BurdaStyle 02/09 Sheath Dress. Scoop neck in the front and deep V in the back. I plan on sewing this out of a cotton faille print I bought at Paron's Annex in NYC.So I made a muslin on Saturday of this uber-popular BurdaStyle sheath. (AllisonC started the lust for this dress with her chic version and then many others followed with their own attractive interpretations.) And I'm standing in front of the mirror, wearing my muslin, thinking "hey, not bad" because it fits really well, when Annie walks in. What do you think?, I ask her.
"The back is too low," she says, then clicks on the computer to see if there are any new photos of her on Facebook. And I'm like, but you can't see my bra or anything! Then it hits me: She thinks it's too much skin for a woman of my age. (I'm 52 but let's keep that to ourselves.)
[Sound of my feet stamping in a temper tantrum] This is so unfair! I let my daughter go out in dresses that nearly get her sent home from school because they show some leg and now she's telling me I can't flash a little middle-age back?!
"It's not too low and you can't tell me how to dress. You're not the boss of me!" I say to Annie. "I'm making it and you can't stop me."
Seriously, dear readers, do you think the back of this dress is too low to be tasteful for a woman my age? (You'll have to open the links above to see back views of AllisonC's dress and the other reviews.) I'll probably wear it to outdoor graduation parties and to our beach club. You can be honest with me, I'm all about being tasteful. And hey, have any of you had your own child turn the tables on you and tell you something you wore was inappropriate? Were they right? Do tell!
90 comments:
Tell her you don't give a flip, then put it on every time she comes over and razz her but good!
I like that dress, and I considered making it for myself. I do NOT think that it is too much skin. You have a nice back and neck and shoulders...why not show off a little? Annie needs to relax :)
Oh dear god, I hope it's not too much skin! I'm planning on wearing a similar style (at the top) to a formal affair this Saturday night. And I'm 50. Don't tell your DD. She's not the boss of me.
Oh my goodness, NO! I don't think it's too low in the back at all! As I get older I think about not showing too much cleavage or having my skirt too short, but that dress is very chic and classy! I say go for it!
What a perfect opportunity to teach her that she too can look forward to being sexy and beautiful at 50+! And, c'mon, that's a pretty tame dress.
No not too low at all. I think it is a very tasteful dress. I love the style and have it on my long to do list too :)
Definitely a chic and classy dress. It is perfect for any Spring/Summer occasion. The back is very tasteful. I personally would rather see backs out than boobage flaunting in my face when I am trying to hold a conversion with someone.
From someone who will be 52 next month....NO, it is not too much skin. I had that dress on my list but planned to make the back higher...but only because I wanted to wear it to work.
NOT too low at all... very tasefull and faltering style. It will look great on you!
and by faltering I meant FLATERING!
I am generally on the rather more- than less-covered side, and that back is completely tasteful/classic.
Too low for your age = so low it's showing your tramp stamp.
ps I think you should mess with Annie by modifying your muslin to drop down to plumber's crevice levels. /mean
OK, I'm 57, short, stumpy and fairly round and I'd wear that dress in a heart-beat -- and I'd wear it in a gorgeous color, too. Tell your daughter that showing a little skin is not just the prerogative of people under the age of 30.
When I was 16 and my mother was 45, I felt this way about her clothes. Now that I'm 30 and she's 60, I wish I had her fashion sense! Annie will learn to appreciate having a chic mother! I made this dress last summer and it's a big winner. Have fun!
I say if you've got a nice back, show it off! My mom has more than a few years over you and I wouldn't think it inappropriate if she wore that.
I think that it is a very classy dress and will look wonderful on you -- can't wait to see the final version.
Seriously? Too low? Oh man I am in REALLY big inappropriate trouble! Please please remind your wonderful lovely daughter that we are in our 50's - NOT DEAD - - not yet!
I think you have the right idea - graduation party, dressy bridal shower, beach club. I ran out of occasions because I don't do much that calls for dressing up. My daughter was just the opposite. Whenever she buys me clothing it is usually much shorter and fitting than I would buy for myself. I say make the dress. What will you make it from.
