I startled myself

[Melyssa Anne]

It’s the time of year when leggings are a popular choice – so I tried them, and find that I like them – they are comfortable, and provide a different look and a different dressing sensation. The ones I am wearing are about the same thickness as tights—maybe just a bit thicker – and very form fitting like tights. I usually wear them with a tunic top or sweater – lengths that would be considered a mini skirt.

This past week I wanted to go out shopping in the afternoon / evening, so I put on some leggings, and then a top that was also very form fitting and on the short side. I went to the mirror and did a double take at my image. I usually consider myself average looking as a woman in her late 40s. I tend to blend in. The image I was looking at though was a very curvaceous and sexy (hot) looking woman. The top with the leggings fit me in all the right places I guess.

The strange part was how much it startled me. As much as I work at being the best woman I can be and looking as good as I can – the image and realization it was me caught me off guard. It was one of those moments when you want to look, but then you don’t want to look. I wasn’t sure how I felt. Part of me was very pleased, and part of me was very startled and unsure of myself. I didn’t think I could ever look like that.

After contemplating this for about five minutes,and wishing I had a camera with me, I determined that this was definately not the look I wanted to go shopping. So I changed into a little bit more of a conservative blouse and enjoyed my shopping immensely. But I know the outfit will get worn sometime soon (or some variation of it) when the right event presents itself.

I’m curious if anyone else has had a moment like this and if you have any insights into why

[Michelle Miller]

Actually, no. 90% of my wardrobe wouldn't look out of place on a dumpy woman 'shhhh'ing' people in a library for chattering too loudly.

I switched back to glasses a while back, from contact lenses, and got a pair of really retro-ey feminine glasses, and it wasn't so much that I was scared of it, but it caught me off guard how different my face looked with them on.

[Carol Ann]

Oh my Melyssa,

I am so JEALOUS

[Erica S]

Melyssa,

From your avitar, you look attractive. Why then would you be startled by what you saw? I hope you get to dress in that outfit again and enjoy it. Good for you!!

I too am jealous

Erica

[Johanna]

I am also a 50 plus woman and have worn a pair of tights out several times. It might be pushing the youth envelope a bit too hard, but looks great with the right skirt and/or top. If it makes us feel sexy, why should we avoid a more youthful look? I am surprised that women (in general) quickly adopt a rather dumpy look as they age. If I were the real thing, I would dress sexy and damn the consequences.

[Gaven McLaren]

Yes I have had that experience. Leggings and a nice top as long as I do not look at my face and I look nice. I cannot say hot as I am far from there. I also had a similar experience this past Halloween. I got a good look at myself all dressed up and thought wow.