Over the past few months, I've thrifted several sheer pieces and I do know exactly where that started. Susie Bubble is forever adding sheer things over a fully styled outfit underneath. I like her look, but had never even sampled it myself. It was January when instinct laid my hand on today's dress. I know that I purchased it for the sheer buttoned back But then, once I got it home, I found myself wondering what event the dress might have been designed for. Its navy. Its length is conservative. It has shoulder pads. AND, it has a huge organza bow on the back. It's too fussy for church and too prissy for a wedding.
I've put off posting this look because when I first styled it, I had no backless bra and that shows in this look. I've since acquired one and was amazed by the stick on cups that latch together. They work! And I now own three dresses that require such an undergarment.
I have pondered shortening the dress, removing the shoulder pads, and
perhaps even the bow. And, then, I read Elsa Schiaperelli's
autobiography, Shocking Life.The book is a delightful read, although I'm uncertain how historically accurate it might be. The chapters follow her from childhood, where the historical whimsy is greater and the material feels more reliable as she ages. I was stunned to learn that SHE rather than the proponents of 1980s power-dressing initiated the use of padded shoulders. And somehow I think she might have approved of the bow, although a shocking pink would have been more appropriate to her sensibilities.
What do you think? Is the dress worth revamping? Could I shorten it to the knee and add a big pink YSL bow? Is it worth the trouble? Or should I just get over the experiment with sheer and act like a grown-up?
This post is part of Patti's 52nd Visible Monday event. And I'm late to the party!
Call me boring but I like it the way it is, especially with your hair done up and with the white gloves. Maybe add some jewelry and a scarf and style it with different shoes? I would probably remove the shoulder pads.
ReplyDeleteSusan--thank you! I was thinking that perhaps a brooch might be in order. I did try it with a strand of pearls that followed the neckline nicely.
DeleteI love your idea of shortening it a bit and adding a big colorful bow. And I'm thinking that since you even thought of it, it's probably more you that way. If anything it can be a fun experiment. Maybe you can even add a detachable bow incase you change your mind and want it without?
ReplyDeleteJoni--In this case the shortening is probably best done by a seamstress rather than relying on my own somewhat clumsy skills. A detachable bow might work. The one it has now is definitely attached.
DeleteI vote for shortening the dress and removing the shoulder pads. I love that you styled it with gloves here.
ReplyDeleteRaquelita--I'm thinking that if I shorten it, it will be to the lower side of the knee...but I still can't think of WHERE I would wear it.
DeleteI, too, love the gloves as accessories. I'd like to see it a bit shorter. The shape is wonderful and so is the (very tasteful) sheerness in back.
ReplyDeletePatti--I'm thinking if I shorten it to the lower side of the knee that I could still preserve the front split. The back is what sold the dress, for sure.
DeleteThe dress is lovely as is, but what I think is most important is that *you* love it. If that means no shoulder pads, shorter hem, minus a bow, then do it. But it certainly is much prettier than anything I wore in the 80s...lol.
ReplyDeleteLynne--I'm beginning to discover that there are MANY garments I really like, but without occasions to wear them there's not much point in owning them. If I hang onto it until the 80s styles revive...
DeleteMy goodness, the back on that dress is gorgeous. And it looks amazing on you.
ReplyDeleteI'd remove the shoulder pads automatically, but that's because I have very broad shoulders. I personally like what the shoulder pads do to the shape of this dress. As for length, I think it looks good now but would also look good shorter.
Gracey--I have the broad shoulders too, but another commenter mentioned that the drape of the sleeves might change if the pads are removed. I'm thinking the length should be the low side of the knee.
DeleteI love the back view (I'm pleased you found the stick-on bra works for you. Now you can take that Carmen Miranda cocktail frock out for a spin too!) and the dress fits you perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI like a shorter length on you, Terri, because you have a fine pair of pins! I don't mind a shoulder pad, it can give a bit of definition that works well with some items. Contrasting bow? Not sure. Hmm... Well, I think you will know what's right for you! But I definitely think it's worth revamping if it means you would wear it, since it fits so well and you look so elegant in it. xxx
Curtise--I ended up wearing the bra for an entire photo-shoot session (usually two hours). It was THAT comfortable. I think the dress does need to be just a tad shorter. I think for contrasting bow I'd been looking at too many YSL evening gowns! I think if I removed the bow altogether, I could imagine some formal college events I might wear it to.
