What exactly does "matronly" mean in fashion?

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What exactly does "matronly" mean in fashion?

Anonymous

How would you describe a "matronly" outfit? Is "matronly" always negative? And why?

I'm really curious after hearing the word bandied about on Project Runway.

Thanks!

13 years ago

General

10 replies

Latest reply was from Aziraphale

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

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.

ETA: Like a really old nightgown! That's what I'm trying to describe! HAHA.

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Really good question, Alicat!

I think "matronly" can mean so many things.

Sometimes it means "staid." As in too matchy-matchy (but not matchy-matchy in a MaryK way) or too conservative.

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.

But I'm sure there are other interpretations, too.

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I tend to think of "matronly" as something that makes you look older and frumpier than you are.

13 years ago

Echo

Veteran

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.

13 years ago

April

Veteran

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.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Thanks, ladies!

Is there a male equivalent?

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

"stodgy"?

13 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

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.

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

*giggling at the thought of a Victorian "matron" in her puke-green floofy nightgown*

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

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:)

13 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Lyn -- Laughing at the long-sleeved, vomit-green nightie!

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.

13 years ago

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