WIW: Dated or classic, flattering or unflattering?

Sal

I am dressed, in fact in a dress, tights and heeled ankle boots. I have always been complimented on this dress, and it is comfortable, smart and useful, but I am not sure any more! I wonder if the black band on the empire line is widening or not?

I am working from home and then went to school for a casual meeting, then the grocery store, then home again.

This is the first time I have pulled this dress out this winter, and the first time wearing opaque tights too....

What do you think?

(I seem to be posting problem or average outfits recently, I will try and get a great one next time!)

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11 years ago

What I Wore

18 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

freeda

(website)

Active Member

I'm gonna say the banding on the dress makes it look a bit dated. But I'm no expert.

The cut and fit looks great on you though.

11 years ago

Carla

Veteran

Being short waisted, I've always loved empire style tops and dresses. Back in the day, Stacy and Clinton of WNTW were fans, but I'm not so sure they get a lot of love in YLF Land.

I'm hoping Angie will provide some guidance.

Personally, I like the lines of the dress. The dark hose and boots seem off 'cause we just had our first really nice HOT day, but I understand things are different where you live!

11 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Freeda (and welcome to the forum).

Thanks Carla too - I am shortwaisted as well (I think Figure 8 shape). I don't wear a lot of empire line but this one appealed to me back in 2012 when I bought it.

It is definitely autumn/fall here now, although I could be barelegged right now it will chill down in a couple of hours....I will soon be envious of everyone's summer looks.

11 years ago

Anonymous

I think the camera angle is throwing things off a bit here. Is this a cellphone pic? They are notorious for this. Or , your camera, if it's up on a shelf somewhere is pointing too far down, which is again making your bottom half of your body look longer....

I get it, as I'm super short waisted too, but I think the only problem, if you even want to call it that, is the black band calling attention to the high waistedness of the dress. I'm not feeling it as current - and that's really only the issue for me.

11 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Lisa, yes a cellphone pic on a table. I do struggle to take great WIW in my 100 year old house, and my large SLR camera always has a huge zoom on it for sports pics. Maybe I should go back to my little camera digital. My office is the lightest room in the house.

Yes I think it is verging on the dated....

11 years ago

Deb

Veteran

I'm not feeling the banding or the empire line as that current now either Kiwigirl, and had the same dilemma with an old, not dissimilar summer favourite recently. In the end I decided it should go. I'm thinking either make a midi skirt with the portion below the band to give it new life if you love the fabric and are that way inclined, or pass it on.

11 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

I would say if you started feeling it out, then it is OUT! If you would still felt great, than would have kept it, as it is indeed still flattering- no matter the empire band is dated or not. But gosh, this will not help you a lot:-((.

11 years ago

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Agree about the banding. The dress flattering as well as the pattern. On the other hand it does give a throwback vibe.

I love "average". &"problem" fits, glam is ok but everday is major. To me this is part of what drives YLF. Don't beat yourself up about posting the perfect fit.

11 years ago

Olivegreen

Active Member

I like the dress. With flats and a bright accessory or two it would look much more boho and throwaway chic...this old thing?
Or with white skinnies and ten necklaces?
Then the boots would work.
Another short waisted empire fan here.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like the dress and think it suits you but I agree that if you're feeling unsure, then it's probably time to let it go -- the banding does date it to my eye. But Olivegreen has an interesting suggestion.

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote pass on, unless you give Olivegreen's suggestions a quick go.

11 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Lyn, Deb, Ladonna, Angie, Suz, Olivegreen. I think I will donate.

Olivegreen, thanks for the suggestions, which are good. I don't have white jeans, and I don't think the texture of the dress would work in a boho sense for me.

I will look for a knit dress replacement that fills this gap - sleeved, smart, comfortable.
Thanks for confirming what I was feeling!

11 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I like olivegreen's suggestions if you want to keep the dress in rotation on a more current note.

11 years ago

EmilyC15

Active Member

Another Kiwi responding here! I hate to be the one to say it, but yes, it is a touch dated. However, the blue/white colors are perfect for you. I myself have a dress of a very, very similar cut, complete with the black banding, that is staying in rotation because it is just so flattering and practical for days like the one you described.

My suggestion is to pair it with light blue/gray stockings, instead of the black. Only you can say if its time has come - does it delight your heart when you put it on and make you feel happily defiant of fashion trends? Or do you feel a bit glum, wringing out the last of an investment?

It's so hard in New Zealand to get away from black clothing - harder than in other countries.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

It reminds me of a this season Marc Jacobs dress... but I agree, don't cling to it.

11 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

The dress is a very flattering colour and style for you. I am echoing the other Fabbers in terms of it not being current.

11 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I don't think this is current:( Pretty dress but I have seen in you in some very fab outfits and this doesn't quite live up to you usual, if you know what I mean. This style of dress was very popular maybe 8 years ago and while I still see some around, it doesn't look modern to me.

11 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks TexStyle. Deborah, Rachylou and Style Fan and welcome Emily. Yes NZ sure is the land of the black.....this winter seems particularly so!

Suddenly a portion of my winter wardrobe is a bit dated after not spending much money over the last couple of years.

11 years ago

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