I don’t like change. It’s one reason why I’m no good at fashion. New style? But I was just getting used to this one!
When trends and fads emerge, my response is usually ‘egads, no.’ But then they creep into my subconscious and slowly, slowly take root in the compartment of my brain that houses all the things I find acceptable.
1980s revivals (how many have there been now? Is anyone keeping a tally?) keep bringing back the shapeless, boxy dress with elasticised waist. With repeated viewings, my feelings about them shifted from ‘ugh, you look like someone’s nanna’ to ‘that doesn’t look half bad on my very stylish pal’ to ‘in the right fabric, that could be comfortable and sophisticated in an understated sortofa way.’
Do you see where this is going, dear reader? Please don’t judge me. I just wanted a quick project to work on last week.
Enter: erstwhile ingenue and now yoga-maven, Ally McGraw.
With her jaunt side-ponytail and white pumps, this vixen is imploring you to visit 1985, is she not?
Being of a statuesque and pear-shaped sort with very little in the way of shoulders, I remained wary. If it didn’t enhance my human A-frameness, it could be a cunning way to use up some bits of fabric that are too lightweight and drapey for more fitted frocks. So I thought I’d test it out with something I didn’t much care for.
Enter: bright green floral crinkly cheesecloth.
Ignoring the ugly fabric that is too garish even for my tastes, it does indeed confirm that loose frocks make me look like my year 7 English teacher, an awkward brick house spinster type who took a lot of time off one year with a bad case of shingles. That was unkind. But unkind too is this dress, to me, so I’m just lashing out at those who can’t retaliate, completing my momentary return to year 7. It’s too unpleasant for me to put on again so Headless Esme is doing the modelling. It’s a shame because it has great pockets.
Next project, please!
Make it 'til you fake it 
Pretty fabric but I can see the shape’s not the most flattering!
Drop that neckline, take off those sleeves and try a wide solid belt. I can’t judge the length but those were my first thoughts when I saw this dress. Of course with my ample pear shaped figure I tend to think that way. Except that I don’t like showing my fat upper arms. Sigh. This could be really cute. Don’t you just hate it when something just will not work out? In truth I’d probably give it away, but those were my first thoughts. Or I’d make a skirt from it instead to wear with a solid top or even a twin set.
Don’t let it get you down, I think this kind of thing has happened to all of us.