I have been looking and pinning (Pinterest) outfits like these, so outside what I usually think of as my style. There is something so functional and comfy about these pieces (I love anything with pockets!) that I decided I had to make one for myself. I had some lightweight denim and that seemed to be the cool fabric to wear, other than wrinkly linen, and lots of patterns I could reconfigure to work into one of these looks. I took a jacket top pattern and cut it down to empire waist height, and then added a skirt and worked in pleats, both back and front, but only in the middle. Then I added pockets and tie for the back.
I think it looks cute, in a kinda Amish Prison Warden way, but my husband hates hates hates it. So it must be GREAT!I'd have him take a picture of me wearing it, but he can't stomach it.
So I don't get it. What makes me like these looks so much and what do I need to do to make myself look good wearing them, beside erase 40 years of my life?
When I scrolled down and saw just the photo of the top, I liked it and thought, gee, is there no end to this woman's talents? Then I read your comment and laughed out loud! Youy crack me up. I think it would look great with a hand dyed silk scarf (dyed by you, of course!) :)
ReplyDeleteWho knows?? I keep looking for that possible garment that will look good enough to answer the door if someone comes, but also to be comfortable in while doing numerous tasks around the house. I usually come to the conclusion that it will be some kind of jump suit with shoulder straps worn over a simple white tee. I'm curious to see what others suggest.
ReplyDeleteI have no suggestion as I don't even own a dress or skirt. My neighbor wears long, shapeless, granny dresses all summer. She is 17 years younger than me but my husband says she looks like a shapeless granny while I in my t-shirt and jeans look pretty darn good even at 25 lbs overweight! He either really loves me or is blind, maybe both...lol
ReplyDeleteI've had the same reaction to these styles in the past, and I know from sad experience how awful they made me look, even when I was young and shapely.
ReplyDeleteThey remind me of old-time children's clothes, but they look--um--unfortunate--on any woman who has obviously passed through puberty. (A lot of the models are skinny junior high girls.)
Do you suppose we like them because we'd secretly like to be little girls again? Especially little girls living some simple, pretty, idealized, old-fashioned childhood with puppies and flowers and doll's tea parties?
I noticed you pinning those dresses on pinterest..I love that style! Please take a picture yourself in that dress.
ReplyDeleteWell, your first commenter stole my first thought, "is there no end to your talents?"
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, I love that relaxed lose style; it doesn't always look great on me either. I'm too short (and chubby.
If you'd married a husband like mine who never notices what you wear you'd be OK.
Heading off to follow you on pinterest now!...And I agree with some of the previous comments that these are young girl styles, not good for us moms and ladies of a better age. There are plenty of dresses and skirts that will be great for summer - 50's style this year, I think!
ReplyDeleteNow if the dress were red with some black lace...would he like it then? Guys seem to want only one thing and that dress doesn't emphasize that. Do women care? No, not really. We do want comfort and pockets. Put a few peek-a-boo holes somewhere and see if that works. (just kidding)
ReplyDeleteLower the neckline and topstitch down the pleats so it's not so full.
ReplyDeleteI love it myself! My style --- roomy and comfy. At my (our) age, I feel I have earned the right to be a bit othordox. Add some funky jewels and shoes and you will look artsy!
ReplyDeleteI meant unorthodox.
ReplyDeleteI think men haven't a clue about this style of dressing. To them it looks like baggy wrinkled stuff that someone threw out. To us we see it as comfortable, breathable and natural.
ReplyDeleteMen like to see a woman's shape... they focus on the "boobs and butt." This doesn't showcase those parts. It does however hide the gut... which is why I like it, plus I like the simple lines... especially the black jacket.
ReplyDeleteI think those outfits look good on flat chested females. On me I look like I have a shelf and maybe am an old pregnant woman... the boobs kill that look and not in a good way.
I have always loved a 50s style "house dress", which actually looks pretty good and has nice, big functional pockets! I just picked up Simplicity 2147 last 99 cent sale and am going to give the "dress" length version a try with 3/4 length leggings & sandals for summer. Comfy and cool for hot days and still look put together. Even if your DH doesn't like this, WE do! LOL! Cheers! Evelyn
ReplyDeleteHmmmm.....I agree that they look cute but....I think you have to be tall and rail thin to get the look that you're seeing!
ReplyDeleteBut...another but...I'm just glad you posted. I'm not that nuts about going without a daily post.
