https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:17:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion#post-698255 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 04:26:12 +0000 Aziraphale 698255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyn -- Laughing at the long-sleeved, vomit-green nightie!</p> <p>What Suz said sounds about right. Also, to me a "matronly" outfit is one that suggests or accentuates the stereotypical post-menopausal female shape -- i.e. larger, lower breasts, thicker waist, flatter bum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion#post-698235 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 03:31:58 +0000 Deborah 698235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I share the same thoughts as Shannon on this. Matronly to me is frumpy and older than you are. When I refer to being concerned that something I wear might look matronly I am referring to it making me look like I am all boobs and my mid section:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion#post-698234 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 03:31:21 +0000 Gaylene 698234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In Victorian times, a matron was an older, married woman of some position in the community who would be expected to conduct herself in a dignified manner, unlike the younger, unmarried women who could be more flighty and irresponsible. A matron's clothing would be a reflection of her modesty, tastefulness, and position in the community. </p> <p>As modesty, tastefulness, and dignity are probably NOT the goals of most Project Runway designers, I'm thinking that calling a garment "matronly" is not much of a compliment.:0</p> <p>*giggling at the thought of a Victorian "matron" in her puke-green floofy nightgown* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion#post-698233 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 03:30:10 +0000 Transcona Shannon 698233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"stodgy"? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion#post-698231 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 03:28:38 +0000 Anonymous 698231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, ladies!</p> <p>Is there a male equivalent? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion#post-698227 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 03:22:05 +0000 April 698227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz used the word "staid" and that's a good descriptor -- overly conservative, not fashion forward, not particularly flattering, definitely not flirty or body-conscious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion#post-698226 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 03:21:05 +0000 Echo 698226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Shannon. While the details can vary from person to person, something being "matronly" generally means that it makes you look older and frumpier/less shapely than you actually are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion#post-698221 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 03:15:56 +0000 Transcona Shannon 698221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to think of "matronly" as something that makes you look older and frumpier than you are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion#post-698207 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 02:59:33 +0000 Suz 698207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really good question, Alicat! </p> <p>I think "matronly" can mean so many things. </p> <p>Sometimes it means "staid." As in too matchy-matchy (but not matchy-matchy in a MaryK way) or too conservative. </p> <p>Sometimes it means unflattering. Boxy jackets on someone whose body type doesn't look good in a boxy shape. "Safe" midi lengths worn back when midis were no longer in style, "sensible" shoes. </p> <p>But I'm sure there are other interpretations, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion#post-698201 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 02:56:26 +0000 lyn* 698201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's generally negative - in my mind's eye it means a really unflattering long hemline (like, lower calf length?) with lots of lace and floofy stuff in a puke green colour :p And really long sleeves.</p> <p>ETA: Like a really old nightgown! That's what I'm trying to describe! HAHA. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-exactly-does-matronly-mean-in-fashion#post-698192 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 02:53:51 +0000 Anonymous 698192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How would you describe a "matronly" outfit? Is "matronly" always negative? And why?</p> <p>I'm really curious after hearing the word bandied about on Project Runway.</p> <p>Thanks! </p>