Will I look ridiculous? - YouLookFab Forum

So, I'm having trouble with both my camera and photobucket *sigh* so I can't send a photo of myself in this dress. But, I found a photo of it online.

http://www.target.com/Merona-C.....B002OETH0Y

I bought this in XL for myself - on sale! - at Target last night. Of course, at 5'11, i am taller than the model so the dress falls about 4 inches above my knee; too short to wear without leggings. I thought I'd wear it with some mid-calf-length leggings beneath and a black cardi overtop.

But then i wondered, will I look ridiculous in it? Is this too much colour, large-scale pattern, brightness for a size 16, 40 year-old to wear? Will I look like a walking table cloth? When I tried it on in the store, I imagined it could look fun and spring-like and even hip, when paired with the other black items. But, in my mind I'm still 27 and a size 6 and it's truly hard to see myself clearly and objectively even when I look in the mirror.

Anyway, I know it would help if I could send actual photos but I can't make that happen so any thoughts you can give without photos would be appreciated.

16 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I've tried this dress on, and I love it. I don't think there is a problem with your size- it's a really bold pattern/color that might drown out a smaller person. But the fabric might be a little formal for leggings. You will have to give it a try and see.

Kristine

I think it's pretty and perfectly fine for a 40 year old! So I don't think you'd look ridiculous at all! It's really a matter of your taste, how do you feel in it and do you love it?

taylor

I LOVE this dress. You are only 40 yrs. young ...Go For it ...you will look fab:) Have you tried a flicker account? I found it more user friendly than photobucket...:)

Debora

I like this dress a lot and think you should give it a whirl with leggings. Khris has a good point about the pattern, I think you can pull it off!

marianna

Larger women can wear bold patterns too! I really think we need to see a pic of you in it to give accurate judgements.

Anonymous

You have described my feelings exactly. Even as my body ages, when I look at dresses I still dress the old body in my mind. I'm trying to change that with the insight I'm gaining here on YLF blog and forum. Aren't we lucky to have Angie and all these wonderful ladies to help us?
I think the dress is pretty and I do not think it looks like a table cloth. I tend to buy huge florals and then put them on and scare myself half to death. I don't think your dress is exactly a floral, is it? I thought it was more abstract. I'll have to look at it again to make sure.
What if you used black leggings and a white or yellow cardi?

Maya

"The rules" state that larger women are better suited to large scale patterns, so I don't see any problem. That said, I don't really believe in "the rules" and wear large prints all the time. I think they look good on a variety of body types. The garment itself is far more important than the scale of the pattern, IMO.

Lili

Active Member

And there is also how you style the garment, which I am pretty sure you will do with grace! IMO, this dress is versatile and you will have fun dressing it up or down coming spring/summer.

cciele

I love that dress! I don't think your age or size precludes wearing it. Definitely fun and springlike and age-appropriate.

Mac

Thanks so much for the input, ladies.

I ended up returning it this evening. I sort of like it, but I'm so unsure about it that I don't feel good about keeping it unless I can post photos here and get feedback on how it looks ON ME. Since i live in Canada but am currently on holiday here in the US, I worry about schlepping it home and realising it doesn't really work with my clothes and not being able to return it.

San - I think a lot of women suffer from this same issue of "dressing who we used to be." In all your photos I think you look fabulous and well dressed for your current body and totally age-appropriate.

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