Admit it: fashion sleuthing time

[Veronica]

Thom's 25th high school reunion is this year. We went to the same school, I was a year behind him. I've been perusing my dress options. I want to wear something that will show off my back.

I've also lost enough inches that NONE of my clothes fit properly anymore. I never use to wear belts, now I have to. So I've been looking at what to buy to replace some things.

These are the two dresses I'm considering. The reunion is in Maine in July and not super fancy.





Veronica

[ASammy1]

Veronica,

I like the second one! The black one is nice too, but the blue one really pops!

[Grog]

I love both, V, but I find the black one just a notch too simple. The straps on the blue one will definitely bring attention to your back. Show it off!

**

Oh, yes, consignment! That's one great thing around here. I have bought a few sweaters and even a pair of jeans on consignment recently. Makes me much happier being there than in the new-clothing stores.

[andtckrtoo]

I love the blue dress too! How cute!

I work in an office where I am not the oldest, but I'm up there. Most of my co-workers are mid-20's. (I'm mid 40's). They're a good group, so I don't mind. There is no dress code - when it's hot many of the guys wear shorts. Nicer shorts, but, still shorts. I wear many skirts because they are comfy, cool, and let me feel dressed up enough for my East Coast sensibilities (live in California, but born and raised in conservative Lancaster, PA).

I sort of agree with the advice that a 40-something, even with the body to pull it off (and that is so not me) should not wear the same thing a 20-something does. But there are trends that cross over well. I think skin-tight on a 40 something screams "cougar" (and I hate that word, too, but it's a great description). But I love some of the flirty little skirts with pretty cami and sweater sets. I don't go higher than knee length as I don't have the legs for it, but if you do, there's nothing wrong with a few inches shorter.

[NoNo]

Definitely go with the blue one!

[polly4711]

I like the black one... just snazz it up with a fun piece of jewelry.... and cute shoes!

[Crankin]

I could wear black 100% of the time... but I like both dresses. Both would definitely show off your back muscles.
G-d, I hate that expression "cougar." But, I certainly don't want to look like one. I do wear flouncy skirts with camisoles, and a sweater. But, my camis cover everything and I wear a strapless bra underneath! I can wear shorter skirts, but never go more than a couple of inches above the knee.

[Tuckervill]

I don't like the myshape website. I don't think I fit in any of the categories. I think I would be most like the woman under the A, but my shoulders aren't narrow as described (which means the fashion they suggest, to me, is hideous and would totally drive me nuts, with all the fru-fru near the neck). But then I could pick the M, but my hips are wide. To me, all the models are beyond skinny, except A and E. Couldn't they find people who all weigh the same but just have different body types?

One size does NOT fit all.

Karen

[shootingstar]

Occasionally I watch the TV show "What not to Wear". I dislike over 50% of recommended fashions for the outfits that the 2 talk show fashionistas, recommend to the featured woman per show for their makeovers.

Is it my taste or what??

Most likely in body shape, I'm closest to an "H".

Veronica: Either dress would look good on you. The black one, you could get away with wearing a necklace with a beautiful scultptural neckpiece. I don't know what the back cut is like, but the dress will wear well for several years.

I could not wear either of your 2 pre-selected dresses without major alterations now or even when I was younger: my whole upper body frame is small and narrow since I rarely fill the bodice and upper back properly. So a dress like that, to me, ..is instead, a bedroom camisole /slip dress for me at home.

GAWD, searching for fashion takes time. I have 1 black, light wool dress skirt with a belt, that I wear and have been wearing for past huh...9 yrs. or so. It can be worn in cold and hot seasons. Hits me about 2-3 inches above knee, which suits a shrimpy like moi. Several months ago, was horrified to discover the lining has rips and holes..because I've worn it so many times. Trust me, I've been looking casually around for a replacement..without having a hipster style dress skirt style or fabric that wrinkles too easily.

It's been a search for..several years! I refuse to spend megadollars for something I know would only cost about $50.00CAN or less to sew. But I'm lazy these last few years.

[Selkie]

I like the black one but that's me. Like Crankin, I wear a lot of solid black pieces and add splashes of bright colors (beads, sweaters, scarves, etc).

You could accessorize that one easier (malachite bead necklace and a bright aqua pashmina!) and I think it would be more versatile. Pair it w/a jacket or cardigan and you can wear it to work.

But this is your event so get the one you like. You'd look lovely in either dress.

[Karma007]

I hate chothes shopping! Don't get me wrong, I love clothes, but I struggle with fasion and fit, and find the whole mess intimidating. I have to dress nice for work right now and I hate it. That being said, if I'm going to dress up, I want to go all the way. Heels, oxygen-restricting rstricting undergarments and all.

[roadie gal]

Veronica, I vote for the blue dress.

Ahhh, fashion. I'm missing that gene. There has been more than one occasion when my S.O. has turned to me and said, "I'm not going out with you until you change what you're wearing." I just have no concept of what goes together or looks good. Luckily I wear scrubs and clogs to work and live in a place where dressed up is clean jeans.

I have 3 dresses that I rotate through various weddings and family occasions and one dressy skirt suit that's over 20 years old but I recently had retailored to fit correctly.

On the other hand, I could shop for athletic wear forever...

[Deborajen]

This thread reminded me of an article I read not too long ago about how to dress sexy in midlife. It said to do one thing at a time - sexy skirt or pants with a more conservative top, or sexy top with more conservative skirt or pants. That's exactly what I do on those occasions - I never do both at the same time.

On the two dresses - I'd vote for the li'l black dress. It may look a little bit like a slip in the picture but with a few accessories, some pretty shoes - you'd be a knockout.

[channlluv]

Veronica,

I like the second one! The black one is nice too, but the blue one really pops!

Ditto. I thought the black one was a slip. Seriously. I have a slip I wear under my lightweight black dresses that looks just like that top dress.

Roxy