Orphaned dresses—keep/remix, toss—place in the dress capsule ?

I have had these 2 fit & flare dresses—same style in different prints! —for about 4 years. Haven’t been wearing much at all. Stylings were problematic. Footwear was one issue—troubles with color, open/closed toe, heel heights. Needed topper for indoors , and cardi’s + funny footwear looked like something out of Leave It To Beaver.

As part of my overall dresses capsule review, I’ve tried to re-mix with some newer items –may not be “the ones” but to see what might work or not. (Most of my jackets are targeted for pants.) These would be day dresses for weddings, church, and imaginary tea parties.

The dot one has been shortened—maybe should have gone even shorter! The pink/green print is still full length, but in some pics I’ve pinned the hem up. My favorite is the brown with the dots—more classic. I fell for the mix of pinks in the other print and thoughts of multiple color combos. Interestingly, though they’re the same dress, the3 pink one is cut more narrow through the high hip which is not as good.

1 - 3 Brown with green and off-white dot--plain, cardi, BR jacket

4- 9 Pink & green print ( 4 & 9 ) is reg length;5-8 pinned up. Plain, too-big cardi, EB cardi, colored jean jacket secret weapon, oiive linen jacket, camel jacket

10-12 For comparison—the VC dress and possible AP dress.

I already own the orphans, so it’s more a question of whether they’re dated &/or not flattering, full skirts too funny, and should I move on, or whether with right styling they still work.

Comments, critique welcome—both positive and blech comments are actually helping me sort out style issues.

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12 years ago

Kalli

Active Member

To me these two dresses are both of a similar cut and most likely a neckline you don't find flattering. The new dress is also fit/flare but it has a different neckline than the other two. There isn't anything wrong with the orphans, but maybe just not for you if you can't find yourself wearing them.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I'm not sure - I think the toppers all look a little long with these dresses. The (surprise) jacket in #12 is much shorter & a better proportion imo.

unfrumped

Kalli, that may be it. I thought the collars would be good for my long neck, but the v-type neck isn't a fave.

Caro, you're right, the toppers are proportioned for pants. Isn't it a pain how jackets are not really "universal". The secret weapon jacket is a better length and matches a color in the print. BUT I do not want just the fact that the jacket "goes" to be reason to keep it. Or to go buy jackets for these and not end up where I want to be.

This is good food for thought.

qfbrenda

I like the dresses but I agree... your toppers are too long. I would consider adding a cropped cardigan and/or a cropped denim jacket to your dress capsule.

Suz

(website)

The dresses are lovely on you! Completely.

You just need some shorter toppers. The raspberry jacket's much better - you could even go more cropped than that.

Last year I bought a short open bolero type cardigan for summer wear with skirts/ dresses. It's not the best thing in the world, but it filled the need pretty well.

Beth Ann

These have a graceful and classic silhouette. Shorter toppers would do really well. You might be able to belt over the longer toppers -- worth a try. What's your happiness factor? Don't think for the moment about how "fashion forward" they are. Do you feel the way you want to feel in them?

Glory

I would try to find an alternate topper - maybe a short lace cropped cardigan almost like a shrug but a bit longer as I find the toppers are best with pants. I would keep the dresses and try them that way before making a decision as I think they are a lovely fit.

sunshineandshoes

Member

I love the one in photo 11!

harmonica

i echo the other by finding another shorter topper. the dresses are beautiful on you

Anonymous

I think the torsos on the two dresses look a bit long. do you have a naturally long torso?( Which is fab, by the way), and do you wear petites?

I do actually love the bottom parts, they are so on trend. I would probably go about altering the torso, which makes them seem long, but they are not really long. The visual length is being caused by the torso part, I think.

I would also consider chopping the top off and making them skirts.

As other pointed out, the toppers are a bit long also.

I agree, shorter toppers are needed. I like 10, 11 and 12 the best and zap's idea about having the top chopped off and a skirt made is good.

Beth Ann, I "feel" the best in the brown with dots--like that it's calmer even though the pinks should be "my" color.

Zap, I never thought of the chop-shop idea! I am long-torso'd and the belt loops are actually above my natural waist but the fit makes the torso look longer than is good, so I am intrigued by your suggestions. A flowery skirt CAN become an orphan, but is also potentially much easier to style because can just add a simple knit top (with sleeves!). I don't do too many petites because I need longer line. In the old days, I would buy petite skirts 'cause then they'd hit right above the knee. However the raspberrry jean jacket is a petite--they sold out of my size in misses immediately.

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