Questions: De-bombshell? Wildcard? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Questions: De-bombshell? Wildcard?

Column

Veteran

I could use some help with the following looks--all new dresses for upcoming occasions.
1: Just uploaded for Peri's thread, too. Is this v-neck too low for DH's work affair, where what I wear reflects on him, too? I will take to the seamstress to see about lifing the shoulders a bit, but honestly, the darts, raglan sleeves, and waist hit just right, so lifting the shoulders throws it off a bit. I hate to ruin the lines with a scarf, but will do what is necessary. A pile of pearls might also do the trick.

2) Another consideration for more DH work affairs. Too bombshell as is? (we curvy girls have problems rectangular folks don't)!

3) Does this thrifted topper (really, talk of high/low fashion!) match the look and fix the bombshell factor?

4) Wildcard: This ASOS is a contender for a celebration next spring/summer where a statement dress is appropriate. I was wild for it when I purchased, loving the colors and relaxed waist. Now I fear it reads dowdy. I think it's the hemline. Should I have the front taken up to the knee for a high-low bottom to make sure it reads current?

Thank you all for your help!

Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from kkards

crazyone

Veteran

of these dresses, I definitely prefer #1. I don't think the neckline is too low at all, unless there is some religious/cultural context here for your husband's workplace that I am missing. I wouldn't get the dress altered--if you feel a bit uncomfortable with the lowness of the neckline for the setting, I recommend the pile of pearls option.

I don't think #2 is too bombshell at all (with the same caveats as above), but I prefer the more open neckline of #1 to the square neckline of #2 on you. The topper makes the neckline a little bit more confused though the looser top with fitted bottom style of dress is very in these days.

For #4, I think it's a little too long--people usually wear these relaxed waist shorter to show off their legs. Taking it up high-lo would help for sure.

Traci

Veteran

Gosh, I really really like dress #2. I see classy, not bombshell. I don't find dress 1 too revealing from the angle we have, though, so if you feel great in that one it gets thumbs up from me. I like the last dress for a more casual outing among friends, but not as much for a work affair.

Anonymous

My fave is # 2. The higher neckline is flattering and more covered, if that's important to you.

I like #1 as well. Agree that a larger necklace could visually fill in the space.

Topper works fine to dress down the look, but substitute hourglass for bombshell and as long as it's not too tight or short, it's enviable, not negative. (Not that there's anything wrong with bombshell or short in my book - just depends on the event).

BrieN

Veteran

I like #2 on you, especially the skirt part. While I agree the open neckline of #1 suits you very well, I'd like to see the pile of pearls on #2. I don't care for the topper with the dress. I think you lose the flattery when you lose the definition of your waistline.

Can you tack up the hem on #4 to see how it would look shorter? I agree it may be reading a bit blah because of the length. It is a really cool dress, though, and would be fun to wear.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

You look great in the first 3 and all are appropriate for any nice event. Except the color might be too much for a funeral :).
The fourth- I think it is a cool dress and styling is crucial. Can you wear strappy sandals with it? Great earrings? Bangles? I don't know your style, but I think styling will make a big difference.
I'm not sure about making it high/low, do you need it at least a bit long due to the nature of the event? The shape of the outfit could look cute shorter but because of the nature of the print I can't tell how it will look.

VioletMyra

#4's problem is probably its length but I'd also like to see it with a suggestion of waist shaping too. Pin in small double waist darts/tucks front and back and see what you think.
Best wishes.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ditto to everything crazyone said!

Column

Veteran

Thank you everyone! Your comments are sooo helpful. As for #4, I did forget that when the dress is so conservative, there's flexibility elsewhere. So yes, will play with the hem, open shoes, and jewelry. I have the perfect large drop pearl earrings; would like a gold cuff to match the metal. And I'll experiment with layered pearls on both #1 and #2 necklines. All of this is excellent advice!

RobinF

Veteran

I think these look very nice, not too bombshell at all but I would leave off the topper. I also like #4 but agree it should be shorter. I think the straight fit lends itself to some leg showing.

Thistle

Veteran

I like #2 the best. Beautiful and you won't be tugging at the neckline or just not feeling comfortable.

I like #1, but being a busty gal myself I know how self conscious it can make you feel.

I would leave off the topper. I like it much better without.

How do you feel in #4?

Column

Veteran

Thanks for asking, Thistle. It's a great question, and maybe the determining one for great outfits. I actually feel quite current in the sheath silhouette, and the fabric has movement, which you can't see in a still pic. The contrasting shades of orange and ecru are my best colors, and you're right--there are no worries about fabric slipping and showing what should stay under wraps, so that brings comfort and confidence, too! I will ask the seamstress to play with a high point hem above the knee that graduates to low in the back, rather than a straight-across high hem in the front--if the dress can take it. If not, then a straight high/low. But I think with more movement, more leg, more foot, and very modern jewelry, I will love this piece!

AM

Veteran

I vote #2. Feels like an updated classic. Great neckline, perfect on your waist and slit give just a little sass. Really nice on you.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I think these all look good, but no 2 looks fabulous. It's gorgeous on you, and not too bombshell at all. I also really like the ASOS dress but I would shorten it, as you suggest. Also try different shoes (strappy sandals would get my vote) and lots of arm candy.

anne

Veteran

I like number 2 the best too. I'm not seeing bombshell at all either!

Gigi

Veteran

I like 2 the best, though I don't think 1 has too deep of a neckline. I wouldn't wear the topper with 2; it seems to be too much going on.

As for the hourglass figure, I have just decided to embrace my shape and not worry anymore whether I look too bombshell. It's just a body shape, after all. I have a friend who is very bombshell-y, and she wears fitted dresses to church that show off every curve. But she is very tastefully dressed; it is simply that her body curves that way. After seeing her, I decided I wouldn't worry anymore about my own body shape and how it might appear to others.

rachylou

Veteran

I love #4 at its current length. That's advanced fashion. But I grant advanced fashion doesn't do in many a situation. Also think 1 and 2 are great. 3 is conservative; quite nice but in want of something. Like black patent high heel wedges. Like something Kate Middleton would do to make proper more youthful. The top, tho, is a great colour match, and I would totally wear the dress with it to mix things up.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

The first two don't seem too bombshell at first glance but you have to consider your DH's workplace of course. I like the thrifted top but not with the dress so much. I think the last dress is terrific.

Summer

Veteran

For 1, I would go with the chunky pearls to fill the neckline, if you can be sure that they will stay in place.

2 looks really good as is. It shows off your figure, but is not too bombshell to my eye. The little topper works quite well with it, but I don't think you need it.

Your wildcard dress is a gorgeous print and colour, but it hides your lovely figure a bit too much. If that's what you're aiming for, by all means go for it.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Have not read other responses.

Both dresses look great! I don't like the topper because the neckline conflicts.

I LOVE the statement dress. You should absolutely wear it if you have an occasion.

kkards

Veteran

WOW…love #1 & #2….not sure what your husband does, but i don't think either of these look bombshell….#3 --and i hope i don't offend anyone…looks like you're a young girl whose father has made you cover up for church. #4..there is something that i like about it, but i think you need to make sure the shoes, hair and makeup are totally spot on.