I'm so glad you posted this, Jonesy! I agree that we learn as much from the failures as the successes - maybe even more.

Now...I share your high-waistedness (except I have um...NO chest...and virtually no legs, either). So, while I love a drop waisted style, it only emphasizes my short legs. On balance I'd rather emphasize my short waist than my short legs....so there it is. But I'm still never buying a dress this style again! I don't mind one with a waist, but that sleeve and "Grecian" thing just doesn't work on me, either.

Sadly....because I'm sometimes attracted to the style! Especially when I see it looking so good on others!

So if I try one on and post a K/R, please talk me down, okay?

Thanks, Scarlet! I got the necklace at Ann Taylor. I was inspired by Aida, who picked up a bigger neon one there.

Angie, yes, I would love a drop-waist dress--very Dries for sure! Prada showed a bunch in her fall '11 show too. I was hoping there would be some trickle down into my $$ zone, but I haven't seen too many (though I don't really look for dresses too often, actually!).

Claire, thanks, but I'll bet you would look fab in a dress + jacket combo!

Suz, I'm glad this has been useful to you--it's certainly been helpful to me! It's so interesting to me how pictures can help in ways that just looking in the mirror cannot. I would bet that you would look fabulous, with your rectangular build, in a sort of Mod structured drop-waist dress (which itself refers back to the '20s flapper dresses, I'm guessing). I could see that looking smashing.

The elastic waist is the culprit. That style is not the best for us, short waisted lasses. A jacket and some killer shoes will fix it though.

Jonesy, what about this one?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vi.....tback=5084

Thanks Zap!

Sarah, I saw that and I think it's definitely a step in the right direction, but still has that pesky elastic waist :). Thank you though.

I was thinking more along the lines of this little number from Marni (pic 1) for a mere $1,180. Or the second loose shirtdress in the fab little print, for $1,070. Does anyone else get annoyed when you try to save an image and the image flips to the back view, as in below? Irritating!

[okay, probably no one is reading along at this point!!]

So interesting! I have a similar quandary with a similar dress from Target. I'm short waisted too, and thought I could make it work, but every time I put it on to wear I throw it in the corner of my closet, boo! I always thought the deep V thing helped my broad shoulderedness, but not with the elastic waist dress and I think you hit the nail on the head about it pointing directly at the problem, brilliant. Guess I should be brave and post a picture of me it in.

Yes, I'm sure that those $1K numbers would be superb on you : )

Oh, I like those cute inexpensive numbers you linked to, Jonesy!

Alas!

This has been a very interesting read (or should that be tutorial.) I think you are making the right decision Jonesy, when I look at your WIW posts I am always struck by how you stand tall and proud with a very strong, elegant shoulder line. With this dress your shoulder line looks sloped almost like you are slouching. Onwards and upwards I think.

Jonesy, why not get the style you are after custom made. I sew quite a bit and the style does not look difficult from the pics you posted. I'm sure it would be substantially less than the ones you listed plus you could pick the fabric. I really think you would look fabulous in this style.

Have you ever tried anything from A.P.C.? They do a good boxy but not shapeless cut. I have a couple blouses from them. Nothing on their website is jumping out at me as super Jonesy But here's a couple dresses. I never had to think about the length though. I don't know how the length would be on you.

http://www.apc.fr/wwuk/woman/d.....96603.html

http://www.apc.fr/wwuk/woman/d.....96615.html

Yes, Carole, it sounds like we are birds of a feather! Maybe it's time to let that dress go :). It's not you, it's the dress!

I'm sure my SO would understand my "investing" a grand or two in a few new frocks, no?

Julie, interesting observation about my stance and body language. I did try to stand up straight, but maybe you are picking up on my unease or discomfort in the dress. Sometimes when I take a pic of me in something I don't really like, I can see that in my body language....

Thanks, Tina. I do like that idea. I have found a good tailor in the area, so I suppose I could pursue this idea further. There have been a few threads on YLF about having clothes custom-made.

Scarlet, I do really like the A.P.C vibe, but their stuff is a little outside of my price range, unless it's on super-sale (I've seen a few things at Urban Outfitters-they must have some sort of collaboration or something). I did see some cute frocks on their site!

Thanks for the comments! I think I will hide the pics now and put this thread to bed!