Reader KG writes:Hi TCFKAG! I'm attending an outdoor wedding next month that will be filled with a ton of my old high school friends. I've been searching for the perfect dress for a little while, and could use some help. I'm really looking for a 20s/Gatsby inspired dress. I found this one: Floating on Air Dress - hopefully no one buys the one medium they have left before you get a chance to answer!
My first question is whether it's appropriate for the wedding? I'm particularly worried about the color - is it too light/close to white? If it's appropriate, how would you style it? In particular, what about shoes?
While we at it (or if it's not right for a wedding), any suggestions for similar dresses? I'm normally size small/2 and very light colored/pale. For this dress, the $50 range is really my budget because I don't think I'd wear it very much.Before I get started with answering - here's the dress in question. I'll answer your first question first - I think its probably fine for a wedding. On the website it is described as "sky-blue" and it looks fairly blue here, so I think on the color you're probably safe. In terms of appropriateness otherwise, I think its lovely - though its maybe hinging a tiny bit on the dowdy side (I wish there was another color there.) I would definitely want to punch it up with some fun accessories and shoes to add a little bit of color and maybe even sparkle to it - but overall I think its a nice look. So first, let me offer up some shoe possibilities and a couple of jewelry options - then I will move on to a few other similar scallop dresses for your consideration. Enzo Aglioni Maiven Shoes at Macy's ($49.99 - I like the idea of a textured metallic - gives a little shine to the outfit while still being classic and not too crazy.) Pour La Victoire Case Mary-Jane Pump in Teal ($39.99-$249.99 - I think a mary-jane or a t-strap pump would be a great way to reference the era of the dress without being too literal.) Vince Camuto Lexis Pump at Designs by Stephene ($49.99 - these might be a little too high for you - and I'm not sure how you feel about the studded look - but I love the idea of a bright cobalt or navy shoe - I think a second shade of blue with this look would be awesome.) (If you like any of these specifically but want a different, similar recommendation, let me know.) Inlaid Hexagon Cuff at Lori's of Chicago ($36.95 - I like the idea of adding some color in a bracelet - either coordinated with the shoes or in a contrasting but still friendly color - purple would be another nice option.) Tortoise Box Bead Necklace from Forever 21 ($9.80 - check out all their options - they have amazing sales now.) Lacquered Twist Necklace in green and gold from Forever 21 ($6.80) As far sa other dresses - I didn't see much that I thought was particularly good in your aesthetic and in your price range. Readers, have you seen any similar dresses that you particularly like? And KG if you decide not to go with this dress, come on back and I'm sure I can find you something else. Hope these ideas help - and have fun at the wedding!
So Commenter L noticed the awesome black and white chevron-esque dress under the yellow blazer in the outfit I recommended yesterday and asked about it. I've actually been unable to find that exact dress - but I'm going to do a post on bold black and white patterned prints - which are a classic and great to wear with yellow, cobalt, kelly green, or other brightly colored blazers this time of year. And in the winter it looks great with the more traditional black (like when you bust out your seasonal black velvet blazer...for example.) So lets get to it shall we? Here's the original picture she was asking about. Cute dress and I'm frustrated I can't find it! But lets look at some alternatives (focusing on non-linear stripes as a priority, but with some other patterns just for fun's sake.) Also trying to hit a variety of dress shapes, prices, and dressiness levels (as is my want.)