I think it will look great! I will be in my sixties when my son is in his 20's and I hope he'll be proud of me then as I know your daughter is of you now. Tell her she's just going through a stage. ;)
Well obviously I am going to say no the back is not too low! I confess I did change the back on one of the 3 versions I have made, but that one was for a funeral. I think for everyday it is perfect. Still one of my favourites, not least because it is so easy!
Are you kidding me? Wear it with pride knowing you look good. Tell her you'll make it a little lower in the back to show more skin if she complains;)
Where to begin?! Well, I have three children who are now all college age and I am almost your age.
I do not understand the concept of dressing appropriately for "your age." What does that mean exactly?
I think that clothing should reflect the occasion, the preference of the wearer and maybe how they look in it (if they care about other's opinions.)
I wear clothes that I love. My son has raised his eyebrows twice as I was headed out the door at things that I have worn in previous years. I wore them anyway. Now my children have become accustomed to my style.
A case in point:
At our past college parent's weekend, my daughters' refused to let me wear a blazer and pants that I had purchased for the occasion. Their remarks, "That is too OLD for you!" I guess they like having a mom who they think dresses pretty cool. (And yes they are constantly in my closet looking for things to borrow!)
Why should age dictate fashion? It makes no sense to me. Do you mean that a young woman with out of shape legs should wear a short skirt but not an "older" woman with great legs?! Thank you for letting me share my opinion...
Age is just a number!!
Well, I'm 64 and I just bought the pattern. So, no, it's not too low.
Funny how different areas of skin get different reactions. I love a low back...remember how many Jackie Kennedy wore? Showing skin but in a ladylike way. i really feel there is nothing worse though than old cleavage. Backs are a different story.
No it's not too low. Perfect dress for you I think that you'll look fabulous in it.
Not necessarily inappropriate, but I've definitely heard about when something doesn't look good on me. It's usually right after she tells me that my make-up is not making me look younger! And she's only 9. can't wait for the future comments to come!
Sounds like "senioritis" is setting in. If you really want to wig her out, ask to borrow those shoes she wore to the winter carnival dance. ;) I've seen many a girl do this to their mother at this time prior to graduation, so hang in there, and grin & bear (or bare) it! hee, hee...
Um, WHAT?!!! I made that dress and there is no way it is too low in the back. So what if you're 52? It's not like you're wearing daisy dukes or anything. That dress is super flattering and you'll totally rock it.
WTF - Should we be dipping our collective toes into the proverbial grave at this age? Should we dress like babushka's with nary a sliver of skin below our chins showing lest we bring a pox upon our family or the cause the crops to fail? Honey, you know what looks good and is tasteful - go with it.
Lorenakitty
No, it's not too much skin and I'm sure you will look fabulous in your dress. Just smile because one day she will be 52 and have a "aha" moment...
Lindsay, make the dress. That's a very classy dress and I'm sure you'll look great in it.
Definitely not too low...it will be perfect for the events you described! In fact, I think I might make one too...and I'm 43!
Actually, I think it's just enough skin. Remember, she's a teenager. I swear they say stuff just to irritate you.
I don't think its too low at all. If you've got it, flaunt it!!!
I plan to make this dress for my stepson wedding. It is not showing too much skin
I think the dress is absolutely fabulous, and you will look fabulous wearing it! =)
I really don't think that there is anything wrong with the back at all. Besides, it's just a back!
Nor do you look your age so either way I think it's appropriate.
Ignore daughter.
Make dress.
Flaunt it.
I made it also and wore it to a christening. The back is not too low. I'm three years younger, for comparison sake.
http://lacubanitacose.blogspot.com/2009/08/burdawof-2-2009-124.html
I love your fashion and think you are amazing looking. I never even considered that you could be anywhere close to my age. Since the only one who has actually seen the back of the dress on you is your daughter, could there be something we are all missing? Could she be trying to help? My daughter has spent the last decade saving me from myself in the fashion department. I always look better when I take her advise. It doesn't have to be an age thing Remember that you can always lower it later if you like, but raising it will be a different story.
No, I think it's appropriate. For the record, I've told my mom things she's worn are not age appropriate. You should see how short she hemmed her wedding dress. Yikes!