DeleteI think this is chic, simple and stunning as is! You look amazing in it, Terri. It is such a great dress to have in your wardrobe!
ReplyDeletePam--If you owned this dress where might you wear it? The sheer excludes it from church, but it is too fussy for the college events I attend.
DeleteSO worth revamping. You know I adore your legs, so I'd love to see it shorter. And I think a bow in the right place would be rockin'. I hate shoulder pads as a rule, but these aren't too bad. :-) It looks so hot on you already, I can't wait to see if you do anything with it.
ReplyDeleteMeghan--I think I may try it to the mid or lower knee. Can't go too short because of the conservative color. I suspect the shoulder pad give a necessary shape to the sleeves.
DeleteI like it as it is - it's really not that dated, even with the shoulder pads. I think you look awesome in the last picture, Terri! Very chic.
ReplyDeleteSheila--Well, I like the dress but that is because I lived through the 80s once...perhaps I should just wait for that to come around again.
DeleteI like it as it is but I think I might like it a little more at the knee. I don't think the shoulder pads or bow are too much. Overall the dress is just "classic" and you can't go wrong with that.
ReplyDeleteBliss--I think I agree about the length. I'm thinking mid to lower knee. The bow IS too much for the college events where I might possibly wear this. I agree that the cut IS classic.
DeleteMaybe a cocktail party?
ReplyDeleteIf not for the slit and the bow I'd think it might have belonged to my Grandmother. I'd like a sash with more contrast but might consider something from your tie-recycling ladies in blue patterned prints instead of solid pink.
RoseAG--This was the kind of dress I could NOT afford in the Reagan years! A sash that could be removed or used at will is a far better option that the built in bow it has.
DeleteI think your transformation idea would be incredible. I've frequently 'updated' pieces into more modern/more flattering to today's eye. However I also have a great 80s sweater dress that I took the shoulder pads out (my broad shoulders don't need 'em) and wear it as-is.
ReplyDeleteI love the sheer back. Sheer things can definitely be appropriate at many ages. You go for it, Terri!
I also mood shop/find stuff in similar cuts and colors. I actually like when I do this or other people do this for me because it creates some wardrobe cohesiveness that I don't otherwise think about.
Megan--I've worn a number of dresses on Rags with the shoulder pads and no one ever knew...in part because, like you, I already have broad shoulders. The sheer back is definitely what sold me on the dress--the bow, not so much. I've only recently begun to notice this "mood" shopping and it is probably because there is absolutely NOTHING I NEED any more.
Deletei'm so not the right person to offer up advice on garment reconstructing, so i'm gonna tell you to stick with your gut on this one. the dress is beautiful as is, though!
ReplyDeleteMiss Donna--I suspect my problem is that I don't want to ruin a dress that is FINE as it is.
DeleteI think it is absolutely lovely, the colour is sombre but chic and the sheer bit is "just enough". Personally I would shorten it a bit. Oh, OK then, a lot :) Above the knee; to counteract the seriousness of the colour, the demureness of those little cap sleeves, and the wideness of the shoulder pads. And, you have wonderful legs, and well worth showing off a bit.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn--Could this be worn to a funeral? The bow seems wrong for that. I think I will shorten it to mid or lower knee. I'm afraid that shorter than that might ruin the slit at the knee. I may lose the bow though.
DeleteTerri.....I really love it the way it is! I mean love it! It looks so good on you...it must have been calling your name in the thrift store.
ReplyDeleteI think I would leave it alone. I'm not usually a fan of shoulder pads...but this works on you. I like the where the slit on the leg hits and I think you would lose that drama if you shorten it. I think if you put a big colorful bow in the back it will compete with the focal point...the sheer button up back.
Lisa--Well, I couldn't DANCE in it! I'm worried about how the slit will look if I shorten it too. Should I get rid of the bow altogether?
DeleteI do like the bow...but I think you could make it a detachable bow...take it off if you want, put it on if you want. I think the best part of the dress is the lovely sheer insert and buttons. Now on me.....the bow would have to come off....my butt's too big for that kind of attention! But you pull it off well!
DeleteWhat a cute back that dress has. If you shorten the hem, will you have to shorten the sash?
