Friday 4 September 2015

Different Ways to Wear Too Short Shift Dresses - When Online Orders Are Shorter Than Expected!

First wearing of my new Balenciaga bag! As expected, I love it just as much as my blue one. Also my first attempts at wearing some too-short dresses.

Choies gave me the chance to order this striped dress for free, and they also threw in another dress as a gift. I was between sizes so went with my usual 'order a size larger to be safe', and also because I thought the extra length would be good. Being petite, I find that sometimes things that look short on the models are actually an okay length on me, but there is no harm in having an extra centimetre or two.

Both dresses arrived, and are lovely, but as I shared on instagram, they are much too short! So I've had to come up with other ways to wear them. Thought this post might be helpful for others who have received too-short dresses they can't return or that aren't worth the cost of returning. It's also a good reminder to check the length measurements before ordering something and not just the bust and waist!

What I wore:

Away From Blue Balenciaga 2009 Automne RH classic day bag

Choies white navy tile print short dress for winter cardi ankle boots tights
JacketJeanswest brown marle waterfall cardigan
Dress: Choies white tile print shift dress (C/O)
ShoesAsos airtime leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bracelets: the usual
Bag: Balenciaga truffle RH classic day bag (new purchase)

Why I wore it:

I thought I'd try wear tights with this to make myself a little more comfortable with the short length, but I really wasn't comfortable in this at all! I think I should have picked a longer cardigan, that had the length in the back I felt the dress was missing whenever I bent down to pick up toddler T.

I've also mentioned in the past that I can't wear tights with the compression bandage I have for my injured knee. It's designed to keep the muscles warm, so I have to wear it under clothing so it's right next to my skin and it gets a bit warm through the day. When I add tights, it's just much too hot. I thought this day would be okay though as it was cold and rainy....nope. My knee got so hot so quickly. I couldn't wait to take this off! A bit of an outfit fail all round.

How would you wear this dress differently? I was thinking maybe as a bikini cover up for the beach...


Last worn: brown cardi, tan ankle boots. First time I've worn the bag and the dress.

Other ways to wearbrown cardi and skinny jeans, ankle boots and skinny jeans, blue Balenciga day bag and a summer dress.


More shift dresses under $50:







What I wore:

Choies monochrome stripe shift dress belted as tunic over flared jeans purple cardi

Stripe tunic purple cardi Balenciaga 2009 Automne RH classic day bag
CardiganJeanswest Dana drape knit cardi in boysenberry
NecklaceHappiness Boutique turquoise and coral pendant necklace (C/O)
Dress (worn as top): Choies monochrome stripe shift dress (C/O)
JeansJeanswest 'spoylt' flared jeans
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs logo plaque flats in camel
Bag: Balenciaga truffle RH classic day bag

Why I wore it:

After the outfit fail the day before, I knew I'd need a bit more coverage with this dress! While it does have the right length in the back and even in the front, it has curved hems so it comes up short on the hips. I belted it like a tunic over jeans. It would look better with skinny jeans, but I can't squeeze the knee bandage under them.

I really liked this outfit though! I felt happy and comfortable all day. I really like the way the dress looks belted, and I wasn't worrying about what it looked like from behind every time I bent down as I had jeans on underneath. It's a really comfortable cotton, which helps as it feels good to wear. I'm thinking this would look nice worn as a top and tucked under a skirt too...I can see lots of other ways to wear this dress. Definitely a winner, even if I don't wear it as a dress as it was intended!


Last worn: purple cardi, flared jeans, ballet flats, Balenciaga day bag (above). First time I've worn the dress.

Other ways to wearpurple cardi and a maxi dress, flared jeans and heels, ballet flats and a wrap dress, blue Balenciaga day bag and stripes.


One last thing before I finish today's post: this Sunday is Father's Day in Australia, so I hope everyone has a lovely weekend with their family. Jeanswest were kind enough to send me this beautiful Malrvern check shirt for DH, and as baby T has a cute little shirt from Jeanswest to wear also, I know there will be one very fashionable and adorable duo this Sunday! I'll try get a photo of them together and share it on instagram@awayfromblue.



The 30% off Jeanswest sale that I mentioned in my last post has been extended this weekend! So if you're looking for something for yourself or even a last minute gift for Father's Day, the sale is now on in store too as well as online.


Linking up with Fab Favourites, Friday Favourites, Passion For Fashion, Flashback Fashion, Favourite FashionFashion Friday, The Ultimate Rabbit HoleHello Monday today.



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62 comments:

  1. Very cute! Love the first dress! =)

    ~Alyssa~
    shesalyssarenee.com
    Follow Me:
    Instagram
 | Facebook | Bloglovin

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  2. So nice ! I really like the first dress. And you lool very pretty.. and dont worry.. this is not too short :)

    www.aishettina.blogspot.it

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, they definitely feel too short! They don't pass the fingertip test!

