Sack dress question, Kate Spade finds at Marshalls, and a Coach outlet find.

My SO and I went shopping this weekend as I try to revamp my style. I'm aiming to find clothes for a new job that requires formal attire as well as clothes for world travel. We found some Kate Spade dresses at Marshalls. I love bright colors and patterns. My SO insists that he loves the sack dress on me, but I can't manage to not feel like a sack in it. I got a great deal on the dress and I absolutely love the print. But I've tried it with a belt and that was awful. Taking these photos have gotten me 95% convinced to return the sack dress. But as a last ditch I figured I'd post here to see if anyone thought alterations or something else I could do might make the sack dress work on me.

The sack dress is a size 4 and I'm 5'1". As a comparison, I took photos of another Kate Spade dress I got at Marshalls (also a 4). That dress I'll definitely keep!

Finally, I included a photo of a purse I got at the Coach outlet. I love the purple with the white. It was marked down to $125.

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11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well...my personal style sensibilities may be blinding me, but I actually love the sack dress on you! Of course your comical expression makes it a harder sell, but I adore its mod integrity and think it flatters you.

You look really happy with the other dress, and what a fun bag! Your wardrobe is already beginning to shape up!

lyn*

LOVE the coach purse - the black and white are simply awesome, and I think the shape of the second KS dress helps to accentuate your shape.

Would you try some other styling options with the Sack Dress? I think the colours are quite fun and it could be a versatile dress for you. I'd definitely belt it - maybe belt a cardigan over top?

rabbit

Yay for fun finds!

I like the mod dress too like Suz, but I would try it on as you plan to wear it, with the shoes and any topper, because that can make a big difference. I agree that a belt could be hard to make work with it.

I would also do the same with the lilac and yellow dress, which looks good on you, but to my eye might actually be a little more challenging to accessorize than the Mondrian one.

ETA: lyn's idea of a belt over a cardigan is definitely worth a try

Caro in Oz

I agree with the others; I like the mod dress - I'd love to see it styled. If you don't like it though then return it because you won't wear it. Love the bag too.

carter

I love the first one! Very sophisticated. the sack/shift is one of my favorite shapes for thin, fluid dresses. You do have to own it though. Do you have a long strand of chunky pearls to wear with it? The second one is very sweet, and it looks pretty on you. Do what makes you feel comfortable, but if I could wear a 4 in a Kate Spade, I would buy #1 from you.I must go to Marshall's this week!

deb

I like the mod dress the best which I think is actually a shift dress. Dress it up a bit and see how you feel.

Sveta

Sack dress is definitely not conventionally flattering syle but it may be flattering enough to work!
It should be worn with fashion forward footwear to work. It also helps when it is a couple of inches above the knee if you can handle this length. I like it but it is you who have to like it enough to keep. It definitely not a style to wear with a belt!

Here are the visuals for you.

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Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I think I agree with you, Laura - as gorgeous the colors and pattern are of the first dress, it's a whole lotta look (as Tim Gunn says) and isn't the most traditionally flattering on your figure. If you loved it, you could probably make it work, but since you're doubtful, I'd lean toward returning it.

Carla

The Mondrian dress really appeals to me, but I love a shift! I would wear it to work with a classic pointy toe shoe. Tossing a classic jacket over it might add the waist definition you are looking for, but even without a jacket, it skims your body to make it an attractive fit.

It would be perfect for a warm weather celebratory occasion like a wedding or graduation. Are you looking for a work staple, or a special occasion dress, or something else? I note the job change and relocation. Not sure what is appropriate for your geographic location/work environment.

Of course if it is not a '10' for you, you won't wear it, so your money might be better spent on something else.

The Coach bag is a great score.

Laura J

Active Member

Thanks everyone! The Kate Spade dresses were a lucky find and not anything I could wear at my next job. I also got a Kate Spade orange gingham fit and flare dress at Marshalls that I love. I'm almost certain I'll be moving to Dubai in two months. I'll probably be there for a year or two. I plan to travel a lot. I'll be able to wear the dresses somewhere!

Since I do love the print, I'll try the shift/sack styled a few ways and see if I can feel good wearing it. I do love the idea of shift/sack dresses, but I haven't tried one before. I do wonder if this would look better if I had the dress altered to be a few inches shorter.

Jules

I agree with all that when you style the Mondrian dress it will make a big difference. I like the pearls & pumps suggestion. Even wearing your hair and down and maybe be a swipe of pink lipstick would help I suspect! You have great colouring for those colours. I also don't find it unflattering. These dresses are never waist defining and I don't personally think that only super skinny models can wear this style... we're used to those proportions thanks to Twiggy but you are also slim and can work this. People understand that under the dress you have a waist, etc.

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