How can I pull off a vintage-style white, short-sleeved shift dress?

[[Sorry to those who already answered this...something funky happened to the page so I deleted %26amp; asked again. ]]



My mom bought me a white dress which has pretty much the same shape as the one in this photo:



http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/142/s...



except it doesn't have any pockets %26amp; the neckline is a bit larger/boat-shaped. The short sleeves are lacey and a little longer than in the picture. It is ivory white with a faint flower print of almost the same color.

I don't want to make my mom feel bad, but I have two problems with this dress.

1) I'm 21, but when I put it on I feel 12;

2) it looks like it came out of a time machine from the 60s.



Is there any way to make it look more "my age" and modern? I'm up for any suggestions, from shoes %26amp; accessories to slight alterations.

I'm also thinking about lengthening it, if possible, to go just below my knees (right now it's just above). Is this a bad idea?



PS. I'm a pear-shaped gal!

How can I pull off a vintage-style white, short-sleeved shift dress?
I think it is fine as it is. At 21 you could carry any style but its the classy look that i'm hoping you would aim at. Since the nectline is boat shaped, wear a single strand of pearl. You could match it dangling pearl earring. If you do not have real pearls go get the fake one but make sure its small in size or else it could be spotted as fake when you are talking with some who's standing close. Best get pearl with a slight pink so it more 'modern' yet classic. Wear a simple watch that's not the chunky ones, if you have a like a light pink leather watch it would be prefect. If not a white strap would be fine too. Pair it off with a white strappy shoes with heels say 2 to 3 inches. When I say strappy I don't mean that kind that goes like a ballarina strap. Just wound you ankle, find one with thin strip. possibly open toes just at the tip. Paint your nail a light rosy pink. Don't lenghthen it. With the shoe and your nail and toes with the light rosy pink, It think you will look prefect. Good Luck.
Reply:i didnt get the pic but take out the lacey sleeves like maybe as short as the pic is even thouh i didnt see the pic i think maybe if you took one of those belts that goes under your chest maybe a red aor a blue you proably could add some shoes that are now and some plastic braclets also maybe do your hair in a way that is popular now and wasnt then

hope i helped

~~*Mary*~~
Reply:wear it with skinny jeans or black leggings, and either chunky retro gold jewelary or none at all. this will look casual and retro, and much less 12 than just as a dress. if you do want to wear it just as a dress, wear it with a waist belt and a little crop jacket/cardy. wear it with stacked heals or sandals or cute little flats.



it sounds gorjus btw! but i dont realy no wat it looks like cos the link dusnt work.
Reply:Okay..I answered the last time, but I'll just answer again.



Try some pumps. Red, or some other bright color to liven it up, and make it more mature looking.



It might be a good idea to get it altered..it would probably make it look more age appropriate.



Don't wear any circle earrings/necklace with with, because the would really increase the whole 60's look of the dress.
Reply:maybe try a wide belt at your natural waistline, and nice heels in the same color as the dress. If the belt is a different color, it can serve to draw attention away from the things you don't like about the dress.