I know I’ve been posting a lot of dresses lately, but it’s been 100 degrees in LA (my car thermometer read 115 at Z’s school today) and I just can’t get enough of how easy they are. The less I have to think about what I’m going to throw on, the better, and dresses are an entire outfit. I came across this one while answering a reader’s post - I think it’s gorgeous. The price is right and it’s the perfect marriage between modern, chic and comfy. Kookai Cornelli Embellished Shift Dress $127.62 at asos.com
I love dresses, too - at least I like how they look on others. My problem is that I am very small up top, with a small bust and thin shoulders and arms, but unfortunately I’m very pear-shaped with wide hips, big butt and thighs, and (since childbirth especially!) - a gut. So while I can sort of camouflage my flaws with tops and pants or tops and skirts, I can never seem to find a dress that fits me on top and on bottom and which flatters me at all. The empire waist styles make me look like I am pregnant! Slip dresses with thin straps slip off my shoulders, etc. Any ideas, or should I stick with two-piece dressing?
Hi Elizabeth!
You can definitely wear dresses, you just need to figure out which cuts are good for your body. Styles that flatter you up top and minimize you on the bottom are best; halters, fitted bodices, A-line and full skirts. The more structure through the mid section, the better. I understand that some empire and trapeze styles are less flattering (many look like maternity) but there are some cuts that give a little more shape while still being forgiving. I’ve included some links below to styles that I think would work for you - even if you don’t love the dresses you can get an idea of what to look for. Belted styles with full skirts are also good. As far as the ‘gut’ goes, do you have Spanx? Always helpful as I know from experience. Let me know what you think and if you’d like more specific suggestions.
Best,
L
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod91085151&catId=cat304187
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod92674151&catId=cat304189
http://tinyurl.com/48pw52
http://tinyurl.com/3ho7qv
http://tinyurl.com/3hxhfo
http://tinyurl.com/6dk2zh
I too love summer dresses! However, I am not sure how to handle this situation. I have a few of those Splendid tank dresses that if I don’t wear a tank top underneath my bra straps show. Is this bad???? should I be wearing a tank? Is it ok for a 40 year old woman to show a little bra strap? One or two of my dresses are also too low cut and DEFINITELY require a tank underneath . The tanks that I have are Splendid - but is there a thinner strapped tank that would work better? What do you think???? Thanks as always!
Thank you so much, LASM! I can’t wait to check out the links. I have Spanx and also bought a - gasp - *girdle* the other day!! It actually helps a lot. (What would help more: losing 15 lbs.) I’m still self-conscious about my middle, though. Thank God this season’s bathing suits are so forgiving.
Wow, I love the 2nd J. Crew link! The other ones are great, too. Thanks again.
Elizabeth you are SO welcome! I’m glad that you love that one - I almost didn’t include it. Wear your girdle and Spanx until you feel comfortable. We’ve all been there. ITA on the bathing suits - such great, flattering cuts. I’m partial to the Carmen Marc Valvo maillots and they have tons at Marshall’s, FYI.
Happy to have been of help - see you soon!
Best,
L
Hi Ellis!
Nice to hear from you! So here’s the deal; I’m going to be 40 in
about 3 minutes (September) and I show strap, BUT; it has to be tasteful. It’s been about 115 degrees here lately, no kidding, and I have to regularly layer tiny tops. I’ve included some links to my tried and true, cute bra strap staples.
The cotton bralette tops from American Apparel are great - I’m not sure what size you are but I’m a full B small C and the Mediums work well for me. They are SO comfy - I have them in about 6 colors (the plain cotton thongs there are also great, BTW) but I noticed on the site they only now come in about 5 (ish) colors. Still worth it though.
I’ve rec’d the Cosabella Soire here before - it is my all time fave bra. Sexy, simple, comfortable and supportive PLUS it has the signature tiny Cosabella straps. I also love Hanky Panky; pretty stretchy lace straps in bright colors. I like the bright color thing for summer - much better than a big, wide, nude bra strap.
The last one seems kind of random but I love the tanks in the Brass Plum (juniors) section at Nordstrom. Stretchy but lightweight and the straps are thin satin. Let me know what you end up with. BTW, how’s 40??