ReplyDeleteBeryl--AT this point, I think I've about talked myself out of any sash. Shorten it and lose the bow. Then, there ARE places I could wear it.
DeleteI like the dress as is, but a pink bow would make anything more awesome :-D
ReplyDeleteKi--I think I've about decided that IF I do a pink bow, it will be something I could add and remove at will. May lose the current bow.
DeleteActing like a grown-up is not allowed. There, I've said it. Let this dress sweep you away. Wear this dress out for coffee, to the supermarket... Who's to say where you're going in it? I like it as it is, but I'm always for revamping as well. Pink bow? Yes! Perhaps a big honkin' hat with it too. The gloves are a nice touch. You look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteMelanie--I agree. I try so hard to NOT grown up! Hm, it would rock my little town if I showed up at the grocery in it! Hm, I wonder what hat Style Crone might recommend.
DeleteShort, short, short! Show those shapely legs of yours off! Add acid bright opaques and kick-ass ankle boots and you're done. If you want to try adding a bow then go with your heart, hot pink, orange and mustard all look brilliant with navy. Show us it when it's done. x
ReplyDeleteVix--I KNOW it needs to be shorter, but I'm thinking to the knee. I'm thinking a contrasting sash, because the current one doesn't even show up!
DeleteVery elegant! I would like to see this dress just a bit shorter, as I think you've got great legs, but I'm not so sure about the pink bow... Would it perhaps be possible to make a bow detachable, so you could wear it both ways?
ReplyDeleteCharlotta--It does need to be shorter. And, I think I agree that the bow--contrasting color or not, should be detachable. This one IS attached.
DeleteMy vote is to leave the dress as is. It is classic. I think the shoulder pads might be needed to maintain the correct drape across the sheer back. I like the length with the split. This is one of my favorite of your thrifted pieces.
ReplyDeleteDarla
Darla--I'm so glad you mentioned how the shoulder pads might be necessary for the drape of the back BEFORE I ruined the dress! Thank you, thank you.
DeleteI think the look is classic now.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your opening sentence, my eyes blurred and I thought it said that thrifting teaches you to "rust your gut." I puzzled over that phrase for several seconds and almost wrote a comment asking you what it meant to "rust your gut."
April--well there are moments on summer days that my gut DOES feel a little rusty!
DeleteYou look gorgeous in that dress, like John Singer Sargent's Madame X! I love the way you put it all together with the short white gloves, hair up, black pumps and sans jewelry - it's you. The dress seems to fit you perfectly and is so classy. I agree with others - wear it anywhere. Dress it down with your bowling shoes or funk it up with colored tights, whatevah.
ReplyDeletePao--I'd love to look like Madame X and while I have broad shoulders, I no longer have a creamy bosom like hers! Ha, Ha--the bowling shoes, of course!
DeleteYou look so elegant in this dress! I would keep it as it is, but maybe wear it with fishnets and classic diamante jewellery. To introduce colour you could add an evening bag or a clutch in pink or red. And like Melanie suggests, wear it to the cafe in the afternoon, maybe with a hat as well? Or you could throw a cocktail party just to get a chance to wear your new dress!
ReplyDeleteKaffesoester--I like the idea of a diamante brooch! It does need some sort of contrast. My dear husband's idea of a cocktail party is beer in his workshop!
Deletegorgeous dress---i wouldn't change a thing about it!!
ReplyDeleteTamara--Hm, I like the dress as is, too, but I know I'm less likely to wear it if I don't shorten it some.
DeleteI vote no on forgetting about sheer and acting like a grown-up--that's no fun! I think the dress would be fun in a shorter length, and I like the idea of adding some pink!
ReplyDeleteShea--that's good because I have a couple more sheer items I'm planning to feature here! It does need to be shorter and it needs some sort of contrast to make it less somber.
Deleteyou look so elegant!, but I'm a huge fan of shortened dresses, it's a so easy solution!
ReplyDeleteAnd you can wear it whatever you go, just adding color tights, shoes, a shawl or a hat: I think this dress is praying for a pretty hat and a fabulous colorful shawl!, what about fuchsia??
besos & color
SenoraAllnut--Hm, if I shorten the dress then a hat is definitely in order. The fuchsia is exactly the color I'd been thinking for a new sash.
