https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:52:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-816007 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 03:00:46 +0000 anne 816007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They must be okay(with all the caveats mentioned above), because Angie has recommended them for me, and I am not far off 40! </p> <p>Here is my latest </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815961 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 01:56:30 +0000 Thistle 815961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Lyn! That helps a lot! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815926 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:33:54 +0000 lyn* 815926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle - if it helps; I usually go for an length between 35 and 37" and I'm 5'7" ... I just stuck on some inspirations for you. My favorite brand of dresses is Closet UK, and Effie's Heart is a close second! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815925 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:33:45 +0000 catgirl 815925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking at the dresses you posted, my immediate impression is that the first looks ageless and classic, and the second more like something you could find at F21. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815921 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:30:52 +0000 Thistle 815921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the feedback!</p> <p>Length is so hard for me to tell. If it hits the knee on the models, on me it is almost to my ankles. Okay, not really, but it feels like it sometimes! At 5 feet 5.5 inches I am nowhere near the height of the models. Still, good to hear. I think this is a style I need to investigate this spring! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815918 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:28:12 +0000 catgirl 815918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Diana 100%! I think tight and low on top, plus short, plus high waist = too young and hard to wear. But there is a version that will work for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815910 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:23:37 +0000 Anonymous 815910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that much of it is in the length. And I have found that if you take one that is the length of the second and add a blazer, it visually shortens the length of the dress. I LOVE the first one. So pretty!!</p> <p>Clarie, good point about Michelle Obama. She wears a lot of fit and flare dresses (and she's what 6 feet tall?) but the length keeps it feminine, but not girl-ish. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815853 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 23:33:31 +0000 Anonymous 815853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Doesn't Michelle Obama wear a lot of these? And I'd wager she's a tad older than you. *wink* You'd look great in one with a belt to show off your waist. A shorter blazer or cardigan would look good with a fit and flare dress as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815845 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 23:26:11 +0000 Mia 815845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The fit and flare is Anna Wintour's uniform with a statement necklace and killer shoes. I can't remember how old she is but she's in her 60's I think. Really, if it's good for the editor of Vogue it's good for me. I don't think it's age in this case but a matter of personal style. It's too "lady" for some.</p> <p>I love the first dress and would wear it in a minute and I'm in my 50's. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815831 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 23:19:24 +0000 lyn* 815831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle - I am also in love with the first dress you posted! If you end up getting it, let me know how it goes :)</p> <p>I think fit-and-flare can be worn for all ages; although attention to length is important. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815666 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:53:08 +0000 unfrumped 815666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely not--and in fact I tend to think of it as just the opposite, because fit and flare is great for pear shapes and waist definition whereas young gals can wear almost anything that could be called a dress no matter how it is cut. </p> <p>The problem is, as many posters have already noted, lots of dresses are just too short now, or the dress is styled as very young and "flirty". So you'll have to look for more sophistocated styling and adequate length.</p> <p>if you found something close, and in a nice fabric, I'd also I'd be prepared to have alterations done. So the right size might actually be too long, and hemming would keep it from looking dowdy, or you get a good fit over the hips and it'd look better to be taken up in the bodice a little. That's what I have done with some dresses.<br /> Also wrap or faux wrap dresses may have the styling you would like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815643 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:33:22 +0000 Isabel 815643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YES, any age. The dresses you posted are so wonderful. And you are very young. Don't even start thinking that you are not. : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815624 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:22:26 +0000 K. Period. 815624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fit and flare is a classic shape! Absolutely never too young. It isn't the style that makes them too young. I'd read Anna's original post about the dress and I think that I can explain why that particular dress got the "too young, thumbs down." It is a fitted jersey with a high waist, short skirt and racer back. All of those things are difficult. </p> <p>Cotton jersey reads as very casual. Some synthetic jersey is very hard to wear too, showing all lumps and bumps and even creating some you don't even have. (Anna got a thumbs down on an Acne jersey dress a while back too.) Neither has a lot of structure to them. The same style dress in cotton woven or wool would look entirely different. That extra structure will make it less casual, more grown up. </p> <p>The high waist in and of itself is not a problem. Paired with a short skirt, though, it reads very young. A longer skirt would have been entirely different looking. You'll notice that a few people wondered about the length in the comments. </p> <p>Racer back. Well, that's pretty straight forward. A racer back style is very casual, no matter what the length of the dress or the fabric. If you are going for a very casual look, it is okay and probably wouldn't kick something into "too young," but combine it with the short length and cotton jersey and it is too young looking. </p> <p>So get out there and buy yourself some fit and flare dresses! They are a natural for your shape and you are going to look gorgeous and totally age appropriate in them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815578 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:34:24 +0000 Astrid 815578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also think that everybody can wear a fit and flare dress, if it's the right one. I love the silhouette! Of course length, flare, neckline, sleeves, color, pattern and fabric are important and can make or break the deal, but I'm sure there is the perfect one out there for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815571 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:28:44 +0000 Day Vies 815571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely NOT. I love fit and flair dresses and would hate to live in a world where I was forced to jealously watch as only young ladies got to have all the fun. These dresses are appropriate for any age. