Can a 40 year old wear...

[Loonytoonie]

...denim shorts and thick tights? Possibly with chunky boots, maybe with ballerina shoes (black), and a fairly plainish long sleeve fitted top.

I have a fairly muscular build and decent legs. DH reckons I'm too old for that....

I wouldn't, I must say (although I am 50 and not 40). I do however wear skinny jeans with brightly patterned tunic tops (maybe I should not do that either...). I agree with Advent, if my bum is covered I feel I can get away with it.

If you are trendy and slim then yes, this look doesnt look good on anyone overweight of any age.

Well if you look like Kate Moss or Victoria Beckham then fine, but otherwise you will look a bit desperate and ridiculous.

The OP asked if she was too old to wear it - not if she was too thin / non-supermodel-ish. She has good legs and is in good shape.

Also your comment is ageist.

Def not but you could wear black shorts.

I agree it depends on your general look and figure.

Yes true annie but older people should have learnt something about how to dress. Surely someone in early middle age should have a bit of dignity and self awareness by then. I agree it does not look good on a lot of young girls but I can make allowances for them when they show off fat thighs, bellies and even their labia. Isn't that even worse on older women? Even if slim there are still much better looks to choose when you hit 40. The body shape changes, fact. It looks desperate and ridiculous. Everyone can do it, no law against it, but they will look like the sad old fart hanging around with youngsters at a club deluded about how young they look.

looks good and she is not tiny

Rosh that is rubbish

Isn't there an upper age limit then? Honestly.

Depends if you look old roshbegosh Im 30 and often get mistaken for 17-19. Doubt when Im 40 I will look over 30. 40 is young nowadays if you have good genes and look after yourself.

You know when something doesn't suit YOU anymore I have mates my age 48 who still could wear it. I would wear shorts not denim and tights s its not my style.

Rosh what unbelievable ageist sexist crap

Yes you can.

I am nearly 40, I do I wear it with a tailored jacket and long necklace or scarf. You only live once, wear whatever you want!

OP: of course you can.

Do you like it? Do you think you look good? Wear it.

(I wore similar yesterday and I have a couple of years on you.)

No

I wouldn't but that's because I don't like denim shorts with tights at any age. However some nice wool/flannel ones with opaques would look great with perhaps a nice cashmere jumper.

I'd dress it down if showing a lot of leg.

As others have said, more to do with style.

I wouldn't because I don't want to look like a 42 year old woman who wishes she were a teenager. You can wear lovely, stylish stuff that's age appropriate; you don't have to shop at Eastex and Jacques Vert! I wore very short skirts and denim shorts a lot when I was younger because I had the figure for it. I still do, but I don't want to look like mutton!

I wouldn't but only because its completely not my style. If you like it then by all means wear it.

I'm unconvinced by the 'wear it if it's your style' argument. What if a 70 year old decided that sequinned hot pants and a bra top was her style? It would still look bl**dy awful! wouldn't it?

Financeprincess - As has been mentioned people like jlo, vb, tess daly etc are around/above that age and look good in that kind of stuff.

It's hard to know what to wear in your forties. Because the denim shorts and black opaque tights are strictly for teenagers. They are really. But at the same time, no forty-something wants to wear something shapeless in polyester from M&S. I think Hobbs is brilliant for 40 somethings. Nice mini skirt, long boots, nice tights. fitted jumper or nice shirt.

I think this is going to be about quality and style, as well as having a good body for it. As you've described it OP, with the plain sweater, I think it would be fine... so long as the shorts were adult shorts and not the ones to show off your unmentionables.

DD (15) went out in denim shorts and black opaques and her black leather jacket today and far too much make-up (the eyebrows looked as though they hailed from Liverpool). She asked for my approval (Do I look okay Mum). She looked beautiful in spite of the perfectly dreadful outfit and make up. What can you say?

But I will say that if someone tells you that the look isn't working for you, you should listen. Get your colours done, find some funky clothes that are age appropriate and never ever wear a scouse brow. My daughter's cheekbones and heart-shaped face are to die for, but atm, all anyone will look at is the slugs above her eyes.