Yay or nay: flutter sleeve wrap dress

I marked this dress for return to the company but I keep waffling about it. So asking you all for honest feedback.

Originally, I ordered the navy version of this dress a size smaller. It was tight in the upper back and the navy and white dots were too high contrast for me. So… took a gamble on the red and went up a size.

Would prefer a warmer red, but the color and contrast are much better than navy. The upper back isn’t tight now.

The bust is kind of huge, to the point I was tucking a bit of it into the belt. The fabric is slightly sheer and thinner; great for summer breezes but you can see my dark panties outlined in photos. (Would definitely wear nude underthings with it.) Overall, the dress is very comfortable; it’s got a lot of ease and no restrictions anywhere—almost in the realm of pajamas and kimono robe comfort.

I feel like this dress makes me look a bit blocky or square compared to other dresses I own, like my dolce vita tulip dress. It is a wider, breezier shape in general. So perhaps not fair to compare. And yet…. Idk.

I want to love this dress!! The deep flutter sleeves call to me. I get these Italian siren in a sundress vibes when I look at the stock photos. Seeing the dress on me, I feel like it’s missing something for me. I can’t put my finger on it… Perhaps the deep sleeves and armholes and excess fabric just engulf me, throwing off the balance?? Perhaps it just doesn’t have enough tailoring or shape to it, despite the belted waist. I’ve noticed I do better with some shaping somewhere in the mix which this dress has little to zero.

am I just being too picky?

What do you all say?

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7 months ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I like the color, it makes your eyes pop. From your description, I wonder how comfortable this dress will be to wear if the top feels a bit loose/large. Will you need to fuss and constantly re-tuck into the belt to make it acceptable?

Star

What I have learned from YLF is there is no such thing as being too picky. If I question a piece at the try on stage I have learned to leave it behind.

RobinF

Hmm, I love the color and the hemline and flowiness is really fun. I see what you mean about the fit in the middle though. Maybe because of the bust being too big but something is off about the way it looks in the bodice.

Sisi

I agree with Star. You are not being too picky. This dress looks lovely but in my opinion you "sense" that it has not the right shape for you. Next! as Angie says.

Ginger

I couldn't put up with the fit of the top myself. I know that feeling and even if I like the fabric and color and swish of the skirt, the fit of the top needs to be better. When I reservations like this but keep the item anyway, sooner or later I realize that I'm not reaching for it. It doesn't make me happy enough.

Roberta

I agree with Star - you could do better. But keep an eye out for that shade of red, it is wonderful on you.

Joy

Yay, it looks great on you. But I think it should be a bit shorter on you.

Sal

It is good but I do question the fit. I think it might be just the wrong cut - I get this too that to fit my shoulders and bust and height tops are often too wide at the ribs - so I can’t wear either size.

I would look for something similar as it is a great concept for you and it’s almost there.

Ket

Thank you all! You're confirming my suspicions. And also giving me some much needed YLF wisdom <3 It sounds like I am not being too picky.

I do think the top is just too large or blousy and open. Also, way too much fabric around my rib cage. Sometimes that works really well, but the waist definitely and waist height has to be just right; it's usually best done with a button shirt tied at the waist, over some jeans that are fitted in the hips.

Also, something about how the skirt drapes on me is bugging me, despite loving the flow of it.

Thank you ladies <3

Staysfit, Ginger, I know in my heart of hearts I won't actually enjoy wearing it since it feels off--despite not knowing exactly why it is off.

Sal, Roberta, am definitely going to keep an eye out for another dress in this concept -- but a better fit for me <3

Joy, the length does feel odd on me... I noticed that too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote return. Not quite right!

FWIW:

Gorgeous colour! The blousey fit is cute too. It’s the frill on the bodice that throws things off, to my eye.

Jaime

Yes, too picky is not a thing here. It is almost but not quite.

Thank you Angie and Jaime! I am feeling bette after posting and seeing everyone agree it’s not quite right. Back it goes

lyn67

That's a great color and dress for summer but I would cut off and/or sew in the flutter detail from under the armpits to the waist. That's why I have a sewing maschine and contstatly boss my clothes to my picky liking....:-)

Bijou

I love red on you - but the fit is off - so I am glad that you are returning this one.

MsMary

Agree -- no such thing as too picky! The color is great but the shape isn't doing you any favors. Next!

Zaeobi

I wonder whether taking up the shoulders would help with the fit of the top part? You're right that it isn't quite right - there will be more, don't worry!

Lyn67, that is such a clever idea to sew them down!!! Bet that ruffles going from shoulder down to waistline is adding too much visual width. I do have a sewing machine, but alas, my sewing skills and confidence are still in the baby stage. And I actually don't have a sewing space at the moment. I'm just going to send it back for now. Hopefully I'll find something similar but better for me down the road.

Bijou and MsMary, thank you!! Your words make my heart feel better <3

Zaeobi, the only issue with eating up the bust excess by taking up the shoulders, is there is gathering along the shoulder line. So either that would be lost forever OR I would have to do a lot of ripping and re-sewing. And I just don't have the confidence or skills yet to do that. I can of course take it to a tailor. But then I'm paying for both a commute to the city and tailoring. I think the obvious solution is to actually to keep working to sewing one day

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