Is this dress style too young? *Title edited by MNHQ*

[User8971]

I bought this and love it but I'm having doubts - I am 50 - is this mutton dressed as lamb territory?
I am size 10 and 5'2" so it is almost knee length on me, fits very well but but but....
https://sea-ny.com/products/drea-mini-dress

Yes. Obviously you can wear what you like but that's a young woman's dress in my opinion. You can't wear a bra with it and it's too frilly and flouncy for a middle-aged woman, it's not elegant or chic. Many clothes can be worn and look good in women of all ages, that dress isn't one of those. ( I'm a 60 year old woman to give context to my comments).

Does it look good on you? it looks very ‘teenage’ but I’ve seen older women in younger clothes before and all I think is “wow, maybe I should do that”.

I'm same size/height and you and 5 years younger, I wouldn't wear it tbh

DC have told me I look great in it and I don't need a bra - I never wear proper one.... I'd wear with opaque tights and flat black pumps....

I like it as it’s a bit different. If it makes you feel good, go for it.

I love the back of it

If DC have given seal of approval and you're comfortable wearing no bra then go for it! Especially with the opaque tights to tone it down. Would you consider a heel though or are they uncomfortable?

I have MS and I am fine mostly but can get a bit wobbly so avoid heels - haven't owned any for 15 years

Wear what makes you comfortable then. I rarely wear heels for "occasions" Any more. I'm not prepared to cripple myself for fashion! I do miss them sometimes though haha

Are you actually happy with the title you have chosen for your thread, @User8971?

You don’t think it might be seen as deeply misogynistic and offensive by thousands of readers?

Agree thread title is not good.
I am similar height/age/size and would not wear this dress. It's something my 17 yr old might wear.

It would be a no from me and I’m mid 40’s however I could imagine Teas Daley wearing that and she would look great and she’s 50’s…

I'm also 60, and I agree with this. I'm all in favour of wearing what you like but some styles simply don't look right on older women, and that dress is one of them.

FWIW, I'm another who finds your thread title deeply unpleasant.

@User8971, we were getting reports about the thread title so we've changed it, as I'm sure you'd rather not have the thread just be a discussion about the title. FWIW I think the dress is lovely!

Hate the phrase of the title.

I think the problem is the arms, rather than the back. It’s cut really strangely. Impossible to comment further without a photograph. I’m usually very much in the camp of, ‘Wear whatever you want’ but I agree with others that this feels very’teenage’ and I also think it seems very expensive, but doesn’t really look it.

I know 50+ year olds who’d look amazing in that. If you feel good in it, go for it.

Here the phrase mutton dressed as lamb with a passion.

Yes it is a very young looking dress, I don't think I'd wear it much beyond 25/26. But if you like it and feel comfortable in it that's all that matters

Then why are you asking?

I am 40 and wouldn't wear it. It's quite see through at the front as well. I think it's aimed at the 19-25 year old market. I hate the phrase you mentioned, but if I'm honest, that is what I'd feel like in it.

I'm not into frumpy fashion though. I'd probably look at Needle and Thread, Self Portrait or Lace and Beads to see if there was something with similar detailing and vibes.

I agree - "mutton dressed as lamb" is a horrible phrase.
I think you want to wear it, so wear it. It's a bit fussy and twee imo, but if you like it, go for it. I don't think with opaques, though. This is very much a dress for bare legs and flat mary jane shoes.

Do you feel good in it? Does it look good on you? If yes to either or preferably both of those then wear it and love it. I'm about to turn 60, I have pink hair which might be lavender next month, all depends on my mood, and I wear whatever makes me happy. Will some people think "mutton"? They will and then they'll forget all about you as their eyes move to someone or something else to judge. Most people won't care and some will think you look gorgeous. You're petite and slender, I imagine it looks good on you. Enjoy it. Enjoy life and fuck the begrudgers! 🙂

One of my favourite designers makes a point of showing her floaty, flouncy dresses on a range of models - and there’s very much an understanding that they’re for anybody, to make anybody feel fantastic.

My feeling is that the only criterion for choosing clothes is Do I like how I look and feel in this?

Photos from Cecilie Bahnsen website.

It just goes to show how different we all are doesn't it?

I think those dresses are truly awful and wouldn't look good on anyone!

OP I think the dress looks lovely and if it suits you and you're comfortable and happy, then go for it!

Are you sure tights won't be visible at the back of the dress? That would really spoil the look!

I think it could look fabulous if it fits well and you feel confident in it but it also depends where you'd wear it?

If it's some very glam drinks reception/ cocktails it could look amazing... down the local pub or at a funeral... definitely looks like trying too hard!

Good point about the tights, OP might have to go for hold ups.

Also, just realised you said you've bought it already OP.

If you're feeling brave you could always post a pic but with your head cut off 🤣

If you don't fancy doing that, I don't blame you but it might help you decide.