WIW: LisaP's Stereotypical Sheath Dress

I had to laugh yesterday because I had a funeral to go to unexpectedly. A friend of a friend passed away and I agreed to go to support the friend. I had to quickly borrow a dress from the same friend (I've lost weight and had nothing suitable--all I've got that fits are a flowy rayon maxi dress or a printed cotton sundress, both too casual for the occasion.)

She brought the dress to my house right before the service so I could change into it quickly and we could get on the road. As soon as I saw it, I flashed back to LisaP's rant about sheath dresses and how they all look the same. The dress she bought me was exactly THAT dress-- a straight black stretch-woven fabric sheath, sleeveless, with a conservative V neck and button front with self tie, by Calvin Klein. She told me to keep it as she doesn't fit into it anymore, and actually it was too big for me as well, but I suppose I could have it tailored. It fills a need. I didn't feel like myself, but in a pair of high heels and with my hair in a hasty updo, I did feel rather fab.

strangely, my husband (no fashion maven) saw me when I got home and raved about how great the dress looked. He even asked me to wear it for my birthday dinner next month. Guess I didn't realize he would like such a formal look.

Here's a catalog pic I found on the web.

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10 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Beautiful and classic with a twist.ni really like it, but I like classics.

Sal

I actually like this dress and can imagine how flattering it could be!

Sorry to hear about your loss.

Anonymous

That's really cute! And that's more than just a sheath dress - it has a retro vibe to it - much more interesting

viva

I agree with your hubs and the crowd - a lovely dress. So sorry for your loss.

Nannabella

Active Member

If the fit isn't too far off, that might be worth having tailored. It's a sheath with a twist. The tie adds some uniqueness, and the collar reminds me of some Chinese dress collars. I'm glad you found something that worked for the occasion. Condolences to your friend.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

OMG. I had that dress a number of years ago. I wore it a lot too.

Firecracker (Sharan)

It looks like a flattering and classy style. I'd say it's worth tailoring, so you have that "standby" dress for funerals and other occasions. Birthday dinners, maybe. Ha haha!

A great LBD and not the same ol' sheath, yet it looks timeless.

anne

I like it too - and agree that it has more than the steretypical sheath. If alterations aren't too hard to do I'd be keeping it if I was you!

Carla

Another vote for 'keep', because it is a nice dress and does fill a wardrobe hole. I think a happier dress for the occaision of your birthday - no?

FWIW, DH doesn't comment much on my outfits, either, but anything waist defining will get a "you look nice in that". I figure every now and then you've got to throw the dog a bone, so I do try for waist defining/figure flattering for things worn for special occasions we might attend together!

Meow

I was just looking for a funeral dress ( ugh isn't that awful but unfortunately the reality). This one is better than what I could currently find in the stores. It's not so stark black black which was one of my criteria - more of a softer or textured black. A very respectful classic style - nothing too "fashiony" but not frumpy either. My dilemma is finding a dress or outfit that I could wear any time of year. This dress seems like you could. You could wear tights and boots in the winter, heels in the summer.
How nice to have a friend to show up at your door with a dress!

Kirstjen

Sometimes those boring, classic styles are what works for the occasion.
That dress is so basic that it could probably be styled & accessorized a hundred different ways.

I think men see the shape flattering aspect more than the formality, and I still think sheath dresses are great, but they get harder to wear as you get older unless you reconcile yourself to more stomach than before, or shapewear.

The first line of your post was pretty attention grabbing, laughing and unexpected funeral rarely meet in the same opening sentence.

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