WIW.... from frumpy to..... not quite as bad. - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW.... from frumpy to..... not quite as bad.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I thought I'd submit a pic for proof that I'm still getting dressed everyday

I'm embarrassed to admit that #1 is how I've been wearing this dress all summer. In my defense I only really wear it on days that I'm not doing much beyond maybe a trip to the grocery store, but still, I know... not fab.

But I put it on today to take my son to have his senior portrait taken and it felt like such a mom dress. I decided to try a real belt (duh!) and my hack job denim vest and instantly felt better. Did I redeem myself from frumpy momsville?

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27 replies

Latest reply was from Jonesy

harmonica

Veteran

LOVE #2! Great hack job and SUPER layering! Love the belt too!

I often find that adding a belt when the waist is similar to #1, it helps define the waist and feels more structured and kind of dressed (if that makes sense)

Anonymous

Hardly frumpy with those cool shoes, but I have to admit that the belt and vest take it up a notch! You look great. I wonder why it felt frumpy to you. Do you feel your style is changing or are you just tired of your summer dresses by August?

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Oh, wow! If ever there has been an example how simple things lift one outfit from drab to fab this is it!!!

qfbrenda

Veteran

I like the first picture, but the belt and vest definitely take it a notch further! Nice to see you posting again.

Anonymous

Well, #2 looks great....but I really like #1 also - I would have just added some fun jewelry and on a cooler day a cardi or denim jacket. But that's just me - I like clean lines and simple silhouettes without a lot of fuss. So, I think you were successful either way...such a cute dress!

Queen Mum

Veteran

Thanks Harmonica! Yes, I don't know why I have been wearing the self belt all summer long.

Claire.. I think it may be a combination of several factors. #1...knits often feel more frumpy to me, although they are a perfect casual summer fabric. #2.. I think I was feeling overwhelmed by the stripes. and #3... something about having to pin the bodice closed and never quite feeling that I have it perfect. I hate seeing the tug and pin-dimple of a pinned bodice, but I can't just let it hang or it would fall open.
And yes, I do think I'm getting tired of wearing just a dress and sandals. It's comfy and practical for summer, but one can only take so much lack of layering. And to think we still have a good 6 weeks of summer most likely.

RunnerChick

#1 is hardly frumpy, but #2 is wow. Nice! I totally hear you about the tug and pin dimple of a top that's pinned closed. Is it too warm for a cami underneath? Anyway, you do look fab!

Heather

Veteran

More hair envy here! You look great, Kim.

Sona

Veteran

fab transformation! Loving #2 ( although as others have said nothing wrong with #1). Summer weather is so difficult!

Anonymous

Ugh. IKWYM about the pinned wrap front. Hang in there. We'll be able to layer soon......well, eventually.

Anonymous

You never look frumpy to me, but the styling in #2 definitely takes things up a notch.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look terrific in both pics, Kim, but I fully sympathize about feeling frumpsville in a dress sans other layering pieces. Especially one that needs pinning.

What amazes me is the way that the super cool sandals echo the stripes (in a good way) and this is SO much more evident when you add the belt and vest. I have no idea why that's the case, but it makes everything come together cohesively into a pleasing whole.

Totally redeemed in my book!

kellygirl

Veteran

You look really fab, Kim! I actually love the dress both ways. This is very similar to what I've been doing--unadorned dress because of the heat that gets dressed up every once in awhile with a vest! You look cool and stylish. Great to see you!

Marley

Veteran

First of all - its imPOSSible for you to look frumpy because you've got a great hair-cut and the shoes are fantastic! The vest and belt do take it up a notch though - great "save!"

Queen Mum

Veteran

aww, thanks ladies! you are always so uplifting!
RunnerChick.. a cami wouldn't solve the problem because it's not that it's so low cut, but that it kindof falls open without being pinned. That could be sloppy looking.
kelly- sounds like we share a summer uniform

Anonymous

I like both versions. The dress fits really well. No frumpiness detected!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Well first of all, you do NOT look like a frumpy mom! But #2 has more edge and visual interest with the belt and vest.

JR

Veteran

Nice notch job! ;o) (As in taking it up a notch.) It didn't look frumpy in the first photo though. The other ladies are right; your hair and sandals prevented frumpiness. But it's even better in the second.

Would it be possible to sew the front closed, thereby ending the pin and dimple problems?

lyn67

Veteran

Love this, Kim! Admit that nr 2 is closer to my heart, great job with the belt and waistcoat dressing up a stiped dress-will try to remember this for myself- but you are too harsh on yourself!you've NEVER EVER look like a frumpy mom!
thanx for sharing!

April

Veteran

Yep, the shoes and haircut totally redeem the first outfit and the accessories perk things up further.

No frumpiness, Kim. Carry on.

shiny

Veteran

You look adorable!

Please tell me more about the hack job denim vest... apologies if I missed the thread on this! I have two blue denim jackets, ATL petite and an Old Navy size 14 girls. I have decided I really do not need two, so I have the ON jacket in a pile to donate. But if I hacked it into a vest...................... that would be totally cool! Tell me more!

morethanbeige

Veteran

Well, pic #1 is no where near frumpy, in fact I think it looks pretty great with those shoes. But, #2 looks so much fabber (is that a word?) Just really illustrates what a few key items can do to take a look up a few notches!

Queen Mum

Veteran

Shiny- I hacked that denim vest probably about 2 years ago.. back when Laura had us on a 5 month SYC. It was originally a Gap denim jacket that I picked up at Goodwill for $5 but soon realized that it was a little big and long. I removed the waistband and sleeves, took in the side seams a bit, shortened it and then reattached the waistband. It wasn't hard, I just had to go slow and really think through each step before cutting or sewing. If your ON jacket fits well, it would be really easy for you to do. Since you probably want the shoulders cut a bit higher than they are for a jacket, just carefully cut the sleeve off right at the shoulder seam and turn it in and stitch. I cut with pinking shears and then I zigzag stitched the edge to prevent ravelling. It's not the prettiest job from the inside, but nobody sees that part. You could also make an armhole facing if you wanted.
I can't tell you how much use I have gotten out of this silly $5 jacket. It wasn't hard at all.

shiny

Veteran

The jacket I'd hack is a size 14 girls, and it is a dark denim. It was originally my daughters' jacket (first one, then the other). When they outgrew it, I took it over. At that time, I could not find a petite jean jacket anywhere. The size 14 girls' fits me in the shoulders and the length -- it's a bit tight across the chest, and just a smidge too short in the sleeve length. I can button it okay but it's not the most comfortable worn that way. It looks fine worn unbuttoned with sleeves scrunched.

But then I found my ATL petite jacket which fits like a glove.... and my daughter accidentally grabbed the size 14, took it to her dad's, left it there for a year. I didn't miss it. It came back recently and I then put it into the donate pile...

I love the vest idea because I miss my jean jacket this summer -- it's been too hot for it. Also I imagine you never button the vest, do you? You wear it open and breezy?

Queen Mum

Veteran

shiny- no, I never button it... try it and let us know how it turns out!

Scarlet

Veteran

I really don't think the first one looks frumpy at all! I like both looks a lot.

Jonesy

Veteran

I remember when you hacked that jacket into the vest!

I agree with everyone else that you hardly look frumpy in the first pic--not at all! But the second one is certainly more fun and very stylish.