Vince dress...looks like pajamas? - YouLookFab Forum

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Vince dress...looks like pajamas?

Peri

Veteran

That was my DH's reaction. He doesn't like it...finds it tolerable at best. Yeah, that shouldn't matter all the way, but he's my date for the events I would wear it for, so it would make me happier to at least feel like he thought I looked good. Mainly, he doesn't get the style.

Truth is, I'm on the fence too. I love the dress on the hanger. I love the dress on other Fabs. I don't love it on me. I like it better than most things I try, and I think I could feel okay in it...but not great. Like an 7 out of 10...when every other dress I've tried has been a 4 out of 10. Maybe I just need to settle for the 7 out of 10.

Maybe the problem is shoes? (Most often the case really). I can't wear the cool edgy heeled booties most of you are showing with it. These black flats are it, don't need to go into why again, but I don't think they do anything for the outfit.

I think I'm talking myself out of it, and keeping my $200. I need help and honest opinions!

Pics 1 and 2 are the size 8. The sleeves are too long (and I have super long arms, so, weird) but I'd choose this size for the length. I wouldn't think one size would make a length difference, but I really feel the 6 is too short.

Pics 3 and 4 are the 6. I'm just showing this one cause I got a better shot of the shoes. The sleeves fit better but I'm not comfortable with the hem length.

Thoughts? For the price I wish I could find something that would make me so happy I wouldn't have to ask. But so far, and it has been a really long search, I just haven't.

And PS...what's with my hair? I swear it looks better than this IRL, it just doesn't photograph well. Either the messy style or the dark color, I don't know.

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23 replies

Latest reply was from viva

Anonymous

Agree with you re the fit issues and also that it is a dress that cries out for some kind of heels. But I think also the color may be causing you to hesitate. If it were a pure scarlet red or royal blue, it would be smashing on you. In this moody wine color, it's just kind of "ok" with your coloring.

carter

Veteran

I'm feeling like it's not the right fit for you too. I am also limited to flats and the occasional very low heel. At 5'5", I do find that making a dress work with flats is not the easiest thing in the world. Are these the only shoes that work for you, or is it possible to find a slightly more feminine/dressy looking something with a lower vamp?

Liz

Veteran

If you don't love it on you, and could only feel ok in it but not great ... I'd return it and hold out for something you would love and feel great in.

catgirl

Veteran

My sister felt the same about this dress on her (she wore mine at TIFF) but not on me. I actually feel like this looks good on you, but you're clearly not 100% overjoyed, and at this price you should be. Maybe try the blue one?

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I think the "pajamas" look probably comes from the combination of the dress and the slipper-like shoes. If those are the shoes, I think you should start from there and look for a dress that specifically complements them. $200 is too much for something you don't feel great in.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So frustrating!!! No wonder you are discouraged.

I think the 8 looks a bit too big -- but maybe not if you scrunched the sleeves. And I think maybe the 6 is a titch too small in the shoulders. Also, I do understand what you mean about the length, although my own is that short and I am keeping it. I just decided that my knees are my knees and c'est la vie. I felt like if I made it look "grown up" in other ways, I was okay in it.

I actually think the colour is lovely on you. Maybe not as nice as a deep clear red, but still good.

But here is the thing -- if you are not comfortable in it, it's not a good dress for you. Your husband won't love it, you won't love it, you won't feel as pretty as you are, and that is double plus unfab.

Footwear is complicating the issue. As Jenn says, the smoking slippers read a little bit as, well.... slippers. Hose might help in this situation. But then you might be too hot.

I do think this style is great for you, generally -- but perhaps this particular dress isn't "the one."

At the same time, I can't help but wonder how things would look if you scrunched those sleeves. And could wear different shoes. Sigh....

Here is another direction to go -- if you are starting from footwear. Instead of a dress, go for "Le Smoking." Or an arty version thereof.

Black pants you have. And you could probably find cool silk ones (maybe even arty harem pants like Una's????) Add an amazing silk blouse in one of your best colours. Add bling and a fantastic clutch. And a topper if required.

How does that sound? I know a dress is still a HEWI (and EVERY woman deserves a dress that makes her feel like a million bucks.)

But in the absence of said dress, maybe "le smoking" would fill the dressy niche?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with the others. I think the shoes might be part of the issue. However, the larger matter is that you are not feeling fab in it. I didn't feel fab in it either (partly because the one I tried on was a bit too small, and the next size wasn't available). I wanted it to work better than it did on me, and that's a sure sign of a closet orphan in the making. I'm learning to stop trying to make something work just because my ego is hurt that I can't wear something as beautifully as everyone else. *stomps foot*

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Suz's idea is amazing!

(Also, my hair is dark and styled messy, and I swear, it doesn't photograph anything like it look in real life, so you're not alone!)

Aida

Veteran

Hmm I think the blue one might work better for you. But if you and hubby both don't really like the style I don't know that it's worth trying. I'm with you on those event items: For daily wear I don't worry about my husband's thoughts on my style, but since he's the one that will be with me to any dressy event, I DO try to make sure he actually likes what I wear to those. As a result, the items in my dressy capsule are quite different to my usual style (or even to what I would pick if I was just going on my own preferences). It's a worthwhile compromise to me. And I agree with everything Janet said!

