Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => This 'n' That => Topic started by: Dulciana on December 04, 2014, 11:26:55 AM
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I've just been looking online for a skirt and am getting really irritated by the descriptions of lengths, e.g. on-the-knee; calf-length; midi; etc. I'm 5 foot 2, so dresses/skirts described as "knee-length" (which is my favourite length) is so often below the knee on me and calf-length is approaching my ankles! Grrrrr! I know there are petite sizes available, but not in all ranges. When will clothing retailers realise that not everyone is the average 5 foot 5 that they seem to think we all are in this country? >:(
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Every sympathy with this. I recently bought a dress from Next. Picture showed standard length as above knee. I'm 5'3" so bought it and it hit me just right, round knee. It's trial & error though. Petite can be too short, well at my age anyway. Don't wear many dresses these days, skirts I never wear. Trousers are my thing, but again got to try before you buy.
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Yes, Cubagirl, maybe I should look for standard-length "above" the knee. I live in skirts and sometimes dresses, so it's vital to my clothing sense of well-being to get it right! Tights aside, if my legs are covered any more than just below the knee, it makes me feel stumpy and inelegant. (That's why I only own one pair of trousers....) ::)
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Understand your frustration, I end up altering almost everything, I tailor stuff to fit, take up hems on jeans and trousers, with skirts I do like calf length with boots, they
are back in fashion now, there are some nice long metallic silk skirts around, worn with a pretty jumper I think they look really pretty.
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My reason for not wearing skirts is more to do with my tum. Waistbands hit right at my hernia, not a good look I'm afraid. Have tried various body shapers, but I get so uncomfortable when I sit in them. Lastest was a boned waist cincher. When I was standing I looked good, but oh me sitting had me in a state of anxiety, so let it all hang out. ;)
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Heres a pretty look but I would prefer the skirt calf length with boots
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/97/45/f9/9745f9263db2bbb8968e2440673fcbcc.jpg)
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I don't wear long skirts because they make me look shorter. I'm 5'4 1/2 (used to be 1"taller).
Have you tried a skirt they describe as mini to see if it finishes just above your knee? The average model they base sizes on is often around 5'10. ::)
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With dresses I have to buy petite sizes or I'm swamped. I'm 5ft 1. I alter trousers all the time. I don't possess a skirt as I feel they make me look dumpy despite not being overweight.
The one thing that always drives me nuts is the length of sleeves especially in coats and jackets. They are always but always too long and totally spoils the look.
Honeyb
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I remember the days of shops offering you free alterations. They were so well done too. I have 2 left thumbs when it comes to sewing.
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Some 'dry cleaners' offer a alteration service. Have a check round and see if any do it in your area.
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I would wear it with a polo knit jumper, shorter then shown skirt (calk length) with boots.
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10 years ago I saw a photo of me in a long dress in which I felt good - but I looked frumpy :o :'( - I have 3 in the same design, different colours but haven't worn them again. <sigh>
I wear jeans most of the while, mainly from M&Co. Can't abide skirts/tights/pants as it is all too tight.
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I wore a dress to the wedding last week. It was knee length and I did feel good in it. I have a variety of tunics that I wear with leggings and boots. I don't wear flat shoes or boots though. I like my heels :)
Honeyb
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Oh and I meant to say. I did wear control pants....aka Bridget Jones and shapers tights. I was trusted up like a turkey. If nothing else it gave hubby a good laugh.
Honeyb
x
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I see no reason why we shouldn't dress to feel and look good! Apparently in France (or maybe it's Italy), their philosophy on appearance is to make sure they're always ready for "the look". Well, why shouldn't we, at no matter what our age and no matter what it takes to achieve that? To be honest, that's partly why I wear skirts, too! ::)
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5ft 3 is a difficult height, just on the cusp between regular and petite. It all depends on the make and style. Country Casuals petite really suit me but, sadly, not my bank balance ::). But I did enjoy trying things on for a wedding outfit. But for every day wear I go to Bon Marche.
I don't wear skirts for every day, except in summer, because I just cannot get on with tights. But I will dress up with a calf length skirt over some leggings, or a tunic as no tights are involved :)
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This will make you smile - well it gave me a good chuckle anyway.
Ages ago I liked a dress for sale on eBay but the dress length wasn't mentioned so I contacted the seller to ask if she could tell me the length.
Her reply - "Hi, the dress is knee length on my mother. Hope that helps".
:rofl: :rofl:
Ariadne xx
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:rofl:
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;D ;D ;D
Oh the bliss when you take off shaper underwear though! ;D Reminds me of a story my mum once told me. She was at a ball with my father & had herself in a corset & strapless bra under her beautiful gown. She was ever so relieved to get home. Father undid her dress, she undid the bra & it went flying across the room & hit the TV screen, which was a good 6 to 8 feet away. Now that would be a relief! ;D
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It was the " Hope that helps" bit at the end that amused me. Well, no actually, it doesn't help at all!
I didn't buy the dress ::)
Ariadne xx
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poor woman could have been menopausal and it made sense to her ::)
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that's brilliant Ariadne. ;D