DeleteThis is a difficult one. If you really think, that you will get a lot of use for the dress, then imo, you should do alternations here and there.
ReplyDeleteSomething like shorten the dress, remove the shoulder pads, which will make the sleeves flap, so you´d need to tighten the sleeves. The dress should be quite tight, and I would add no bows.
Something - in the jewelry department is needed, something big, same color as the dress.
These are just my immediate ideas. If gloves are used, I´d choose a dark color for them.
Mette--It definitely needs to be shortened if I'm to wear it rather than collect it. Another commenter worried that removing the shoulder pads might affect the drape of the sheer back. Now you've got me wondering if I could dye these gloves.
DeleteI remember when you started your blog, all your skirts were this length, weren't they? I thin the length works quite well on this dress (although shortening it might make it more wearable) but I would lose the shoulder pads. But perhaps that's simply because, like many, I can't stand sartorial associations to the decade of my birth.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, I'm a big fan of sheer, and I love the back of the dress.
Emily--You remember correctly and I like my newer shorter lengths. It will have to be shortened in order to wear it anywhere in 2012 I think. The shoulder pads are probably necessary for the sheer back and the sleeve. And, there is more sheer to come.
DeleteI say shorten it too. I'm 5'3 and for me and dresses it's all about falling to just the right place. I like the sheer back and it fits you perfectly. I say keep it and shorten it.
ReplyDeleteKrista--I had not realized that you were 5'3! It's well distributed!! And, yes, there seems to be consensus that it needs to be shorter.
DeleteTo my opinion sheers are not related to age and a bit of shortening will be good.Pads should stay. But I'm more troubled on the occassion you could wear this dress.A dinner time?
ReplyDeleteAngie--I'm hoping that mid-knee will help me keep the slit in the front. I could possibly wear this dress to an annual event at the college...where I present awards.
DeleteI think the dress is gorgeous & I love the sheer back. I think you should shorten it to the knee, the length at the moment is a bit inbetween-y.
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to read Shocking Life - maybe I'll get round to it over the summer holidays.
That's Not My Age--then we agree about the length. Shocking Life is a quick and delightful read. Schiap is a colorful person and managed to negotiate WW2 more ethically than Chanel.
DeleteI think the dress is perfect except for the bow, which feels very late 80´s. Could you tie the straps like a belt instead?
ReplyDeleteDon´t shorten it too much, just below the knee if you must, but no shorter. And really, the length is fine as it is. This dress is elegant, and an above the knee length would take some of that away. Also, the proportions of the skirt versus the slit might go all wrong if you shorten it.
The shoulder line is perfect. But I don´t like the gloves... Statement silver earrings, that´s what I´d like to see.
Viktoria--I'm thinking I may lose the bow altogether because it competes with the sheer back. I agree about the length you're thinking. If I keep it at the current length, I'm less likely to wear it. And oh, the silver statement earrings would be a great touch.
DeleteBeautiful dress. I love the mid calf length on you. It is stunning from the back.
ReplyDeleteJane--the current length is okay and while I love the cut of the dress currently, I can't imagine where I'd wear it if I don't shorten it.
DeleteNo matter what you do with it, I think the "foundation" of the dress is flattering on you and fits well. Your instincts must be good!
ReplyDeleteI too am in love with sheer! And you're right, sometimes shoulder pads give definition and from here, they don't look to large. I love the look from the back. I'm sure you'll decide on the right length for you, as that's such a personal thing. As for where to wear this lovely piece, out anywhere in the evening would be fun and of course a hat always adds to the picture. Glam it up and hit the streets. I love that you've added gloves in the last photo.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what fits for your lifestyle, but date night would be great. Out to dinner or beer in the workshop sounds good to me!
OOps - not too large. In regards to the shoulder pads!
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I think acting like a grown up is overrated. Secondly, I kinda like this dress as is... Shoulder pads frighten me when I try to wear them, but they look good here
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletei might shorten it a bit...it's funny how just a few inches makes a big difference. i'd leave the pads in - it might lose its shape, and i think i like the structures shoulders. maybe it's my computer, but i can't see the bow...
ReplyDeleteare you talking about those "chicken cutlet" backless bras?! always wondered if those stayed on!
