Y/N: Uptown Ponte Cross Front (Halter look) Gown - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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Y/N: Uptown Ponte Cross Front (Halter look) Gown

Vix

Veteran

Yea = I think it'd work for the wedding and/or it's worth trying another size
Nay = nope

Hi YLFers --

Apologies for dumping 2 similar posts on you all this weekend but I'm now caught up with the backlog.

For those new to my adventure, here's (some of) the backstory on the evening wedding

So this Rent the Runway halter dress has a lot of appeal, though I'm not sure I'm in the right size.

There seems to be a fair amount of fabric -- almost like rouching -- the second I move. Was thinking I should try to size both down and up and see what happens....

Pros: Ridiculously comfortable; calls to mind my favorite 70s designs; can thankfully wear a strapless; lightweight/good for travel; paired with existing fancy accessories, appeals to my Minimalist Magpie side; got a very favorable reaction from Mr Vix who otherwise has been blase about the parade of pageant-y gowns; the black is fine for this event/attendees.

Cons: Black's a bit expected for me; ridiculously comfortable also means no cues for good posture; might be a little plain (no bling, sigh) and casual; side slit + sturdy ponte can make it hang a little awkwardly

Thoughts? I'm tempted to keep this one in my back pocket and hope it's available in the fall.

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Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from Vix

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Love the silhouette on you! So glamorous! Wondering if the wrinkling on the sides means it's too big on you though? Maybe the size down might look better. I'm sure you can add some bling with arm candy or statement earrings!

ALeigh

Glad you cleared the black up with the people hosting - with family in, and having assisted in the wedding tailor/design business myself, I've heard countless horror stories of people getting thrown out of receptions and weddings for wearing black, after not checking if they should!

On a happier note, I love the front crossover on you, and the overall shape. The slit definitely works! Not entirely convinced about the back neckline, but there's always hair-half-down as a cover-up. I'd go for bangles, stud earrings rather than longer ones, no necklaces.

If you aren't sure, try on other sizes for sure. They can sit very differently from size to size.

Anonymous

I agree with previous posters. The dress is gorgeous on you. Trying a smaller size is definitely worth it. Bracelets and earrings should finish it for you.

Anonymous

I voted Yay. I think it's a fabulous dress and you look darn good in it. As Sterling said, it's worth trying the size don't like you suggested to see if you prefer the fit.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I vote a tentative yay. The dress looks seriously great on you. It's classy and classic. The sort of dress where, when you look back at the photos in 10 years time, it won't scream 2016. It's very Audrey. And you could easily bling it up. That said, I do think there is a certain predictability to wearing black for an occasion (at least here, including at weddings). And, personally, as much as I love black, I often regard an occasion as an opportunity to break out and wear something a bit unexpected. Do you feel that way? If you do, I would keep this as a fallback but still keep an eye out for another candidate. But if you are happily devoted to black, this dress is an excellent example of the breed!

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

I'm going YAY all the way. Your list of "cons" doesn't seem serious enough to me. You may not 'actually' wear this dress (in case something better comes along before D-day) but do hang on to it.

Cococat

Veteran

A definite yay from me. I love that style of neckline and it looks so elegant on you.

If you're concerned about predictability, could you perhaps let your accessories do the talking?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I echo what Brooklyn says. My feelings exactly. Gorgeous dress, looks fab on you, worth comparing other sizes. But keep looking at others just in case, because...black.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I think it's gorgeous on you, but I would try a smaller size to compare. I can see the excess fabric so the fit is not perfect to my eye. But it's pretty darn close!

Anonymous

It's an elegant dress, Vix. It looks like there's some interesting detail in the front crossover that I can't see. Also, I can't tell if the bumfling on the sides is deliberate ruching or not. If not, maybe try a size down (in case this size is too big) and a size up (in case the fabric is grabbing in the hips, which might become annoying when dancing). I think line is important in a sleek, sophisticated dress like this. I don't suppose you are allowed to alter RtR dresses?

I think this is a fine backup contender, but since you still have time, I'd keep looking.

Colette

Veteran

I love this. It's gorgeous on you and very elegant. The neckline is extremely flattering and dramatic. Definitely try the smaller size. You can have fun with accessories and let them be the bling.

Gail

Veteran

I find it hard to tell on the fit from the pic probably because it is black. I like the dress and style on you and believe you can wear some great jewelry with it. Having said that, YOU have to be comfortable, try a smaller size and see. I vote a yay.

Anonymous

I vote yes, because (a) I'm also a minimalist, and (b) that dress looks fabulous on you. Simple but stunning, what's not to like? Love all the way.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I like the way it looks in the photo -- very elegant and flattering. Because it's black, it's hard to determine whether it's too big. However I do think you should keep looking for something with more color and drama, just to see if it's out there. Essentially, I'm agreeing with Brooklyn on this.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I like this better than the deep plunge dress you last posted. Not so pageant-y and I think the more minimalist style is more current yet timeless. It's hard to see detail and nuances of fit, but that neckline is beautiful on you. I see no issue with a dress that fab being "too comfortable" -- you have incredible posture and there is no chance you will look like you're slumping or too relaxed in photos. You look so marvelous in dresses! (A little envious here but really very happy I don't have any truly format occasions to dress for, I can't even imagine how hard that search would be for me!)

Vix

Veteran

Good morning and thanks so much for all the comments and wisdom!

