While most of my style advice leans on getting rid of (or shelving) things that no longer fit, occasionally, like many rules, this can be amended. There are a thousand reasons one would keep something that isn’t the perfect fit. For myself and this Mara Hoffman dress, my reason is that it was a sample, I was speed shopping, and the rest is history.
I like to make the most of what I have, but when it came to this dress in particular, it was simply about falling deeply in-love with the pattern and shape. And though the top of my body fits this perfectly (some would even say the breast-area is a bit baggy), the bottom barely closes on my hips and thighs. This isn’t surprising for someone with my shape. It is hard to srike the balance with a barely-there-A-cup and large hips with an equally big butt! Let’s just call it.
But when it comes to dresses and this matter this summer, I’ve learned to be a bit forgiving and creative. This is where layering a dress with a pair of jeans, pedal pushers, or shorts, comes in handy. And to be honest, as someone who likes styling things, more than anything else, it offers me the chance to have a bit more fun and flex some creativity.
Overall, when considering keeping your dress, I’d say put together at least three good outfit ideas for wearing them. For instance, I’m wearing this dress this fall with brown trousers–I can’t wait! And it’ll work perfectly over my bathing suit on our last summer vacation in Long Island later this month.
Do you have a dress that you love, but it isn’t the perfect fit?
P.S Ironing or steaming is not a priority, but occasionally, welcomed! And loafers to keep everyone on their toes.
You did the RIGHT thing. That dress looks amazing on you. The back!! Wow!! And you’ve styled it really adorably over the shorts. Clever you!
I love this idea. I need to find a wrap dress I love. I do have two dresses I love. The problem is that they fit perfectly and they are straight size lol. The dresses aren’t made for my enhanced body type but I love it so much. Since Anthropologie makes plus I will hope email them to make dresses with the same cuts as these two. Don’t get me wrong I got my third favorite dress from their plus section.
I have this silky slip on leopard print that has never fit right, despite efforts by two tailors! But I won’t ever give it away…I wear it with a belt and sometimes jeans, sometimes with a really cute bra underneath…I just feel so amazing in it <3
I LOVE that you found a way to wear it and love it all the same. I’m sure it looks amazing!
xo
L
Love this look!
Thank you, Sanny!
Thank you so much, Charlotte! The shorts make t all so easy, but it’s fun to surprise people when the dress blows and there are shorts! Not just scaring people out there.
I love your dress and how you styled it! I would wear leggings (short or ankle-length) á la Audrey Hepburn and flats.
Love that! I actually first put on some silver flats and then decided against. But work just as well!! xoxo
Yes. This is something I do all the time. Dress over pants/leggings/jeans a tool many hijabi’s keep in our back pocket. We often have to correct some of the best dresses, with this method, to make them more modest while keep true to our personal style.
Love this so much, Ashley! And yes, would love to hear how you stay modest and with respect whilst sharing your own personal style. Such an amazing topic!