Velvet Burgundy Dress Saga - Part 2 - YouLookFab Forum

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Velvet Burgundy Dress Saga - Part 2

K.M.

Veteran

Some of you might remember I was considering a burgundy velvet dress and skirt a while ago. After a loooong saga that involved calling up Old Navy stores out of state, I finally snagged the dress (see Find 1 below) in my size.
Now, as is often the case (isn't it), the dress doesn't fit me like it does the model. I ordered the smallest size (XS) and it is still a wee bit big on me. Pics below. In Pic 3 you can see there's extra fabric under my arms (which means around the torso).
Is it just flattering enough? Can I pull it off as it is? Or should I try to get it altered (if so, how)?
I also welcome styling tips...

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Fit & Flare Velvet-Knit Dress for Women

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Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from K.M.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Actually, you fill out the dress just enough. It looks GORGEOUS.

Fashion tape in front.

Also, you can sew a few darts on the back neckline by hand to pull it in a bit. I've done that a few times on my tops.

K.M.

Veteran

Angie, thank you a million! <3 You made my day. I looooove this dress and I'm obsessed with wearing a burgundy velvet number, so I'm so happy to hear that it works!

PS. I will ask my trusted tailor to sew the darts. I'm so bad at sewing that I can't even fix loose buttons...

Janet

(website)

Veteran

It doesn’t look big at all. Very nice!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I think it follows your figure nicely. You look great!

Christina F.

Veteran

I think the fact that it kind of skims over you adds to the 70’s fab vibe it has. Good job tracking it down!

Runcarla

Veteran

Perfect party dress.

Joy

Veteran

Absolutely beautiful on you. I am taking notes on those darts as most tops have extra fabric on me.

Diana

Veteran

I think it looks wonderful on you!

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

This dress looks fantastic on you! I think it was worth the effort you invested in tracking it down.

K.M.

Veteran

Thanks, everyone! So glad to know it works. Yes, there quite a few phone calls before I got it! First I tracked it in a store in TN, but they shipped the wrong dress even though I gave them the correct product number and name. So then I went back to Customer Service, tracked the dress in a few stores in different states, but some of them wouldn't sell on the phone, and others didn't have my number. Now it looks like it's back in stock on their website in case anyone is interested (yesterday most sizes were available). They have it in black too.
Now on to figure out how to style it for winter! I like the look with bare legs and burgundy pumps as in this picture, but that won't cut it in cold snowy weather... If I have time I might post again with options of boots, tights etc.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

This is simply gorgeous—glad you were finally able to get a hold of it in your size. Enjoy wearing it this party season.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

What a lot of running around, when it turned out the dress would be restocked anyway! But it’s probably like “making” it rain by going out without an umbrella; if you hadn’t chased it down, it wouldn’t have come back onto the website, lol.
Good thing it looks so good on you, after the effort you put into it!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

You look gorgeous on this dress--and the matching shoes! I think it drapes beautifully and elegantly on you. I don't see a need for alterations.

rachylou

Veteran

Really pretty!

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Wowza. You look fabulous. The color is awesome on you.

Katerina

Veteran

I like the dress on you exactly as it is. Marvelous!

Anonymous

I am so glad you found and pursued this dress. The velvet is gorgeous. Old Navy's velvet is as nice as any I've touched this Holiday Season and the price is much better than a lot of others. I also like how the dress coordinates with the shoes. Gorgeous all around.

Brooklyn

Veteran

You look lovely. Glad your persistence paid off.

K.M.

Veteran

Thank you, everyone! I'm feeling so excited about wearing this next week. Still haven't had a chance to try out winter attire with it (I will be traveling out of town so I need to plan and pack soon).
Sterling, I was also impressed with the quality of the fabric. I also tried their velvet leggings, and although I didn't keep them (just didn't like the look of skintight velvet on my legs--pants would have been better) I thought the fabric was lovely.
When I was growing up my mom would talk about true velvet, and fake velvet--i.e. the cheap synthetic kind. Not quite sure about the difference, although I'm sure the Old Navy, Target, etc. velvets would not fit the "true kind" definition. But then again I grew up thinking polyester was cheap and awful, and nowadays I still have to adjust my mind to the fact that it's used by nice brands (e.g. Boden) and commands prices I would only expect of natural fabrics...