I have to post and run right now so apologies for not personalizing, but glad to see there's a consensus re stuff that's both bothering and exciting me about the dress.

I swear I tried a lovely green dress but the color was off for me and I felt it would be a little bridemaid-y in context. Sent it back right away so no photos but true story. A lot of the color-color dress are more gown-y and I worry about that being OOT even though others have happily worn them to weddings. However, if they come into the Unlimited queue I will for sure try.

Yes, fit is everything in a dress like this -- and no, aside from fashion tape no altering the rentals -- and I'm one of the first to sample it so winging it.

Sole reviewer to date said it was hard to zip (not the case for me) and RTR said it ran small, so I sized up. There's definitely extra fabric in the hips so don't know whether this is for an Hourglass or if I just need to go true size for a glove-like fit or 2 up to let it hang and the latter wasn't in stock.

Will aim to get other sizes to compare!

Stock photo/link --

https://www.renttherunway.com/.....front_gown

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Diana

Veteran

I think it looks good, very elegant, and is worth trying in a different size. Like Aleigh, I'm not 100% in love with the back neckline shape (just in general, nothing to do with you). I feel that the placement of the back straps is awkward. If you were actually buying this instead of renting, id say you should have the back straps moved so they form a v in back... But that's a small quibble and as already mentioned could easily be hidden by hair or a shawl.

RobinF

Veteran

I love it! The neckline is beautiful and you look very elegant. Definitely a contender.

Anonymous

I don't know Vix. You look incredible in everything you've posted. This particular gown makes your shoulders look very beautiful.
I like Brooklyn's idea to try something non-black though.

JAileen

Veteran

I agree with Smittie - you've looked good in all of them. If this one works with bras, etc. and Mr Vix likes it then it looks like you've found the one. As others have said, maybe you could try a different size, but it does look timeless.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

More thumbs up from me. Gorgeous dress. But keep looking if you'd rather not wear a black gown. (And try this one in a size down too).

As for bling: clutch, earrings and cuffs will do the trick.

Vix

Veteran

Returning with post-work brain but warm thanks to those who've posted during the day!

Diana and ALeigh, interesting that you all dislike the straps...I wasn't obsessing but will now. I'd thought about putting a 20s rhinestone broach where the zipper ends but could possibly draw the straps together lightly. Current size is headed back so will experiment if possible with other size(s).

JAileen -- Thank you! You can imagine my sigh of relief over the bra situation, ha! And yes, the change from "uh huh, very nice" to "wow, now that's a great dress" seems to deserve a little consideration.

Goldenpig, Alonia, Aquamarine -- glad you like but see that fit issue and Angie, ALeigh, Sterling, Diane, Colette, Gail -- appreciate your appreciation plus the vote to test out other sizes!

Maneera, CocoC, Xtabay, Janet, Robin F -- love your TEAM PRO cheerleading. Xtabay, it kind of reminds me of your avatar photo. That timeless thing, right?

Brooklyn, Suz, UmmLila, Smittie -- I hear ya on the black, cross my heart, and will keep looking. Thanks for weighing in with your pros/cons!

Echo

Veteran

I think a black gown is elegant, so I have no issues with the color. I keep waffling between thinking the fabric might not be formal enough and thinking that ponte is so unexpected and projects so much confidence that it makes up for it. It will definitely lean far less "bridesmaidy" than other fabrics, and simpler tends to be more elegant, so I'm starting to talk myself into it.

Regardless, I think you have looked amazing in virtually every dress you have tried, and this one is no exception, so perhaps I am not the best critic!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I really, really like this one on you. I think the simplicity of it appeals to me--it looks chic and modern, with a simple elegance. You look like a knockout in it. (Don't I always think so, though? Aargh--how to choose?!) I can't tell much about the fit; looks good to me, though it does have a kind of ruched effect from front, and if that's not the intent, then a smaller size may be better. I agree with your thought about keeping it as a definite possibility. I like it best so far.

lyn67

Veteran

Great dress, black is always elegant and classic, but if looking deeper you'll surely find it in one of your's color, too!

Sally

Veteran

I didn't know ponte could be so chic. I think it is really classy. I think people do wear black to weddings now so it wouldn't be out of the ordinary.

Nadya

Veteran

I love it on you - and you can add bling with jewelry or shoes. I wonder if the cold shoulders are enough of a posture cue to assuage that worry?

Vix

Veteran

Apologies, I'm very late circling back to this thread (what I get for running multiples this week!) --

Echo -- you totally captured what I've been feeling but not able to articulate when you said,

"I keep waffling between thinking the fabric might not be formal enough and thinking that ponte is so unexpected and projects so much confidence that it makes up for it."

And Sally -- you basically said the same thing only even more to the point, thank you!

Firecracker, you know I value your keen eye for detail and fit so I'm glad we agree on this one...#1 so far. I love the strong sihouette (but Lyn, I will still look for colored options, I promise!) The stock shot doesn't show rouching, so I hope I can compare sizes. I have to say this in a silk jersey vs the heavy ponte seems like it would have better flow. Where's that damn Fairy Godmother when you need her, ha?

Nadya, another lover of a strong line, thank you! You're right that bare shoulders may be enough of a posture cue. I'm planning on wearing 4" rhinestone drops [in photo] here so if they touch my shoulders I'll know to STRAIGHTEN UP!

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