We’ve all had encounters with men who couldn’t seem to meet our eyes, and it wasn’t because of shyness. I’ve written about other women’s tactics for getting men to look up (here and here), but what if instead of directing their attention to our faces, we get them to look even lower–at our legs?
I discovered this option when I stepped outside in my DKNY patterned tights last week. I kept getting second glances from men even though my bust was firmly bound by my winter coat . . . which made me realize that fun tights are yet another option for diverting attention from our busts if we want to. I should have taken a page from Curveissa’s book last month when she posted a photo of her new polka dot tights.
The tights in this photo are demure enough for an office setting, although after I had my friend Shilpa (the creative force behind Spicy Bijoux jewelry) take this photo, I was no longer so positive about their power to divert. Even after 3 years of writing about being full-busted, I’m still sometimes shocked when I see the size of my bust in photos. However, if a pair of patterned tights doesn’t entirely divert, it can at least balance things out, and I think that’s happening here. I’m pretty pleased with this discovery.
(Speaking of balance, I’ve decided to go with streamlined shoes over chunky wherever possible, thanks to the helpful comments I received when I wrote about shoes last month. I’m still trying to figure out why this is better for me, but I think it may have to do with my height.)
I decided to continue the experiment with a patterned skirt–or in this case, a dress made to look like a skirt by wearing a sweater over it. When I wrote about this Ann Taylor sweater last fall, I said it was a “womanly sweater” that makes breasts the “main attraction”. It’s a little less curvaceous when layered over a dress, but I also think the pattern below it plays a big role in toning it down.
The skirt isn’t doing all the work, however. See the difference when I take off the necklace below. It’s the balance point factor that I wrote about last May. I also think the sheen from the necklace keeps the eye from resting on the bust.
I’m now pretty excited about shopping for tights and patterned skirts in the days ahead. I’d love to see pictures of what you’ve done with this concept.
Darlene, you could not be more right about this! Now that I’m thinking about it, I have attracted (the right) attention with haute tights. They are perfect for dressing up an otherwise boring solid colored outfit too. Great post! ~Jill
I love this post! I have only very recently discovered patterned tights (I own a single pair, bought two weeks go) – as my traditional garb involves long skirts or trousers to avoid showing off my chunky legs.
But all the lovely dresses on display from various retailers have persuaded me to be a bit braver and give it a go – and I love it!
Will see if I can snap a pic of my fav tights/dress combo – but definitely need to hunt down some sites that sell more interesting pairs.
P.S. That sweater looks AWESOME on you!
I love textured tights with skirts in the winter! Great places to find them for cheap are discount stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, Loehmann’s, etc. I also really like brightly colored opaque tights with a black or grey dress. WeLoveColors.com has the biggest color selection you’ll ever see (including plus-sizes).
Wow, your outfits look great! I especially love the grey one. 🙂
I by the way prefer shorts over skirts. They’re pretty great with nice opaque tights too. 🙂
Thanks for all your encouraging comments and great ideas! I’m inspired to play around with this some more.
i LOVE tights.
and I LOVE patterned skirts.
Come to think of it, I can’t remember the last time I wore pants.
Your hair looks super cute, Darlene.
Miss you,
M
This is sooo true. I wore my black floral print tights on Sunday and I kept getting compliments and looks. Always a winner. (FYI I have BBB’s too that got a lookie loo break that day) 🙂
I love those tights!
Yes, it is a great divert! Love those tights, have very similar ones in that same colour, black and navy. Also the leopard print ones I have are soooo cute, if worn with a knee lenght skirt and boots it’s not even too much for a work look, especially if with solid black but it works with anything really. Patterned tights just bring a little sass to any otherwise conservative or solid coloured work outfit!