How to Wear a Smocked Top and Look Too Junior
Hi Mel. Smocked dresses are popular right now and can work over 50—but it depends a lot on the style.
The smocking itself (that stretchy, gathered fabric) is actually quite flattering because it gives shape without feeling tight. The key is choosing a more grown-up version:
I suggest a dress with smocking at the bust or waist only (not all over). Go for midi length or slightly above the knee, and soft, flowy fabrics (cotton, linen blends)
What looks juvenile to me are fully smocked dresses (too little girly), very short, ruffled, puffed sleeve or “prairie” styles (frumpy)
and smocked dresses with too much volume, or tiers. (These can overwhelm your shape and make you look heavy and dowdy)
I guess what I’m saying is yes you can wear a smocked dress at any age (casually in summer feels most natural), but less is always more when you want to look elegant and classy after 40! Thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Deb
Smocked tops are cute. But are they too puffy, pretty, and cute to wear at 40+? Does no one want to look like an aging Disney princess? Many smocked tops are too cropped, tight, and a little girly for grown-up gals.
That being said, you can still wear a smocked top. Just be sure it is more sophisticated than sweet. Here’s what to look for and how to wear a smocked top without looking junior.
1. Seek Out Sophisticated Colors and Prints
Color can also make a big difference between looking sweet or sophisticated. You can’t go wrong wearing neutral colors, especially black and white. This high-contrast combo is dramatic and mature. The right prints can elevate smocking too. This bold, painterly print has a modern, classy feel.
2. Choose an Elegant Cut
A chic boatneck blouse with a touch of smocking at the waist and cuffs is a great example.
3. Go for a Smocked -Lite Look
The best way to tweak your chic® when it comes to a new trend is to wear a more subtle version. For example, a pretty pink smocked top has very soft, gentle smocking down the front rather than very tight smocking across the front or smocked short sleeves.
You’re giving the nod to the trend. It’s a casual and understated way to look in style. I love this look for summer. So easy, and breezy, and yet so of the moment. A classy bag and some good quality gold jewelry also help make you look age-amazing!
.4. Smocked Tops with Long Sleeves are Easier to Wear
Smocked tops and blouses are naturally sweet and romantic looking, and when they have short puffy sleeves, they can look relatively junior. They are much harder to pull off after a certain age because they look a little girly, and they don’t do any favors for aging arms, either!
One way to avoid this cutesy look is to wear a smocked top with long sleeves. This pretty blue tiered sleeve blouse is an excellent alternative to a short-sleeved smocked top. It’s romantic and feminine – almost storybook-like, but it walks the fine line between too young and too old. I would easily wear this top with pair of crisp, tailored white pants and some sleek summer slides to balance the sweetness.
5. Add Sophisticated Accessories
Avoid too much jewelry, cheap jewelry, and plastic jewelry which are junior and only make your smocked top look more junior!<