SFBayAssociate asked:Hey TCFKAG, So the TPS Tory Burch Walsh dress is the awesomesauce. LOVE IT OMFG. However, the belt that comes with it (basically a self-belt) is a fail. Too thin, too boring, too bland/hard to see. Would you like to find me a better belt to complement this dress? It must be with free shipping and free returns. I'd prefer to spend under $50, but under $100 is max. I would really like something I can wear with other dresses or such. I am lucky to have a naturally defined waist, but am very much a pear, if that helps. Size 2, generally speaking. I plan to wear the dress with gray or nude-for-me heels, and my jewelry is all white gold. If you're feeling particularly inclined, I'd be curious as to what necklace you would suggest too. I don't own any costume jewelry, just a couple simple fine jewelry pieces. Maybe this is another question for another day - basic costume jewelry pieces that aren't expensive but aren't cheap looking. I find the idea of building a fashion jewelry wardrobe completely overwhelming. Thanks! SFBayAFirst of all, I hate you and your ADORABLE dress owning. Seriously, that's one of my favorite things that Kat has posted in, possibly years, and I wish desperately that it was in my budget right now. For those shopping along at home who don't follow Corporette or who don't remember this particular TPS item, here it is (its available elsewhere in red as well I believe). As an initial matter, I think generally a silver or gold belt would look great (silver for you probably since you stick with white gold jewelry) - or perhaps a bright yellow or green (if you could find it cheaper), maybe a nice purple or gray, or in leather a nice light tan or brown or possibly ox-blood (though maybe with some sort of designs.) I also have a navy dress that I got from Asos that I wear with a light blue/teal belt that looks really pretty together. I'm going to give you a few options below. These three are a little more out there or don't work for you for one reason or another...but I'm throwing them up here because its my blog and I can! Maison Bonet Leopard Print calf hair belt from Bluefly ($76 - I think this would look great with your dress with the nude shoes, but its not free shipping...maybe consider being flexible?) Mossimo Supply Co. Skull Embossed Belt ($16.99 - Because SKULLS!) Halogen Beaded Stretch Belt at Nordstroms ($52 - might be too sparkly for work but would look lovely with this dress). Hope these ideas help SFBayA! Let me know what you go with or if you want more ideas. As far as jewelry, with this notched neckline, I think an opera length necklace in a bright color or a silver or gold would look lovely. Here are a few options just to wet your palette. I would also definitely wear some nice colorful or chunky bangle bracelets to add some interest with this dress if you wear it to non-work functions or without a jacket.
I don't normally do this, but this dress is so cute I thought I'd post it here. It is an Inc Plus Size Sleeveless Cowl-Neck Printed Dress and its on great sale for $39.99. The color looks really great (though the one review says it may be more green than it appears) and the cut looks flattering. Basically it looks fun. There are actually a bunch of cute plus size dresses on sale at Macy's right now, here are a few more below.
Reader L needs help getting ready for wedding season:Hi TCFKAG, I am looking for two dresses - one for a rehearsal dinner and one for the wedding. I am not in the wedding, but my SO is the best man. The wedding is in July in an area where it can be quite hot and humid, though everything is thankfully inside. The rehearsal dinner is at a restaurant. The ceremony and reception are in the evening at a hotel. It is not black tie. The bride and groom are more fun than formal, but I do not want to be too casual since my SO will be in a tux. Typically, I wear black for evening weddings, but after a recent discussion on Corporette, it appears that may be bad form?! That was news to me. (Eek.) I feel like I am stuck in a wedding-guest-dress rut. I always end up buying similar things - black or navy, strapless A line or classic sheath, and recently lace. I would like something fresh, and young, and fun, and new! But I am not seeing anything online that inspires me. Could you help? I am fair skinned, so blues, pinks and greens look good on me, though I'm not opposed to other colors or prints. I think short would be better than long, but I would try either. Price range: Under $350 for the dress for the wedding, and under $150 for the rehearsal dinner dress. (Less expensive is always good!) Size: either a US 4 or 6. I am an X shape. Also, I am 32. So, I don't want to be running around in a dress that the groom's 16-year-old cousin might also wear, nor one that the bride's 60-year-old aunt might have on. Could you help inspire me? Sorry for such a long note. Love your blog, and always love your comments to the 'rettes! Thank you, LSo, first I will quickly address the whole "no black as a guest at a wedding" rule. I think that, traditionally, it was considered bad form to wear black to a wedding, since it was the color of mourning. But, at this point, I think it is really only the "rule" for very traditional wedding (hell, my bridesmaids wore black). *But* - on the other hand - you're going to weddings in a hot, sticky area in the middle of the summer - might as well mix it up and add some colorful dresses to your wardrobe right? As an initial matter, I'll direct you to this post (for red dresses - the Adrianna Papell might be lovely for the rehearsal dinner) and this post (the Kate Spade, the canary yellow Kay Unger, or the blue paisley Anne Klein would all be lovely options). Now - for some new options just for you!
