STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

bloomie · Marc Jacobs

age appropriateness

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

I think your outfit is wholly age-appropriate. It's classy and classic. You've chosen to go with a very feminine look, and that is great! Yes, you might feel overdressed or over primped next to colleagues who are wearing shorts, but I think most people who happen to be going sans potato sack would feel the same way. If you need to add some artificial power-boost in order to get something you need or want at work, it might be helpful to go with a traditional blazer/suit ensemble on those days, but only if it adds to your confidence. It makes me sad to think that you could start to lose confidence in the clothing you love!

Suasoria · Chanel

First impression: holy moly you have the legs of a goddess. Srsly. All I can look at is your LEGS. Damn girl.

Second impression, related: I would like to see you in a more form-fitting and streamlined dress e.g. a sheath. I like this retro shape on you, a lot, but it's not businessy or professional IMO. For me this is a bridal shower or lunch date outfit. It's pretty, but I don't think it says "I am vying for department chair and I will eat the rest of you for breakfast."

So it's not really a question of age-appropriateness to me, it's a question of situational appropriateness. For a faculty meeting with your peers, it doesn't show ambition or a killer career instinct. It isn't an outfit that would intimidate your equals or impress your superiors. If you don't care about that, so be it. It's a hell of a lot better than shorts, but if your colleagues are wearing suits then so should you, I think.

Don't mistake me, the dress is great, as are the shoes. It's great for teaching a class on a summer day. As teachers go, you look like a nice one who would be open minded if I blew off a quiz and gave you a sob story about making it up because of my sick kittycat. I don't think I'd try the sick kittycat excuse on a teacher in a fitted sheath with a crewneck cardigan worn like a cape, with just the top button done, and jangly bracelets. Especially if she had legs like yours. (Side note: do your male students pay attention at all in class?)

Boots · Gucci

pollyjean23 wrote:
I think your outfit is wholly age-appropriate. It's classy and classic. You've chosen to go with a very feminine look, and that is great! Yes, you might feel overdressed or over primped next to colleagues who are wearing shorts, but I think most people who happen to be going sans potato sack would feel the same way. If you need to add some artificial power-boost in order to get something you need or want at work, it might be helpful to go with a traditional blazer/suit ensemble on those days, but only if it adds to your confidence. It makes me sad to think that you could start to lose confidence in the clothing you love!

I agree with this 100%. I'm turning the big 40 next month and am also starting to take a careful look at my clothing for age appropriatness. I think at it's a good self check for EVERY woman over the age of 35 to do. Being self aware of your clothing choices will help to make sure that you are presenting yourself to the world in the way that you intend to.

I think for a casual summer meeting, your outfit was fine (as long as you kept the cardi on. Once it comes off, it does read more brunch than meeting.) I don't think that it's too young or sweet at all. Now, if this was a meeting where you had to take center stage and make a presentation, I could see where wearing something more corporate would help present you in a different manner. A pencil skirt and a blouse would be enough to send them the message of "I'm serious so pay attention to what I have to say."

But I wouldn't change my look completely to suit anyone else's idea of what they think I should look like. You work in an academic setting, not a corporate workplace. Enjoy the freedom to present yourself as you like.

Oh and I just wanted to say WOW! I'm always so amazed at how you can make your own clothes and do such an amazing job at it.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Suasoria wrote:

Second impression, related: I would like to see you in a more form-fitting and streamlined dress e.g. a sheath. I like this retro shape on you, a lot, but it's not businessy or professional IMO. For me this is a bridal shower or lunch date outfit. It's pretty, but I don't think it says "I am vying for department chair and I will eat the rest of you for breakfast."

Agreed. It's not a matter of age-appropriateness but rather, not a 'career' outfit. I think you always look great and pulled together but IMO with this outfit here's where you went wrong:

polka dots
the bow belt
the pastelle palette
the cardigan

While the look is cute, it doesn't scream respect, leadership or power. I think you could still wear the dress with a great structured blazer to make it a little more age-appropriate.

Hermes

I agree with everyone else, including the fact that you have killer legs!

Yana · Dooney & Bourke

Yeap, totally appropriate, great legs!

bloomie · Marc Jacobs

All of you are so nice. I feel so much better. You sure know how to give a girl an ego boost. As I analyze it more, I think it may have been the place I wore it that made me feel uncomfortable, because I don't feel uncomfortable wearing it to church. I think I will try a blazer the next time I wear the dress to work.