No way is this too low! It's super sexy without being trampy for a woman of any age. Perhaps DD doesn't like her mother to still appear vibrant and, heaven forbid, sexy?? If you're comfortable with this dress, that's all that matters,
Fabulous dress - I would wear it (and like everyone else, am considering making it). Go for it - totally appropriate!
I love this dress. It is a You dress. Perfect.
You could tell Annie you prefer the deep v at the front......just for a reaction..........aw just kidding.....
:)
Just tell your daughter to back off of your back, because her daddy has your back. LOL Oh, pun intended.
That's nothing compared to what the 70 year olds in Los Angeles wear - you're practically a nun with that dress!! Go for it!! I don't think it's too much skin. . .
Not too low at all! And frankly, I think the back is one of the very best/ classiest places to show some skin. Lovely shape to that dress -- I say keep going!
I cannot believe you are 52! I thought you were 45 at the most!
Oh, and on the back, it is not too low at all. The dress is very stylish; "too much skin" would have never crossed my mind by looking at the design.
Sew the dress, do the usual alterations so that it fits well and then wear it. The back is too low only if it shows your bra. If you are concerned about too much exposure, wear sunblock! :)
Rose in SV
Wow, I'm surprised that I'm the only one out of 48 people. I wanted to make this dress until I saw that back...and I removed it from my "to sew" list. I'm 46 and would feel so self conscious in this; I feel it is a tasteful style for a younger woman than me. It's too sophisticated for teens, but I'd dress women in their 20's and 30's like this. Guess it's just me though. You know how you hate your neck? That's how I feel about that rounded-back/base-of-the-neck thing that happens. Hate it and would never show that on purpose!
SherryV
Too low? You're kidding. I didn't read all the comments, but got the general feeling of it scrolling down to click the "post comment" button. Perfect dress and you have a perfect figure for it.
And yes, my daughter says things like that sometimes, but I choose when to take her "advice" (read: I consider her judgement and see whether it's only the age difference that makes her say that, or that she has a point). Your daughter has no point here.
Memo to self: Be careful what I wear around Annie! I agree with everyone that the dress is gorgeous and appropriate for ANY age! I'll be 55 in a few months and have been known to wear dresses with backs like that (and corresponding fronts!).
Not with your figure. Now if you had my figure Yes it's to low. ha ha
You must be joking, it hardly shows any skin at all!
It is not too much skin, I think it is a tasteful dress. I think your daughter cannot imagine you as anyone else other than her mom. Kids tend to freak out that their parents as sexual beings because you are mom.
I've made this, not too low at all. Go for it!
Hi all, and thanks for your comments and encouragement. In considering why Annie reacted as she did, I think part of it was that she's not used to seeing me in dresses very much (I just think I look better in pants), and that she was looking at a plain muslin—Annie has trouble visualizing what the finished product will look like. Or maybe she just wanted to annoy me at that particular moment. At any rate, I'm going full-speed ahead with this dress!
Looking at the link to Pattern Review, I see that women of all ages and sizes have made this dress and every one of them looked great (and completely "age-appropriate") in it. If you like the dress and feel comfortable in it, I say go ahead!
Has Tim Gunn would say "Age Approprite" I think it is a great dress and VERY age approprite. There is a great fit. Its ageless. I say go for it. It would make a perfect LBD for date night.
I'm glad you're going to make the dress, and from what you've written about Annie, my hunch is that she'll be the first to tell you how wonderful you look in it. And you WILL look wonderful in it!
I think this will be a beautiful style for you and definetly not too much skin!
You need to tell Annie that 50 is the new 40. ;) In all seriousness, that dress is very chic and classy and definitely NOT too low in the back for a woman of any age. I'm glad to read that you're going full steam ahead - can't wait to see the finished product. :)
Ignore your daughter. It's a lovely dress. As long as you're comfortable wearing it, won't be adjusting it constantly and your bra won't show, I say GO FOR IT! It's a gorgeous classic.
Wear it!
Nope, not too much skin. I love dresses that have an interesting back detail. I'm sure your dress will turn out lovely!
A very classic style dress, that is very tasteful. Make the dress and I bet she will say how lovely you are on it and that she dosen't even remember that comment she made.
