what are you really actually too old for after about the age of 35, even if people say you aren't?

[Peggotty]

Converse?
Superga?
biker jackets?

I'm nearly 37 and would probably wear all of these, but am I really basically too old for them?

[noddyholder]

A light tan gets rid of both and a spray of oil!

[roundwindow]

This fab Canadian lady, imho, refutes the idea expressed earlier on this thread that older ladies need to avoid bright colours:

stylesud-est.blogspot.co.uk

I don't know her from Adam. I just discovered her blog recently. I've only recently started looking at fashion blogs at all, and was delighted to find a 40plus blog that didn't feature the whole skinny jeans/buttery-soft-taupe-biker-jacket/huge scarf/ash trainers look.

(not that I have a problem with the above look, these ladies look elegant and lovely... but what about those of us who have always had more artistic/experimental/rebellious/non-conformist leanings?)

[ihearsounds]

So if I cannot wear decent leggings (not the cheap tights), hoodies, dm's, biker jackets, shorts, skirts above the knee, superga, converse, knee high boots, (are thigh ones acceptable?) What am I supposed to wear?

Would rather stay indoors in my pj's that go out in a twin set and pearls.

[Snowkey]

I'm 42 but I'm in better shape now than I've even been, well toned, fit and slim. I don't feel too constrained by my age but I used to feel constrained by my flabby bits.
I think people become more conservative as they age, they get stuck in a style rut, they would probably describe their look as classic - others might describe it as dull and safe. My dh always jokes about older ladies in their flowery dresses and ponders when my style rut will set in and what it will be.
I don't like heavily branded clothing....younger people seem to wear it quite a lot. Don't wear Superga or Converse, I don't find them comfortable - I wear Spring Court instead - does the brand matter or is it canvas plimsoles that are only for the youth?

What won't I wear now? - uncomfortable shoes that are too tight, that the sales assistant earnestly promised will give with a little wear - I'm too old to fall for that shite any more!

[aftermay]

Still not clear about 'dealer' style, is that the new term for sloaney?

Good thread. I like that description of newsreader style.

[MrsCampbellBlack]

The BBH gave me newsreader hair. It had to go.

[Snowkey]

I remember my best friend at school (17) expressing the opinion that Mums shouldn't wear jeans ....how times have changed.

[AlanMoore]

Did anyone say don't wear brights? I think brights look best in classic shapes and more 'fashion' stuff in dark/muted colours, but there are plenty of people who that doesn't apply to. I don't get a lot of the arsiness on this thread, if you think you look good why do you care? Wear what you like! Most advice was aimed at the OP who seemed less confident.

Personally I dislike supergas on anyone under about 45, the shape looks better on older people. Don't know why. And I'm very bored of converse after nearly three years of baby groups.

[Chandon]

Roundwindow, that is exactly how I dress, the buttery soft jacket included!

Made me

I am indeed nt very rebelious in terms of dress

[alemci]

Totally agree Alan. I look much better with some colour near my face. It may depend on your season if you are into CMB.

dark muted colours make me look grey and drab.

I am 45 and I feel more confident wearing a shorter skirt now than when I was 20. My parents thought a skirt above the knee was 'up your bottom'. My dads ever tactful phrasing.

[roundwindow]

Chandon, I'm sure you look gorgeous, I bet you do. I'm just jelous... I've always looked a bit dishevelled-verging-on-bonkers even when trying to be elegant and fit in. So I'm desperately seeking ways for my 'style' to grow with me without giving in and entering full-on mad-old-cat lady territory :-)

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

That lady's yellow tights are truly, truly hideous. Deffo mad cat-woman-esque.

[roundwindow]

Yeah, I do see your point but I still love her. Even if I couldn't carry off her look. I couldn't carry off the elegant ubiquitous skinnies/scarves/jackets look either. I'd just get something wrong. And even if I didn't, the packaging just wouldn't match the inner product. Meh. I don't bloody know.

My only answer to the original thread question might be midriff-bearing tops (although I wouldn't be surprised if there's some gorgeous minx out there who could disprove even that). It's just that the other day I visited the Top Shop website, y'know, just looking like and it was the headline on the homepage 'top of the crops!' which made me think 'mmmm, think I might have come to the wrong party here'

My friend then informed me I should be on the Damart website instead. Helpful

(I'm 39, gonna be 40 any minute now, hence all my sudden style-soul-searching)

[roundwindow]

PS: doesn't Great Aunt Loretta off of 'Grampa in my Pocket' wear Converse?