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815565 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:24:26 +0000 cinnamon fern 815565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 40 and wear this style dress a lot in summer. They can easily skew young but don't have to.</p> <p>I second IK's Eileen Fisher recommendation. What about something like this?</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/eileen-fisher-drape-neck-dress-online-exclusive/3396375?origin=category&#038;contextualcategoryid=0&#038;fashionColor=&#038;resultback=0" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ei.....sultback=0</a></p> <p>It'll probably be too big in the waist on you but this fabric belts and drapes very well. (Do you ever belt stuff?) And I think you'll find lots of dresses too big in the waist ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815562 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:19:40 +0000 Aziraphale 815562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No! They are for any age. But the details must be right. Very short, full, flouncy fit-and-flare dresses tend to look goofy on older women. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815546 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:04:13 +0000 Anonymous 815546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The first is definitely not too young, IMO. The second can go either way, depending on where the waist hits, a higher waist reads tween to me. I tend to avoid the dresses that are cut like the second one, where the skirt is gathered and sewn to the top. I know that 9 out of 10 times, the waist will hit me in the wrong spot.The first is cut more like the coat, an A line. </p> <p>I am terrible at explaining things. I hope it helps.</p> <p>I have quite a few dresses similar to the first one, I find them appropiate for work, even.That's a very popular summery look around here, amongst the office dwellers. Pop a color cardi, some cute sandals or pumps and you are good to go! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815529 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:50:12 +0000 rachylou 815529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the silhouette could be great on you, not too young at all. Specific dresses, tho, could be too fluffy-headed for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815519 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:41:06 +0000 Janet 815519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Calvin Klein has done some nice F&amp;F dresses in the past too. Might want to do a search and see what comes up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815518 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:39:47 +0000 ironkurtin 815518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, all ages can wear it.</p> <p>Broken record time - DEFINITELY check out Eileen Fisher! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815516 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:39:27 +0000 Asingh 815516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think "fit and flare" dresses can be worn at any as long as they suit your body type and make you feel good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815512 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:38:33 +0000 pil 815512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you're right about the fit and flare working on you. Are you thinking for work? My sale shopping gene is kicking in - Lands End has this, and I think everything is an additional 30% off. With some free shipping and returns at Sears, I'm prone to giving things a try from there</p> <p><a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-34-sleeve-drapey-ponte-v-neck-dress~244077_59.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/pp/wom.....77_59.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815508 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:34:08 +0000 Janet 815508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cathy makes a great point. I agree that the first is more sophisticated, and the second could read much younger. Less flare and more length make it easier to wear for any age. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815501 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:28:56 +0000 cciele 815501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a classic silhouette so I think it transcends age. However it's all in the details - length, cut of top, flounce, etc - that I think determines age appropriateness. the first one seems great for all ages. The second reads a bit younger to me because of the length and tight scoop neck.</p> <p>ETA: I'm not a fit and flare girl, but my SO chose and bought me one. How could I resist! I'm 47 BTW.<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-christmas-brunch-fit-and-flare" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-and-flare</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815499 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:27:49 +0000 Janet 815499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's a flattering silhouette that can be worn by all ages! </p> <p>I got rid of most of my F&amp;F dresses because the style started to seem too girly or ladylike for where I've been heading, but I would never rule it out, especially if I found the right combination of fabric, color, pattern, length and cut for my style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815496 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:24:05 +0000 Diana 815496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you can absolutely wear fit and flare dresses at any age! IMO the ones that look very young are those that are very short, high waisted, and skimpy on top, which results in a figure skater or cheerleader look. But both of these that you have posted look much more sophisticated (although the black might be too short, depending on how tall you are.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-and-flare-dresses---only-for-younger-ladies#post-815494 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:19:29 +0000 Thistle 815494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the dresses Lyn posts here, and after seeing my recent coat purchase on, I am thinking that the fit and flare dress style might play well with my more matronly figure.</p> <p>Then I thought of Anna's post. And while she is very cutting edge in fashion, where I am a late adopter, I just started to wonder if you all think that style dress is too young or unprofessional for someone closer to 40 than 30?</p> <p>A few I liked at Nordstroms:</p> <p>This with a black blazer: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-print-fit-flare-dress/3418849?origin=wlSeeColorsNViews&#038;tn=swatch_popup" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/el.....atch_popup</a></p> <p>This with a blazer or cardi: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/felicity-coco-ponte-knit-fit-flare-dress-nordstrom-exclusive/3343096?origin=wlSeeColorsNViews&#038;tn=swatch_popup" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fe.....atch_popup</a></p> <p>Spring dresses. In January. Spring is 5 months away for me! </p>