Dress too short for my age? Need advice!

I usually wear this sweater dress with thick black leggings, but I thought I would try it with my burgundy tights. I was inspired by a Jessica Quirk post on her blog (second photo). Now, she is a few decades younger than me - I am 52.

I would wear this out to dinner or to a club, but is it OK for work at my age? I am a high school teacher. This sweater dress is about 2 1/2 inches above my knee.

Please ignore the fact that I have on no make-up and I just washed my hair and did not fix it.

So, is this too short for a 52 year old to wear to work teaching in a high school? Should I go back to wearing it with leggings? Also, I don't have a black blazer like Jessica, is it OK with the cream sweater, or should I leave that off? I have a black long sleeved sweater that's about the same length as the cream one.

Thanks for your comments, please be honest and tell me what you think!

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13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I'm wearing a similar length today, and burgundy tights, and I'm 46. So I say yay!

Suz

(website)

I say yay; you look good in it!

My personal vote would be with a flat (ish) heeled boot or booties, vs. these shoes. But please take my thoughts with a large grain of salt. I have very strong feelings about seasonal textures. Dark coloured tights plus heavier gauge knits seem to beg for boots to me, vs. a dainty shoe.

I think I'd like it better without the cardi if cold is not a factor. The dress has a strong graphic integrity on its own!

TraceyLiz65

I am 47 and i say yes as well with the burgundy tights! i like the cream sweater with this.

lynne

I'd leave off the sweater, it seems to be detracting from the dress.

Gaylene

As another teacher, I'd give it a conditional yes--it works as long as you can move around in it without the hem riding up when you walk or bend. Teaching high school is hard enough without having to worry about wardrobe malfunctions in front of adolescent males.

I like the look with the jacket better than the cream sweater because the jacket seems to give the outfit more polish. And I agree with Suz about trying a flat(ish) boot (or even a chunkier shoe) to ground the look.

Beth Ann

Love the burgundy tights, and I think Gaylene's comment about making sure the hem doesn't ride up when you sit or walk around is an excellent point.

You legs are great, and the dress is modest, so I think it's age appropriate. Great use of an inspiration photo.

DonnaF

This looks fine to me. Does it work if you have to write something high on a whiteboard or pin something up? Or bend over for that matter? It looks loose enough to do all those things.

If this were a summer weight fabric and you were planning to wear it with bare legs, then I feel it would be a bit short. Or if it were a bodycon sweater dress. But since it is neither, and you are wearing it with tights, I think it makes all the difference. Plus, I think teens appreciate it when their teacher looks stylish!

rute

No, it's pefect! Gorgeous outfit!

Raisin

Not too short at all. I'm 28 and I wouldn't even think twice about that length on you. You look great in in, your legs are fab!

Anonymous

My only reservations are as others have said if you can move freely without feeling like it will ride up or become awkward. I also would like to see it grounded with a heavier shoe (but I do see you are copying Jessica's look).

teri

I think the length is just fine because of your figure. Larger girls (like me) could never wear that short... lol

Maybe try with a dark blazer................

Vix

Hi Karie --

Even though I generally wear things a bit longer I think this length looks great on you when standing. Certainly with leggings it's appropriate for a 52 year old (teacher or no).

Re pairing it with tights:

As mentioned several times above, I'd try to have a pal evaluate what it's doing when you're stretching up, bending, and even sitting. [My shorter straighter skirts show a lot more leg when sitting than the straighter kneecap-length/A-line shorter ones do.]

JuneBug

I agree with Teri, the length is fine because of your slim figure. Also you could leave the cream cardigan behind as it sort of clashes, I liked the blazer or even a black cardigan instead, it would make the look a little more formal and polished. As for footwear, ballet flats or a low stacked heel might work. As some other teachers here have mentioned, it's very important that you are comfortable!

shedev

I dont think its too short.

Day Vies

Not at all. The length is perfect on you. I love that the burgundy brings attention to your legs. Not to mention your interpretation of the inspiration is so very clever. I love it.

I think "too (fill in the blank) for your age" is a polite euphemism for unflattering. This is definitely not the case for you. Rock on!

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