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Fashion 'no go' areas over 45?

118 replies

purplegadget · 04/01/2014 22:27

Even if you genuinely have the figure for it, are there still some things you really shouldn't wear if you're over 45? If so, what?

OP posts:
LynetteScavo · 04/01/2014 22:50

OK, forget what I said about mini-skirts!

If you've got the legs for them, go ahead.

cerealqueen · 04/01/2014 22:50

What with Polyester???

Granted, if it is cheap, (off the market) it looks cheap but I bought 100% polyester drop waist dress 20s style the other day, looks lush, like a chiffon type effect.

It all depends.

bunnymother · 04/01/2014 22:52

Disney stuff. They had some Disney tops in Uniqlo a few months ago, and the poor, nice salesman asked if I wanted to look at one for myself. What? No, thank you.

Ifancyashandy · 04/01/2014 22:54

I'm on a roll (and a rant). I get really fucked off with the whole 'what you should / shouldn't wear over 45' debate.

Says who exactly?

I wouldn't be seen dead in a tunic with leggings and ballet pumps. Or a jumper dress worn with the same (unless it were beautifully cut and probably made from cashmere) as I think it looks shapeless and boring. But I would defend any woman's right to wear it if she felt good in it.

I have my taste / she has hers. And that's what makes fashion fun.

And breathe...

purplegadget · 04/01/2014 22:54

DrNick - interesting that you've changed your view on mini skirts. I currently think it depends on what you wear them with - can certainly look desperate. Actually thinking about it, that can be true at any age.

OP posts:
brandyandsummergloves · 04/01/2014 22:54

I'd say crop tops and very low cut neckline.

Disclaimer: I have a pink fluffy jumper, wear short skirts on holiday and have long hair. I'm 52.

Bonsoir · 04/01/2014 22:55

Yes, mini skirts with thick ribbed tights and flat winter boots are a good look. I shall wear them for as long as my inner thighs let me.

alemci · 04/01/2014 23:01

depends on definition of mini skirt. I feel comfortable in above the knee skirts but not ultra short but that's on me.

purplegadget · 04/01/2014 23:02

Ifancyashandy - I generally agree with you.

This thread was triggered by a friend commenting that another mum at school was too old to be wearing a tartan mini skirt however good her legs were.

I wondered whether it was a commonly held view that you could be 'too old' to wear something.

I was contemplating leather leggings the other day and wondered if it was a sign I was having a mid-life crisis :-)

OP posts:
ITCouldBeWorse · 04/01/2014 23:04

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Diamondcassis · 04/01/2014 23:08

I contemplated for an hour, then bought a leather (v v naice leather, much £, mid-thigh) mini-ish skirt in sales. Wore it twice this week, with flat boots and jumper. Felt Fantastic. Who else matters in that respect?

thenightsky · 04/01/2014 23:08

tunic and leggings thing always makes me think of Boy George in his Church of the Poisoned Mind phase.

Bonsoir · 04/01/2014 23:08

I don't think my DD's tweeny look (skinny jeans, Uggs, long-sleeved branded t-shirt, cardi-hoody) is a good look on over 35s. Though there are plenty around!

Ifancyashandy · 04/01/2014 23:09

I've just worked with a bunch of 20-somethings. They constantly complimented me on my style and they adore fashion. Not bragging - just saying it in the context of this thread.

I do tend to buy good quality stuff - ASOS White Label is good. Also Joseph, Jaeger, Massimo Duti, Whistles etc. But I also shop in Zara, RI, Top Shop - wherever. Bought a Chinese style kimono jacket in Primark the other week.

Style is an attitude, not an age and to feck with people who don't get it. I don't get their lack of experimentation but would never comment on it.

Wear your leather leggings (and jeans & skirts - I have all three!) with pride!

bunnymother · 04/01/2014 23:10

"This thread was triggered by a friend commenting that another mum at school was too old to be wearing a tartan mini skirt however good her legs were." - sorry, but the person making the comment just sounds a bit jealous / judgmental. She might not be, overall, but that's how she sounds in this context. Ignore.

ITCouldBeWorse · 04/01/2014 23:12

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1944girl · 04/01/2014 23:12

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bunnymother · 04/01/2014 23:14

1944girl - I like the sound of your approach!!

ggirl · 04/01/2014 23:16

Trouble with mini skirts on older women is it makes you look at her and think about her age and quietly judge the skirt versus face etc. Sort of negates the good legs look iykwim .

thenightsky · 04/01/2014 23:22

1944girl you rock it!

Robfordscrack · 04/01/2014 23:24

Anything from abercrombie and fitch, hollister or jack wills - actually not if you're over 30.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 04/01/2014 23:26

I'm 43. I still wear mini skirts, but no shorter than mid thigh. I still wear shorts too, and sometimes have bright red or purple hair.

I wouldn't wear crop tops (but I didn't when I was 18 and a size 8 either tbh).

burnishedsilver · 04/01/2014 23:37

I'm 42 and I a like a mini skirt but only with opaque tights and simple, classic boots and accessories.

Floisme · 04/01/2014 23:47

Why oh why do people talk about older women as if they're a single, amorphous group? We are all different shapes and sizes and suit different things - just like younger women Smile. The number one rule? Wear whatever makes you feel good. I'm 57.

1944girl · 05/01/2014 00:05

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.