Diana

Veteran

I think the dress looks great. However, I do get the pajama vibe when it is worn with these shoes, because they are slipper-ish. I think each on their own is great but not together. Too much un-structuredness, I think. Do you have a fitted, structured blazer or jacket with some waist definition? Can you do me a favor and try it on over the dress to see if you like it better with more structure?

Anonymous

I think it looks better on you than you think, and I like the colour on you. But it is a very full look on your small frame. You have delicate legs, which may be enhancing the dress's fuller look. As Suz said, tights or leggings might help ground the look if you can wear them in your climate. Taking up the sleeves would help, or just tightening the buttons on the cuffs so your wrists are defined. Maybe try pinning the cuffs tighter to get an idea if that might help. I agree with others on the shoes. Though if you have to buy new shoes it just adds to the overall cost of the dress.

I'm thinking these things, combined with your husband's not loving it, add up to a return. It's probably what I'd do if I felt the way you do. I never hold onto anything I don't love initially as I my satisfaction with clothes usually dwindles as they hang in my closet, not the reverse.

Elly

Veteran

Great color-- would like the style as a blouse with good pants-- don't think the fit and length are right for a dress.

Anonymous

I have the 8 too - and the sleeves on mine are also too long . I wanted the extra length in the body, and the extra room in the upper sleeve/armscye area too.....hence ordering an 8. I think you look better than just ok in this dress and I'm sorry your husband isn't on board. Mine probably doesn't like it either, but knows enough not to say anything to me - lol. I absolutely agree that the shoes are the big issue here - and although I don't know your shoe/foot story, I assume you have to wear flats for a reason. If you can't find edgier footwear, then go for a different outfit, I agree.

Peri

Veteran

Thank you all! You've helped me determine what is off about it...the fit on me, the color not being my best, and the shoes ruining it. Everyone I liked it on did get to wear it with heels. I particularly liked it with those buff colored open booties a la Lisap and Suz.

Alaskagirl and Aida, I did try the blue one also, but it went back with no questions. That shade of blue was really not for me. I don't think the dark wine is my best, but that blue was not it at all. And thanks Aida. I'm as independent as we all aspire to be, but if I'm dressing up it sure doesn't feel too great when my nearest and dearest is so underwhelmed.

Diana, no, I don't own a single jacket!

Suz, a great idea for most occasions, but trousers at a formal Southern wedding, just really not the thing! No matter how nice, I'd be considered underdressed for sure. I don't think my area gets le smoking.

Janet, yes exactly! Re: the discussion on the lemming issue a few weeks ago, I really have no problem with it...I love people to do my shopping for me. But it's a real downer when the thing that is so perfect on so many others just totally misses for me!

And everyone else, I think you've nailed it. It's the shoes, story of my life. I really can't handle a shoe search along with a dress search. Wow, if you added a bra in the mix I'd be in pure shopping h#ll!! I guess I need a more traditional looking dress if I'm stuck with these shoes.

Thanks for the help, back to the drawing board...NEXT...

Deborah

Veteran

Peru I'm so sorry this isn't working for you because I think you look gorgeous in this dress! The shoes are the issue here IMHO:(. It sounds like you have explored your footwear options but would a flat, pointy tied ankle strap style be a comfortable option because I think a more refined, pointed toe shoe could work with the dress. Just a thought ;). I think you look incredibly beautiful in the dress;)

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Peri, it is a nice dress but you are clearly not feeling fab. You have gorgeous coloring and it should be perfect on you but does seem just a bit off. I think you should find something that makes you smile and dash out to show it off.

Glory

Veteran

I think you look fantastic but I don't think you love it. And, hubs doesn't love it and that matters to you since he is your date.And, that totally makes sense. I vote return it and continue the hunt.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Can you wear the blue one you were going to alter? Will that work?

How about lace? Like Angie's lace dress from last year?

So frustrating. I really feel you because it's so much more stressful when you have a specific event that has to be dressed for.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I think this similar but not the same dress I just saw at Reiss might work better on you. Maybe because of the shorter sleeves.

Georgie Berry Tie-sleeve Dress

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Lucy

Veteran

Lots of mixed opinions here
For what it is worth, I like the colour, but I think the dress is wearing you a bit. You are so gorgeous and this is not really showing it....

rachylou

Veteran

Pass. It doesn't fill your requirements.

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, pass. And please don't give it a second thought. I'm sure there's something out there that both you and DH like and that works with your shoes.

viva

Veteran

Peri, I ended up returning mine. I loved it at first but then I tried it on again (and also my other NAS dress) and decided to choose between the two. Ultimately I felt a little swallowed up by the Vince dress, and I didn't want to spend the money (even the discounted amount) if I didn't love it totally. (I have no idea how DH felt). For me, it never would have worked with a flat shoe, as that would have exacerbated the "hanging bag" feeling I was getting from it. (I love shifts but I think I need shifts with more structure.) Maybe that is part of what happened here, because you seem quite petite and your legs are about twice as delicate as mine.

You do look lovely in that color, though, and I have been eyeing the Reiss dress Ummlila posted above as a possibility if any fancy events emerge for which I need a new dress. It's got more structure and those sleeves are just beautiful and interesting. Might work for you too?

(PS I also have the same problem with photographing my dark hair. It's like photographing a black outfit -- sometimes it's just a big splotch.)