Thoughts on this wool sheath dress?

I went to take some things to consignment, and of course they were “full up” and not taking items then. Should have been my clue, but I looked around anyway.

I found this tweedy wool blend sheath dress by Millie of NY. I like how it fits. It is quite like 2 dresses I have already, but the fabrication is different and reads more wintry and perhaps dressier.

Here are my issues, if some of you can help me think it through:

I’d mostly layer under it or over it, and wear tights—it’s a cool-weather fabric, so not much point in being sleeveless, though if wearing outside of work, I could style it with a black or colored short jacket for a suit-dress look.

Options for work would be: a button-down in a solid or print for pattern mixing; a thin turtleneck; or a scoop-neck thin knit longsleeved top, to preserve the neckline. Or to layer over, a cardigan, unbuttoned (won’t show much, but for warmth), or buttoned, turning it into a skirt look.

It feels about 1/2 ti one inch too short for my best length —2 options: one, a teeny bit short is less of an issue with tights, and in fact may look better; 2) it has some hem, and the tweedy fabric might iron out so the hem-line doesn't show, but I can’t be sure of that.

The gold chain belt! I don’t think I want to wear it with that—it’s removable. I could envision finding some suede or faux-suede in black to make a small tie or loop in place of the chains.

So, goggles & gloves off: classic or dated? deal-breaker belt issue? too short or okay with tights?

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12 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I vote keep. The neckline is fab, the length is fine, and the fit great. Lovely dress! I'm not sure about the belt. I guess it becomes more versatile without it, but it doesn't look off in any way to me.

Anonymous

Hmmm, if it could be lengthened a little, that make you more comfortable, especially when seated. I do love the neckline, but I have struggled with winter dresses that are sleeveless, since I don't care for the "jumper" look on myself (shirt layered under).

Suz

It's a lovely cut for you. I love how the neckline highlights your dainty shoulders and although I see the issues with sleeveless, you have pretty arms!

I like the length as is with flats. Did you do a sit test, though? Sometimes they ride up too much. But it could probably be let down a smidge, anyway, as you say.

I am not sure about the gold belt thing. If you take off the chain, you still have the chain holes, correct? That might limit its versatility in that you would need toppers that did not show those (or showed them completely).

I think you won't wear a jacket at work because you don't like layering it under the lab coat? I can understand that. If you have silky blouses to layer this over, that would be nice.

I had to laugh at your first comment. Isn't that always the way? They don't even take your stuff and you end up spending money!

I'd say if the price is good, and you have been looking for this type of item for a while, go for it. But if not, you probably want one with more versatility. In future, though, this is a neckline and a cut to covet, and maybe this is a maker you want to follow!

pastrygirl

Is the whole belt removable, or just the chain part? I love the neckline and think the length looks good, but that belt is not good. Regarding the length, I've become strict about what I let myself buy. There is a length that I end up not wearing, no matter how much I think I will wear it. I passed up a dress a few days ago for that reason. I almost justified it, thinking that I could do tights and tall boots, but I know when the time comes, I just won't wear it.

I love the shape and colour, but I too am wondering about the belt attachments and whether they come off. I would imagine that the hem would iron down easily from how you describe the fabric to be. A tailor could face it up at a longer length for you.

Thistle

If it passes the sit test, this is a keeper!!

Gorgeous.

unfrumped

Such good thoughts and questions, ladies!
There is not really a belt. There is a black suede-y band integral to the dress, and the 2 gold crickets into which the chain is inserted.

Opps, not " crickets" ! Wasctrying to write circlets ' cause I couldn't think what to call them- -grommets?

Kristin L

I think they are grommets. As long as the dress passes the sit-down test, I'd say it's a keeper!

Niefern

Active Member

In my opinion the dress is lovely and very flattering. I'd keep.

Thank you for the suggestions.
I'm still wondering if I can make a front belt alteration that works.
I think I'm going to "visit" the dress at the store tomorrow (if it's still there) while wearing/taking some of the proposed accessories (blouse, cardi, tights) and see if I like it when layered up, since that will change the simplicity of the sheath look.

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