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  3. I have had that problem, since I am a bit tall, most of these places dresses are quite short for me as well. I think you solved the problem with the addition of pants and leggings. I like the first outfit and the print is cute too. <3
    Cast-Iron Cooking

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    Replies
    1. I guess that's the one positive - I can feel tall for once, haha!

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  4. Love both looks! I just updated my wardrobe for around the house with lots of long tips & short dresses that I'm pairing with leggings. The second look with the belt is a great idea! #FashionFriday x

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  5. great way to restyle those too short dresses!! you look great. happy weekend!

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  6. I'm sorry the first look didn't work out for you, it looks nice but if it wasn't comfortable you should try wearing that dress some other way...perhaps a beach dress is a good solution.

    That second outfit is fantastic. I really like how you belted that striped dress. I have a pink cardi just like that one...and I wear it very very very often. It is such a great item.

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    1. I wear my purple one a lot, very cosy! :) I think the first one would be great for the beach, I think it's much too shot otherwise!

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  7. I love your creativity in turning these "dresses" (seriously, who wears a dress that short who's over 17 years old??) into tunics!

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    Replies
    1. haha yes! I'm sure in my teenage years I wore things just as short as this - my mum certainly seems to have thought a lot was too short to wear, ha! Definitely tunic length now though!

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  8. I figured you were going to have some awesome way of styling these when you posted about them being too short. I'm not surprised with how cute these outfits turned out. I have a VERY similar cardigan (in green) to your first outfit.

    You would be so proud, in the last two weeks I've worn dresses as tops! I'm still practicing and the tucking part is going to be a practice I'll have to master. You know, getting the skirt part to lay just right so it's not obvious you're wearing a dress. (; Kind of like how you did on outfit number two. I'm totally going to try the belt thing!

    Have a great weekend Mica!

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    Replies
    1. I look forward to seeing the dress as atop and the green cardi making an appearance on your blog or insta soon, when the weather cools for you! :)

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  9. Love the second look! ;)
    http://priscillaeliodoro.blogspot.com

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  10. Ahh that just reminds me of one time I order a top online and it turned out too short so I had to give away... I love how you are able to wear it in a smarter way! Nicely done!

    vonvogue.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes it was good to try and come up with other ways to wear them so I get some use from them! :)

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  11. What a great idea to belt and blouse the dress like that to make it a top, it turned out so cute! I have a dress I got this summer from Old Navy that shrunk and is now way too short--I'm going to have to try this trick!

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    Replies
    1. Glad I could give you some inspiration! Hope it helps you get some more wear from your dress :)

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  12. I'm tall and always have this problem with dresses.
    Jaymie
    www.jaymieashcraft.com
    Fridays Fashions link up

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  13. Those dresses are short but they still looked awesome. Love that new brown bag! Thanks for linking up with the Ultimate Rabbit Hole x

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  14. These both look great as tunics / long tees as you've styled them. I'll wack a pair of leggings under a short dress no worries. Doesn't happen very often, being a shortie though! Currently on the hunt for a replacement striped t-shirt dress to replace my old maternity one that I've finally parted with!

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    Replies
    1. I'd recommend this striped one (it is seriously awesome, apart from the length!) but you really want something you can wear minus leggings in summer!

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  15. Oh I'm in love with that bag!! I've also done the online thing and ordered a shift dress that's a bit too short for my liking but I find a layer of fake tan makes me feel a bit more confident wearing it. Xx

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  16. You are seriously the cutest! I just adore your looks. The first one though I really love :)

    Florals&Smiles
    Twitter

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  17. I love the second look - great idea to wear the dress as a top!

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  18. I haven't tried Choies but it's on my list! Both pieces are lovely, as are how you styled them. Maaaaaaaaaybe the first one could be used as a sexy mod-esq dress for a fun night out, but I understand if that's past your comfort zone! XO
    -Lauren Blair
    www.prefertobedemure.com

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    Replies
    1. It would be a standing night out only dress, haha! can't really move or sit down in it!

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  19. I think you did a great job making the too-short-dresses work! That happens to me a lot because I'm on the taller side so dresses sometimes end up being an inch or two short. I usually pair them with tights and knee high boots or legging/skinny jeans.
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

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    Replies
    1. I think they would look great with skinny jeans! Maybe when my knee is better :)

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  20. I love that first dress! It's a pity you didn't feel like it covered you enough though! That's so annoying.