L
http://store.americanapparel.net/7319.html
http://www.barenecessities.com/Cosabella-Soire-Demi-Cup-Bra_product_CosabellaSOIRE111.htm
http://www.barenecessities.com/Hanky-Panky-Signature-Lace-Bralette_product_HankyPanky113_,search,.htm
http://tinyurl.com/qdls3
I swear by my chantelle bras. I need a lot of support (Size C and nursed 4 kids need I say more!) Are they ok for showing a little strap???? I could wear a white one versus a nude strap hanging out. What do you think? I am definitely going to try the tank tops also in a few colors. Thanks! Ellis
Chantelles are fine b/c the straps aren’t hugely wide. I think that’s actually more important than color. If it’s going to show, I prefer black, pink or a little lace : )
LASM, this is not related to the post, but I just bought a great pair of pants at Anthropolgie and I’m not sure what to match them with. Unfortunately, I can’t find a picture online, so I’ll try to describe them. Brand is Lilka, made in India and they have a real far east feel to them. Very thin, flowy off white cotton, with a subtle gold and cocoa pinstripe. Here’s the rub and you’ve probably seen this style before, there is a back panel that wraps around and ties at the waist so that, while they still look like palazzo cut pants, there is something kind of skirty/genie-like about them. Does that make sense? Anyway, if you can conjure up an image, what do I wear up top? I’m thinking it has to be tighter and sort of plain. Maybe a simple tank? I’d love to get your thoughts. Thanks!
Hi Butterfly!
I looked for the pants as well to no avail, but great description! They sound beautiful. I think you’re right on about tight and plain - seems as if the pants are the focal point. I’ve included some links below that are pretty basic. I LOVE the AA tee - I own a couple myself. They’re super flattering but super form fitting and thin-ish, so you’ll want to maybe wear a tight tank (like the one from Anthropologie) underneath. Without getting too complicated, you can sometimes wear a looser fitting empire waist top (i.e. smocked or something comparable) if the waist of the pants are defined - I couldn’t get a feel for that by your description. Let me know if this helps, and if you find a pic, send it my way - I’m curious!
LASM
http://tinyurl.com/5zlgam
http://store.americanapparel.net/s384.html
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=114124&CategoryID=5622&PageID=5622*1*24*-1*-1*90
hey lasm: i love this dress - what would you suggest to dress it down so i don’t look silly pushing a stroller or on the playground
thanks.
Hey M!
I love this dress too - still haven’t gotten around to ordering it. I for sure think that it can be dressed down. Strolling? Yes. Playground? Maybe. Regardless I would team it up with something a bit more ‘rugged’ and organic looking - along the lines of what I’ve posted below. You could also just wear a plain old pair of Havaianas - I like the ‘not trying too hard’ look! BTW I haven’t forgotten you on the shorts front - check back…
L
http://tinyurl.com/4m4×9l
http://tinyurl.com/4uqaz4
http://tinyurl.com/3pzcx2
Sorry M! I mean the SHIRT front - was thinking of another reader.
LASM
thanks for the suggestions - i really like the second shoe link.
Hey M!
FYI I tried them on in the store the other day and they run a bit small…super cute though! Happy to help…L
I love this dress and just bought it, can’t wait it arrives. What type of bra would you recommend?
Your blog is amazing. I am so glad to have discovered your website, by chance, through Urban Baby!
Hey Emma!
I love it too and it’s now OUT OF STOCK, damn it!! Anyhow, not quite sure what your boob situation is, but if you can avoid it, I would go braless *GASP* I say this because I’m fairly small and can (also SO comfortable!) However if this is not an option for you? It looks like you might have to step up and get one of those crazy halter/convertible bras with the strap that goes almost around your waist. I would say strapless, tube style or halter, but I think that the back is just too low. Check Bloomie’s online, Victoria’s Secret or barenecesseties.com and see which ones you come up with. Also, when you get the dress let me know how it is you lucky girl!
L
Thanks, LASM! I have an American Apparel in my nabe. I’ll check it out!
Hi Butter!
Also check out guys/kids - they’ve got some cute cozy staples. They also make great nylon totes and their cotton interlock bra tops are the best for layering…have fun!
L
Hi LASM,
The dress finally arrived and it’s great! So comfortable! I have to wear a wide belt with it because when I stand sideways, I look six months pregnant lol. I have already received questions about “where to buy the dress”…and I have to break the news that it’s OUT OF STOCK.(although I have mentioned your website as my reference
Most importantly it will be perfect for the heat waves, we have been having in NYC. Once again, thanks!
Emma
Hey Emma!
Fantastic! Now can you GET ME ONE??? I can’t even get one, damn it! How does it fit? What size are you and what size did you order? I’m hell bent on finding it - I e mailed Asos to see if more are on the way. Thank you for mentioning the site - every little bit helps!
L
if you click the ASOS link from your website-they now have size 38 AVAILABLE!!!
it’s shorter on me-i am 5′7″-not as long as the model’s dress in the video. Also, there is not as much back exposure (since it’s smaller) but a big plus it that I can wear a strapless bra, without it showing. Unfortunately i can’t get away without a bra, wish i could though!
I bought a size 36 (only size left at the time-it is on the small side for me but i don’t care
Good luck!
Emma!
YOU are the BEST! Got it!! In a 38 whatever that means…I’m a 4-6 but we’ll see…thank you my new favorite reader : )
xo,
LASM