I wouldn't change a thing about this dress. It's wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea those bras had actually advanced to the level where they actually worked - which is very encouraging. I would def shorten the frock to just on or at the base of the knee cap as you have gorgeous calves to show off. Lakota's pink dahlia brooch would be awesome. Please don't grow up x
ReplyDeleteOh, what a lovely dress! The fit is gorgeous. I like it just the way it is--the shoulder pads are not obnoxious, and without them, the dress might hang funny. You could take off the bow, to let the focus be on the beautiful back, but it looks nice with it on, too. I could see shortening it to the knee, but the length works as is (with the slit and heels!). Sexy and sophisticated.
ReplyDeleteBTW, where did you find a backless bra? I have a couple dresses where my bra band shows, ugh.
I like it!
ReplyDeleteI would start by asking where do you want to wear it? And then take on the re-styling with that purpose in mind. I think it is a lovely dress as it is. I appreciate the length doesn't show off your legs very well, but I'm wondering of that slit might make shortening a bit complicated to do well. Don't know about your sewing skills. I can't see that it's ever not going to be rather 'formal' or 'prissy' unless you really re-work it. I think grown up - it's a look I would like for covering my arms when wearing tank tops, though sheer fabrics are often synthetic and not very cool. I loved shoulder pads with my pear shape! I was so sad to see them go out.
ReplyDeleteToo bad we can not really see the dress - i would dress it down for sure and shortened it!
ReplyDeleteBoots would look good if the dress was shorter, or even docs would look good! well that is my taste -
Have a good weekend
Arianexxxx
Terri, grown-ups can wear sheer too!!! I love this dress. shortening it could be fun and the pink bow sounds like perfection! i love pink and navy together.
ReplyDeletefor me, i find thrifting (or any shopping for that matter) is a tad emotional for me. if i'm in a certain mood i'll buy whatever, and other times i look and decide i don't need it (which really, i don't need anything!). but in terms of trusting my gut i can often grab things that fit by just looking at it!
http://spinning-threads.blogspot.com
Hey Terri, this is a great dress and I think blogging helps one to know what clothes work and which ones dont. I cant believe how freely objective I can be about how I look now, in terms of seeing myself in a photo and knowing "that looks good" and " " that isn't flattering". I was always feeling self conscious about taking all these photos of myself but it has been a tremendous tool and confidence builder. Anyway.. your dress is awesome and personally i would shorten it, but it may be more trouble than its worth especially if its lined... have a good one!! xo J
ReplyDeleteI vote for the big pink YSL bow on the back! I love that you are reading Schiaparelli's "Shocking Life" I have to get to that one of these days. I love the sheer dress on you, you should add more of that to your closet! XO, Jill
ReplyDeleteThat dress is especially beautiful from the back. As someone who sews - or USED to - I know that removing shoulder pads can be tricky and you really don't know what's going to happen until you do the deed. The ones here though are not too extreme and work well with the dress. As for the length, it does look a bit long, but shortening it will have to be just enough not to mess with that slit.
ReplyDeleteI like the sheer back and the bow and the slit in front is super sexy. I'd shorten it though.
ReplyDeleteoh...I've heard whispers here and there that embellished sheers will be huge this fall. You're already on track!
ReplyDeleteI love the dress, especially the sheer part. I have been wearing a lot of sheer tops this year.
ReplyDeleteI think though that if you shorten it just a bit and make the bow detachable it might be much more useful. If you took off the bow, you could add any number of different types of belts to change the vibe of the dress. Then it would not be too prissy for a wedding! (big smile.)
I think that dress is exquisite - the back with the sheer panel and bow is beautiful as is in my opinion but I guess it is very dressy. In fact I really really love the bow! I think you should shorten it to above the knee at least - you've got the legs for it!
ReplyDeleteSHeer-fab Terri. Keep it. Shorten it 2 to 3 inches. Just add pearls. Oh and tights. You're gonna be turning heads...
ReplyDeleteI love the color and the way it looks on you- I have broad shoulders that are unkind with shoulder pads. I vote you take them out- but leave everything else as is. The bow is a great subtle detail- and the sheer is purely a pleasure!
ReplyDeleteThe detail on the back of this dress certainly has wow! factor :) Looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteThose strapless bras rather surprised me too, I recently got one to go with a halter dress. Though the husband's only comment was a questioning: "Barbarella?" ;)