Thoughts about this a-line dress?

I swung by an Urban Outfitters earlier this evening and saw this dress. I tried it out in both the black print and the wine. Aside from the very polyester-ish feel of the fabric (which is really a dealbreaker for me), what do you think of the cut/shape/style? Is it too juvenile (always a concern of mine) with the cutout at the back? (I would be wearing a topper over it anyway). Because of my short waist, the dress actually comes down just an inch or so over my knee - perfect length for a dress for someone with my proportions!

I find that most A-line dresses I've seen so far are too mumsy for my tastes (and my style). The neckline and shoulders of this dress make it so current. Also, this a-line dress does not have a waist seam, which is a godsend for ladies with apple tendencies and short waists like myself. They are so comfortable, swingy yet feminine (and depending on the print, it could be edgy).

What do you think? Also - any recommended brands on a-line dresses with a modern, not-so-mumsy cut? I know Karen Kane has some amazing ones, but they've been colourblocking a lot lately, and I don't quite belong to team colour block :\

12 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

KatieKat, I think that the dress looks beautiful, especially in the wine color. I will be honest and say that I tend to wear clothes that are maybe a little younger looking than I should (I am 40 but probably dress like I am 30), so I might not be the best one to ask about the juvenile factor. But it seems to me that if you will wear a topper with it, the cutout is not that big a deal. I think that if you tried the dress on and it made you feel fab, go for it!

I don't know where to find A-lines without a mumsy cut, as you put it. I have a hard time finding A-lines that are flattering, so I've basically stopped looking.

Adelfa

I love it. I would only ask whether the neckline hits you in a good place!

MsLuna

Thanks ladies!

@Gigi: You are right. A good a-line dress is difficult to find. I stick to narrow silhouettes myself because I find them to be the best silhouette to combine edgy with soft/feminine. I do have a soft spot for A-lines though, especially those that have no waist seams and provide a long, lean line. I find that the most unflattering part in most A-line dresses I've seen are the necklines, and this neckline is PERFECT for me.

@Adelfa: The neckline is not super low at all, though it can stand to be an inch higher so I can wear it to work. I love both colours and I can incorporate both colours with pretty much every topper I have. I just don't know how I feel about the polyester though... It just feels... a tad icky.

I think polyester is better than ever these days. If it truly feels icky to you, don't get it. But if it's more the *idea* that bothers you, you might consider giving it a try. It's sleeveless so it's not like you'll be sweltering inside a suit of armor.

KatieKat, I am with you on the polyester. I banned polyester from my wardrobe some years ago and have never looked back. I have found in my own style journey that the *feel* of a fabric is very important to me, so if you are the same way, you might want to pass on the dress due to the fabric. Or maybe you could wear a slip under it, depending on how annoying the texture is to you.

It's such a downer to find the perfect thing only to see that the fabric is not acceptable! I have been in that situation many times. The only good thing about it is that it keeps my buying in check, because polyester (and acrylic, which I've also banned) is in practically everything.

@Adelfa: that's very true. This is something I have to think about. Also too - this was a tricky fit for me. The medium fit me well in the bust but was a bit tight in the tum. The large fit me at the tum but the back was very loose. Making a small alteration on the first 3 inches of the side seam in the large will actually solve the problem.

I'm still deciding on the ick factor on the fabric though. it is colder these days so I don't have to worry about the sweltering heat!

@Gigi: Yes, it's a downer indeed when the fabric doesn't work. There are a few polyester fabric that I own, but they are the floaty varieties that don't cling to the body. These are body-skimming at the top so I will definitely feel the fabric. Wearing a slip might solve the issue. But yeah... Flattering cut... icky fabric... Oh decisions...

Parsley

I wouldn't really call that an a-line; I'd say it's more of a fit-and-flare style. From what you are saying about the fabric, I don't think you'd be happy with that particular dress. But now that you know that the style works for you and is flattering, then why don't you seek out another one that is cut like that but with a better fit and fabric? I've been seeing a lot of that style just lately, so I don't think you'll have trouble finding another one.

Good idea, Parsley! The only problem I have with this is that it's really tough finding a similar cut/style of dress. Most fit-and-flare (thanks for clarifying!) dresses have waist seams and don't give me that fluid line or that comfort I need. Also, most necklines these days are too high that it doesnt' flatter my bust line. I just really hope I can find similar cuts. Maybe this style is outdated or too young?

lyn*

(website)

I dunno, I usually live in this style of dress, but I think this dress reads really juvenile to me - a combination of the neckline and the short hem, I think. I don't think I'd wear it - and I'm 27, not the youngest fish in the kettle (how is that for a mix of metaphors) - and I'm not quite sure how to make it look older.

I think most of the problem is in the fabrication. If the same dress was made with a poly-cotton or a poly-silk blend even, and sat better and was less flimsy, I think it would read as better quality and more wearable.

catgirl

I'm going to go with lyn here. I am way older than you (I think!), of course. But I would feel very tween-ish in this fabric. The cut is really cute, but I think a more grown-up fabric would keep it from being a one-hit wonder.

Thanks lyn*!

The length actually comes out a bit longer on me due to my short waist. The neckline wasn't so bad either but I would prefer it to be an inch or two higher on me. But you're right... it's the fabric that is the worst of all. It's really the biggest dealbreaker for me.

lyn* do most of your dresses have waist seams? I think that's the only thing stopping me from purchasing fit and flares. The waist seam breaks me up - in a really bad way (I have a 13 inch centre back (base of neck to waist) measurement so I have a really short torso). If I can find one that is of a nice fabric, not super high neck (most of the good quality ones have very high necklines that make my boobs look bigger than they already are) and no waist seams, I will be sooo happy.

@Una. I agree with you. It really is the fabric that's making me bleh... Argh... if only there are good fit-and-flares and a-lines for comfort-loving extra-short-waisted IT's out there

I just ordered the Karen Kane dress to try - will report in on that!

Una, please do!!! I would really really love to hear about it!

Category