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How To Wear A Dress That Is Too Tight (Wait, What?!)

January 5, 2021 •

River Island

If you’re like me, between staying home and the holiday season I’ve indulged in some really great food, maybe a little too much! And now I have some clothes that aren’t fitting as well as they used to. 

dress-over-jumpsuit

I’m going to be honest here-it’s not just because of all the eating that some of my clothes don’t fit. A while back I bought a dress online and it was too tight. I know I should have returned it right away, but the dress was just so cute. I was disappointed that it didn’t fit and was determined to figure out some way to wear it. And I did!! 

River-Island-dress
Wear the dress as a duster open over a simple dress
dress-with-belt
or wear it over a dress and belt
duster dress
or put the belt over both the dress and the duster
black-jumpsuit
or wear it over a jumpsuit. I’ll also wear this dress over jeans or black pants.

Given that this is a button down dress and my love for dusters, this was a no brainer! But what if your dress doesn’t button or zip down the whole way? Well, if it buttons or zips part way in the front I’d leave it undone and add a tank underneath. You can also add a belt to complete the look. If it’s a side or back zip I might wear a cardigan or pullover sweater over it and also a belt to keep everything in place. I realize if something doesn’t fit it’s probably best to get rid of it (always great to donate!), but sometimes there are those pieces we just can’t bear to part with and this way they’re not just hanging in the closet.

SHOP BUTTON FRONT DRESSES:

SHOP DRESSES TO WEAR UNDER YOUR DUSTER:

SHOP JUMPSUITS:

Happy New Year!

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Related

Style dress, duster, jumpsuit, kimono, River Island

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rosie says

    January 5, 2021 at 6:45 am

    Great idea to make a duster! Happy new year to you and Bob. Hope the family is well. Love and hugs! Rosie

    • michele says

      January 5, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Rosie, I’m all about a duster! Wishing you and Marshall a very happy, healthy New Year. xo, Michele

  2. Gai Russo says

    January 5, 2021 at 10:17 am

    I love this!

    • michele says

      January 5, 2021 at 3:35 pm

      Hi Gai, Why not, right?! In the spirit of wearing what you have!! Thanks for reading! xo, Michele

  3. Becca says

    January 5, 2021 at 11:57 am

    SO genius and smart! We all have those items that don’t fit but we can’t let go of! Thanks for sharing!

    • michele says

      January 5, 2021 at 3:34 pm

      Becca, glad this will help! Thanks for reading! xo, Michele

  4. Libbie@alifeunfolding says

    January 5, 2021 at 3:38 pm

    What a great idea! I am a dress girl and after these last stay-at-home orders, some of them are SNUG! Thanks for the idea.

    • michele says

      January 5, 2021 at 5:45 pm

      Libbie, you are so not alone! Once we get back to normal so will our weight, but in the meantime this is how I’ll style some of my dresses (if I get out of my sweats! lol) Thanks for reading! xo, Michele

  5. Antionette Blake says

    January 5, 2021 at 8:43 pm

    Yes, I have a few duster/dresses hanging in my closet that were too small but too hard to resist as well.

    • michele says

      January 5, 2021 at 10:56 pm

      It’s a great way to wear them! Always good to have options! Thanks for reading xo, Michele

  6. Lauren says

    January 8, 2021 at 1:15 pm

    Love the title of this post! And love the tips you’ve come up with … very stylish and creative! I plan on going through my closet to do some decluttering this month, and this might mean a few of the things I thought would have to go can be worn in new ways.

    • michele says

      January 9, 2021 at 12:06 pm

      Hi Lauren, Thanks for your kind words. Let me know how the closet decluttering goes and please share how you restyle those pieces that need it! xo, Michele

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ABOUT DIARY OF A BORED HOUSEWIFE

About Michele

Hi! I’m Michele, a 60 year old (wow that sounds old!! 😂) who, up until a few years ago, lived with my husband, four kids and two yellow labs. Now it’s just me, my husband and the dogs. Read More

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