Dress: Farm Rio xxs, fit adjusted. Worn with nippies.
Sandals: Schutz sz 5.5 (also at Nordstrom)
Bag: Petite Naghedi c/o. My main bag is their Mini
Earrings: Amazon raffia + Sezane gold
This has been one of my favorite brands over the few years for infusing color and vibrant prints into my wardrobe! Their pieces are usually designed for a taller frame, so I’ve learned to make a few small DIY adjustments that make a big difference.
1. Farm Rio Garden Maxi Dress
This stunning maxi dress above has been on my radar for a while now and did not disappoint. If you love this print but want more coverage at the neckline and sleeves, check out this sleeved maxi dress in the same print. I reviewed a similar piece before in the same style bodice and voluminous sleeves, and think xxs in a midi/maxi style would be a good fit.
In person, there’s lots of detail for the eye to behold …the main printed fabric has a swiss dot texture, eyelet trim at the shoulders and waist, colorful beaded tassels, and is made of a breezy 100% cotton with cotton lining. The smocked waist is very comfortable and helps this be bump friendly, and the length after adjustments is a maxi on me with 2.5″ heels.
Adjustments Made
On my 5′ tall frame (shorter torso, smaller chest), the neckline is very low and slightly gaping so I decided to take the dress up at the shoulders. This type of adjustment usually fixes several issues all at once – it brings up the neckline for a closer fit against the chest, raises the waistline, and shortens the overall dress length in one swoop. I’d recommend getting this professional done or sewing it down with a needle and thread, but as a super quick DIY fix, I just use a large safety pin at each shoulder!
Farm Rio Macaw Romper
I also tried on this fun romper (15% off with FRL15; also sold at Saks, Bloomies and Shopbop), which I own in a different print from prior year. The fit is exactly the same as my older one, with a slim narrower fit throughout the bodice. I have a smaller chest and usually an xxs in tops, and an XS in this romper fits me at the chest, torso and hips so I would say it runs small.
The straps fit long on a petite frame so I used a different safety pin trick here to just fold the straps shorter and pin them at the back. This is another adjustment that I make VERY regularly to shorten shoulder straps, and it works especially well on busier prints since it camouflages the safety pin.
thanks love these tips! they make or break outfits! would appreciate more on rule of 1/3 or 2/3 & tips on the most flatter lengths to alter dresses to. When I hem a dress up to make it hit an more flattering length I struggle knowing if I should take it up a couple more inches or drop it down etc. :DWould appreciate some more experienced tips
Hi Jean,
Dress and romper looks stunning on you. My body measurements is 30 x 25.5 x 34.5 inches, may you please advise the size of dress and romper for me? Thanks!
Hi there, I’d recommend maybe try their smallest sizes (which I’m wearing above) though they might still be a little loose on you
Love this dress, thinking of buying for a summer outdoor wedding in upstate NY. Is it breastfeeding friendly? Does it have pockets? I am small, 4’11, so would get professionally altered also.
Hi Rachael, I don’t think the dress would be nursing friendly unfortunately! I don’t see how it would pull down easily. It also does not have any pockets.
Ooohhh Jean, I LOVE this on you!!! It’s elegant but not overly formal and I love that deep v neckline! Is the tie front functional or is it just for looks? Love the earrings, I have some almost identical:) I will definitely be eyeing this for purchase, thanks so much, looking wonderful as usual!!!
Thank you April, this one definitely made me excited for summer events! It’s a functional front tie! Love these rattan earrings for the warmer months xx
Hi Jean,
Thank you for the post. I like the Farm Rio romper. Can you share your safety pin trick for shortening long straps? Thank you.
Hi Esther, so sorry for my delayed reply! I just added a close up photo to show how I shorten long straps with a safety pin. I hope that helps!
Thank you for the pics! I got the romper and I love how it fits.