But Can I Wear It

[wildrider]

Without looking like an idiot?

I mean, I've always loved this style, and this is the first time I've seen it in sizes that an American woman could fit into. But could I pull it off without looking stupid?

(Not that I need a new gown, but I like to look...)

Comments

[nutmeg3]

Of course you can! Why would you even question it?

[wildrider]

'Cause I look at it, and think, "lovely!" and then wonder, "Does a fat redhead have any business wearing a Chinese dress?" when I'm not a cute Chinese girl...

[wildrider]

I don't think I've ever seen one with long sleeves (that would be pretty!). I stopped to look at them at our Chinese Cultural Center, but even the "XL" there is too small!

I'm looking at a black one, actually -- with a peacock design (not the one I linked to, oddly enough).

Maybe I will get it...

[cornerofmadness]

i had the same thought about pyramid collection's mandrin jacket that is now like half price. I'm not sure i have an answer

[wildrider]

Well, both nutmeg3 and queenofattolia think I can, so... I might buy one. They're certainly cheaper than Pyramid Collection...

[cornerofmadness]

yes, well what isn't? Sadly they never seem to put anything on sale until there's nothing but XS's left

[wildrider]

I did luck into the velvet gown when there was still my size and it came down to half price. But, on the whole, yeah. There are a ton of things there I would buy if they were a little less expensive!

[framefolly]

I think you'd look lovely! I think every woman would enjoy a well-made qipao. If one wants to get serious, one gets it custom made, but I think it works just as well to get a qipao that fits well enough and then splurge a little for alterations as necessary. It's important for the waist to hit neither too high nor too low, but at your personal waist, for example, and for the sleeves to have a little room but not too much. A personalized hem length can really bring out the shape of one's calves.

Of course, I don't have one yet, but I will someday!

[wildrider]

We'll have to see how it looks when it gets here! Maybe I can talk Lee into alterations if it needs them...