WDYT? Help Styling a Dress - YouLookFab Forum

Hi Fabbers,

I have bought a couple of dresses in preparation for the summer. This is the first one.

This is a silk Laura Ashley dress that I bought to fill a hole in my 'special occasion' wardrobe. Special occasion but not super dressy occasion:)
I needed something in my wardrobe that could go to a wedding, church event (say Christmas Eve event), even a work event. Ideally the accessories would make it work for each occasion.

The dress is one of the options I am considering wearing to host our annual Fashion Week Parade this week. I have had some tailoring done on the dress, but please keep in mind that the design & style is 'oversized'.

#1 & #2 show the dress worn with an Obi belt

#3 & #4 show the dress worn with a buckled stretch belt

#5 & #6 show the dress worn sans belt. (excuse silly face in 6, DS slipped me a piece of chocolate)

#7 show the back of the dress again sans belt.

Please note, I have no make up on and the dress is not really styled. I am very keen for your input re belted or unbelted. I personally like it both ways, and I promise the dress looks better sans belt then I am standing properly lol!
I am leaning in one direction but I think I need the advice of my fellow style queens.

Thanks for looking.

xxx Deborah

p.s. I have a couple of other things to show you so may be a bit of a forum hog today... it all depends on whether I decide to act like a grown up and get of the computer and clean my house!! xxx

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12 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I like it a lot! I like it in all versions. The buckle belt is more traditional while the obi belt looks a bit more modern. I like the dress unbelted as well, it has a 20s vibe. This is a keeper IMO and true to your style.

I am really surprised it's Laura Ashley! I guess I still associate that brand with full skirted floral dresses, the drop-waist kind that were so popular in the early 80s. I don't think Laura Ashley dresses are sold in the US at this point, so I am glad to see her look has evolved with the times.

Deborah

Thanks Denise. Yes once upon a time Laura Ashley was all liberty prints and florals but one of my friends buys a lot of her dresses. They have been doing beautiful fit and flare designs that suit my friend very well. I also bought this skirt from them (see below) .... so not what I think of when I think Laura Ashley.

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Jeanie

Very nice! I like the Obi belt and also no belt. Go Laura Ashley, who knew! And I couldn't even tell you had no make up!

rachylou

I ADORE the obi belt.

Lantana

I vote no belt. The front of the dress has that nice detailing and doesn't needmore structure. The back looks great unbelted.
Love the choccy face.
Hmm, choccy, might need trip to fridge.

Caro in Oz

I like them all too. I think for the fashion parade the obi belt would be perfect.

Lyn D.

Beautiful Deborah!
Is it Ink?
Could you nod to the black and white trend with a jacket or accessories?
Now I want chockie too.

jayne

Lovely and soooo your style. I do think it might do with a bit of brightness though. The black photos as a bit dull and I would love to see you spice it with your signature cobalt somehow. or white

Jayne thank you, I will definitely add some colour when I accessorize:)

Momo

I like it unbelted! The structure of the dress is cool and it is hidden by the belt. With the belt I vote the obi.

sarah

I think the dress has very interesting detailing that only shows when it's unbelted, my preference. But belted is ok, too.

FlorenceFearne

Active Member

Another vote for the obi belt. Also, had you not added it to your note, I don't think I would ever have guessed you were sans makeup. You look just as lovely barefaced.

ironkurtin

Obi belt. And I vote for not really needing color. Black for the win!

Jenava

I like the obi belt. It's OK unbelted but maybe a bit too sack-like for my taste, anyway....I think it makes it a bit less dressy, unbelted. I don't like the other, regular belt at all, but I think the obi belt is perfect. I prefer it without added color...I think it's more sophisticated with just black.

Glory

I like it both ways - a wonderful addition to your wardrobe.

Diana

Obi. And silver jewelry.

Oh, yes silver jewelry would be perfect!

Suz

I like it all the possible ways! For this event, I think I'd go with the obi belt and silver, as Diana says, and maybe a white clutch? Or black and white.

I would never in a million years have guessed it was Laura Ashley. In fact, when I first read those words in your post, I thought: Wait a minute. It is NOT April Fool's day. WHAT would Deborah be doing in a Laura Ashley dress?

Thanks Ladies. I am glad you like the dress and it works with and without the belt. I like both ways and really like how it feels sans belt. Our weather has turned cold again so I also have a pants outfit on the ready for Thursday night but if I don't wear the dress, it will be worn soon.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I love the dress with the obi belt. It's really beautiful styled like that. I am not as fond of it sans belt because it's not sack-like enough.

I vote non-black shoes. xo

Anonymous

Deborah, this is a fabulous dress! For the fashion event I like the obi belt best, but all your choices look wonderful on you.

Jaime

I like it with the obi and also without a belt. I slightly prefer it without a belt in the pictures because I feel like it was designed to be that way, but would have to see it in motion and in person to be sure. I am confident you will look stylish and gorgeous whatever you decide!

Thank Angie, Joy and Shevia.

Angie, I am 3 kilos and down and still working on it, so it may become more sacklike in time

Shevia, the dress is designed to be worn without a belt:)

lyn67

beautiful dress, Deb, very you! Love it without the belt the most, but the obi is changing to another great look, too! Keep, and wear the heck out of it!!!!

vote for the obi belt or no belt

Abigail

My favorite is the buckled belt. It gives the dress a really nice shape while still keeping it looking flow-y and pretty. I love the dress.

Sarah A

I like the obi belt here! I think we dont get the full effect of no belt in a still pic though so it is hard to truly evaluate that one. I also like all black and dont feel added color or accessories are needed here.

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