<p>I haven’t worn a clingy dress in years (many years), but I have two weddings coming up and I decided I would buy a cute dress before I get too old to wear one :-). I’m connected to the weddings through two separate circles, so I can wear the same dress to both. I’m almost 50, height 5’4", weight 130#, so not fat, but a little lumpy around the mid-section.</p>
<p>Our church and my work are both very casual, so I am very out of practice at dressing up. I shopped at many stores and finally go this one for a VERY good price!</p>
<p>It’s not super tight, but it’ll show any bulges and the cotton undies I had on in the dressing room were clearly showing lines.</p>
<p>So…you fashionable people please help me! Do I wear hose (my legs are ok, but very pale) ? And what “correctional under-garments” should I purchase that won’t be too uncomfortable, but won’t have bumps/lines? A slip (dress isn’t sheer)? The elastic in any slip I currently own has disintegrated due to age!</p>
<p>I bought some pumps with a higher heel (maybe 2’) than I normally wear to go with it.</p>
<p>Appreciate any guidance here! I’m not one for the “dressing young” thread as I want to dress appropriately for my age - I just wanted to look a little less frumpy than usual :-).</p>
<p>Hey just come over to dressing young! No one bites I promise and everyone is very helpful no matter size shape or budget. The answer is spanx or spanx like product. Most people suggest one that come up to your bra line and down like shorts. I have a two piece contraption, a cami like slimmer and a pair of boy shorts and that works for me. </p>
<p>As far as hose, it depends on the weather and your shoes. If you can get away with it I probably wouldn’t but if you feel more comfortable with hose then by all means wear them.</p>
<p>LOL bevhills, I am WAY too old for a thong!!!</p>
<p>deb922, Thanks! I’m in Houston and I haven’t seen anyone wearing hose in a while, but the first wedding is next weekend so I don’t have time to tan. I will probably get hose. My shoes are pumps so toes are covered.</p>
<p>I do lurk on the DressingYoung thread a little, but even though my income is quite high I can not generally justify spending much on my clothes. Those ladies spend more on purses than I spend on my outfits! My coworkers are mostly middle aged men who aren’t impressed by fashion and I’d generally rather be comfortable. I’m a middle aged female at a high-tech company. No glamour :-).</p>
<p>Great dress for the price! The purpose of the DY is the exact opposite of dressing like a teenager - most of us distinguish between “young” and “youthful” or “updated.” </p>
<p>Anyway, this is what they recommended to me at Saks - even the size 00’s will be wearing something like it for a smooth line at the Oscar’s tonight. Or buy a less expensive copy. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t wear hose unless it’s going to be freezing cold out. If you are very pale, use one of the self tanning products (Jergens, L’Oreal, St. Tropez, Bare Escentuals, Sephora etc) , for a bit of color. If you won’t do without hose Donna Karan The Nudes collection matched to your skin tone is what I suggest - almost impossible to tell you are wearing hose.</p>
<p>Thanks roshke. I will try a self tanner. I have some moisturizer with tanner, but not really noticeable after a few applications.</p>
<p>That bodysuit is impressive, but seems like you’d have to totally disrobe to use the restroom. I can see that would be the ultimate solution though!</p>
<p>Very pretty dress. I was in Penny’s the other day and there was a woman trying on dresses. It was pretty but the salesclerk and I both agreed that a body shaper was needed. Personally I thought she could have used a new bra too but I didn’t suggest it. She said she hadn’t worn a dress in years but had a wedding to go to. </p>
<p>I like a two pieces that I use because I’m more comfortable but I know lots of people suggest the one piece. My boy shorts are shapers too. I’ve bought them at target or kohls. They have a cheaper spanx line.</p>
<p>BTW, I’ve liked the new jcpenny. I think they have improved their selection and I like the everyday prices. I don’t have to wait for a sale anymore and wade through coupons.</p>
<p>Around here it seems its rare to see pantyhose anymore - I probably have a pair in a drawer somewhere but besides opaque type tights I would not wear anything on my legs . Whatever your comfort is. </p>
<p>If you don’t want to spend a lot of $ on spanx, check tj maxx or even kohls if you have any coupons.</p>
<p>I swear that if I ever meet Sandra Lee in person it will be hard to restrain myself from encouraging her to seek out a good, properly fitted support bra.</p>
<p>I hear you. I’m what others would call thin and somewhat north of 50 but when I’m going fancy I’ll wear a low-compression body shaper such as some type of Flexees (available in JCP) to rearrange the flabby bits into a more aesthetically appealing configuration. I’ve worn Spanx, and it will really do a good job of holding you in, but I find I always feel like a sausage in a casing when I’m wearing one, even the more “localized” ones for targeted areas.</p>
<p>You can buy spanx - either slips or the control bottoms - in one size larger to alleviate the “sausage” effect. A control slip should do just the trick under that dress. The spanx slip that goes under the bra (so you can still wear your regular bra) has a built in snap crotch panty, so it gives the ultimate smooth base for a clingy dress. Even very fit women wear these undergarments because they eliminate panty and bra lines under jersey or clingy dresses.</p>
<p>I wore a dress that looks fairly similar to your dress to an event (in fact, it’s my Facebook profile picture). I wore it with nude fishnet hose and nude patent-leather peep-toe shoes. I find that nude fishnet gives a bit of coverage for women our age, but is not as dated or aging as full nude hose. And the nude shoes elongate the silhouette. </p>
<p>That’s a very pretty dress especially at that price point - well done!</p>
<p>Yes, cute dress and very affordable. Wish we still had a JCPenny’s in our state so it could be tried on. I won’t buy dresses (or most clothes) unless I can try them on before purchasing.</p>
<p>I would also be sure that the bra is padded because I hate having nipples show. Would try all the undergarments on BEFORE cutting the tags off the dress to be sure that it looks the way you want it to. Enjoy the events & lovely dress.</p>
<p>Spanx. Bought for first time last year when I had to wear a formal evening gown to an event at the White House. I must admit, it was terribly uncomfortable and I couldn’t wait to take them off. Hate getting dressed up!</p>