bodycon dress - what age and size is ok?

[NotSittingRight]

Just that really. Are they only for tall size 8's in their 20's, or can just about anyone wear one?

[lavendersun]

Thank you for the S&B education! . Floisme it is almost knee length on me, 5'8", shortest I would wear but with thick tights (gawd is that another fashion faux pax) it is more than decent at my old age.

Buggers, your link gives me a whole page of dresses for young things!

[Floisme]

lavender I would say that dress was dress bodycon. It's very nice too although too short for me, sadly.

I'm slim but not well toned and I'll wear bodycon provided it's knee length, has sleeves and is in a heavy duty fabric, preferably with ruching. And only with decent underwear although not necessarily spanx.

[BuggersMuddle]

whatam would respectfully disagree with that. I don't need Spanx in the morning when I dress, but I have food intolerances and IBD that can cause bloating. Spanx doesn't stop it, but it helps a lot with the appearance if it happens (although I obviously try to avoid known triggers, it's not always possible).

lanvender I am never sure tbh, so when commenting I was thinking of my bandage dresses, but that seems pretty bodycon. With less bandage-style dresses I tend to forgo the spanx. For example I bought this dress which is not sold as body-con but is skintight at a size 10 on me. (FWIW the dresses I've noted upthread are a good deal tighter).

[maggiso]

I think the fabric and cut are crucial - well they are for me - I'm not tall toned or hourglass (I'm petite) - but have a couple of well upholstered lined body-con dresses that create a smooth line and look good on.

[lavendersun]

Is this a body con dress? Or are they tighter/racier than that.

I am fairly fashion clueless, I just wear what I like. Anyway, if it is I bought a size 12 recently, no spanx, nearly 50 and I love it (work dress).

Really comfortable and the jersey is heavy enough to look like it has just been put on after a day of sitting in meetings.

If it isn't a body con dress please ignore me.

Has anyone linked to one for S&B novices?

[gunting]

spanx are fab. they aren't necessarily for making you look slimmer they just smooth everything out.

[Twinklestein]

Iatyq - I don't wear them with Spanx - far too uncomfortable. It's much less hassle to be really thin and not need them.

[Twinklestein]

Max size 10 and you need to be very trim.

[MrsRyanGosling15]

I do actually think you can be too old/big. I don't feel they look right unless you have a completely flat stomach. But then i really am paranoid about any lumps or bumps. I don't tend to wear spanx as I just don't like the feel of them.

[WhatamessIgotinto]

I do think you need a certain body shape for a bodycon. I think if spanx are needed them its probably not the right dress.

[AnchorDownDeepBreath]

I don't wear spanx with bodycon dresses. I don't wear spanx at all, they make me feel claustrophobic.

I just wear normal fitting undies and well-fitting bodycons.

I have been running and doing abs exercises for the past year, though - when I was more unhappy with being "bumpy", I avoided the style completely, so I'm probably not the fairest person to ask!

[Muskateersmummy]

I wear them, loathe Spanx so I wear them with normal undies. Buy undies a size bigger and then you don't get the lines of th undies

[BuggersMuddle]

I would usually wear Spanx atm, but don't absolutely have to. Depends on the occasion, whether I've been eating well (bloat) or if I'm likely to start slouching in an ungainly manner after

Also at this time of year I find them helpful in making sure I have a smooth line when wearing tights.

[bishboschone]

I think the key is to be an hourglass shape with a flat tummy . i don't think everyone can wear them .

[Gunting]

NotSitting I always wear spanx with body con dresses but I wear them everyday anyway.

[NotSittingRight]

For all those who wear bodycon dresses, is Spanx your best friend or does anyone go naked as it were?

[BuggersMuddle]

I don't think you have to be tall and slim (but as with most clothes it can't hurt). Don't think age really comes into it for this style per se.

I wear them and I think they suit me. Am mid 30s and fairly stocky hourglass. I like them because I am easily swamped by boxy or draped clothes,

Mine are all a good thick material as this is much more forgiving. I think the cheap ones are often too thin and badly cut. Spanx if you feel you need them.

They won't suit everyone though and I would probably avoid if apple shaped as there are likely to be more flattering styles.

[Floisme]

I think floaty and flimsy is far more unforgiving than bodycon.

[eloquent]

They aren't for any particular shape, size or age.
I am a size 16 hourglass and they look great on me. If you feel good in what you're wearing, that's what matters!

[something2say]

Layer them.
Leggings, leg warmers bunched up in boots.
Dress on top.
Jumper on top of dress.
Looks great, jumper (or top in warmer weather) hides sins.
I'm 41 and have a black body con dress.

[MadameDePompom]

If you have even the slightest curve to your stomach a bodycon dress will make it look like a beer gut.

[MadameDePompom]

Bodycon dresses suit only a very small number of people. You don't need to be tall but you do need to be slim. It's the most unforgiving item of clothing, more unforgiving than being naked in my opinion!

[burnishedsilver]

They don't suit everybody but I don't think you can attach a number to it. It's not an age or a size. It's a shape. You just have to try a few on and see what works.

[Gunting]

I dunno, I've seen rebel Wilson in a body con dress before and she's maybe a size 22/24 and I think she looks good

[AlwaysHopeful1]

I disagree with Gunting. It suits a certain body type. It's very figure hugging and shaping.