other down side is that it is a little loose around the bust
I loved it, but am not quite sure seeing the photos. would love your frank opinions

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Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from anne

ElleH

Veteran

Though I love the dress it looks too big for you.

Kiwibird

Hi Anne
I love the simplicity of the dress and can picture it being able to be dressed up or down, but it does look too big and if it doesn't fit into your shopping plan, and there's also the hesitation factor, I'd give it a miss and hold out for one that you have no reservations about. The colour is great on you!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

The top is too big imo, do you know anyone who sews? Maybe it wouldn't be too difficult to take it in at the top. Love the colour.

anne

Veteran

This is a picture of the dress, I am pretty sure ( in a different colour)
http://www.portmans.com.au/sho.....obby-dress

Caro, mum and I both sew, (her more skillfully!) but she reckons since this is fully lined it would be difficult to alter.

LizL

Pretty dress, and the colour is gorgeous on you. Top is a bit big, but I think it only looks that way in the back, where it puckers out. IMO, I don't think it looks too big from the front.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Love it, love the colour and how it fits around the waist, the length etc. BUT work must be done in the top. It is gaping in the back, it is too big.
Sometimes all it takes is to take in the shoulders (making the armholes smaller); however I am not a seamstress so I don't know if more work would be involved or not.

Seamstresses on this forum, your input!

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I am usually picky about fit but think it looks nice. I looked at the link and the dress is less fitted on the model too. I noted the pleats at the neckline and to me it looks like it is supposed to have a touch of room at the bust.

I also think the color is beautiful on you. You may have to go on your conscience on this one. It is a pretty dress.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I would die for a dress that fits this well. I think it looks like it gaps at the back neck only in the 2nd photo where you are looking back at the camera.#3 looks like a perfect fit in the back. The waist is gorgeous and just right. Aiming for a close fit that does not squeeze when you bend or turn, but doesnt sag either is great and seems to be the case here.

The only place it seems a bit big is in the chest, and with a little steaming (I see a couple of hanging/shipping wrinkles) and perhaps a little undergarment tweaking(padding?), I think you have it made.

My verdict, perfect color for your skin and hair, perfect fit. You look fab, confident and happy in this dress.

Laurenlaurielala

Altering a lined dress is a pain but it can be done.

Alternatively, wear a padded bra. No one need ever know! (Except us!)

I really like that colour on you and it is otherwise a lovely dress.

Deborah

Veteran

Anne the dress seems to fit you very similarly to the model and I have to say it looks better on you. I think it might be worth the extra $ to have the minor alteration to the top of the dress....but really I think it might be ok as is. It's a flattering shape on you and a gorgeous color.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Anne --

What a gorgeous color on you and a fun silhouette; I can see why you were drawn to it.

It's a little hard to see what's going on with the fit in the bustline -- as Cjh said, not sure if it's wrinkles or looseness. And I'm bummed that your mom has weighed in and pronounced the alterations a bit tricky....

Is the lining poly? I know you are usually looking for wovens to beat the heat, and I worry that the combination of synthetic lining + fitted style will have you roasting.

Then there's the question of whether you'd be comfortable wearing this dressed down for day-to-day life, or would make an effort to find activities that "match" with the dress. [As well as your ethical concerns, of course.]

If you're in love with it and would wear it vs just staring at it in the closet, then figure out any fit issues and go for it!

anne

Veteran

Thanks everyone

I should point out that I am already wearing a padded bra!!

Vix - you have a great memory! I"ll have to check out the linking, but you have pointed out a concern of mine too - ie the heat. This dress wouldn't make it on the hottest days, that is for sure and this might end up being a big point against it.

I think I could wear it dressed down. I see this as being something I'd wear once a week in the appropriate weather.

On the ethical issue, my resolution was to buy ethically "wherever possible". I have been looking up dresses in this colour and this was the closest I could find
http://www.asos.com/au/ASOS/AS.....66pSAVI73w - but I feared it was too short ( it has poly lining and a fitted waist too) I like the look of a fitted waist and one of the things I love about the dress on this current thread is that it fits at my actual waist.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Anne, I really love this on you. The colour is just stunning for you! And I am sure the bust fit can be fixed. It's very tempting.

rachylou

Veteran

I think it's very very pretty. I don't think the fit is bad for casual wear. If you wanted it to go more formal, the bodice could be taken in. As for the ethics of the purchase, what do you know about the manufacture of the dress?

Anonymous

I like the fit, the style, AND the color.

Inge

(website)

I actually think the fit looks great, Anne, and I absolutely adore the silhouette and colour on you. It's the kind of frock you can easily dress up or down, so a very versatile piece. And did I mention that it looks super on you?-)

bj1111

Veteran

great dress...need to have it taken in at the back zipper to fit more snugly in the torso.

anne

Veteran

Lots of differing opinions on fit here...

Rachylou - have just looked up their ethical position and found this (I was only working from a list of australian manufacturers when I made my initial comment)
http://www.justgroup.com.au/asp/ethical.asp
So I'm probably okay with this.

Ann

I think the dress is great but would look better with a different belt. Maybe something a bit wider?

Anonymous

Anne, I'm also small busted and always need to have dresses like this pulled up (shortened) an inch or two at the top, which is an easy fix even lined. If you pull the dress up a bit by the straps, especially the front, does it fit better?
The style and color are so perfect for you that I hope you can fix it.

anne

Veteran

Joy - yes I think it does!!