Dress: Zara (old) // Shoes: Reed Krakoff (similar) // Purse: Coach // Necklace: J.Crew (old)
Other Jewelry: Rocksbox (use code DOWNTOWNDEMUREXOXO to get a month of jewelry for free)
I have to take a minute to discuss an underappreciated dress silhouette: the drop waist dress. Many women shy away from this 1920’s silhouette because of its straight, long bodice and waistline that hits at the hips. There’s a popular myth that drop waist dresses are particularly unflattering for petite women with curves, but as a member of that group, I disagree. The perceived faults of this dress are exactly what I like about it: The straight, long bodice elongates my petite frame (and hides the tum tum), the low waistline prevents the dress from accentuating my curves, and the flared skirt allows for physical movement.
That said, this is a tricky silhouette to wear confidently, so here are some tips to make drop waist dresses work for you:
1) Heels. If you’re petite like me (5’5 and under) heels are a must for this type of dress. If you are tall with a rectangular shape, congrats! This dress will likely always look good one you.
2) Pay attention to fit and the lines created by the seams in the dress. The horizontal line created by the waistline in the dress can draw attention to your hips and make them appear wider. If you have curves and wide hips like me, make sure the waistline hits either right above or right below (see my dress for an example of this).
3) Make sure there is sufficient flare and ruffle at the bottom of the dress. The flare adds movement to the dress (so it isn’t as stiff and boxy/) and it gives the dress a more feminine appeal.
4)Experiment. Not every drop waist dress you try on will work. Some will look quite tragic on you; others will look great! The key is to try on different lengths and fits to help you determine what works best for your body type.
If I’ve convinced you that drop waist dresses aren’t as scary as they seem, check out these cute picks:
Linking up with these blogs: The Modest Mom Blog // Claire Justine XOXO // More Pieces of Me // Pleated Poppy // Stylish Housewife // Sydney Fashion Hunter // Charming Fridays // Penniless Socialite // Turning Heads Tuesday
The Comments
Alecz
Oh, this outfit is so elegant! I love the floral pattern on this dress, and the teal bag accents it perfectly. The drop waist is amazing too!
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Elizabeth
> AleczThank you, dear! I can’t wear my teal bag with many outfits, so I’m happy it goes well with this dress. 🙂
Courtney Kincaid
I’m always a little hesitant on drop waist dresses because of the way my body is shaped, but you look fierce in this one! You might convince me! I love your Rocksbox pieces!
Elizabeth
> Courtney KincaidThank you, girl! I’m convinced drop waist dresses can work for any body type. It’s all about length and line placement.
Dressed2dNines
Thanks for stopping by my blog! You look so darling in this dress! Perfect look from head to toe!
http://www.dressed2dnines.com
Elizabeth
> Dressed2dNinesThank you, dear!
Natalie Hagen
That dress is so pretty! You wear it so well!
Elizabeth
> Natalie HagenThank you, my dear!
Margaret
Love that cute dress!
-Margaret
Check out my blog?
http://happyinheels.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth
> MargaretThanks, Margaret! You got it. I’ll stop by soon. 😉
Claire
Love your dress, shoes and handbag!! >want them all<..
Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays..
Elizabeth
> ClaireThank you, Claire!
Cymone
I absolutely love drop waist dresses! I think I bought three in the last few months. You wear this silhouette well! Looking forward to reading more from your blog!
-c.
http://theblockishaute.com
Elizabeth
> CymoneOh! Where did you get your dresses? I’m always on the hunt for nice ones. Thank you so much for leaving some love!
Amy Ann
Wow, this is seriously so striking on you. I love the pattern. We are totally on the same page with the drop waist! This fits you to perfection and is so flattering! Your heels and accessories are so perfect. I love your blog! Thanks so much for visiting mine.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Elizabeth
> Amy AnnThank you so much, Amy Ann! You’re a doll!
Kerrie M Burke
Wow. This look and these photos are just dreamy.
You look so beautiful Elizabeth and I’m slightly obsessed with that shabby-chic background. Totally reminds me of something Anthropologie would shoot!
K.xo
http://www.rarelytakenseriously.com
P.S. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the ladies behind Mika Rose (a modest but fashionable clothing company) and I think you might really like some of their dresses and skirts. I was a tad skeptical at first but once my pieces arrived I was thrilled with them!
Elizabeth
> Kerrie M BurkeThank you so much for those sweet words, Kerrie! I didn’t notice the Anthropologie resemblance until you noted it in your comment. I’m so flattered! I have heard amazing things about Mike Rose, but I have yet to purchase from them. I’m going to check out your post so I can learn more about the women who run it!