I think you'll be fine in this dress :) I made this too (never posted it to PR) and I wore it to a church wedding with a shawl because I thought it would be too much skin for church. But in general it's fine, especially considering the bra strap doesn't show!
It is lower in the back than the usual dress, but my philosophy is that if it covers a regular bra it is everyday wearable. I love my version of this dress (though I made it a wee bit too short, I think).
Too much skin, I'd wear that and I'm 63. It's lovely and will suit you.
Not at all (too low). This is funny, except I just realized that I'll turn 52 when my DD is sixteen. Lots to look forward to!
Just sew it. It is perfectly acceptable for the events you'll be attending and will make getting ready easy with just one piece to put on.
I dress very modestly as a rule. Always have, always will. If the back vee does not even show your bra strap, it is perfectly appropriate. I think it is lovely. Maybe you should make a dress for yourself from one of your daughter's patterns. just to make a point.
My first response was "Oh h*ll no!" but I will clean it up for primetime and tell you to go with it! You will look lovely and age appropriate in this dress!
As long as your bra isn't showing I don't see how it could be considered too low! If you were going to be somewhere that you were self conscious about it I guess you could wear a shawl or something. I truly don't see a problem. If it were me, I'd have to cover my fat arms, but you are in wonderful shape.
I think if a woman has kept her weight in check, and you certainly have, the back is one of the best things to show off. I say go for it. Once you get the dress on, the hair done, the jewelry placed, your daughter will say drop dead gorgeous, gauranteed!
I'd wear it in a heartbeat but would need longer sleeves. Hate my arms.
I was expecting something like the back of Marilyn Monroe's "Happy Birthday Mr. President" dress. That is certainly modest enough for a woman in her 50s!
glad to see that you are going ahead with this. I think that you've got a great figure and this is perfect for you.
Hmmmm. I don't think it's too low, but it bothers me that it's at a point in back and rounded in front. This may be some deep seated issue that needs some professional counseling, but it's sort of like mixing Louis XIV with Duncan Phyfe furniture...it sort of clashes, but like I say, this may my issue!!!
Too much skin? It depends on the back.
A few months ago, you were concerned that something might be too jeune fille, which I thought was funny.
Teenagers are notoriously self-conscious about anything that suggests their parents aren't celibate caretakers.
You and Annie are so funny! I've always said our children would be hilarious if we weren't responsible for how they turned out. If your back is attractive, wear the dress!!!
(Still laughing)
I'm 28, and my mother is 58. I think she would look fabulous in that dress.
I vote that you go for it!
She'll change her mind when it's finished.
My 80 y/o grandmother had a dress with a similar back. She looked great.
I love the patter (must add it to my stash now). I do not think it shows too much skin or that the back is too low. Go For It!!
I don't think it's too much skin at all!! It's a great dress!
Tell Annie it's (a) not too much skin and (b) she should be glad you look good enough at your age to show it off. (I can say "at your age," being only a smidge younger). At HER age, she has no concept of being 52, and that she'll still want to look hot. Which you will, in that dress.
Not only should you make it & wear it, but I think you should put in one backwards just to freak your daughter out! (Honestly--that's not a low back.)
No, no, don't listen to Annie! You will look lovely in that dress. It looks rather conservative to me!
Is that the back in the drawing? If so, you can't be serious, or maybe I'm just too out there. I don't think it's even close to being too low for someone your age. It just looks like alittle dip. You are in style and shapely, go for it!
52 you're just hitting the age where women are really empowered. The back of the dress is definitely not too low.It's a great classic dress ,where it with pride!!!!!
My goodness, at your advanced age, it's a wonder you even have the energy to go to these types of functions. Perhaps you should just stay home and...knit. (I'm a year older than you--I'd wear it in a heartbeat.)
I always say - if you've got it flaunt it! Unless you are terribly overweight ( which you are not, according to your photos) the back is the last thing to go! Wear it and enjoy all the envious looks that will come your way!
I've always had the viewpoint, "If you've got it, flaunt it!" Showing a nice, sexy back is it, woman! For some of us, it's one of the last remaining lovely pieces of "real estate" LOL. My legs are vein-ey, but my back is lookin' good. Show. It. Off.
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