Who Can Wear These Long Summer Dresses?

on May 30, 2009 at 11:40 AM

Photo from Gap

Don't let the extra coverage and flowy comfort of long summer dresses, like this Empire-Waist Halter Dress from Gap, make you think it's good for any body type. It's not. Frankly, I think this is another one of those summer styles that only looks good on long and lanky model bodies (bless you if you have one; I do not).

I keep seeing these long, cotton, and comfy-looking summer dresses in all the stores. Their flowing, somewhat shapelessness draws me in, but I have to beware. This is the worst look for my body. I have hips, breasts, and a very short waist, and I'm only 5' 1". So when I put this style of dress on, I am immediately happy with its comfort, but when I look in the mirror, I look about 4' 1".

I don't know about you, but the fashion world is very good at tricking me. I like to think "empire waists" will help camouflage my not-flat belly. But it's quite the opposite. It's much better when I wear clothes that create a waistline than take my already-short waistline and make it invisible.

What do you think about this long summer dress style? Can you wear it?

About the author Sheri Reed

is a writer and the Entertainment, News & Sports editor for The Stir. She loves a good film, watches lots of good TV and follows Ryan Gosling's every move because she has to -- for work.

Filed Under: body, clothes, figure fixes, trends

Comments (73)

tessiemae41

on May 30, 2009 at 12:04 PM

I can and I love them. If you are a plus size girl, I would not reccomend you wearing a dress that long, it will make you look bigger and like a squat. Try one that hits at the knee or just below the knee for a better fit.

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ThePearl128

I think they're beautiful, but at five feet tall, I don't even attempt to try them on...I'm sure they'd look horrible on me.

I want to wear them so badly though...Instead, I'll just stick with my A-line skirts.

raina

on May 30, 2009 at 12:05 PM

I cant wear them either..but I don't really think they look at all flattering to anyone...and sorry but the only ladies I have seen wearing them are anything but slim and lanky..more like short and squishy...BUT to each her own, and if she thinks she looks marvelous, then good for her... I just hope the fad passes fast. At least where I live

My2J.A.P.s

on May 30, 2009 at 12:19 PM

I haven't tried them on, but I agree on the empire-waist thing. They tend to just make me look pregnant, instead of camouflaging the leftover baby-belly.

mommy2boys0406

on May 30, 2009 at 12:38 PM

That model has big ugly man feet.

jlknudsen5478

on May 30, 2009 at 12:58 PM

I hate empire waists in dresses- they make me (and most women, imo) look pregnant. I'm also 5'1", so the super long look just doesn't work for me.

heyiitsang84

on May 30, 2009 at 1:11 PM

I love them!!! I bought one last summer when I was pregnant and I just love it.

bluejeanwifey

finally someone agrees with the empire waste deal! I have quite a few overweight friends and all tell me *oh get a babydoll top! or something with an empire waste!* and im like *WHAT are you on???* that style is good for flat bellies and pregnant women(which i am prego now) but these long dresses are the same...only good for thin, or prego women who can keep the dress from touching the floor...im only 5'4(not really overweight, but i have had a baby...so no flat belly yet) some work, some dont. I look best in the ones that are a little more fitted and go a little past the knees. oh but how i wish i could wear them! sooo comfy!