Am I deluding myself?

[GraceMarks]

So I just impulse-bought this dress in the New Look sale... I'm now worrying that I'll look like I'm desperately trying to look younger than I am! I'm 39, and a bit fat. The dress comes up just above knee length on me, and I'd wear it with a black or cream top like the model has on and boots. I have a burgundy knee-length pair with a slight heel and a mid-calf black biker-style pair.

Will it be too short? Too young? Too try-hard?

I like it. Tartan is 'in' this season. Wear it with a black top under it and thick black tights. I think it will look great. I would wear it and I am 50!

I'd wear it but I know why you're worried. I'm a similar age to you and I remember wearing stuff like that in high school! It feels a bit like trying to dress younger/hang onto youth.

But like I said, I'd wear it!!

I think you would rock it!! As PP said; wear a black long sleeved tops and thick black tights with it

Yeah, I like a bit of tartan. I already have trousers and a shirt, but team them with plain things - the dress is a bit more all-over!

Fatted there was that whole Clueless look in the mid-90s when everyone was wearing tartan pinafores. But I didn't wear them at the time. If I was truly trying to recapture my youth, I'd be in high-waisted tapered jeans and a baggy Sweater Shop jumper!

What do you think about the footwear? Boots, or would a brogue-type shoe be better?

Both would look good😀

Oh dear. There's generally a good reason why something is in the sale.

Care to expand on that a bit more constructively Bombardier? If it's not your sort of thing, fair enough, but I have bought the dress already so it seems a bit mean to basically come on here and say it's shit without offering a reason.

Grace Ignore it. I read it and thought what a shit thing to post.
I would say
Oh dear, theres generally a good reason for someone to be taken off mumsnet. Reported as offensive.

The dress is lovely. Its quirky and toned down with a black long sleeved tee and thick black tights and brogues/boots it will look great.

I’m your age, I’m having a hard time shopping at the moment, as everything I’m drawn to I wore in the 90s! And I’m definitely not going to look as good in a cord mini this time round!

I remember coveting a dress like this in my youth... In the end my auntie made me and my cousin matching ones, I remember wearing it to midnight Mass on Xmas eve and feeling all christmassy... And imagine my delight when I got over the knee socks from santa in my stocking. Move over Alicia Silverstone!

Fwiw...i love it and would wear it myself if it looked OK on me(i.e.didnt accentuate my belly) . I think the black boots would be best in case the burgundy clashes with the red.

Go for it! If you don't like it, you can always return it.

Thanks all. I shall wear it, and I may even get a brown cord skirt as well to complete the 90s look!

I'm around your age and had one very similar to that in 1995. I like it!

I'd say your biker boots would look best with it.

I love a good pinafore! I am a bit funny about tartan because I am Scottish, and there are “rules” on which clan wears which plaid, but I think it’s really cute and will look great with what you plan to wear with it.

I think its too much tartan. It would be better as a skirt.

I am way older than you and I would wear tartan. It is a lovely winter pattern and a good colour in cold weather. With a black polo and thick tights you will look lovely.