Reader A wrote in:Hi! Love your comments on Corporette and was going to post there but why not just go directly to the expert?! I am a plus-size apple shape. I wear right around a 14W-16W. I am completely uninspired but am interested in finding some affordable work options. I work in a business not-casual-but-not-a-suit-everyday kind of office. I often wear cardigans with blouses and skirts or slacks. As for style, I'm probably more Talbots than Coldwater Creek, more button down than loose and flowy. Do separates look better on apple shapes than dresses? What should I avoid? Any advice you can give or specific recommendations of affordable clothing would be very appreciated. Thank you, TCFKAG!
So this is a very timely question, since we were talking about body shape, natural waist definition, and generally dressing for your shape today or yesterday at Corporette. So I'm excited to address your question. So - my absolute favorite website out there for "how to dress your body shape" is Inside Out Style - she has addressed TONS of body shape issues way better than I can (probably) and in far greater detail. Seriously, check it out everyone. Reader A, if I had to guess, I would bet that you are what Imogen calls an "O Shape" - someone who carries their weight through their mid-section. Rather than recreate the wheel - I am going to copy and paste her suggestions for O-shapes here:How to dress your O shape body (see also this page): - You will find tops that drape past your body really make a difference. Anything that clings won’t flatter.
- If you feel you need to put a horizontal line on your body, make sure it’s in the empire position (just underneath your bust) rather than at your waist. If the fabric is at all stiff make sure there are no gathers under the bust as you will get asked about when the baby is due.
- Layering is your friend, a dark top underneath a lighter (than the top) jacket or cardigan will help make your stomach disappear.
- Use that column of colour to create the longest vertical line you can.
- Create focal points around your face, rather than through your mid-section
- Keep patterns dense, but larger scale.
- Ruching is your friend. Ruching in a top can help to hide a myriad of secrets.
- Tunics can work really well with skinny jeans on your body shape, especially if you have great legs. Tuck your skinny jeans into knee high boots to balance your upper body.
- Patterns (especially when dense and low negative space) can help to keep the eye moving and not draw attention to your body.
- Look for fabrics that don’t have too much bulk, but also those that skim, without clinging, too much lycra in a garment won’t be flattering.
- Single breasted jackets are best for you. A wider collar can help draw attention up and out.
- Avoid cropped jackets, you will find jackets that fall no shorter than the hip bone flatter most. 3/4 length can really work.
- Jackets are great for hiding lumps and bumps, make sure the fabric is not to stiff, that they are fitted, but not too tight.
- You may find that straighter shaped skirts work well for you, falling from your hips and creating a longer line. Trumpet skirts that flare from the knee can also work.
- Avoid skirts with gathering at the waist, tiered skirts and stiff a-line skirts
- Dresses with a knot just under the bust are a great shape for you.
- Alternatively, try a faux wrap dress that doesn’t have any seaming or ties around the waist
- Darker denims, softer denims with some stretch will work better for you than light and stiff denims.
- Avoid too much distressing on denim, keep it simple and clean looking.
- Have your pants hemmed as long as possible to create the longest, leanest line.
- Trouser shape jeans are great, bootcuts also work.
- Want to wear a belt? Check out these tips.
