Outfit Lab- midi dress winners and losers - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfit Lab- midi dress winners and losers

Sal

Veteran

I swapped out a tee and blazer for this dress which I love. The blazer was just not exciting me and I could exchange but not get credit or money back. I have worn the dress and can’t return it. But in trying it a few ways this morning I need some help.

I am wearing as in the first shot - tie belt and trainers. I also experimented with a thin black belt and black sandals, and with a thick belt and boots.

To my eye the first is the only one that works. The others emphasise my short waist hourglass shape too much? I think I should just wear with the tie belt - I think all the footwear works depending on the styling elsewhere?

Do I alter the skirt either to rein in the volume or make it shorter? It is a waisted A line skirt. I wondered if an inch on each side would work? Length - chop or not, and if so, how much?

Also I attach photos of the model and The Duchess of Cambridge who of course looks stunning. I didn’t intend to copy her but I may have unwittingly been influenced.

Thoughts on belts, footwear and alterations are appreciated.

ETA- pics with no belt and showing volume of skirt.

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Dressing

41 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

rachylou

Veteran

I vote shorten and try the belt looks again... and maybe leave one more button undone. I feel more structure is needed... so I like the tan ankle boots a lot with the dress, since they emphasize ankle.

Katerina

Veteran

What a beautiful dress! I prefer it without the belts, I like the clean vertical lines of the dress. I think it looks great with the sneakers. I am unfortunately not good at alterations, so I leave that to others. To my eye, the dress looks beautiful on you as is.

kellygirl

Veteran

I like it with the self belt and sans belt. I almost think shortening it might do the trick and give it a bit more structure.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Rachy!! I like the tan boots with it too. And yes structure is the key.

Katerina thanks - yes I wonder if that is the best as well. Or maybe even tieing the belt at the back. There are no belt loops. I don't think the black or dark brown belt work- that is the difference between a slim long waisted shape like the Duchess and a short waisted curvier shape like me (we are 1 cm different in height).

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Kelly - I wonder if a bit of the length would help too. A small part of me wonders if I should have sized down as the bodice is quite roomy too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(pssssst.....try your tall brown boots with the woven leather belt!)

I vote shorten - maybe 5 inches? - and you're in business with all these renditions. GORGEOUS dress. I want one too

Sooo Sporty Elegant in #4. That's YOU, sweet Sal.

Anonymous

As a usual oddball, I like the length & rendition 3, as is! (Thick belt. Boots)
A lot.
But shorter might be more versatile.

Anonymous

Yes, tied behind = good. I like it with the sneakers & no belt showing very much.

nemosmom

Veteran

Shorter would definitely be more versatile. Does it button all the way down? If so, what about wearing it unbuttoned over a pair of jeans, like a duster?

Bonnie

Veteran

My favorite it #3, but they are all really good. This is a versatile dress and such a beautiful color and print.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Opaline!! I am going to pin up the hem a bit and have a go.

Nemos Mum - it does and I did think that might work over my white jeans or skinny blue jeans. I see others do it and look fab but do wonder how I will feel in that look.

Thanks Bonnie. It is a lovely dress - and I would like to have a couple of ways to wear it .

I think the following footwear will all work.

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hereforthecake

I love this dress on you, and like others have said, it looks great with the self belt or no belt.

Of course Angie is right that it would likely be fab with tall boots.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

All the shoes and none of the belts! Or maybe I am just projecting my new motto onto you . Actually the self belt looks good and the thinner belt might work with the shorter length if you do shorten it a bit (but just a bit).

smittie

Veteran

I like the self-tie belt. Yes shorten just a bit.
Where are your high tops ?!

rachylou

Veteran

I wanted to say, pushing up the sleeves also makes a big difference

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Rachy!

Smittie - thank you! I don't have high tops - they do look cool though...

Haha Shevia - I think I am with you. I usually go for dresses that are shaped but unbelted or columns of colour (or close enough). This is why....

HerefortheCake - it is freezing again today and I would like to be wearing tall boots. Mean old spring weather teasing me again.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I vote shorten too. I like it with the belts but I think the thinner belt is best.

RobinF

Veteran

I also like it best with the self tie belt or no belt. I like the booties and think any of the nude shoes would be great with it. Pretty dress!

Anonymous

The dress is super pretty, and the silhouette is a change for you.....but it's overwhelming you here.
I think it needs quite a dramatic shortening, and then see how it looks. Maybe a lower contrast belt and high boots?

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Brooklyn Robin and Lisa!

I totally agree low contrast or no belt. I definitely don't like the belts here.

I am going to experiment with the length- I do want it long for some drama rather than just below the knee. Sure there will be a sweet spot.

Anonymous

I remain the faithful belt outlier. :p

Sal

Veteran

Good to be different Opaline!! It is only clothes not public safety:)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I liked the belts too, btw

I think more might too after a good hem hack.

Anonymous

Haha. So true, Sal!

Angie, I think I might’ve been the only one (save you?) & maybe Bonnie (?), who liked the thick one.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I liked the belts, especially the thick one, but I agree that it would be better with a good hack. I bet you won't feel so short-waisted with more leg showing either.

Gigi

Veteran

This is a very pretty dress. I think rachy had some good suggestions, wtih unbuttoning one more button and scrunching the sleeves.

My faves were the self belt and no belt. I liked the darker shoes because they brought out the darker tones in your hair and seemed to pull everything together.

I'd like to see what it looks like with the hem pinned up a bit.

Sal

Veteran

Jenn- i will experiment with the hem - I will wash first. I think a bit would help too although I want to keep it fairly long....

Gigi - I like the black sandals with it especially if I had a touch of black elsewhere. They are my highest heel so don’t get lots of wear.

Dreika

Beautiful dress and looks very cheerful and happy on you. Voting for shortening a bit. I like it with all shoe options but agree that at the waist it looks best with the self belt. Maybe because it gives waist definition without the high contrast of the dark ones. Maybe you could try belt in red or pink, or other light color close to the print of the dress (if you have one)?

lyn67

Veteran

Kate is wearing her with a shorter length, and a low contrast shoe there. Now I think length(and volume) overwhelms you a bit-so I would shorten some, but carefully-if you want to wear with flat sneakers, too. And maybe a white belt will better relate to your complexion and white shoes.If wearing with heels and low contrast shoes, you probably can go even shorter. Lovely dress, YLF in this!

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