Zara Drop Waist Dress from Downtown Demure

Photos: Drop Waist Floral Dress + Roses

Zara Drop Waist Dress from Downtown Demure 3

Zara Drop Waist Dress from Downtown Demure

 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)

Zara Drop Waist Dress from Downtown Demure 2

ara Drop Waist Dress from Downtown Demure 5

Zara Drop Waist Dress from Downtown Demure 4

Zara Drop Waist Dress from Downtown Demure 6

Zara Drop Waist Dress from Downtown Demure 7

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

 Downtown Demure

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The Comments

  • Avatar
    Alecz
    05/23

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Alecz
      05/23

      Thank you, dear! I can’t wear my teal bag with many outfits, so I’m happy it goes well with this dress. 🙂

  • Avatar
    Courtney Kincaid
    05/23

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Courtney Kincaid
      05/23

      Thank you, girl! I’m convinced drop waist dresses can work for any body type. It’s all about length and line placement.

  • Avatar
    Dressed2dNines
    05/23

    Thanks for stopping by my blog! You look so darling in this dress! Perfect look from head to toe!

    http://www.dressed2dnines.com

  • Avatar
    Natalie Hagen
    05/24

    That dress is so pretty! You wear it so well!

  • Avatar
    Margaret
    05/25

    Love that cute dress!
    -Margaret
    Check out my blog?
    http://happyinheels.blogspot.com/

    • Elizabeth
      Elizabeth
      > Margaret
      05/25

      Thanks, Margaret! You got it. I’ll stop by soon. 😉

  • Avatar
    Claire
    05/25

    Love your dress, shoes and handbag!! >want them all<..

    Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays..

  • Avatar
    Cymone
    05/25

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Cymone
      05/26

      Oh! Where did you get your dresses? I’m always on the hunt for nice ones. Thank you so much for leaving some love!

  • Avatar
    Amy Ann
    05/26

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Amy Ann
      05/26

      Thank you so much, Amy Ann! You’re a doll!

  • Avatar
    Kerrie M Burke
    05/26

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Kerrie M Burke
      05/26

      Thank 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!

  • Avatar
    Charlotte Boyer
    05/26

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Charlotte Boyer
      05/26

      Thank 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!

  • Avatar
    Tarah
    05/27

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Tarah
      05/27

      Right?! They’re wonderful dresses. Thanks for the love, girlie!

  • Avatar
    Susan
    05/29

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Susan
      05/29

      Thank 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!

  • Avatar
    Elizabeth Hugen
    05/30

    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
      > Elizabeth Hugen
      05/30

      Thank 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. 🙂

  • Avatar
    Happiness at Mid Life
    05/30

    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

  • Avatar
    Lindsey
    06/01

    You look great in that dress! I’m 5’3″ so those tips definitely apply to me!

  • Avatar
    Adri
    06/01

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Adri
      06/03

      Thanks, girlie! I think it’s more like Venice makes ME look chic. Haha. I just love shooting there!

  • Avatar
    Lorena
    06/01

    You have such a warm smile 🙂

    http://www.lovelory.com

  • Avatar
    Alice
    06/01

    I love the dress, bag, and heels! Keep up the great work!

    Alice
    http://www.protectyourglow.com

  • Avatar
    Leticia Justus
    06/03

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Leticia Justus
      06/03

      Thank 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.

  • Avatar
    Tianna
    06/03

    you look stunning in this dress! also love that purse and your eye makeup!!

    stop by and chat with me 🙂 http://storybookapothecary.com

    • Elizabeth
      Elizabeth
      > Tianna
      06/03

      You’re so sweet! Thank you, Tianna!

  • Avatar
    Lauryn Hock
    06/03

    Girl you are stunning! I’ll be featuring you on this week’s Style Files over at http://www.lauryncakes.com

    • Elizabeth
      Elizabeth
      > Lauryn Hock
      06/04

      That just made my day! Thank you for being such a dear, Lauryn!

  • Avatar
    Jess
    06/04

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Jess
      06/06

      The 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. 🙂

  • Avatar
    jacque
    06/05

    Love this drop waist dress and those lace up heels are gorgeous! So pretty!

    Jacque
    http://www.lookforlovelies.com

    • Elizabeth
      Elizabeth
      > jacque
      06/06

      Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Jacque!

  • Avatar
    Lyddiegal
    06/16

    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

  • Avatar
    Carolyn
    06/18

    I love the dress and the shape of it, it does look fantastic on you! Love your shoes and bag also 🙂

    Carolyn

  • Avatar
    Sheela Goh
    06/25

    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
      Elizabeth
      > Sheela Goh
      06/25

      Haha, thank you so much for those kind words, Sheela! I love my drop waist dresses, but they can go badly quickly!