Too Twee? K/R? ETA: it's a keeper - YouLookFab Forum

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Too Twee? K/R? ETA: it's a keeper

ChrisM

Veteran

Other than the fact that it has a shirt collar, this cotton poplin dress is in a different zip code than my usual style. On the sale rack at Talbots (generally an unsuccessful shopping destination for me), super preppy, super colorful, and super marked down.

I took off the self belt - I kind of like it in a summer day dress sort of way. For off work hours only I think - but it hits that dressed up casual sweet spot. It’s a little short (as are most shirt dresses)

What do you think? K/R?

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Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from ChrisM

Thistle

Veteran

I love Talbots.

But I am uncertain about this dress. Do you need something for evenings weekends?

Given that its Talbots, the dress is probably cotton so it breaths.

The colors are pretty, but I have a poison eye for patches, so I may not be the right person to ask

MsMaven

Veteran

I like it on you--looks like it fits well and will be comfortable. The colors and pattern look like casual summer fun.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

I like it on you and prefer it without the belt (to add length). I bought a shift dress that was a tad too short for me and I had the hem lowered to make it less twee.

Anonymous

I like it! And love the cat's tail in the second pic.....

ChrisM

Veteran

Thistle - I was looking for a “instead of shorts” look to run errands, maybe go for a light meal at a casual restaurant alternative.

MsMaven and Vicki - thanks - this sort of traditional preppy shift dress is just a fun change up from my neutral basics.

Lisa P, I didn’t even catch my photo bomber in action - the proud owner of the tail is Gigi.

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Jane

Veteran

I like this and wonder if it could also be worn over white jeans.Gigi has lovely markings.

Becky

Veteran

*Waving at Gigi* Maybe her patches inspired you to match with the dress?

Cardiff girl

Veteran

What a fun dress,I can see why it appealed to you.I m with you ,the only thing that bothers me about it is the length,I would find it a bit short but then I find most things a bit short these days!

ChrisM

Veteran

Becky - I often think about Gigi’s markings and how she owns them completely. She doesn’t worry if they don’t enhance her figure, nor apologize for her “pirates patch” of black over one eye. She is lovely the way she is, and one of the most people-centric cats I’ve ever met (even though calicos tend to be diva-esque in attitude.)

Jane - excellent suggestion of wearing it over pants,, but I’m afraid that would defeat the breezy summery feel that I’m looking for.

Cardiff girl, the pattern and colors are so much fun, and the sleeve coverage and décolletage coverage are fantastic. The kill shot will probably end up being the length. Still debating. —it’s not THAT short, but just on the border of my comfort zone.

DonnaF

Veteran

I debated the same thing (shortness) on a casual dress I just bought. The thing is that shift dresses can look a bit dowdy and the proportions will be off if they are much longer. Casual dresses should be shorter, right? And always worn with flat sandals or sneakers and the like. A more covered up shoe like a sneaker or ankle strap one that cuts the leg line will make the dress look longer than one that gives a long leg line.

Bijou

Veteran

ChrisM I really like this dress on you and the shortness makes it more casual. I love wearing items like this in summer as my run around essentials, the alternative to shorts and a t-shirt. These colours are pretty and the collar gives the dress enough structure. I vote keep!

Daisy Avalin

I like it on you, the colours/pattern is good for a summery dress. Depending on the depth of the hem, you may be able to get it lowered as Vicki did.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I like it - but will you wear it?

kkards

Veteran

for a casual dress i don't mind the shortness....its more a question of how comfortable are you? i have a shorter dress that i wear these jockey's under --super light not a shaper...gives me just enought coverage that i feel totally confident to move as though i had shorts on.

Jockey Women's Underwear Skimmies Short Length Slipshort

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Aquamarine

Veteran

I like it! Totally summery casual with flat sandals, in a preppy Nantucket way. I don’t think it’s too short, but does it have a hem you could let down an inch if it would make you feel better?

ChrisM

Veteran

You all are awesome.

DonnaF - I will sort through my shoes. You’re right about the leg line.

Bijou - I so admire your style, and i would like to look a bit more finished when out and about - I tend to look overly gearish in my off-work hours.

Daisy -good point - I could actually do it myself, but here’s not a lot to work with. Am thinking about that.

Shevia - you cut to the core question. This is different than my core casual style. Off work I’m very utility driven. This will require a bit more thought - I’m thinking that in a dress format, it might be an easier transition. Thanks for the gut check.

Kkards - you got it! I wear skorts all the time, and at roughly this length. I want that feeling of confidence - but sitting in a short dress that hikes up in the back when seated leaves me feeling exposed. I have a pair of skimmies in black - nude would be easy, and I would wear them with other things. I have a pair of what I call. “petti-pants” which are loose shorts made out of the same fabric as a half slip, which may work, but definitely more “old lady,”

I understand better where my “issue” is with this dress - it’s actually an operational problem that I need to resolve: sitting. Skirts and skorts tend to give my booty some ease in sitting (sliding down ever so slightly at the waist) - but a dress not so much. Off to see if that can be resolved!!!

Thanks again!

ChrisM

Veteran

Aquamarine - yes, Nantucket is a little tongue in check since I live soooooo far away from the shore. I am drawn to the happy playful colors and the classic style. In any other construction I would think this print is obnoxious, but in the classic shirtdress, I like it! Now to make it work!

ETA: am wearing it today. Solved the sitting problem more or less - thank goodness for skimmies. Thank you everyone!