Should I chop the sleeves? - YouLookFab Forum

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Should I chop the sleeves?

rabbit

Veteran

This eggplant dress was thrifted and has these bell flared sleeves that look very ren-faire. The color is one of my neutrals and I like the tunic/dress possibilities. I'd just need to pick a seam to remove the bells and have form-fitting 3/4 sleeves (they are cuffs). Does having flaps add anything visually here or is it just a big minus?

Also as you can see I love big scarfs but really don't know what to do with them -- I'm just testing out some possibilities in the pics.

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Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from ironkurtin

Gigi

Veteran

Personally, I like the character the sleeves give the outfits. I would leave them unless you find them annoying over time.

I think it really depends on your fashion persona. If you really hate anything romantic or boho, maybe an alteration is in order. If it were me, I would probably wear the dress this way for a while and see how I begin to feel about--do I like it more and more, or less and less?

I love scarves.net for finding ways to tie scarves. They have a ton!

Lyn D.

Veteran

I am suprised that I actually like the cuffs on this dress. They add alot of interest and mimic the hemline in a nice way.
It may depend on how YOU feel about them? If you prefer to blend-in with others in a more subtle kind of way they might make you uncomfortable, or if you like to make a statement they could work well with your style.

rachylou

Veteran

I'm gonna vote chop. They're not bad, but I'm not feeling it, esp. with the scarves. I think it would be nicer to clear the field for the scarves.

deb

Veteran

Before I vote for the cut, can we see the dress without the sweaters?. The dress is a lovely color but I cannot tell what removing part of the sleves will do to the dress..

carambola

Veteran

I vote chop, but that's because I prefer a more minimal, streamlined look. They look fine as is, but give the dress a boho vibe.

Neelie

Veteran

Can you tuck the bell part of the sleeve up inside the tight part of the sleeve and take a few pictures to see how you (we) like it? It's kind of cute as is but you might get tired of the feature...

rabbit

Veteran

deb, here is the dress by itself. I probably wouldn't wear it that way because to my eye it doesn't do any great things figure wise around the waist without a belt or some sort of topper. I was thinking that if I did remove the cuffs, I'd hem, and then maybe roll or crunch up the sleeves a bit.

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rabbit

Veteran

Neelie, darn, unfortunately my camera has wandered off now. I did try tucking various ways and the material is so voluminous it kind of makes a donut ring rather than a flap around my elbow area. This is also somewhat of an issue on wearing it under most of my coats.

shoppingisfun

(website)

Veteran

The sleeves make the dress look dated to me. Plus, floppy cuffs are annoying. I vote chop.

Anonymous

I'd say chop too, especially if you're going to mostly wear it layered. I like the look of the bells coming out from under the sleeves, but it seems like a dress that you can only wear layered under things with shorter or very pushed-up sleeves wouldn't be very versatile and could get annoying. I also think the dress actually looks pretty good on you without another layer, FWIW.

And I love the color on you! It's (obviously) one of my favorites.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'd chop them, but then I'm a minimalist. And I hate fuss. It sounds as if they are too fussy for you, as well. It looks like a really useful dress, otherwise, and is a pretty colour for you.

rabbit

Veteran

Thanks all, I will chop. Trying to make them work was a fun experiment but the sleeves are annoying enough to work around that I don't think I'd wear the dress much if I kept them. (plus boho isn't my thing usually).

Gigi thanks for the scarves link!

Deborah

Veteran

Another minimalist here (waving to Suz). I would chop them. The dress would be much more versatile without them IMHO.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes, chop!

Lantana

Veteran

Another vote for the chop.
You have dramatic dark hair which is nicely balanced with the dark skirt. The rectangles of dark cuff draw the eye to them and spoil the line of the outfit.
I think you will see what I mean if you look at the photo upside down. That's my weird tip of the day.
Check out the archives for super ideas on tying scarves.

deb

Veteran

Rabbit, thanks for showing the whole dress. I say chop.

NDMom

Another vote for chop. I must say that the color combinations are just beautiful, and since you are wearing it as a foundation piece and won't wear it on its own, why not make it work for you if the sleeves are any bit of an issue? You look great!

lyn67

Veteran

Chop!:-)

April

Veteran

Chop, chop.

I think the length of the sleeve makes the bell awkward. If it was a long, luxurious length, I'd like it more, but the 3/4 with bell looks a bit "betwixt and between."

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think it's more versatile with shorter sleeves.