This Whistles dress

[Ifyoubuildit]

Dear style gods and goddesses...

I bought this for a Christmas party but it's a lot baggier than it looks on the website. Can I nip it in at the waist with a belt do you think? If so, can anyone recommend something that would work, pleeease (I love the dress...)

www.whistles.com/women/clothing/dresses/annie-sparkle-knit-dress-20979.html?dwvar_annie-sparkle-knit-dress-20979_color=Black#prefn1=subCategory&prefv1=Dresses&start=1

Can you get a smaller size?

Otherwise I wear some jumper dresses with belts, it really helps to nip the waist. It would look nice with a black patent belt.

no
leave baggy

for £95 I would want it to be perfect and fit me

However, as you have the dress, why dont you put a belt on and have a look?

If it's super baggy then swap it for a smaller size

Do not tie it in with a belt, that will look horrendously early-2000s

Do not tie it in with a belt, that will look horrendously early-2000s

Ignore this it's nonsense.

Do not tie it in with a belt, that will look horrendously early-2000s

What a load of bollocks!

Wear a nice belt OP.

Black patent, ok I think I might have an old work one.

It looks quite slim on the website but in reality is quite baggy and I'm worried it won't be flattering to my curveless body. I love the material and that it's warm(ish) and black though. It's just what I've been looking for.

I have to say it does look quite baggy in the pic to me, I think you might need the smaller size.

If you have a lean waist a belt will give you curves.

Sounds good the belt needs to be thin

Thanks, will give it a go. I do have a small waist but I'm straight up and down and have small everything else too. It's sold out in smaller sizes so will send it back if I can't find a belt that works.

I don't want to be the voice of doom but I tried that dress on and it didn't work for me either - and Whistles is often flattering on me (annoyingly given their prices). But I got the sparkle knit jumper instead which is great (and cheaper) though I realise it might not be quite party-ish enough?

No belt! TWC has a nice black knitted dress with sequins on the upper front and back. Seems more fitted. There are 20% with free del codes hanging around.

Why don't you have it altered? Assuming it has seams and isn't knitted in a tube it should be straightforward and cost about £15.

I'm also of the opinion that a belt will look very dated with it.

Swap it for a smaller size.

Sorry, I see you've said that it's sold out in smaller sizes.

Tell that to Carine Roitfeld & Emanuelle Alt.

Some things are just classic...

I think I'd want it to fit. I love this type of dress - stretchy, cosy yet elegant - and I think you will find more out there.

Have you rung every single branch in the whole country?

Btw I've just bought a v-neck cashmere and elastene black dress - very figure-hugging so you wouldn't need a belt. Doesn't have sparkles though.

I like the sparkles on the Whistles one but it is a bit shapeless.

Whistles customer services are really, really good - if you ring them I bet they will track the smaller size down for you.

Thanks all. I've been looking everywhere for something:

• for Christmas parties at home and in the pub (i.e. not REALLY dressy)
• something that isn't too bling but has a bit of sparkle
• Has long sleeves
• Can we worn with opaques or is trousers and a top (I have dreadful varicose veins)
• isn't something my mum would wear

I thought this would hit the mark but you're right, if it's not perfect I should send it back (will try Customer Services first although I suspect it's the shape that doesn't suit me).

Appreciate your advice ladies :-)

Wear a belt, retro late 90s/early 2000s is in. Hang around in Dalston and you'll see! Just don't do opaque tights or pointy shoes though.

Where's your dress from Twinkles and what's TWC???

The white company

I second emailing or phoning Whistles customer services. They're really good.

It was from Yoox: this one

Italian labels tend to come up smaller than UK, I'm an 8 but the 10 fit.