Starting Over// Which is more versatile? A dotty dress vs shirtdress?

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Starting Over// Which is more versatile? A dotty dress vs shirtdress?

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Dear YLF,

I am trying to figure out which of these I can get the most wear out of - I adore the dotties; and I can afford to get both, but they seem sort of repetitive.

1/2. Dotty Dress
3/4. Dotty Shirt Dress

Both selections are made of cotton; and are the same length

I am leaning towards one and away from another; but I won't let my judgement cloud your judgement.

Thanks for your help!

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13 years ago

Shopping

23 replies

Latest reply was from jenanded

(website)

Veteran

I prefer #1/2 for you.

13 years ago

Jewell

Veteran

Hmmm this is tough... the dress in pics one and two seems to be more "you" or at least what I'm accustomed to seeing you in. The dress in pics three and four is my favorite, though.

13 years ago

deb

Veteran

I vote 1/2.

13 years ago

cheryl

Veteran

I like 1/2 better

13 years ago

Keix

Veteran

My vote is for 1/2!

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Hm... I think 1-2 looks more like dresses you've had in the past, but I think I prefer 3-4 because it is a tad more sophisticated and seems like it fits your new position.

13 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Or perhaps I should upgrade to this Kate Spade one? $200

1) http://goo.gl/fRQnl
2) http://goo.gl/fikJS

13 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Dotty shirt-dress by a huge margin! Less girly, more retro, more sophisticated.

13 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

I have a preference for the second dress -- as long as its fullness doesn't overwhelm your petite frame. I do think the first look is your "signature" and would be easier to layer.

The second dress has a "newer" version of a retro vibe, if that makes sense at all.

13 years ago

ramya

Veteran

I so want the one in number 3 Lyn

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Lyn both are gorgeous and if money is no issue I would be very tempted to get both, however if only one then the shirt dress for the same reasons others have mentioned. Very sophisticated retro stylings. I actually like it better than the KS!

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Hmm, I was going to say the gathered sleeves and sash of the shirtdress might fight with layers worn over, which the first one won't.

But then again, if you want to layer under, it is easier to do with the shirtdress, yes?

Which are you most likely to want to do, then --- layer over or layer under?

13 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Have you tried both on? I think it depends on your body type as to which dress will look best. #1 and #2 would probably look best if you are thin, and #3 and #4 would look best if you are thin or have a curvier figure.
I personally think #3 and #4 are more versatile as really any figure type looks good in a shirt dress.
The Kate Spade dress is beautiful!

13 years ago

Atlantia

Veteran

Do they both have pockets?
I like 1/2 better because it has pockets, and I think it would be easier to layer with. 3/4 is prettier as a standalone dress, although you could layer with it as well.

13 years ago

Krista

Veteran

1/2! I can see you wearing it already

13 years ago

Emily

Veteran

My vote is for 3/4, shirtdress.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Lyn, as your body-double, I was going to pick 1/2 but then I thought that 3/4 might be even more flattering. It all depends on where the belt hits you and what it does to the tummy. While I love the cut of the shirt waist dress, I imagine getting a cardi over it would be a bit of a struggle. I think you would look great in either.

ETA: I just re-read your question: Which dress is more versatile? Based on that alone, I'd have to choose the first dress, as it would be easier to layer (over or under).

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I agree with the comments that the first dress would be easier to layer but I have a huge preference for the shirt dress. I just think it has a bit more style punch and visual interest than the other one. I think it all depends on how you want to wear it.

13 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

I just love your style. I see exactly what you mean that having both dresses would be redundant. My first impulse is to go for the first dress. I love box pleats and princess seaming.

However, changing the look of the shirt dress comes easier to me, maybe to you too which is why I think you'll wear the shirt dress more. You can layer over or under the dress and open the neck and that isn't possible with the first dress (well it is but I don't think you want to crack open the front). Also there are the belt loops you can use for different belts. I hope that helps -- I can't wait to see which one you pick and how you will style it.

13 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all your insights, ladies...

I might go with the shirt-dress; since I had a navy one with cream dots that I loved so much, even though the quality wasn't there.

I haven't tried on any of these dresses, as they are far away in the UK

They also have this other dress that is dots that is a different colour!

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13 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

I like your thinking. It is a good compromise, the 1st one in red and the shirtdress in blue.

13 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

I love the red one even more. the sleeveless v-neck is gorgeous and the box pleats keep it tailored. I can't wait to see!

13 years ago

jenanded

Veteran

Oh Lyn. Yes 3./4 is kind of a fresher look which I really like... but hey if you can get the first in red as well - buy, wear and enjoy! Very cute. Cant wait to see what you will wear them with...

13 years ago

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