Baby Steps Towards Change
As I mentioned in my last post I’m slowly trying to adjust the way I dress according to my aging body’s needs.
That means learning to go without some of the waist definition I’m accustomed to seeing on myself.
This thrifted Ralph Lauren maxi dress is one of a few baby steps towards change in my wardrobe.
The waist only skims my body.
Multiple tiered layers of fabric move like a breeze of butterflies when I walk.
The swish factor on this dress is a solid ten.
You can’t see it here…but trust me, it looks and feels fantastic!
Despite the lack of a defined waist I still feel like myself. No hidden secrets or body shame.
Sure, the pug doesn’t look too enthusiastic about it but she is focused on conserving energy after feasting. She only has about an hour to squeeze in some shut eye until the next round of begging for more food begins. She is on a tight schedule of begging and sleeping with the occasional belly rub thrown in to break up the monotony of what is known as, “A Pug’s Life”.
Another thing we both like about this dress is it can be tossed in the washer or dryer without issue. Who doesn’t love a pug friendly dress?
Of course she would like it a whole lot more if it had a hot dog hem but you can’t please everyone.
Added bonus…this is a quick easy on and off for thrifting or extra quick for the bathroom. I know, I know, it seems silly to think about that kind of thing but clothing functionality will only increase as I age. In an ideal world that would mean that I could rely on this dress to do a bit of yard work a couple times a week but I may be setting my expectations too high.
Have you been taking baby steps towards change in your wardrobe lately?
Linking up with Patti for Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
Love this dress on you and the colors are perfect. I remember seeing it in the store it was quite pricey then. Enjoy. . .
this is a fabulous dress and you look fabulous wearing it and absolutely You!, I love this colorful, fantastic piece and it’s a 10 swish factor!!. It’s a flattering dress, with enough waist definition, and the most important thing: it feels fantastic!.
Glad that you’re feeling fabulous and feeling yourself even in something not-exactly-your-style. I try to challenge myself to try new styles and I’m making a lot of mistakes. I think that you’re doing it better! and looking gorgeous!
besos
It’s good to keep on challenging ourselves. It helps us grow and stay young : )
Suzanne, am loving this dress. And it is very flattering on you. The color and print is gorgeous. I would have tackled you for it! Am constantly amazed at the good stuff you find when you thrift.
Theresa
Two things help me with my thrifting finds, I thrift regularly and I know what to look for.
that dress is lovely and you look fab in it!
i had a significant wardrobe (& body) change 10-8 years ago – since then its just the monthly water storage and loosing it again…
xxxx
Monthly water storage ; P. I want to find a separate shed so it can all go in there and I no longer have to deal with it.
send me the address if you found it 😉
Ha ha! I’ll let you know : P
I don’t see this as much of a change from what you usually wear – there is still quite a bit of waist definition there, and it’s a wonderfully flattering dress on you. I added so many inches on my waist and chest in the last decade it left me confounded as to how to dress my body. I immediately went to the “loose on top, fitted on the bottom” but now am trying to gradually incorporate more fitted things in my wardrobe to show that there is a shape under my clothes, even if it’s not a shape I’m happy with at the moment.
This is quite a bit looser on me than most of my other maxi dresses that aren’t shifts. I do think the cut makes it look more fitted than it is.
It’s not easy learning how to dress a “new” body.
This dress looks gorgeous on you. I know we all gravitate toward clothes that showcase the hourglass figure but often dresses like this work beautifully even without a defined waist. You look luminous, like a Greek goddess. Hail, Queen Suzanne!
Thanks Ally : )
You had me at “swish factor.” I love how you’ve styled it with those fabulous sandals. Have I mentioned you have the best footwear? But back to the dress–it is perfect on you. Super flattering in every way.
As for my own baby steps, why yes I have been working to shift my style a bit! But you know me, I’m always experimenting with something. Lately, I’m taking baby steps toward bolder patterns or bolder fashion statements. It’s a little scary but I’ve got a gaggle of gals (that includes you!) who cheer me on and that helps make me braver.
– Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
Fabulous dress Suzanne! I agree the only way it could possibly be improved is by adding a hot dog hem , LOL! Our bodies certainly do change as we age and I agree we have to slowly but steadily make appropriate changes.
You are looking fabulous! This dress is swish swoon fab !
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Oh Ralph!! I love his classic looks and the dependable nod to his western roots. He is one of the few designers that i consistently follow. Purchases are always made via thrift or consignment.
You are splendid in this dress and the subtle move toward a more comfortable waist definition makes perfect sense. I believe we become more comfort driven in many ways as we age and the waistline is the first invitation to let loose!
That dress is just perfect on you, Suzanne. I bought a similarly shaped maxi dress while I was in the UK, and I was surprised at how comfortable it felt, without compromising on style … xxx
Hahaha, the dress doing a bit of yard work for you. Dream on baby.
This dress is indeed sublime. It looks bloody good on you and has a high swish factor plus the easy washing. I could do with a few of those. Only I would need sleeves. Count your blessings. You don’t need sleeves….. yet (she said, being mean 😉😎).
Greetje
That dress looks fabulous on you and enhances your fab figure a treat! xxx