WIW - rescuing an orphan sweater dress out of the donate pile

I bought this Loft sweater dress last winter when I was feeling particularly down about my style. It kind of symbolized everything that was sad about the way I felt about my look. It was gray and shapeless. I've been ruthlessly and unsentimentally leaving team keep behind, so I couldn't wait to get rid of this dress when I pulled out my winter sweaters box.

And then I saw Angie's post on sweater dresses (http://youlookfab.com/2011/10/.....on-the-go/)

I started thinking that maybe this dowdy thing could be fresh again. I added the right undergarments this time - thank you Victoria's Secret for carrying my size in a bra style that makes me look like I have a shape. I also added my YLF NYC obi belt to give me waist definition. I wore opaque tights and tall black boots to give my legs a long lean line. And to finish it off, I got a sassy haircut that changes everything. What a difference a few seemingly minor changes can make! I got more compliments on this outfit at work than I have on anything in a long time. I'm really happy with how this turned out and I think I've managed to rescue an orphan!

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

30 Comments

  • bj1111 replied 12 years ago

    nice save and a score! love love love the outfit. that belt finishes the sweater.

  • Lenni A replied 12 years ago

    What a sweet family picture! You look great! I can't imagine the dress being shapeless it looks like it fits you very nicely. I really like the obi belt with it.

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    You look amazing and furthermore, I fail to see HOW you are an apple of any kind!

    This is a good reminder not to judge items unstyled. I feel like that's how I test things - "is it a WOW even when I've just rolled out of bed?" - but obviously that's the wrong way to go!

  • kellygirl replied 12 years ago

    Great way to re-work that dress. It looks great the way you styled it. Obi belt to the rescue. Well done, Rita!

  • annagybe replied 12 years ago

    You look great!

  • Isis replied 12 years ago

    This looks great! (and cute kids!)

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 12 years ago

    I am really glad you rescued that dress. It fits you very nicely and you have styled it perfectly. It should also be quite versatile as you can add a hit of color or a jacket/cardi to change it up.

  • Deborah replied 12 years ago

    Rita, this looks really good on you. I love Obi belts and I think this is perfect with the dress. I wouldn't change a thing here, and I would absolutely wear this outfit myself. Great rescue.

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    Shocked that you'd call this dress dowdy! Hooray for your save!

  • Sara L. replied 12 years ago

    I love the belt! I think it makes you look very sleek and modern.

  • modgrl replied 12 years ago

    Thanks everybody! That obi belt is really like magic. When I put it at my high waist, it gives me serious waist definition. It's getting quite a workout these days. Sadly it is not long for this world. The leather is so soft, it is already ripping slightly.

    @Una, it took me a long time to figure out that clothes are not going to look uhhhmazing all by themselves. They need the right styling, accessories, accompaniments, shoes, a good haircut and a bit of makeup to look good.

  • goldenpig replied 12 years ago

    What a cute pair of kiddos! You look fantastic in this sweater dress, what a great save. That obi really works wonders! Nice haircut too!

  • Jenava replied 12 years ago

    Hells, yah! That is not looking shapeless at all anymore. It looks fantastic!

  • HelenInCanada replied 12 years ago

    You've styled it beautifully, modgrl - I covet the dress and the obi belt. Looks so effortlessly chic and comfortable! Great save - and adorable little ones!!!

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Great save, this is styled beautifully! I can see why that awesome obi belt is getting lots of use :)

  • lyn67 replied 12 years ago

    Nice dress and love the obi belt with it! I have a purple sweater dress which i am wearring it like you, with an obi belt and found out that gives a great punch to the all outfit..

  • Joy replied 12 years ago

    I can't get past the sweet look on your face as you look down at your beautiful children. Beautiful picture that warms the heart.

  • Jonesy replied 12 years ago

    This looks really stylish and fab, and your kiddos are too cute!

  • Queen Mum replied 12 years ago

    That is a great basic dress that you can wear several ways. I'm glad you rescued it. I have a very similar dress (also from Loft) in a heatherish taupish brown and I wear it with skinnies, boots and my cream leather jacket... I never even had a fleeting thought of feeling dowdy.

  • ironkurtin replied 12 years ago

    Nice!! Going to steal the obi belt idea, it looks amazing on you!

  • replied 12 years ago

    Rita, you are stunning in that dress! Fantastic save. And of course, as always, your kids are the cutest!

  • Suz replied 12 years ago

    GREAT save, Rita. You look smashing! I adore obi belts and this one is clearly doing what it's meant to do!

    This is really a great testament to the learning you have done here.

    Your kids are so sweet!

  • Angie replied 12 years ago

    I'm glad that you rescued it! Looks killer with the new obi belt :)

  • JennyAnne replied 12 years ago

    Yea for you! It looks really great!

  • Lisa replied 12 years ago

    Yay for rescuing that dress, it looks lovely here. Hard to imagine it was a wardrobe orphan. And your kiddies are so cute!

  • HeleenH replied 12 years ago

    I am so glad you gave this dress another chance! You look great in it.

  • amyreh replied 12 years ago

    So glad you rescued this, just gorgeous!!

  • krishnidoux replied 12 years ago

    Love this dress on you, as well as your choice of accessories. So very cute!

  • rachylou replied 12 years ago

    Great save is right! The obi belt is fantastic!

  • Mo replied 12 years ago

    I missed this - great save! And speaking of belting older gray dresses . . . lol!

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