Fashion 'no go' areas over 45?

[purplegadget]

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?

[purplegadget]

Thanks 50ShadesOfMaybe - I'm very new here so hadn't seen that. Will have a read...

[lurkingaround]

A recent no-go area for me is eyebrows. In that they have to be groomed. Before I hardly noticed, but now I think when they're not threaded and untidy I look about 100 yrs old. Bitching painful threading every month is a must.

[AliceinWinterWonderland]

The only fashion "questionable" I've seen recently has been the grandmotherly 60+yo woman that does the school run in either leggings or a mini skirt and her "batgirl" black boots.

[Floisme]

Oh no, not shorts and opaque tights again Whilst I get cross with the 'mutton' threads (and I see a new one has just started up) I do agree that your body and skin change as you get older and that different things often suit you. I don't wear the same kind of clothes that I wore in my 30s or 40s but that's because I'm not the same shape. I'm only a few pounds heavier but the difference is startling and I have curves for the very first time (Hurray for the menopause - nature's very own boob job!). I think sometimes you don't see the change so carry on wearing the same things without noticing they don't suit you any more.

I also agree that black puts years on you and no, I don't care what season you are.

[specialsubject]

there are no rules beyond the ones that apply to everyone who isn't a teenager or Lady GaGa; no hair in bunches, no glittery makeup, multi-coloured nails.

and no-one should have their knickers on show. Except if it is a bikini on a beach, which anyone can wear if they want regardless of age.

[Bankholidaybaby]

I don't think there's a universal age limit, but there's definitely a point in every woman's life beyond which nobody wants to see her knees. I also think most older women look younger/better with shorter hair.

[Bonsoir]

Shorter hair or else very good quality extensions. Not that I have the time or inclination for extensions!

[Floisme]

If your face and particularly your jawline start to droop then short hair can look better as it has a kind of cheek bone lifting effect. It doesn't happen to everyone though - sorry to bang on but we all age differently!

[MrsCampbellBlack]

I have boobs but still wear high necks but with necklaces or scarves to create the illusion of a 'v'.

I blame gok and his 'bangers' for making some women think they need to hoik their boobs up to their chins in order to look attractive. And don't get me started on those vile belts he puts with everything too.

[lurkingaround]

Oh god the belts, the belts. I use to feel sorry for some of the made-overs. Trussed up like a turkey.

[Roussette]

I am truly ancient and farrrrr older than 45 but I still wear sleeveless dresses/tops (my arms aren't that bad honest) and bikinis in hot countries. Good lord, huge mediterranean women still do, so why can't I?!

I think you start to just know when you should pull back. For instance, I have good legs but wouldn't wear anything mini anymore because of my knees. Knees age you know! I will wear something on the knee, but not above (unless I am wearing a sarong on the beach). Apart from that, I just spend a bit more time thinking hard about what to wear.

[alemci]

also I don't like to tuck any tops in. never have. I am slim but my waist isn't my best feature..

if skirt is too long I feel it looks frumpy on me.

I agree grooming becomes paramount and subtle makeup.

[ShoeWhore]

I'd steer clear of head to toe neon, bunches and tiny shorts if you are over about 16 Those highwaisted 80s cut stonewash jeans look like a difficult one to pull off as well.

Otherwise I'd say maximise your assets, minimise the bits you're less fond of, be true to yourself and find your own style.

I don't like my upper arms much either but I'm torn between thinking I should cover them up and thinking my view of what arms looks like has been rather distorted by media images. This is what middle aged arms look like people - I'd rather say who cares?!

[MrsCampbellBlack]

I think all bets are off when on holiday in the sun. I'd happily wear a bikini and a denim mini with bare legs. But here, I wouldn't wear a mini skirt unless with opaques.

[higgle]

I'm 57 too. Apart from crop tops I don't think there is anything I'd say a very big NO to. My arms are very nice, thank you. the only bit that I'm not very happy with is my neck and you can't wear Polos and chokers all the time. If you are not very tall you tend to look better in shortish skirts, though I'd never wear a pelmet type skirt.

If I shop in Top Shop or that sort of place I do sometimes say I'm looking for something for my niece ( though I don't have one)

[higgle]

and another thing ... I have to be a bit careful with my vintage clothes, and wear them in a way that makes it very clear I wasn't wearing them 50 years ago.

[MrsSchadenfreude]

I think bare knees/legs over a certain age are very ageing. You may have a very youthful and fabulous face and figure, but the knees always give it away - they seem to go wrinkly and saggy, and there is often a bit of cellulite just above them on the back of the legs where you can't see it.

But really, wear what you want!

[perplexedpirate]

Watch Fab Fashionistas.
Then wear the bejesus out of whatever the hell you like!

[TyrannosaurusBex]

Fab Fashionistas was amazing! That a 60+ supply teacher who has long white hair in a chignon and wears fitted black leather dresses over polo necks (and the most amazing diamonds I've ever seen when I saw her out one evening) have got me interested in style again. I was quite cutting edge until my mid 30s when I started my family, but I've been quite boring since then. I'm going to be 45 this year but have recently started wearing short skirts again.

[LittleBabyPigsus]

You need a lot of contrast in your face to wear black near your face - so for example, I am pale with dark hair and eyes, so can pull it off. Best friend is also pale but red-haired and has blue eyes, and struggles to wear black. As hair greys, obviously that contrast lessens and so black can indeed be very ageing. Navy and charcoal for cool colouring and dark brown for warm colouring are better neutrals.

[alemci]

yes I'm 46 and most of my skirts are shorter than I used to wear. l feel more confident in some ways.

I get fed up with trousers.

I think as long as no one is going down the polyester slacks route or dressing like Hayley from Corrie, we should be ok

[Floisme]

Personally I think wearing clothes that flatter your shape - even if they do reveal crinkly knees and elbows - looks a damn sight better than shrouding yourself in things that don't suit or even fit you properly. And that, in my opinion, is by far the more common sight: older women trying to hide themselves away.

[RockMummy]

I think that is true Floisme. I see lots of older women hiding themselves away. I think it's in response to society's attitude to aging. In our youth obsessed culture it's quite hard not to be effected by people's views. I believe that we should celebrate our experience and enjoy ourselves wearing what the heck we like! It is hard to find clothes which are not black though.

[Floisme]

I know Rock, it's why some of the 'mutton' threads make me so cross. I'm not daft - I realise some things don't look as good on me as they used to and I do think quite carefully about what I wear. But I hate that 'cover up your horrible sagging flesh' attitude that creeps in sometimes. I should add though that I know the op wasn't being like that. Plus we've all managed to have quite a sensible discussion this time which makes a nice change .