At 50, what am I supposed to wear?

[Eliza22]

I was 50 last year and I'm a good stone overweight so, need to tackle that, I know.

I've no idea what to wear. I feel old fashioned and don't feel good in jeans (I have some but rarely wear). Any 50+ ladies who can advise. I feel like crawling into a wolf fleece and retiring from public view.

Just had a look at Phase Eight website and quite like their dresses, although expensive if not in the sale. Not sure about Boden, haven't looked for a while, will have to have another look.

Manic knickers sound fun!!

Definitely, definitely lose the weight. Extra kilos are far harder to dress than age!

What colour is your hair? Your skin? Do you wear glasses and, if so, do you like them?

bonsoir my hair's a mouse blonde with highlights (pics on profile) and its usually my one dead cert for looking ok as I don't have to dry it, just wash and leave toots own devices. However, had it cut last week and in an effort to save a bit of cash, my lovely hairdresser responded to my "shorter hair's expensive having to cut it every 4 weeks or so..... Can you take a tiny bit extra off this time?" with a frenzied scissor sesh, which has left me with what feels like a 'bovver boy' half inch, over my entire head. I was speechless when I left and couldn't give her eye contact. That's how I was!! My son cried when he saw it and my husband was speechless. I look like a bloody convict. Actually, maybe, it's the hair that's triggered this feeling of "frump"!

Only wear reading glasses and occasionally for tv.... When I can find the things. My ds who's an Aspie and loves order, is always moving stuff around it where it should be and I often have to hunt for the specs. My glasses are both fairly new and suit me, I think.

Oh no Eliza, a bad haircut is a nightmare! It will grow fairly quickly though, hopefully you will feel happier about it soon.

I wear glasses too all the time and am not happy with them really, they are too square for my face but I can't afford new ones at the moment as I need varifocals and they cost several hundred pounds or more!

I desperately need a haircut but keep putting it off as I'm not sure what I want. It's very long at the moment and needs colouring as the grey is showing through (my hair's dark brown). I'm contemplating having it cut to just above shoulder length but as it's frizzy and curly, the weight has been dragging out the curls a bit, leaving more of a wave and I know if I have it cut it will bounce back up - the problem is it bounces on top and at the front, but the back hangs almost straight and the underneath part too. I dislike myself when it's straightened which is all the hairdresser ever recommends when I ask for a change!

How about a bit more make up (feminising I tell myself), particularly lipstick, to minimise effect of haircut? Mine can feel a bit shorn when its first done and lippie perks me up. That, and hats (i'm not joking!). Maybe the manic knickers would help?

I know Planet isn't for everyone, but I love their jersey stuff, treggings and wrap dresses etc, especially for work. On here there are massive discounts and I have had a good few good quality bits. I got a pure silk tunic recently down to £19, lovely with boots and cropped jacket.

I see a lot of stylish 50-somethings where I live, the look is usually slim or straight leg jeans or muted-colour twill trousers, converse or similar, hip length mac, neutral layered crew neck tops and a statement necklace.

Agree lipstick and more make up to counter act hairstyle.
I hate it when hairdressers do that.
Had it happen to me about 10 years ago and have had it long ever since then.

Oh gosh, poor you with the wrong haircut . I agree with others, though - it will grow out more quickly than you think. If you aren't feeling good about your hair, now is probably not the time to buy new clothes and in any case the SS13 stuff is only just coming into the shops.

I think that women need to wear more colour and more accessories as they age. I have bought several things in Tara Jarmon recently and am very happy with them. I also really like Marni (more expensive) and Sofie d'Hoore.

I can think of a few more things women need to do as they age and they don't involve colour and accessories. Cross face.

OP, you look fantastic (I am 50+ and wish I looked as good as you). I think we need to cultivate elegance, which works well with short hair. Dresses are comfortable and flattering, well most of the time.

OP, Nigella is 50 and a stone overweight .

You need to decide which items really make you confident and buy more of them!

Bonsoir the Tara Jarmon site looks lovely but is beyond my price range even in the sale!

Greyvix thanks, love.... I was on holiday, relaxed and a bit of a tan. Roll in Spring!
wordfactory you're right about Nigella and, by all accounts, she's very high maintenance in the "getting ready" department. Perhaps that's it..... As we age, it's takes more to look good. . My DH has a passion for Nigella, too!

And.... Have a bright pink lippy which is a summer wear, for me. Have it on today and a bit more colour generally and the hair looks..... Ok-ish. Not happy with it, but you're all right, it WILL grow!