As I consider our New Year's Eve occasion with friends, wardrobe considerations do not include a dress. That particular evening in my neck of the woods often includes cold, either snowy or rainy weather which, in my mind, excludes a dress. I still love the little black dress with black stockings and heels because it gives me a long, slim look. Long dresses suit me more than mid-calf or knee length dresses--both make me look short and fat. Dresses at mid-thigh look better on me than mid-calf. Dark, solid color dresses look better than colors or patterns on my weird shape.
I cannot recall the last time I wore a dress. I think it was in 2007 for a formal occasion. It would take a formal wedding at this time to get me into a dress. I haven't bought a dress in such a long time, I don't even know my size. The last wedding I attended was outdoors and I wore a pantsuit. I like dark, solid pattern pantsuits with some frilly neck treatment or eye-popping jewelry. I really prefer feminine pantsuits to dresses because my extra ten pounds and my short stature find it to be more friendly. The jackets in pantsuits hide a multitude of sins which I favor at my age. If I choose to wear high heels, pants make me look even taller, but I don't choose to wear high heels too often. My feet thank me at the end of the day when I wear two-inch heels rather than five-inch heels.
I don't mind my legs showing when wearing a skirt, because my gene pool doesn't include cellulite or varicose veins. I just find slacks are so much more comfortable even though I don't sit in any unladylike contortions. Ask any guy if he would like to wear skirts. I'm still trying to get the charm of kilts other than the obvious titillation of "going commando". I never have to think twice about "upskirting" when I climb stairs in my slacks, which is a plus to my sensibilities. The TSA won't have to waste their time searching me due to trying to wear a skirt on an airplane. I can't understand why anyone would want to wear a skirt on a plane--you never know when you are going to land in the Hudson or have to slide down an escape chute.
The basic black slacks can flatter any top, shiny or plain. I have a huge wardrobe of black dressy slacks so I prefer switching tops or buying only tops rather than paying for a dress that quickly becomes old news. Basic black slacks are even more versatile than the little black dress. I like sleeves to keep my arms warm in the winter and little black dresses look better sleeveless and low-cut. IMHO ladies over the age of fifty clearly look their age in sleeveless, low-cut dresses. The skin ages and looks like crepe--end of story. Age-appropriate is a lovely euphemism.
I love the ubiquitous little black dress, but like you, I can't say the last time I wore one.
ReplyDeleteNow here I have to differ - I love dresses - I wear them whenever I can. I like dresses that sit on or just above my knee, my legs aren't brilliant, just quite muscular (it's the running that did that to them). I'm not a fan of plunging necklines because well just because ... I wear jeans and jumpers everyday at work so a dress makes me feel as if - as if I have dressed up.
ReplyDeleteA the age of 68, I also cannot remember the last time I wore a dress, liking pants much better. But I do know that I don't wear sleeveless anything even in gym class. The flappy wings that even the skinny women have is not pretty to see.
ReplyDeleteThe little black dress was always the one thing we all had to have, it could be dressed up or down with accessories. I live such a quiet little hippie life now, don't work, am at home most of the time, loving my little life, and for the first time do not have the basic black dress.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Like you, I can't remember the last occasion I have had to attend that required me to truly dress up. I do love my little black dress but it just gathers dust in the back of my closet. Hoping 2011 brings you much happiness, good health and a few fun adventures! Take care !
ReplyDeleteNow see, I havent worn slacks in 20 years and quite like skirts. My skirts are long because my legs arent the best.:-)
ReplyDeleteI'm really into dresses since I lost weight, before that I wore mostly slacks. I particularly like the fashion of opaque and patterned tights which is popular at the moment - it makes my legs look quite good. ;)
ReplyDeleteI always like black color dress very much. This dress is very pretty.
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