Better to look like an Amish Prison Warden (and be comfortable) than to look, (as in the top picture) like you stole a painters drop cloth and slept in the car all night. :-) Loose and flow-y are good (IMHO) if they have a bit of shape to them. But what do I know? I wore a very flowing summer sundress to work once, and the first thing out of the mouth of the first person to see me (a man) was “What is THAT?!?”.
ReplyDeleteIf you love it, wear it!
LOL at the 'cute in an Amish prison warden way.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is an age thing - I love this sort of look too, and desperately wish I looked as cool and chic as the models. But it seems to be a style that doesn't appreciate a "womanly" figure - one with curves - and regardless of your size, you just end up looking like you're wearing a sack. Isn't it always the way?
ReplyDeleteThe comments on your post are almost as good and entertaining as the post itself. You (now skinny) might look good in something like that....but I think I'll pass, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how this would look with a light-weight fabric, softer than the denim? If it drapes well, it would probably be comfy and more flattering. But I'm with the others... I never was a waif! Best I could do was when I was about 19 and my weight dropped to 110 when I started working. After that, it was all uphill! Comfort is my watchword these days, although I do like to look at least half-way decent when I go out! Keep us posted on this one... I'm sure it won't be the last one you make!
ReplyDeleteWhy does your husband mind? Come on, just sew one and wear it, and he will fall in love again, or there lies some education work before you.
ReplyDeleteAh, Melody, I too love this style with the pockets. Last season I desperately wanted to find ONE empire dress that barely touched the top of my knee, to be worn with capri tights and ballerina flats. To the library and grocery store.
ReplyDeleteI never even saw them in the stores. I did find a dress in that shape, ankle length and in lavender linen. I can shorten it and over dye it to a better color this spring. But before I wear it I need to bind my breasts (flatten them) so there is a straight line from neck bones to hip bones.
I adore that sweater. I have something like that that I wear all day long but never outside the house.
I like the comment above calling us *women of a BETTER age.*
ReplyDeleteI love this style and found that you can pull it off a little better if it is a loose jumper style with a more closely fitted t-shirt underneath. The T-shirt give some definition while the jumper offers comfort and air-flow during the hot days of summer.
I think the gathers & back tie should be at your waist, not the empire "spot". And maybe make the sleeves & underarm a closer fit. To me the empire waist look dress only looks really good if you are 6'tall 110lbs like the models are, whenever I try something w/empire waist I look preggers and people would be shaming me for having a child at MY age! :)
ReplyDeleteYep. A very tempting fashion look. Loose, pockets, fun. Yep.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I agree with those who said it looks best on those who don't have any curves (especially bust). Sadly.
As for Dave, I suggest a line from Gigi:
"With all the talk there is about you, Gaston (Dave), I've never heard it said you had any taste in clothes!"
;)
When I saw the top models, I thought cool, natural dyed indigo, and french peasant farmer.
ReplyDeleteOn your top, I'd add a bit of accessorizing with a bright scarf, necklace. But I love it and would want one for every day of the week.
To me it's really all about the tights and the boots that make this look work. If you get the right shoes for the right outfit you're set!
ReplyDeleteIt's a darling look bu you're short and I think your pattern cuts you in two and probably makes you look shorter. Think about a similar dress with no waistline. On the other hand, just wear it and enjoy it. Usually it's hard to be comfortable and beautiful at the same time! : )
ReplyDeleteLooks totally comfy, especially the pockets! I would love a jumper, thought I found the perfect one online so I ordered it, but when I tried it on - well, it wasn't prison warden, but nun that came to my mind. Back it went. But I'm still searching! I have crossed over - I wear what I like and is comfortable!
ReplyDeleteYou have just reinvented the peasant smock, or the Victorian pinafore. I do think that if Dave doesn't like the style, he definitely should not wear it!
ReplyDeleteI guess I am out of line with everyone else. I saw these photos and thought, "Is she out of her mind"? I don't think this style even looks good on young girls. There are so many other looks that are comfortable and still attractive, why go down this tube?
ReplyDeleteTell your husband he is no longer in a party of one.
Style is so hard, isn't it? You wear what flatters your figure and magnifies your assets (not to be confused with your ass!) and minimizes what you wish no one would notice. And you carry it off with an attitude of confidence or whimsy, depending on the outfit, of course! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt look so stylist cloths.Color combination are so cute and sweet.Jackets patters are extra ordinary designs.It look so wonderful.
ReplyDelete