Linen/ cotton trousers for middle age?

[fedupandfifty]

Could you help me please? I normally wear loose linen trousers with fitting vest tops in summer, but I tried some on the other day and I now seem to look like a sack of spuds in them! I haven't put on weight as such, but my waist has disappeared due to my increasing years and I suddenly seem to go up and down, with no shape.

I'm a size 12, 5'4"", wear heels so normally about 5'6-7", curvy with short legs and quite wide shoulders. Any ideas? Thanks!!

Loose linen trousers look dreadful on everyone, sorry.

There are some nice cotton trousers out there. Try Boden. Also, do you wear dresses at all?

Thanks Marie. No - I don't ever wear dresses - my legs are awful. I'll try Boden, though. Thanks.

What's wrong with your legs (sorry to be personal)?

How about these? They would look lovely with a pretty, colourful top.

They're straight up and down, with cankles. And now cellulite as well. And hairy - black hairs, and I'm blonde (sometimes!!). I haven't worn a dress for years, and then it was to an evening do, under cover of darkness and fishnets!! I looked okay, I think, but i wouldn't wear a dress on a regular basis.

Just had a look at the Boden site and I am pleasantly surprised! Thanks.

Those Boden ones do look nice. I think you could wear linen trousers as long as they didn't have a drawstring waist, and were quite good quality. I got some really nice ones from Fat Face about 3 years ago (sorry, not much help that) which are really flattering and quite thick material.

I got some capri style cotton trousers last year and wear with longish (fitted ) white shirt and always feel nice in those. Have in several colours.

"Loose linen trousers look dreadful on everyone, sorry."

I disagreee. On tall slim women with the right accessories they can look quite stylish. What is it with MN that linen trousers are a no-no?

What do you mean loose? Need to be fitted,a close fit, round the waist and bum.

Thanks, all. I think the drawstring waist comment is bang on. I agree that linen needs to be good quality to not look like a wet teacloth, and wearing linen top and bottom is also a no-no?

Yes, linen top and bottom looks like trying too hard. IMHO.

No to linen top and bottom.

I don't know, Bunbaker, all I do know is that I have worn linen trousers every summer for ages, and this year they somehow don't look right.

I've always worn them too, higgle, as a hot weather staple. Now I'm not so sure. Every time I see a women of a certain age in them, they seem to look frumpy and I'm wondering if I look the same.

I know they are cheapo, but I got some yesterday from Sainsburys, they are like proper trousers with a catch and zip, not drawstring, and they are really flattering....not too wide either.

They did have several styles, most of which were rank I have to admit and UNFLATTERING (patch pockets anyone?!) but these ones are ok for everyday...

Thanks, Etti, I'll check Sainbo's.