K/R: DVF wrap dresses

What do you think of these Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses? I have a 20 year old Banana Republic wrap dress (9) and a Maggy London black and white faux wrap dress (7-8). I've been wanting for a long time to add a DVF wrap dress to my collection, but have had bad luck in the past with them not fitting right with my apple shape. I think the belt tends to cut right across my belly. Unfortunately I'm at my highest non-pregnant weight in a while--I am done nursing for the first time in almost 8 years, but because of that my weight has crept up about 10 lb and it seems to be all in my apple belly! I'm actually 1st trimester pregnant in 7-8, but I think my belly is even bigger now! Since I don't think it's going away anytime soon (I'm working on it, but it's slow going), I think I'm just going to have to live with it. These two DVF dresses, the blue leaf print in 1-3 and the chain print in 4-6, were on sale so I got a good price on them. What do you think of them? The black and white one is very similar to the Maggy London that I already have so I would only keep it if it's better than the one I have. I like the patterns, and the color of the blue dress. I don't love the side views, but I don't think I can do much better at this point given the realities of my post-three babies body. Which DVF dress do you like better, or should I give up on my dream of a classic DVF wrap and return both?
ETA: the chain print does come in a smaller print if you think the print is too large.

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19 Comments

  • abc replied 8 years ago

    I prefer the chain link print. If there's room for it I would keep as long as it won't make you split wears with the others if that's a concern.

  • carter replied 8 years ago

    I think the black one is more flattering, but the blue one would obviously add a new look for you. The black one really is superb though...I was trying second the "splitting your wears" issue, but I just really think the black one is meant to live with you.

  • Elizabeth P replied 8 years ago

    I prefer the chain link over the blue.  And over the one in 7,8.  But I really like the BR one in 9.  A lot.  And I know for me, those two are too similar to justify the second, I'd definitely be splitting wears.  Only you know if you'd be in the same situation.

    If you decide to keep the black DVF, this is the right pattern for you.  You suit this size print beautifully.

    PS. Good to see you again!

  • elpgal replied 8 years ago

    I like the second one better. How about this one?
    http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/di.....ss/3985893
    Or this one
    http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/di.....ss/3919576

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    I like the chain link one a lot, Natalie. Great print. 

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    Another vote for the chain link dress. It's good to see you posting outfits again.

  • Janet replied 8 years ago

    I like the chain link print better, too, but I I'd be reluctant to add another black and white print because it's so similar to the one you have. DVF has so many prints (and I personally run hot or cold on their prints), I might be inclined to keep looking. I don't *dislike* the blue print, but something about it is not wowing me. I realize that print taste is completely subjective though, so feel free to ignore me. ;-)

  • Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

    OK -- I like the blue best, Natalie!  The print is feminine and vibrant, but sophisticated, like you!  I think the camera in #3 exaggerates the line of your abdomen.  If it were a pic snapped from a  full side view, taken about 6-8 feet away, your curves would be integrated into all of you.  With my wrap dresses, I often layer a solid belt over the tie for a bit of structure.

  • Tanya replied 8 years ago

    I am with Janet here.  I like the chain link one for you, but would probably wait for another print that is significantly different from the wrap dresses you already have.

  • E replied 8 years ago

    I like the ones you own more than the new DVF dresses. If I were you, I'd look for a DVF dress in a rich, autumnal-type colour, because I love how you look in those, and it would provide a greater variety to the dresses you already own. I don't think you should give up on wrap dresses because of your body though! You've got gorgeous curves that fill them out beautifully. :D

  • harmonica replied 8 years ago

    I'm with Janet, too. The beautiful drape in the Maggie London dress is very flattering and quite different from the DVF chain dress. I would keep looking for a similar drape. And I hear you on post-three babies weight gain.

  • Joyce B replied 8 years ago

    I think the fit of the second dress is better and I also like the Maggie London best.

  • Karie replied 8 years ago

    Another vote for the black chain link print. The fit is much better. The two you already own are gorgeous!

  • catgirl replied 8 years ago

    I want a DVF dress too! You and I are such similar shapes - I think my shoulders are broader but otherwise I look much the same in a wrap. I much prefer your current dresses to either DVF. I think the tie does nothing at all for those of us with an apple shape. Plus I have no waist.

    The chain link dress is K-worthy.

  • frannieb replied 8 years ago

    I'm not sure a wrap dress is you best style. I think you would look better in a sheath dress.

  • goldenpig replied 8 years ago

    I think you all are right, the wrap style is not the best for apples. (Darn you, DVF!) And I don't think the black and white chain print is different enough from my current two dresses to justify keeping. Plus I think the Maggy London faux wrap waist point hits me at a better spot and the draping helps. So back the DVFs go...at least I do have my new L148 sheath dress to keep me happy! I think I've gotten a lot pickier since I started YLF, which is good, because my closet is pretty full now! Thanks for the advice!

  • abc replied 8 years ago

    Glad you arrived at a decision. It's the clothes, not us!

  • Sara L. replied 8 years ago

    I see you already decided against the wrap dresses.  I think the sheath dress from your other post is more flattering. 

    I gained about 10 pounds when I quit nursing as well.  Plus, it was right before the holidays so the timing wasn't good.  It's coming off but it's slow going.  I have to keep reminding myself that any progress, no matter how slow, is progress, and not to be impatient.

  • unfrumped replied 8 years ago

    Of the 2 new, I like the chain prong best, but I abmgree that you can just do better, period. You wear black& white very well, but you glow in other colors and you look bombshell in other dress styles. Hold out for something fabber !

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