I'm curious if you think this style and shape of dress could work on a petite apple? It is Eileen Fisher petite so that actual sizing would work for me. It's a soft merino wool so would have some decent drape to it. I like that it's a hi-lo hemline. It's the non tapering at the hemline (like a sheath dress or pencil skirt) that makes me wonder.
Not buying - just wondering.
Thanks :)
Suja replied 9 years ago
I have a similar body type and I tend to not do as well with no-waist dresses that are knee-length or longer. They *do* work if they are shorter and more like a tunic to be worn over leggings or pants. I think it has to do with the shorter version adding extra structure.
Just my $0.02. I love the dress and would wear it if it were a tunic rather than a dress.
UmmLila (Lisa) replied 9 years ago
I think it would depend if it really had that slight narrowing under the bust in a good spot for you. Otherwise the whole thing would be rounding out. You don't want to put a pumpkin shell over an apple.
Echo replied 9 years ago
Like it was mentioned, I think it all depends on where that narrowing on the bodice falls on you. This dress looks fluid, but not oversized or completely waist surrendering. And while I am typically not fond of high-low hems, this slight one might work well. I actually think a dress like this has the potential to be very flattering; but one would have to try it on to know whether it would work for their body or not. Oh, and I really like the subtle colour blocking on this dress, too.
rachylou replied 9 years ago
Boy, I don't know. The dress, I can see, is shaped. If the narrowing isn't where you narrow, things will get baggy in the wrong place. I for one look a total schlump in t-shirt dresses because of this. I feel I do much better in a straight out sack dress.
DonnaF replied 9 years ago
Hmmm. Studying this dress it looks like one of the few EF ones that I might be able to wear precisely due to the width of the hem which would make my heavy legs look slimmer and the way it is shaped in #4 -- which makes me wonder if it would flatter you since you can wear so many things that I can't pull off at all. I'm a pear with hourglass tendencies or possibly an hourglass with pear tendencies. I guess the only way to find out is to try it on, hopefully without paying any shipping or duty.
Aida replied 9 years ago
Can't provide good insight for apples, but definitely doable for petites. I think it would be ideal if it hit about where it does on the model though, too much lower and it could be just too long for something that flowy. As Rachy said, I also feel that the shaping is going to determine whether or not it works for you specifically.
lyn* replied 9 years ago
I think this could work for you - it has that artsy vibe that I think is your style. I think whether or not it will work for your body shape will depend on the weight of the fabrication and if it's forgiving or not.
Lucy replied 9 years ago
Gorgeous dress!
I bought a similar shaped dress recently, a little different (it has pockets and a V neck!) but the same basic shape. I think it is flattering on me, but I'm an hourglass.
I think you'd need to try it on :)
Angie replied 9 years ago
Shape is very workable. Got to watch the length.
unfrumped replied 9 years ago
If I had to guess, it would be it's not as good a silhouette as the 2 you've got, that have mid-section ease but the slight hem taper that give you that great structure. No harm in trying of course.
You've got ME interested in this dress, though the lengths have been too short on some of the EF's for me.
Deborah replied 9 years ago
Its a beautiful dress! Shannon as you know we have a similar body type and I find generally this style doesn't please me. I'm not saying it won't work, I am more womdering if the overall silhouette will make you happy. My black Monki dress was a little like this and I just felt huge and a little messy with the flared skirt of the dress. I ended up having the side seems tapered to create more of a cocoon shape which I feel much better in. If it's returnable, I do think it's worth trying...then you will know.
Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago
I feel the same way as Deborah in this shape (but my bust is large in proportion to the rest of me).
Deborah replied 9 years ago
Caro I didn't want to say it but with a large bust and being an apple I could be mistaken as being "expectant" in this style dress:(
Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago
Me too Deborah :) :)
Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago
You are all very observant and wise!
I adore this dress. Love it. Want it. I stare at the picture and think "what a perfect dress".
But not for me.
I need tapering - or at the very least - a straight skirt. I learned this with my citron fuller skirt, which I recently purged. Wider hemlines, whether it be in a skirt, dress or pants, makes me feel wide and dumpy.
I think that's why I posted it - to get your feedback and see if I was on the right wavelength.
At some point I need to find a winter weight, sleeved dress that gives me the same feeling and silhouette as my drape front EF dresses.
Thanks everyone :)
Deborah replied 9 years ago
Good call Shannon. Keep looking, and I will keep an eye out too:)
I started playing dress up when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped since! My income doesn't match my tastes so it's all about figuring out how to thrift my way to a fashionable life while tossing in a few delectable items.