Sleeved dresses at Target

Traci

I couldn't resist! I duplicated in navy and black/grey stripe. The stripe is a heavier fabric.

Do you think they're too young for me? I just turned 40. If they're too young, I'll keep for casual wear, but not for the office.

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10 years ago

Urgent

32 replies

Latest reply was from christieanne

kellygirl

Veteran

Why do you think they could be too young? I think they both look terrific. You have great taste in dresses!

10 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Both are super cute, with a slight preference for the solid.

10 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fabulous. I prefer the striped one actually. Totally age appropriate.

10 years ago

Traci

Veteran

Thanks all!

I'm not sure, Kelly. Ive only become age conscious in the last couple of years. I've been hearing this weird, intended compliment, that I don't look old enough to have a 17 year old daughter. I know it's meant nice, but I also know I have the crows feet and grey hairs that make me solidly look my age. So, my mind has gone to wardrobe. I'm happy with my age and feel weird when people say I don't look it.

Maybe it's also that my daughters wore this cut of dress when they were young. It feels girlish to me. In a way I love! But I worried it read young.

10 years ago

Windchime

Veteran

These dresses seem like wonderful choices for you! You could wear them with blazers or cardis when the temperature cools. They are utterly professional and look very comfortable at the same time--not always an easy combination to find. Since they came from Target, you probably didn't have to spend gobs of money for them. Plus, they look fantastic on you. Wear them to work and enjoy!

10 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

These are terrific, Traci! I think the younger girls wear shorter skirts with more of a "skater" flare. this is definitely grown up! Ponte is such a good fabric, too. It's substantial enough to add structure, but still has lots of stretch.

10 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Well, I'd better approve - I'm wearing the grey striped one today I worried as well about the flared skirt being girlish, but they're serious with a blazer or trench. They're good for work A/C - not too thin.

10 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Oh, I understand how that could make you self conscious. Honestly though, I don't think these are remotely age inappropriate. The sleeve coverage, the length, the neckline all read as appropriate. The dresses make me think of Boden (although I don't know why exactly.) They are fab. Enjoy!

10 years ago

Tessitura

Active Member

I have a couple dresses similar to this, and I don't think these read too "young"... the length of the skirt really helps with that. If you need to add some gravitas, my rules of thumb are to consider adding any of the following:

> a very tailored shoe of any sort
> a jacket or blazer, or even a ruana/cape
> a scarf or wrap
> pearls
> a belt
> an updo (hair)

This is what I do with my wonderful, machine-washable Land's End dresses, for work... I use the dress as a base layer of sorts, and accessorize until I like the overall look.

10 years ago

Zibbets

Veteran

Fantastic finds and totally age appropriate. YLF!

10 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Great finds - I think you terrific in both.

10 years ago

Veteran

I'm in the 40+ crowd and I would wear that dress!
If it was short and a racer back style, I would then think it was too young of a look.
I like both the solid and the stripe. Enjoy your new dresses!

10 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

I think both look great! Fabulous find. I definitely don't think they look too young. Totally appropriate and flattering. You look fab!

10 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Great list of tips, Tess!

10 years ago

Echo

Veteran

These are both great dresses and perfectly appropriate. Sleeveless, more flared and 5 inches shorter would put them into "younger" territory for me, but these look great. I might have to make a trip to Target!

10 years ago

avicennia

Veteran

Traci, the dresses look very polished and appropriate. Tess great tips.

10 years ago

Joy

Veteran

These are great finds for you. I like them both. You can have fun changing the look of each with accessories.

10 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I love both of the dresses, Traci - I think they'll make great transition pieces for you

10 years ago

Marley

Veteran

You look great in both of these Traci! Wear and enjoy!

10 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

Traci you look great in these. Very age appropriate.

10 years ago

fathenry

Veteran

I like these!

10 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I want to go to Target right now!
These are both great. The length does it. I find the slightly fit and flair dresses that are always too short are what skews girlish. I like tessitura's guidelines too, re: shorter hair styling often adding to the look, but these dresses don't actually require help.
Great finds!

10 years ago

Jules

Veteran

I just wrote a novel on looking younger than your age and how not everyone wants that! Luckily for you, I accidentally deleted
I think this dress looks great on you, not too young. If I were looking for a more mature look I'd probably choose the navy over the stripes, and I might not do, say, the striped dress and sneakers (although that could be fun for the right event!) But styled for the office - no problem!

10 years ago

Traci

Veteran

I hate that we missed it, Jules. Maybe I'll start a thread about it to coax it out of you.

I'm just not sure what the subtext to the comment is. It's especially odd because it's always tied to my kids. I was 23 when my oldest was born, so it's not like I was a kid. This isn't something I've dealt with my whole life. Only since about age 35.

10 years ago

viva

Veteran

Would love to see either one with tall boots and a jacket. They seem incredibly versatile and not too young.

10 years ago

Traci

Veteran

Thanks for all the tips, Tess. I will definitely try those out.

Rachy, I can't believe you wore the striped dress today. I know we probably don't share weather, but it was so hot and muggy where I was that I could barely stand to wear it for the few minutes it took to try on. I'm stoked to be dress twins with you. You have such a fun style!

10 years ago

Jules

Veteran

Traci I will try to come back for discussion later, just trying to jump start my day (laundry! Yay!) right now. But I love a good discussion!

10 years ago

Traci

Veteran

Jules, I'll start a new post over in off topic.

10 years ago