Charlotte Boyer
So cute! I love your tips, even though they don’t apply to me so much (I’m rather tall and rectangular 😉 ) I’ve never been one to gravitate toward 1920s fashion, ironically enough, though your modern pairings with that chic dress do tempt me to adventure in that silhouette more!
xo,
-Charlotte
Elizabeth
> Charlotte BoyerThank you, Charlotte! Yea, you don’t need tips at all, since this dress is practically made for your body type. If you do end up wearing and shooting a drop waist dress, please do let me know so I can check out the post!
Tarah
I love drop waisted dresses! Like you, I’m 5’5 and I find that they elongate and slim my frame! It so works for girls like us, too 🙂
http://adornedinarmor.com
Elizabeth
> TarahRight?! They’re wonderful dresses. Thanks for the love, girlie!
Susan
I am stopping by via a blog hop. I love your classic, modest style and I cant wait to see more posts! This dress is gorgeous and I the pop of teal is gorgeous! Jennie, of a Pocketful of Polka Dots, and I have a new link up called Charming Friday. We would feel blessed if you stopped by and linked your posts today! Susan
Elizabeth
> SusanThank you so much for those kind words, Susan! I’ll definitely stop by your link up. I’m happy to have another blog hop to visit!
Elizabeth Hugen
You look gorgeous, insta friend! I love everything about this outfit and those shoes are just incredible! 🙂 You always look so great and give me inspiration.
Be sure to stop by this week’s link-up!
Liz
http://lizzieinlace.blogspot.com
Elizabeth
> Elizabeth HugenThank you, my dear! The love is absolutely mutual, as your beautifully feed always inspires me (one day, I will get a pretty balloon shot). I didn’t know you had a linkup! I’ll be sure to join. 🙂
Happiness at Mid Life
This dress is gorgeous on you – I always enjoy seeing your outfits, they are always so perfect!
Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Lindsey
You look great in that dress! I’m 5’3″ so those tips definitely apply to me!
Elizabeth
> LindseyThanks again, Lindsey!
Adri
Love that dress! I’m such a fan of loose fitting dresses. You make Venice look so chic by the way!
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
Elizabeth
> AdriThanks, girlie! I think it’s more like Venice makes ME look chic. Haha. I just love shooting there!
Lorena
You have such a warm smile 🙂
http://www.lovelory.com
Elizabeth
> LorenaAww, thank you Lori!
Alice
I love the dress, bag, and heels! Keep up the great work!
Alice
http://www.protectyourglow.com
Elizabeth
> AliceThank you, Alice!
Leticia Justus
Wow ! You look gorgeous ! You have beautiful and inspiring blog !!!!!!
I would LOVE to have you share this and other posts on the Wearing with Wisdom link-up party at kingmakerblog.com !
The link-up party will be available every Wednesday .
Thank and blessings , leticia
Elizabeth
> Leticia JustusThank you so much for the sweet words, Leticia! Of course I’ll join your link-up! Always happy to find other blogs that discuss faith and fashion.
Tianna
you look stunning in this dress! also love that purse and your eye makeup!!
stop by and chat with me 🙂 http://storybookapothecary.com ♥
Elizabeth
> TiannaYou’re so sweet! Thank you, Tianna!
Lauryn Hock
Girl you are stunning! I’ll be featuring you on this week’s Style Files over at http://www.lauryncakes.com
Elizabeth
> Lauryn HockThat just made my day! Thank you for being such a dear, Lauryn!
Jess
I love everything about this outfit. The floral dress is so pretty and I love the use of color with the bag and the fresh flowers!
thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Elizabeth
> JessThe pleasure is all mine! Thank you for the sweet comment. And thank you for hosting the THT linkup. I plan to join you again consistently. 🙂
jacque
Love this drop waist dress and those lace up heels are gorgeous! So pretty!
Jacque
http://www.lookforlovelies.com
Elizabeth
> jacqueThanks so much for the sweet comment, Jacque!
Lyddiegal
What an elegant summer dress! I love the print, the drop waist and the fabulous tote you’ve paired it with!
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com
Elizabeth
> LyddiegalThank you so much, dear!
Carolyn
I love the dress and the shape of it, it does look fantastic on you! Love your shoes and bag also 🙂
Carolyn
Elizabeth
> CarolynThank you so much, Carolyn!
Sheela Goh
Hahahahaha, I’m sorry, your line about how certain drop-waisted styles can look tragic was delightfully funny 🙂 but you’re right, it’s all a matter of trial and error until you find the one which works. You definitely did, yours is charming and fresh and picture perfect for/on you.
Elizabeth
> Sheela GohHaha, thank you so much for those kind words, Sheela! I love my drop waist dresses, but they can go badly quickly!