Matronly? Really?

OK, I need some honest opinions here. Don’t be shy. I’ve already had my own husband hurt my feelings, so a few harsh words from strangers shouldn’t faze me. (Just an aside, it drives me crazy when I see people write “phase” when they mean “faze.”)

This is Simplicity 2599, View E (minus the bow at the neck) made with Swiss Dot fabric from Jo-Ann’s. As I was making it, I said to my husband, “I hope this doesn’t look like a clown shirt,” meaning, I was worried about the ruffle around the neck. He looked at the fabric (without even noticing the ruffle) and said, “Well, it is pretty bright.”

Fast forward to the finished top: I’m thinking it’s pretty cute, summery, cheerful. I show it off to my husband who says, with a rather pained expression on his face, “I appreciate all the work you put into it.” Of course, I can’t stop there and continue to push him for his opinion, even though he eventually snaps at me “Why are you asking me this?” Finally, he says it is “matronly.”

Is it matronly? I mean, I am 37 years old and not trying to dress like a teenager. Maybe I should’ve made a smaller size? I made a 6, and while it could be a little smaller, the fabric isn’t at all stretchy so I wouldn’t want to go too tight. Though I can take it off without undoing the button at the back of the neck, so maybe I could go down a size.

I think maybe I like it better tucked in. I wore it to work yesterday (tucked in, with a dark pink 3/4-sleeve cardigan over it)  thinking maybe one of my co-workers would comment on it without being asked to, but I ended up being the only one in the office except a technician fixing my computer. Unsurprisingly  he didn’t comment on it.

So, what do you think?

Comments

17 responses to “Matronly? Really?”

  1. Annmarie Avatar
    Annmarie

    I love the ruffle and the print. And matronly isn’t how I’d describe it. Maybe you could add “shape” to it by leaving it untucked and cinching it with a cool belt.

    I think it’s cute.

  2. Cook Clean Craft Avatar

    I agree with the previous commenter – I wouldn’t say matronly, but the straightness/lack of fit at the sides is not my style, and has a matronly, trying to hide your figure kind of feel to it. Wearing it tucked in or cinched with a belt would be a more flattering look (I think!). (But don’t take style advice from random strangers on the internet!)

  3. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    I think it’s probably the print. Try it in something funky instead of tiny floral. Or a solid with a print for the ruffle with a coordinating print skirt? He doesn’t know the resurgence in popularity of florals and is probably having Little House flashbacks from his childhood. 😉

  4. (lia) Avatar

    I agree that it’s probably the shaping. You probably could have gone with the smaller size or fabric with more drape. To fix it I’d probably take in the sides a bit. A belt might be a bit much with the ruffle & print.

  5. mother★lode Avatar

    from matronly to hot mama with just a few tweaks, I think this shirt has solid potential to be really hip and fun! per the above suggestions – mix up the print and the fit… plus, I am envisioning the ruffle extending vertically down the front, just on one side, right below the bust, perhaps?

  6. Claireel Avatar
    Claireel

    I say you should either cinch it in with a belt or add some darts beneath the bust to add some shape.

  7. April Avatar
    April

    As is (don’t cut, don’t tuck in, etc.), but add a belt around your natural waist. That’ll give you a figure (rather than make you look boxy, which is why you look “matronly”).

    A thin belt will probably be better, but try a thick one too and see how you like it.

  8. April Avatar
    April

    PS
    Love the print and ruffle. That’s not what makes this “matronly.” It’s the lack of figure that does.

  9. Amy in ne Avatar
    Amy in ne

    I love it! Not matronly at all–super cute. But…if you wanted a more fitted look you could also wear a sash in a complementary color–maybe it wouldn’t be as “bright”. But really—it is great just the way it is. Wear it with pride! I would!!!

  10. Brigette Avatar

    Sorry to say, but I would have to agree that the shape and the fabric together does not have a youthful look to it. Sorry!

  11. Elizabeth Avatar

    I like it. It isn’t all peppy and teenager-y, which is just fine. It would look cute all dressed up like for a baby shower or garden party.
    Oh, gosh. Now *I* am the one sounding matronly! Aack!

  12. giddy99 Avatar
    giddy99

    Here’s a tip. It doesn’t have to BE matronly, but if the cut or fabric or ruffle even vaguely reminds him of something his mother, his aunt or nana would wear, then it’s by [his] definition “matronly.” I have three sisters, all with husbands or beaus, and each man’s definition of “matronly” varies from one to the next.

    Here’s another tip. Even if it ISN’T matronly, if HE thinks it is, then fix it or don’t wear it. It doesn’t matter how cute the clothing article is; having the hubby think you look matronly is NOT a good thing. 🙂

  13. J.M. Hirsch Avatar

    Husband here. I’d just like to point out that most of these comments vindicate my opinion.

  14. Katherine Avatar

    It is a little boxy. That’s why I don’t sew clothes, because I refuse to wear anything that isn’t made out of a knit, and I’m just getting started sewing knits. They are naturally drapier! And easier to fit.

  15. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth

    you know, I can’t get past these comments (above and your husbands)–I totally like this. I think it would look really professional with a black pencil skirt, and I like the cardigan idea, perhaps with a full linen skirt.

    so I’m feeling existentially torn between liking this and the (perhaps) fact that the rest of the world may consider my taste “matronly.”

    but I had to say something!

  16. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    I like it just the way it is…and feeling exactly the same as Elizabeth (above comment) commented.

    Am I that “fashioably” out of touch with the rest of the world?

    ===Sigh===

  17. btziibkb Avatar

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