So many wise and kind compliments—thank you all!
Vildly, love your “soft underbelly” idea. That, I think, the crux of it. Do *I* wish to expose a soft spot?
As many have pointed out, I have the freedom to wear what I like, with whatever body I have. The fashion police have no jurisdiction over me & my body. There are many things, fashion and otherwise, that I’m free to do but choose not to. I’m not sure where this outfit fits in.
Kkards, interesting musings on age and body shape. My sister and her family are on vacation this week. Her ~20 year old daughters, who are bigger than me, look great—entirely at home and appropriate—in bikinis & crop tops. Part of that is that they are not at court, as Jenn mentions. Part of it is likely their age. And I’m sure part of it is their confidence.
Merwoman, MsMaven, Lyn, and others, thanks for the compliments.
More body rambling: I am aware that I have very specific standards for my own body. I’ve told the story before of a discussion with my neighbor who insisted that 36-26-36 was an impossible ideal. I figured I’d disprove that easily by pointing out that my own, very serviceable and acceptable, but by no means exceptional, body had those measurements. Turns out she (& her husband, ugh!) felt differently about my body. These days, slightly under 27, even if it’s not quite 26, feels fine to me, and I’m trying to add to my chest & thighs. 28”, where i am now, was my goal when I was ~70 lbs heavier, but now doesn’t feel quite right. This is entirely vanity on my part. I won’t wear a girdle or spanx, but do have preferences for how my body should look naked (My son recently told me he thinks he looks better naked than in clothes ). I have no “standards” for how other people should look—it’s about me. This fellow I’m trying to date (& who those neighbors were exceedingly interested in) has even higher expectations of his own body. That may influence me a bit, but I think the effort and care put into our bodies, not just the outcome, also attract us to each other—we met at the gym, and his Christmas present to me was fitness-related.
Rachylou, you may have put your finger on what bugs me about this outfit—the issue might actually be with the pants, rather than the top.
By the end of summer, which here is September, I want to be (in physical shape to be) comfortable in a strappy crop top with my funky blue pants. At that point, I’ll be ready to enjoy this top with jeans, belly & all. For now I think I’d prefer the vibe of a crop top without flashing midriff.
I do love the top, even though I was unsure of myself in that outfit. I’ve tried a couple other items with it. I recall a YLF stalwart’s comment a few years ago that a short “butt ruffle” (my phrase) skirt paired with a cardi that ended at my waist looked “like I’d wandered into the juniors department” (as the commenter put it) ie everything was too short. Idk if this has the same vibe, or if fashion has changed.
Your thoughts, please?
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