Talk me out of (or into) this dress!

Also yesterday I tried on this dress:

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=693858

Did not buy it, but now I'm wondering. It's not screaming my name like the AT jacket (see other thread). But I'm wondering if that's because this shape is so out of the box for me?

I have tried on numerous dresses in this waistless sack style, and this is the FIRST and only one that actually works on my figure and doesn't make me look like a house or 10 months pregnant with triplets.

Pros:
1. It's on trend
2. It's out of my box
3. The tweed is cute
4. Works over leggings or ponte knit pants (I tried it over my black ponte knits)
5. It's comfortable
6. It's actually... rather cute
7. It fit well

Cons:
1. Is it too short? It hit me a little longer than on the model, but it's still on the shorter side
2. How do you wear bare sleeves in the winter??? With that neckline, I'm not sure what sort of long sleeve shirt you could put under, and I'm dubious a cardigan will work over either.
3. Is it age appropriate for a 44 year old? Too cutesy?
4. Would it work with chestnut star lings? The shape might, but what about the color?
5. How much use would I get out of it, really?
6. WWAD? (actually, I think I know the answer to that... Angie would wear this dress in a heartbeat.

16 years ago

shana

Veteran

Shiny, I think it's cute and I really love the shape AND it has pockets!!! The sleeveless thing is sort of a big con for a winter dress (at least for me). You could wear a long sleeve knit shirt/tee of some sort under it but that might push it into the cutesy category. I assume that the collar is such that you could wear a simple cardigan and have the collar lie over it? Or maybe a collarless jacket of some kind? Since you are the master of layering, if anyone could find a way to do it, it would be you!! Question is do you want to have another item that requires layering for the winter?

Christie

Active Member

Its really a nice dress and I'm sure you can make it work into your wardrobe. I am interested in everyone's suggestions on how to wear sleeveless in winter. I have a new sleeveless merino wool shift dress but am not sure how to wear it warmly!

Laura

(website)

Killer!! I would be all over this if I were you! Could you put a thin layering turtleneck or long-sleeved t-shirt (a nice one of course, like the ones Angie showed from AT or BR) under it?

shiny

I have one thin layering turtleneck (teal) but the reality is, t-necks are not very flattering on me. I still wear it every now and then anyway. It's just not the best look on me. I do have nice long-sleeved tees from BR (last year) in teal and plum with a small cowl neck effect, but I worry about the neckline underneath. I'm not sure how it would look.

marianne

I love this dress! I would also suggest a turtleneck. The dress neckline might draw the attention lower and away from your neck. I bet it would look cute with your Star Lings, and the color would definitely work. Can we see it on?

Maya

Umm, I have nothing constructive to say except that I love it. Get out those slouchy boots and you have a fabulous outfit.

Boof

Seriously killer dress! I think you can experiment with layering something underneath for warmth. I can see it with something silky underneath, very simple neckline, maybe in a cream, berry, etc. You have some gorgeous blouses...do any of them have sleeves? Also, if it's on the shorter side, it will be great with your Star Lings, because you'll be showing more leg.

Anonymous

Beautiful dress and you should nab it up and wear a long cardi over it for warmth.

Tanya

Love the dress! I think it would look great over thin fitted tee with slouchy boots.

medusa

Shiny, it looks like a great dress! I would love to see some pictures of you in it.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I want to see it on!

mummy2thea

I was in Banana Republic yesterday and saw this dress, it is really gorgeous, but as I am quiet tall it would be ridiciously short on me! I think if you can work it into your wardrobe then you should go for it!

You guys are such enablers. I may get out to the mall later today. If I get a chance, I'll try it on again and take photos. Will bring a cardigan this time.

Ana

Yes, I'd like to see it on, too Shiny!

garmenta

Just have to say that I never let sleevelessness bar me from wearing a dress in the winter--I like a tee with long sleeves and a deep scoop. With a dress like this, you could get a layering tee in black, cream, or gray, and the effect would be subtle while your arms stay warm in winter (I've lived in Boston and I know how raw that damp cold can feel!).

I have actually had good luck with tees from Target as layering pieces--the fit isn't crucial, the colors are pretty, the cotton is comfy, and you can't beat a price of $8 or $9.

Garmenta, you would wear this with a deep scoop? Do you have pics of how that works out? Would love to see, as that would solve a lot (including with sheaths: I don't really like T-necks OR collared shirts!).

No pic yet: I went to the mall - primarily to shop for DD's bday (made some good headway there!) - and I was just entering BR when my kids called early for a ride home (I thought I'd have at least another hour!). So you'll all have to wait until tomorrow...

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