The keys seem to be shirts and dresses that drape nicely across the middle but cinch at the empire waist. Trousers that are straight legged will be best. Avoid bringing attention to the stomach area (AMEN SISTAH). Jackets, structured sweaters, and other items that create structure over the draped shirts. Working with these parameters, here are some ideas - both in the separates world and the dress world (I might even throw in a couple trousers.) So! I hope this inspires you and gives you some ideas. Write back in and let me know if you like any of these. And definitely check out Inside Out Style's blog - she has amazing advice. Have fun revamping your wardrobe...I know you will. :-)
As you may have figured out, I like to be inspired by a particular item and then find variations on a theme. Well, I was toodling around on Nordstroms and saw this adorable Eliza J Seamed Drop Waist Dress and thought...that would be fun. A little red dress post. Now this dress would clearly look best on my readers with a longer waist - but I will endeavor to find dresses to fit a variety of body types. So let's shop. But first! The inspiration. And now - onto the picks. I'm sticking with cocktail numbers here. Envisioning things you could wear to nice cocktail parties or maybe weddings, nothing too formal. Maybe a couple of work appropriate numbers will slip in, you never know. Also, as I usually do, I'm trying to keep the prices pretty reasonable. Or at least have a range of prices!
I've gotten a couple questions about maxi dresses recently - so I thought I'd do a bit of a master post. So here goes.
Reader Kumquat Weekend asks:
Oh illustrious TCFKAG, can you please advise? I just bought two lovely maxi dresses. Solid colours. Cap sleeved, U-neck... they look like really, really, really long t-shirts. T-shirts that flow and drape and make me look like a queen. How on earth can I accessorize these for work? Sweaters? Blazers? Shoes? Belts? Necklaces? Any/all of the above? (I know maxies are often considered a workplace no-no, but my environment is business casual and I'm willing to risk it.)
Hello Ms. Weekend! So, I will address this first - and I will start with a confession, if you had asked me six months ago I would have said "I really don't think that maxi dresses are work appropriate, even at a biz casual office." But then I joined Tumblr and started following some hijabi and otherwise conservative dressing fashion blogs and realized I had been so-so dumb! I've seen so many women absolutely styling maxi dresses in awesomely stylish and beautiful manners. I'm a big fan. A few ideas with the dresses you've described based on what I've seen on those websites. (1) I would probably pair them with a blazer - something fitted and maybe with those sleeves that role up and reveal another fabric or are scrunched up (not too formal but still adding a little structure.) (2) I think adding a belt, something wider and leather or perhaps with a design, would be a really nice way to add structure to the dress and add some formality without too much weight or a ton of cost (plus it adds definition at the waist, which is nice with something like a maxi dress.) (3) For scoop neck dresses, I think that substantial, statement dresses are really nice for work. Not only does it add interest to the neckline, it covers up a bit (which is nice). You could also add a scarf if that's something you like. I think that big bangle bracelets would also be nice (especially with a three-quarter-sleeve jacket.) Finally (4) in terms of shoes, I think the key is to wear either closed toe pumps or a formal sandal - not something flat like gladiator sandals or something that reads "beachy." You don't want people to think you're going work to beach to night (no matter what Lucky Magazine says you should do.) Here are some pictures with inspiration, if you're interested.
Here are the sources of the images above: Mango Chutney (Archive - the 70s)Simple Modesty (Archives)My Dress Ways (Archives)All are cute outfits that I think are super work appropriate (don't read into two of them being green - just random chance.) Reader B questions:Hi TCFKAG, I am looking for a long (or 3/4) sleeved maxi dress. I prefer a printed chiffon, but I am not really committed to a specific fabric or print. I need it for a wedding in Indiana (I'm expecting hot and humid) in June, so something wedding appropriate (not a lot of white). I've looked at my usual haunts, and am coming up empty. Since I need it by the end of this month, I have to either be able to get it in store, or shipped within a two week timeframe. Any ideas for me? I'd like to keep it under $100, but definitely under $150. I'm looking for a L/XL or 12/14. I love this one, but its out of my budget: Rachel Zoe Silk Maxi Dress. I also fell in love with this and was going to buy it, but its not available: Rachel Pally Aurora Print Maxi Dress.For those shopping along at home, these are the dresses that Reader B is inspired by.Those are both lovely - I especially love the Rachel Pally dress - lets find you a few options.
|
RSS Feed