The sleeves here are so dramatic, but what keeps them from seeming over-the-top is how streamlined the rest of the dress is.
A sweet smocked dress that’s a little girlier than I usually go—the fact that it’s black keeps it from seeming too prissy.
An all-around perfect shirtdress from Universal Standard—I especially appreciate that it has pockets.
This flared hem jersey dress looks like it’d be ideal for travel.
From Vince, a sophisticated little number with a nifty (and flattering) side twist at the waist.
Such a lightweight, perfect summer option that you could wear now with tights and boots.
A very reasonably-priced cotton tee dress that comes in a few other good colors.
And here’s a more elevated version of the above dress, in silk.
I like this even with its puff sleeves, which I usually dislike. Maybe I’m getting soft.
And finally, a subtly sexy option with a fantastic square neckline.
I hate ruffles and am glad you do, too. Further, I hate pockets in side seams — the Universal Standard dress is a great example of why they just don’t work, especially their photos of the medium blue one. What wants a big gaping pile of four layers of fabric, plus seams, over their hips? Not I! Lately, the last straw, re pockets, are side seam ones on nightgowns. As a side sleeper, that’s just unacceptable. And really, why does a nightgown (or a dress) need side pockets?
PS. My question is rhetorical. I know why pockets exist — for phones! I guess I resent having my fashion reshaped around the omnipresent phone.
I’m on the other side of this. I have been bemoaning the lack of pockets in dresses for years. They are a place to put my building access card so I don’t have to put it on the counter/in my bra when I go to the office bathroom; in a looser dress like the e.g., somewhere to hide my fidgeting hands so I can exude confidence (bonus that it helps to define my waist when I do); I’ve also been known to stow a lipstick/credit card/cash in one. On the other hand, I find a phone too heavy for many dress pockets in that it can contort the shape.
Is it just me or does smocking need to go away (for a long time)?
Smocking on a flat-chested teenager/model looks (or can look) cute. Smocking on an adult woman looks ridiculous. IMHO.
Love that jersey dress, and of course it’s Cos. Seems lately that every time I see something I like, it’s Cos…and they have a number of black dresses with grownup hemlines, all pretty reasonably priced.
I will say, though, that the last dress with the square neckline is eerily similar to the one I wore to the Junior Assembly dance in 7th grade, except mine was burgundy with a floral pattern as my mother felt it was inappropriate for a 12-year-old to wear black.
Even though I look rather dreadful in black, I still love a black dress. The cut of the Vince one looks like it would be so flattering. And the thin peasanty one looks so perfect for a dinner out during summer. All excellent choices.
I don’t think you’re getting soft so much as your eye is getting accustomed to the ruffles option. Even I, ever preppy and punk, have added glam and princess elements to my style. It’s fun!