Your wisdom pls - is this dress ok or time for an update?

Hi there,

Need your opinions please! I am in need of a fairly classic, neutral dress to wear for things like occasional business meetings, church when I need to be a bit dressier, or family luncheon-type events. I was looking at one at BR, and then remembered an older one in my closet (see photos).

Pros - It is dark ink blue, still fits (probably needs to be nipped in at the bust a bit - something else to add to the children's bill!), and is excellent quality. Cons - It is older (about 8 years) and as well needs a wide belt to look flattering on me as it has no detailing at the waist (esp. if under a cardi, which I would like to wear with it).

So, questions:

- does the dress look dated?
- is the wide belt look dated? (this particular belt I am happy to replace, it's just the only one I have)
- any better styling ideas?
- or, is it time to suck it up and replace?

I need to wear this type of clothing so rarely that it pains me to spend on it if not necessary - but I will defer to your collective wisdom.

With thanks!!

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9 years ago

dustt

Veteran

dress is good - I'd update the belt - patent color - or metallic skinny would be nice!! -

missvee

I think it's a nice basic piece in a classic style, and it seems to fit you very well. You might like to try it with a narrower belt for a different look.

mintytulip

Active Member

I agree, I'd change the belt with a skinny.

For styling tips, I always find this type of dress does well with various scarves. Thin, floaty scarves for a more casual look and more substantial scarves for a dressier look.

Helena

Thanks so much - a hunt for skinny belts this weekend then!

lyn*

(website)

I love this dress - what do you think of a patent bow belt a la Kate Spade?

Nordstrom

Kate Spade New York 'bow' skinny patent belt

$78.00

View Info

Top Pick

Kate Spade New York 'bow' belt

$68.00

So pretty Lyn - that would look great - thanks!!

I think there are some cheaper ones at Forever21 - I picked up my black patent bow belt for $4

jackiec

I like the dress! Very classic.

Gigi

I think the dress looks *pretty* :^).

In all seriousness, I do think that the dress looks good on you, but I agree that the belt needs updating. One thing to consider...I don't know how much the BR dress costs, but after you add the cost of a new belt and then of alterations (you said you need to nip in the bust), are you going to be better off buying the new dress? (Maybe not, since you said that the dress you have is of excellent quality.)

annagybe

My only thing is that the shoulder straps seem awfully thin for business meeting situations.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

I think with a skinny, refined belt, and closed-toe business shoes, you have a beautiful neutral dress that looks amazing on you

unfrumped

I agree with narrower belt. I say narrow- re because I think there can be a " sweet spot" for belt width for particular dresses and for your waist, so I'd try some on to get a sense of that.
I agree with Anna that for my ideas of business or workwear, this top part of this dress requires covering with a cardi or such all day.

Aida

If you don't have a lot of opportunities to wear this type of dress (and especially if you are planning for events that aren't scheduled) I think this dress is fine to fit the bill, and if an event popped up THEN go search for an additional dress. And if it turns out you start wearing it a lot, then it'll also be worth adding a second one

Thanks so much everyone for your insights! The straps are def. too thing for business or church ... I would need to cardi/blazer for proper coverage. Great point about the cost of new vs. the cost of making this one work - I think I am netting out at searching for an inexpensive belt option per Lyn's recommendation, but keeping my eye out for something else that would fit the bill for a reasonable cost and good quality - given I can bank on getting 8 years out of it!

Thanks again all for your kindness and suggestions - you ladies rock!!

Day Vies

I think you could do so much better with a new belt. This is such a classic dress and a belt in a vivid color, pastel or even black with an interesting buckle would look fabulous.

Echo

I think the dress is a classic. It doesn't look dated at all to me, and could easily be made to feel current with a different (maybe skinnier and maybe not, but mostly just different) belt. With changes of shoes or bags, this dress could easily dress up or down. I see no need for a new one unless you really want something different.

Joy

The dress looks fine. You might try an obi belt if you like wide belts. Trendy footwear will also make it modern.

I am probably gonna be the odd one out here and say that the belt type is fine, but the buckle style makes it look old & that is what makes it in need of an updation. But then I love such big, elasticated belts & Forever 21 has these with really nice metallic detailing in the front that look more on trend. You could try a broad belt in browns / tans which will look less harsh with the ink blue of the dress.

On the dress, I think that if you will be wearing it under a blazer, it will look a lot better it is tailored to fit you better esp on the top and the waist. With a skinny belt (which is mostly for show, on me skinny belts fail to add waist definition if the originally the garment itself lacks it - unlike a broad belt) and that lack of waist detailing under a coat, I am afraid it may not be very figure-flattering.

fuzzylogic

Agree with above- the dress is classic, fabulous and in good condition=keep.

Deborah

The dress is pretty neutral, meaning it's not really something that will date. I do think a skinny belt will modern the look up and I also think it's not really a dress for business meetings unless you are adding a blazer:)

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