In or Out: Debra Messing in DVF

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 by
Debra Messing in a Diane von Furstenberg dress at the NBC Universal 2008 Press Tour All-Star Party.




A "good on paper" dress, because unfortunately, we don't think it's quite working for Grace Adler here.

There's something about that color. Tom, being auburn-tressed his whole life, thinks that color should look good on a redhead, theoretically. For some reason, it just doesn't. Too harsh. Too "St. Patrick's Day Ball, 1989."

The other mark in the "con" column is, surprisingly, she's not wearing it particularly well. We say "surprisingly" because even though she's been known to show up in public wearing some real eyesores, she almost always wears clothes well and that's why she's seen as something of a fashionista. Here, she looks sloppy and tight in all the wrong places. And that sash looks like it was knotted at the last second as she flew out the door.

Excellent accessorizing though.


More pics:



[Photos: WireImage]

34 comments:

antares said...

It doesn't seem to fit. Not flattering.

Sorry,leibchen.

hello, i'm patsy stone said...

It's as if a runway model picked out the fabric. Too green, too shiny.
Yes, green should and usually DOES look good on her, but not this shade.

Brooklyn Bomber said...

As much as I love DVF, and as much as that dress should work on a tall drink of water like DM, there's too much going on. All the ruffle action makes it look bulky in all the wrong places (I'm not sure there are any right places to look bulky, but perhaps).

And am I the only one who has a problem with puffed sleeves on anyone over the age of, say, 14?

Joanie said...

It's too greeny greeny. Aside from that and fit issues, I think she looks okay. But that's kinda not saying much considering she's hit and miss with her dresses these days.

Anonymous said...

There's something very "rumpled bedsheet" about that fabric. The way it pulls around her hips is very distracting and not attractive.

I don't hate the green but, yes, the shade is a little too "St. Pat's Day."

I think DM's make-up and hair look much better than in some of her recent shots.

ToddNY said...

Green satin hurts my eyes, seriously. I can't stand it!

kath said...

It looks like a housecoat.

Anonymous said...

As someone who grew-up in the 70's, I can attest personally that there are universl problems with the classic DVF wrap dress. It never looks crisp and the belt never ties right. It is the silk fabric that ties and wears like a parachute. It also whistles when you walk and wrinkles like crazy. I am surprised the dress came back.

Sewing Siren said...

I love the color on her and the neckline. I don't care for the sleeve and too much is going on the bottom 1/2 of the dress. I looks a little smallish, as well.

Katyola said...

Enough with the bony sternum, Grace!

Binkatong said...

I'm a redhead too. I have found that the only shade of green that doesn't work for us carrot-tops is kelly green. Well, that and florescent lime green, which won't work for anyone over age 10.

So, because of fit and color, Ms. Messing is out.

Carol said...

I like the dress actually....maybe a tad less GREEN, but am torn, cuz I love green.

Not loving it on her though.....

Anonymous said...

It looks like a green satin bedsheet was used - complete with the attached ruffles.

Too much colour, too much froufrou, too much bad construction.

Not flattering at all.

Anonymous said...

It's definitely not a train wreck, but she's done better. I bet it looks better in person, though.

Out, but I mean, I don't think she should feel embarrassed wearing that. I just think we have really high standards :)

DuBois said...

Anon 11:38 said "There's something very 'rumpled bedsheet' about that fabric."

That made me snort! My parents had satin bedsheets that exact color when I was in jr. high - eewww!

Oh yeah - OUT

Juju said...

Is she REALLY a redhead ? Even though my hair turned ooky as I got old(er), your skin color doesn't change... and I think she's actually a brunette.

Which explains why an already oogly color looks even worse on her.

The Amazon Princess said...

If the green was a tad darker and not so damn shiny it would look a lot better.

FashionFanatic said...

OUT I love DVF but that isn't the right shade for her or anybody.

Georgia said...

The bony clavicle is not a great look. But I don't expect people who starve themselves into skeletons to get that!

Embeedubya said...

Three words: short puffy sleeves. Guaranteed to make any grown woman look like a toddler. "And not in a good way."

Anonymous said...

Am I the voice of dissent here? LOVE the color (especially with her gorgeous hair), LOVE the dress. Unreservedly on both counts. What does Sir Tim say? Chacon a son gout? Well, you know what I mean.

Anonymous said...

Am I the voide of dissent here? LOVE the color (especially with her gorgeous hair), LOVE the dress. Unreservedly on both counts. What does Sir Tim say? Chacon a son gout? Well, you know what I mean.

hellene said...

My prom dress circa 1987 was such a green satin. Ick. What was I thinking? Oh yeah, it was the 80's.

I agree, she should look good in green. Not this green.

LittleKarnak said...

Out; too much going on with the whole look. Her bony sternum reminds me of a Cardassian on Star Trek.

Another Suburban Mom said...

It dosen't work for her. She needs to call Laura Bennett and get some love from herr.

Anonymous said...

Debra Messing IS ALWAYS OUT!! Messing with fashion,messy girl....

usmcsgtftl said...

I'm really getting a Carol Burnett "Gone With The Wind" spoof vibe from this dress. I can so easily picture that fabric as draperies in a living room, circa 1987.

Accessories: IN
Dress: OUT

e jerry said...

I'm voting not just no but HELL no.

Anonymous said...

She looks nice, but she doesn't look like Debra Messing. OUT.

Bailey said...

I agree, the fit is off and the color is bad. Poor Debra Messing.

Bill said...

It looks like the thin cotton robe/house coats my mom used to wear in the summer when she was making breakfast.

Her face looks a bit frozen.

Alejandra said...

Love the dress, not on her. It would look great on a raven-haired gal.

Rainwood said...

Not one of DVF's better efforts and Debra does not improve it. Better luck next time, ladies.

Murghi said...

It looks like the gymsuit we had to wear in junior high school. Same color. And not a good look on anyone at any time.