eshakti--Age Appropriate?

traillady720

Help! I think I have the buyer's remorse and could use a reality check. Several months ago I purchased two cotton, 50's style dresses and am not sure if they are really suitable for a 41 year old woman. Here's one of them, purchased in blue with 3/4 sleeves: http://www.eshakti.com/Product.....trim-dress

I think I was just frustrated with trying to find affordable, age appropriate dresses and settled for these. Something about them seems "off" and I cannot articulate what it is. Anyway, I am curious to know what you all think. Thanks so much!!

13 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from dizzys

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I think this is a sweet casual dress, TL, and I really like that shade of blue. The dress you linked to has short puff sleeves, that can sometimes read a little younger, but I wouldn't call it not age appropriate at all. (and I see you mentioned yours is 3/4 sleeves). The length looks great too.

If you like, you could always post a pic of you modelling the dress to get more specific input.

13 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Honestly I don't see anything age inappropriate in this dress: it is not too short, not too tight. Another issue if you like this style and if it suits you. It is definitely pretty feminine which can be a deal breaker for some but I guess it is a personal preference. Also like Angie likes to say it is not what you wear but how you wear it.
Capped sleeves may be a deal breaker here because they do not look good on everybody though.

13 years ago

Fruitful

Veteran

I don't think it's a question of age appropriate so much as style appropriate. The flowers and sleeves read as very feminine, romantic, possibly a little whimsical or even flamboyant. Like the designers Alannah Hill or Leona Edmiston (themselves, not just their designs).

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13 years ago

Emily

Veteran

The only thing about that dress that immediately struck me as looking young was the short, puffed sleeve. Since you say the sleeve is longer on yours, I'd say it's just fine. I would love to see pictures of you in it!

13 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

It's not age inappropriate at all - the larger questions are: "Do you love it?" and "Is it flattering?"

13 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

I think women of any age could wear that style of dress. It's very lovely. I know it's a 3/4 length sleeve, but would a light cardigan help make you feel more comfortable?

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I think this is a lovely dress and doesn't read as age inappropriate at all. As others have commented it may be the puffed sleeves that are giving you pause. All wardrobe items and their success depends on the styling. If you were wearing this dress with little flowered sandals and a small purse, then it would have the potential to read a bit young. But you pair the same dress with some metallic heeled sandals and a snakeskin clutch, and you have a completely different vibe.

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Interesting! I've been eyeing that particular dress myself, and I'm 36. And unlike the linked image, you haven't actually got puffed sleeves, have you? So could it be the rosettes and empire waist that feels too girlish for you?

13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I also think it is a very cute dress and would have no problems seeing it on someone in their 40s -- in fact, I'm 46 and have something similar. I have gotten kind of tired of puffed sleeves (seems they were on everything a couple of years ago), but I edge up girly pieces like this by wearing a faded denim jacket, wedge sandals, and some bold piece of jewelry.

So let's see a picture of the dress on you and we'll help you figure out the issue!

13 years ago

traillady720

Member

Right--styling does matter. I ditched the puff sleeves because they looked too cutesy. I will try both dresses on this weekend and post photos (I still might sell them on ebay ) I like some retro looks, but I read some style advice from another blog that dispenses fashion advice to women over 40 and they counsel against vintage--faux or real.

It is so hard to find dresses in general. My old standbys (ATL, etc.) have become more junior. Bridge lines such as David Meister are out of my budget.

I should add that I am very new here and just discovered this site a few weeks ago.

Thanks so much!

13 years ago

teeandcee

Active Member

I'm 45 and don't see this as inappropriate at all even with the puffed sleeves. In fact, I just bought 3 similar dresses at Kohls, two of which have the high waist and one with capped sleeves and one with puffed sleeves. I wear one with nude wedges, a cream purse, and no jewelry just to keep it from being too cutesy.

I feel your pain re: finding dresses that are stylish and age-appropriate. It's tough going out there for ladies our age. We're invisible.

13 years ago

Meredith1953

Veteran

I think the dress is cute and appropriate to almost any age. If it feels too romantic or sweet then certainly adding a structured jacket and a less dainty shoe would help to make it have more gravitas. I always have problems finding dresses but I think part of that problem is that I wasn't thinking of it as one part of any ensemble.

13 years ago

dizzys

Active Member

I know this is an old thread, but I am new and wanted to chime in about this dress. I am 38 and wear this dress in a teal color. Cap sleeves and all. I bought it for Easter and it was the perfect dress for spring and the most flattering dress I own. I am currently trying to fashion it for Winter.( It is bright). I have a darker green complimentary cardi, but I am not sure about a tights color.

I would say, if your body works with a cap, and your style is a bit whimsical and romantic then go for it. I really love this dress.

13 years ago

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