What type of body shape or style suits this look?

[dudsville]

Or is this not even the right question? I've got two dresses that have straps instead of sleeves; not thin and stringy, more like pinafore style width. I love the dresses but I feel naked (I'm new to dresses!) and I want to wear a top underneath. To my mind that can be quite a "cute" look and I don't know how to tell if it flatters me or not (and I can bear to post a pic, sorry!). So what am i looking for to help me judge this? Is there a certain style or shape this looks best on?

Can you post photos of the dresses?

www.toa.st/uk/product/womens+dresses+and+tunics/cjqal/button+back+cotton+dress.htm?clr=CJQAL_WashedBlack_sw

One is similar to this. I'll look for an example of the other.

I wear something similar with a long sleeve t shirt in a contrasting colour. In summer I wore with a bright neon vest with thicker broader straps (can’t bear to post a picture either 😂).
You’re right they do look ‘cute’!

I have something similar. Used to wear them to the office pre covid.

I have a plain black one and a check one. Wore with thick tights and loafers, then layered a coloured roll neck underneath and hair up.

They are quite cutesy I suppose!

I've found a pic similar to my other dress but I can't link to it for some reason. It's Whistles Square Neck Denim Midi Dress, Blue if anyone can be bothered it's on the John lewis site. So this one is more fit and flare with buttons.

Thanks Minky37, maybe it's just a look that would take sine getting used to. I will try it with a tee underneath. Would that work with fit and flare shapes too?

That sounds nice misslomy. I might googgle search the look.

My tall skinny friend wears this look and looks cute. I'm short and curvy and I'd look like a chubby St Trianian.

I guess that's my fear tinkywinkyshandbag? I don't want to look like I'm late to class! I'm 5'7" an hourglass size 14 - everyone thinks I'm a 12 but I think that's because of my waist, it somehow creates a mirage. So both of these dresses work on me, but I'm not a waif. Do you need to be a waif to suit a cutesy look?

@dudsville

I guess that's my fear tinkywinkyshandbag? I don't want to look like I'm late to class! I'm 5'7" an hourglass size 14 - everyone thinks I'm a 12 but I think that's because of my waist, it somehow creates a mirage. So both of these dresses work on me, but I'm not a waif. Do you need to be a waif to suit a cutesy look?

I’m most certainly not a waif... taller and bigger dress size. I wear with loafers, brogues or DM’s. Maybe that balances out the cute look?

I've only been wearing tops/ jumpers underneath dresses and jumpsuits for about a year maybe a year and half and you do get used to it. Also means you get more wear out of items during the cold weather.

I sometimes think I look like an art teacher don't know why particularly in a denim dress, when I mentioned it to my DSis she could actually see it as well 🤣

Oh and definitely not a waif more a tallish overweight hourglass.

I'd say skinny androgynous ...

H&M do lots of little fitted t-shirts that finish just under the bust. They're perfect for putting under dresses with straps because they don't cause any bulk over your torso. They're also incredibly cheap.

I wear the Toast Lydia dress with a long sleeved grey T and it looks great, and I'm definitely not a waif (and nearly 60).

I'd look like a child dressing in her mother's clothing if I put a t-shirt in underneath that. And there's no chance I'd wear that dress - those straps would make my arms look huge

Ok, thanks, there's definitely a range of ideas. I think I'll just start giving it a try since I know if I don't I won't wear the dresses at all.

The shirts you mention sound ideal, especially in summer Racheycat but I'm trying not to buy anything new. I'll check on them in summer if need be!

Well folks, I look very religious, not even "cutesy", definitely need to do since investigation on how to do this!

My first thought was the trainee nun in Sister Act. Sorry!

@dudsville

Well folks, I look very religious, not even "cutesy", definitely need to do since investigation on how to do this!

Yes, I always find I look a tiny bit chaste when I wear one.

@dudsville

Well folks, I look very religious, not even "cutesy", definitely need to do since investigation on how to do this!

Nothing wrong with that but not sure that was what you were after 😉

Have you tried the collar unbuttoned and sleeves slightly rolled on the shirt? Or does that make you look like a dishevelled nun?

In fairness I have dark curly hair and if wear any gypsy style tops or skirts it looks like I'm some how auditioning for part as a palm reader all I need is a crystal ball to finish the look off!

Sickofmyfamilydrama, you really made me laugh!!! I'll try your suggestions. Part of my struggle so far is that I am one slim generation away from quite a strictly religious party of my family. Think long dresses with long sleeves, hair in a bun. I just look like my grandmother. So I need to work on this or ditch it. But I fear the best I'll manage is the "cool" nun who sneaks fags out behind the shed.

Glad it made you laugh.

Just had another idea do you have any necklaces you could wear over the shirt? A bit like these photos.

I have two of these style dresses from Toast. Usually wear with any neat t shirt under, something tighter rather than baggier. Also as a pp said a crop t shirt doesn’t add any bulk to the middle area. If it’s chilly a slim or chunky crop cardi looks nice over the top. I’m a 16/18 hourglass and find them v comfy and flattering. Ps a shirt under also makes me look like I’m late for Mass!

Polo necks or collared shirts to make it look more grown up.

Ooh, those necklaces do absolutely take the look out of my risk category! I don't have necklaces but could look into getting one.

laura

I can't do polo necks but I can see how that could work.