to wear a dress or not to wear a dress that is the question in 2021. ‘cuz why bother when there’s no place to go? to which i say wear the dress. why? well, i still have a few spots left to go in my daily routine. this week alone, i get to add on the chiropractor (my gait is still a bit off after total knee replacement) and the dermatologist (my second round of IPL). guess what? i’m wearing this adorable outfit that i know will receive compliments. sometimes, we forget that others are impacted by the way we dress, but we can definitely brighten the landscape with a knockout outfit. and this dress fits into my now and later series which adds versatility to your wardrobe (and mine). so let’s dive in to see how to wear a cheetah dress now & later.
but first, let’s talk about all the reasons a dress is an excellent idea to have hanging in your closet even if you’re in retirement. one reason i am always on the hunt for dresses is that they’re comfortable. for those who struggle wearing blue jeans (pear shapes or apple shapes), a dress is your answer. second, they’re one and done. no muss, no fuss as to coordinating an entire outfit. if you are short on time, a dress will get you out the door looking chic and stylish in no time flat. and third, dresses are flattering. yes, dresses are universally flattering for every shape and size. instead of hiding your body, dresses celebrate it and flatter it in the best possible way. plus, dresses are fun and flirty. amen!
how adorable is this pleated cheetah dress from Banana Republic that comes in regular, tall, and petite? it’s an effortless style to wear thanks to a relaxed A-line cut. and i love the midi length, which can be dressed up with heels or down with boots. so how to wear a cheetah dress now & later? since it’s winter, a pair of suede boots (old, similar here and here) is just the ticket. the dress comes with a self-tie belt, but i exchanged that for an obi style suede belt (old, similar here). of course, a black handbag from Walmart will tie the entire outfit together. but don’t forget accessories always add the pizazz and personality to any outfit. today, i chose a gold link necklace (old, similar here) and bangles. stay tuned in the coming months for how to wear a cheetah dress now & later.
dress | similar belt | similar boots | handbag | similar necklace | earrings | bangles
dress | similar belt | similar boots | handbag | similar necklace | earrings | bangles
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.
Beth, I enjoy your blog but usually don’t see the comments. Is there a way I can? Also, can you please tell me the size of the dress you’re wearing? I’d like to order it but have never worn Banana Republic clothing so I don’t know how their sizing runs. Thanks so much.
hi marilyn! the comments are located at the bottom of the post. the cheetah dress is a size medium.
O.M.G. That cheetah dress should go right in the Goodwill bag!!! Do not stop, do not collect $200!!!
i will definitely go past Go and collect the money wearing this adorable cheetah dress!
I just LOVE this dress and the look you put together! And its s.o me. I’m a seamstress and have more than enough yardage to make a similar dress only it is in black and brown. I’ve been sitting on this but now have become inspired! Will start tomorrow. Thank you and you can pass go and collect $2,000!
what a lovely talent you have! my great-grandmother and mother were quite talented seamstresses too. i had a kick-ass sewing room for years but i mostly focused on home dec projects. it’s quite gratifying to whip up a garment or gift.
Hi Beth, i discovered your blog about 2 weeks ago and am loving your posts!
I also love your cheetah dress but since i’m only about 5’2’’, 125lbs., do you think this look would work for me? I see the dress comes in petite sizes. Thanks so much,
Nancy
if the proportions are tailored to your frame you should be fine. and this dress comes in a petite. the only adjustment you might have to make is the length. this is a midi dress not a maxi so keep that in mind.
Thanks so much!
Love the cheetah dress and Obi belt; you are rocking this outfit! You are right: even if you are only going out to grocery store or medical appts, it is nice to make an effort. The staff appreciate it. Getting tired of seeing joggers everywhere. Will burn some of my joggers as a symbolic gesture of when we return to a new “normal” post COVD. Thank you fo reminding us to dress up, make an effort…. it is good for our mental health and for others around us .
it is definitely good for everyone’s mental health to make the extra effort to look good!
I love your style. Thank you, thank you, thank you for including a petite-sizing dress!
there are a few brands that cater to women of all sizes and Banana Republic has always done a good job of carrying petite sizes.
Good Morning Beth! You always look so beautiful! I have a question if you haven’t covered this yet. I am 63 years old and looking for a maxi dress for spring/summer that is casual but can be dressed up as a wedding guest. I need the dress to be floor length as I am unable to wear anything else. I have looked around but not able to find anything that would compliment me. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
have you looked at Halsbrook or Tory Burch? they both have online selections. i always have good luck with either.
This is so pretty! I love dresses Beth and I am always on the search for good ones because I love the way they make me feel, and how I move in them, especially midi ones. Bring on the dresses! Thank you for the sunshine. Happy day 🙂
i’m with you, Francesca! bring on the fun and flirty dresses.
Love, love, love this dress and you wear it so well.
thanks so much, peggy!
Delightful frock. Feminine yet simple. You look smashing in it. And it will be so versatile, as it’s a neutral. I like everything about it. Ordering it now. (Already have all 4 varieties of that darling little purse.)
that purse is so dang cute! and you will love the dress. enjoy!
Beth, enjoy your blogs, YouTube and Instagram posts. I am 70 and 4’11”. Love the cheetah dress but feel I would be overwhelmed by it. May I ask how tall you are. Thank you.
i am close to 5’8″ but if you have the right proportions you can rock whatever the taller women do. it’s always about proportions which a good tailor can help with.
Oh Beth I love this outfit on you. You look gorgeous! I am choosing more dresses & skirts for myself. Much cooler in summer. 21 here & snowing. I did IPL a few years ago. My skin looked so beautiful afterwards. I think I’ll give myself a valentines gift of IPL & roses. My husband of 56 years died this past October. Always look forward to your posts.
my heartfelt condolences, kathy! God Bless. and treat yourself to something special this Valentine’s Day! xo
Love, love love that dress. I think I will make it mine!
you will love this dress. it will be on style repeat until summer.
Not usually a fan of animal print, but this is a very attractive dress and I love those boots.
such a simple and chic look.
Beth- Thank you so much for your inspiration. I have NEVER followed a blogger before but I am so happy I found you. I just love your style- you make fashion look so easy. I am hoping I can achieve your put-together look. Thanks again.
i so appreciate you being here!
Not really a fan of animal prints BUT this dress!!! The belt you chose really adds to the style. This looks really nice on you.
thanks so much! and it really is a comfy dress.
Love the dress on you and the belt sets it off. I agree on dresses. I especially love them in warm weather.
i especially love dresses come summer!
I’m not a animal print wearer but you rocked this look with grace and elegance as always. My question: I’m still in my Elsy 50s but I rely on a use a cane as walking device, is it apropria-te to wear a dress while walking with a cane ?
why not? you will look and feel fabulous wearing a dress and walking canes can be a statement piece in and of itself.
Love what you write about wearing a dress even when retired! Thanks!
I just love your look. For me I always feel I am too short (5ft 2) but quite petite to wear a dress like that?