Long cardigans belted over dresses - what do we think?

[JaneS]

I have seen this look (mostly on my students, I admit), and I can't make up my mind if it is nice or a bit naff. I've got a lovely long cardigan (not waterfall, please note!) in a sort of mossy green colour, quite slim-fitting. I don't think I can link to it as it's not this season, but was in Karen Millen. I also just got a dress from All Saints which I love (it is a lot more hourglassy in the flesh than it is on this model):

www.asos.com/Allsaints/All-Saints-Empire-Line-Cocoon-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1226006&cid=2803&Rf-200=5&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Optic

However, the dress is quite thin fabric - cold and also a bit see-through at the back where it doesn't hang in folds as it does at the front. Can I wear it with a cardie belted over it, or will that look a bit 1990s mutton?

I absolutely love All Saints stuff, that dress is gorgeous.

However, I would look like a right moose with a belted cardie over a frock. I know my limits

Yeah, notwaving, I think you may be right!

Where do you think the age cut-off is, then?

well, I won't tell you my age, but suffice to say I am well over the age of 21!

However, I would wear the dress with some kind of jackety cardigan thing, probably a chunky knit, or if you wanted a smoother look, one of those very thin silk/jersey cardigans that are around (not waterfall, although that's a whole other story).

I would wear with long biker boots (I've got some black ones which basically lace up all the way to the top. It's a good contrast to the girlyness of the dress.

You're right though, it's quite a flimsy fabric, I've seen it in the shop, and I would be tempted to wear some kind of camisole/vest top underneath.

Top it off with a funky scarf (God I hate that word, but you know what I mean) and voila a great outfit!

Well, I am 26, but have spent the last couple of months carefully dressing 'older' to look a bit more professional in front of my students who're in their early 20s, and I'm tired of it now!

I think I might go for a jacket/short cardie. It'd be gorgeous with long boots, you're right!

Definitely wearing with something underneath - it is totally see-through at the back.

Thanks for advice!