old student doesnt want to feel like the token oldie

[ditavonteesed]

I start university in 2 weeks and I am 40, I have no idea what to wear. I know what I used to wear when I was at uni and 18 however I dont think full goth get up and tiny hotpants will really do this time around. I dont do jeans, I have quite a retro style and I have one pair of jeans that I love but all other jeans either drag on the floor or make me look like my mum.

The only casual I rella y do is tracksuits bottoms which I wear aound the house or to work since I change into a uniform staright away and just want to be comfy.
So what on earth do I wear? Also next to no budget as going to be a skint student.

Anyone want the challenge of helping a ggirrl?

Hope you have a wonderful time! I'd get some slim fit cords in dark colours, a few slouchy jumpers, some tops and cardigans for layering, really nice ankle boots and a great bag. Natural looking makeup and whatever jewellery you feel best in. Low maintenance hairstyle. (I finished university a year ago and look/seem much older than my age - that look worked for me in the sense that it felt right but didn't stand out for any bad reasons!)

PS - Most of the above can come from Primark, H&M, charity shops or supermarkets. My cords cost me £20 per pair, everything else was bought gradually for (often much) less than £10 per item.

I dont think full goth get up and tiny hotpants will really do this time

you'll fit right in with that look! Seriously, I've been an older student and part of the fun was being allowed to wear what you want as opposed to being in an office.

Stick with your own style but you might find you become a little more adventurous as time goes on..

I also found most students were very friendly and didn't give a damn about the age gap.

Wear what you are comfortable in. You will give those young students a lesson in personal style and not blindly following fashion.

I was considered a mature student at 29 and continued on until i was 34. Most people older and younger than me at the time just wear jeans, casual shoes like trainers and a top - casual shirt, tunic or jumper. I had a rucksack to put my stuff in and a casual jacket.

I hhave my eye on a leopard print back pack.

wear your normal retro clothes if that's what you like
be who you are and don't be ashamed of it
nowt worse than someone trying to "dress studenty"

I'm 31 and started recently. I just wear my usual stuff. everyone else wears similar stuff so I don't feel out of place at all. usual stuff is tees and skirts, dresses, converse, ankle boots, skinnies, lots of cardis, hoody, trenchcoat, beanie hats (mine has ears on it) satchel or rucksack

thats my biggest problem, I dont really have any normal clothes, I have dressy retro things and trackie bottoms for walking dogs and travelling to and from work.

i don't really see why you shouldn't wear your retro stuff. Unless you are doing a very hands on dirty course like animal care or gardening stuff which would make it impractical.

Could you do retro-y casual look? This works for me. I like a lot of 50s/60s shapes, waisted dresses etc. I would never have been seen dead in anything remotely casual until child number 3 arrived but now I do skinny-ish jeans with turn-ups and ankle boots/brogues or sneakers, with white shirts or stripy tops or fitted ish fine knitwear- buttoned up cardis. Or tube/pencil skirts with the above. Or just wear my dresses with cardi, flat shoes and opaque tights.

What are you doing? I am 31 and have just started history and theology! I couldn't care less what I look like I am just trying to make sure I understand what the hell it is I am supposed to be doing

I am doing nursing.