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Dear Readers,
Dresses are often the first thing we think of when we want something wonderful for a special occasion, yes? Unfortunately, they are also the toughest things to find that actually fit.
We really want to say yes to the dress, but either the bodice fits well and the skirt is too tight, or the skirt is just right and the top looks like it's two sizes too big. Arrgh.
Could dress shopping be more frustrating?
The truth is that most of us are one size on top and another size on the bottom and dresses are not exactly made that way. Throw the length issue into the mix (too many dresses out there are way too short for anyone over the age of 30) and you have a real shopping dilemma! So let's try to tackle this problem as best we can, shall we?
First, please take a look at the dresses shown here in my photo column. I have attempted to give you some general guidelines for choosing the right style dress for your particular body shape. (While you are perusing, please keep in mind that these dresses are style concepts, not specific recommendations.) These are also ideas for what to look for in top and bottom separates.
And speaking of separates . . . here's a crazy idea! You could just forget about trying to find a dress at all! That's right. Fahgetaboutit.
Instead of spending hours searching for the perfect dress, would you consider separates as a viable alternative? A flattering skirt (or pants) with a beautiful silk jacket or satin top could easily replace the dress idea. It could also add a couple of items to your wardrobe that will create a little more versatility and the chance to mix and match down the road! More bang for your buck, so to speak.
However, if you have your heart set on a dress, I certainly understand. Now is the time to get out there, find that great dress and know that a good tailor is the ultimate solution. True, it's a royal pain to take something to a tailor, get it fitted properly and then go back and pick it up. But trust me on this one. It will be more than worth your time and your money.
Please note: the dress you plan to alter needs to be too big somewhere on your body, not too small. These days, dresses with seams generous enough to let out are rare even among the most expensive of designer collections.
So, if the skirt of the dress fits beautifully but the top is too big, no problem. A good seamstress can fix that. And, if the top is perfect and the skirt needs to be taken in? That, too, is an easy fix.
Just keep in mind that making any part of the dress bigger is almost never an option. Sad but true. Boo hoo.
Separates anyone?
Best regards,
Nancy
www.nancypipal.com
P.S. Could now be the perfect time to start that closet edit you have been meaning to do for ages? If you can use an assistant (who can't), please contact me!
I am at your service.
708-579-1016
nancypipal@gmail.com
All photos courtesy of White House|Black Market website.
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