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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  21. I feel you, Mica! I'm petite as well and would love to be a bit taller too!!! I would wear Choies' dress (tunic) with a (long) skirt and belt it on the waist to create proportions. Or maybe style it with skinny jeans and denim shorts. It has such a beautiful print, Mica! Great choice! Love how you styled your second outfit, I would love to see the first tunic on you like this. ;)
    Have a wonderful weekend, Mica!

    xoxo Ira
    JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

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    Replies
    1. Oooh shorts is a great idea! I should try it with shorts when the weather warms up! Thank you! :)

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  22. Nice post!

    http://thepinkporcelaindoll.blogspot.com

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  23. I've got a few things that turned out to be shorter than expected. (eBay purchases that were described as dresses that turned out to be more like long tunics). I tend to layer them with leggings or skinny jeans to get round the shortness. Or very thick tights and big boots. Hope you find a way to make it work as it's a lovely tunic

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    Replies
    1. I hate when ebay purchases are never what you expect! Glad you've been able to get some wear out of them anyway though :)

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  24. Okay...Mica, so check out my latest post because you will CRACK up!! I had the same "too short dress" problem with the latest blue porcelain print dress on my blog. It's VERY similar to the one you tried. Seriously... laughing right now!!

    Hope you're enjoying your holiday weekend!!


    Amber
    www.allthecute.com

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    Replies
    1. haha what is it with that print?! I see what you mean, they are definitely very similar, and very short!

      Delete
  25. I do the exact same thing Mica! I always put tights or leggings under something I feel is a bit short. It just gives you that security. Both outfits look fabulous on you :)
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  26. Ugh, that's always the problem with those sites - I'm paranoid about how their clothes will fit me as I don't have the same build as their models at all! Good alterations in making these dresses work. Too bad about the first one, I think keeping it as a swimsuit cover up may be your best bet.
    Love how you turned the second one into a tunic top! It works well that way :)

    The Dragonfruit Diaries
    Check out my YouTube channel too!

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    Replies
    1. It almost looks like it was made to be a tunic! I think I might try shorts with the first one, when it's warmer :)

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  27. I've never thought of pairing a pair of jeans with dresses. That's such a great look and idea!

    Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Etsy

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  28. I agree, Mica! Ordering online can sometimes a little confusing when it comes to sizes, so when I do, I always use a tape measure to see how long it will fit me.
    Very creative way of pairing up your outfits as usual, btw..
    And oh, I just followed you on Instagram and saw your DH and baby T wearing those tops! So cute!

    xoxo
    Jhem | JhemSays.com

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    Replies
    1. I should have checked the length! I rarely do as I'm petite so everything's usually too long...I measured everything else, doh! haha!

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  29. I love wearing shirt dress over tights or shorts.
    And this tip looks interesting.
    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

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  30. I have the same problem, the reason Im not a fan of jeans and tights because I feel hot and uncomfortable after long wearing. I only wear those when its very cold and just for a short moment.
    I love the stripe dress and the bag!

    (◕‿◕✿) EmoteraGoddess.com | Instagram | Bloglovin

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    1. Luckily it isn't too hot here in winter for wearing jeans :)

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  31. I love the second look! It's a great idea. I'm pretty tall and it's hard to find dresses that aren't too short.

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  32. Love seeing your new bag in action! You did a good job pairing the dresses. I always have to check the lengths on those sites.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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    Replies
    1. I'll definitely be checking the length in the future, haha!

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  33. Hello Mica! I often come across that problem too. Especially when ordering online. I normally wear my short dresses during the colder months when I can wear dark tights with them and not feel half naked. Love the ideas you provided above and I really liked the striped dress as a top. It look super cute! Hope your knee is getting better and before I forget I want you to know that I am obsessed with your Balenciaga bag. It is gorgeous! Blessings to you and your family. XOXO, Jeannette

    www.msjeannieandhercloset.com

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    1. Thanks Jeannette! I'm glad you liked the ideas :) My knee is improving slowly too!

      Delete
  34. With too short dresses, I find wearing leggings or tights works wonders! I like the first way of styling, of course, but the second way is very creative! Just owning the shortness and wearing it like a shirt is a great idea!

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

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    1. I think that was my favourite one - it looks great belted! :)

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  35. great way to style items unexpectedly shorter
    http://1finedai.blogspot.com/

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  36. Thank you all for your lovely comments - and for sharing some more ideas about how to wear my too short dresses! :)

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  37. Well Mica, I mist admit you pulled them off really well.
    I have been getting rid of too short dresses little by little, but you know me, I wear them first, suffer all day and then get rid of it ;) It's almost like masochism.

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    1. You have to give something a last wear to confirm if it really deserves to go! :) I often try wear things I'm unsure of one last time before I decided to keep or donate :)

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  38. Your dress is a lovely length, you don't need a longer cardi with it at all. Love both looks, they both suit you. I hope your knee recovers quickly.

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    1. Thanks :) It certainly feels too short for me!

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  39. love both ways! i don't like wearing too short dresses!
    looking beautiful!
    Irene
    www.thedailylace.com

    ReplyDelete

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