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Original poster

Denim jacket at 45?

27 replies

BabyGanoush · 27/08/2016 12:02

I think I want one, but there is something niggling me.

Not sure what Confused, can anyone tell me? Grin

I had one 20 years ago, maybe it's the feeling I should not try to dress like I did in my 20s?

Something inside me is saying :"no!" . Is it my inner Daily-Mail-reader telling me to start wearing fitted dresses and nude court shoes?! (Never!)

I really want one, but need to know what this niggle is....

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 27/08/2016 12:11

Maybe the fact that you did wear one in your 20s (there's the old adage that if you wore it first time around...... Wink )

I would never wear a leather jacket (vegetarian) or a pleather jacket (hormones eek) I'd boil.
But I like a denim jacket as long as it's neat, not ripped or scruffy and No Double Denim.

(My DD wears a black denim jacket and black denim mini and it looks gorgeous )

I love the jeans ,white shirt and black jacket look (I was an 80s teenager) I'm still looking for The Jacket Grin

Try a few on, see how it looks and feels. I think they look good with a close fitting maxi dress but I'm neither Stylish or Beautiful.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 27/08/2016 12:12

Ooh have a look at photos of Status Quo and go to the other end of The Denim Spectrum.........................you'll be fine Wink

Original poster
BabyGanoush · 27/08/2016 12:16

Status Quo! Shock

I like this one:
m.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dickins+Jones+Danielle+Denim+Jacket/D656675,default,pd.html

And I'd wear it with a dress, a bit like you'd wear a leather jacket!

OP posts:
Floisme · 27/08/2016 12:33

No way am I leaving denim for young people. In fact, the older I get the more my body likes it: there's a bit of structure but it also gives and it doesn't make me sweat.

And if I listened to that 'second time around' adage I'd have to take to my bed for the rest of my life. Everything comes round again, even jumpsuits.

A dress with a denim jacket is wearable at any age but maybe the niggle is because you're looking for a change of style?

dudsville · 27/08/2016 12:52

I have one for the first time in 10/15 years (and that one was crap - then one I had in teens was fabulous). I love it. As pp said, it gives structure, it's actually a perfect jacket outside of the winter months as it's cotton and lightweight but not flimsy. Maybe just don't go for the proper "retro" jackets like the big 80's looking ones and the stone washed ones. I'll let the kids have fun with those!

onlyconnect · 27/08/2016 12:55

I wear one and I'm 48. I've never even considered that I might be too old.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 27/08/2016 12:56

That jacket is lovely , it looks smart enough (ie Non Quo Grin )

I love the shirt dresses that were around in the 90s and reappear every so often but, they are too restrictive for me , I can't bend or drive without them pulling somewhere.
I bought a Tencel shirt (shirtdress style) and promised myself if I liked it , I'd buy the longer dress version. The material is lighter, more forgiving but needs ironed.

I think with leather jackets, they can go from scruffy biker (as in "I wear this on my motorbike and its had a few scrapes" functional ) right through to buttery soft ultra glam. But not for me.
Same with denim. Extreme scruff or Extreme ££ . Depends what you want.

Are you going to buy the jacket

Original poster
BabyGanoush · 27/08/2016 13:39

I am still undecided...

I think Flo has found the root of my niggle: it is something I would have happily worn at any age, but I feel that maybe I need a change of style.

Basically I dress like an "old" girl and wonder if I need to get a more grown-up style... Like Cos/Uniqlo/toast instead of my endless jersey dresses with jacket and ankle boots....

OP posts:
Original poster
BabyGanoush · 27/08/2016 13:41

70is, I am also on a manic hunt for the perfect shirt dress!

They always look wrong on me Sad

OP posts:
Floisme · 27/08/2016 13:51

It sounds like you're a bit bored with your look? I think that's a good reason for a change - it's easy to get into a rut.

Floisme · 27/08/2016 14:08

I still think a denim jacket is a good basic by the way and it's endlessly versatile. Maybe it's really the jersey dresses you're bored with??

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/08/2016 14:36

I've had denim jackets since I was 11 and am now 46. Have worn one every year in between (not the same one!).

I think you could find one that's just as nice and cheaper than the D&J one - maybe start with a cheaper one and see how you get on with it, then you can always splash out once you know it's something you'll want to keep wearing.

Also, be prepared to wash it and chuck it around a bit before it feels okay!

Original poster
BabyGanoush · 27/08/2016 14:54

Yes Remus, the stiffness of a new jacket is always annoying! .... For a bit.

Flo, ouch, yes, I am bored with those dresses but they suit my shape and are comfy. Flattering-and-comfy is my holy grail when it comes to clothes,

The denim jacket would give the dresses a new lease of life. Question is: do they deserve a new lease of life?!

This is getting deep!

OP posts:
PollyPerky · 27/08/2016 15:00

What's age got to do with it?

45 is young FGS anyway!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/08/2016 15:11

How about buying a cheaper jacket, and a new jersey dress in a different print (with the money you've saved on the more expensive jacket!)? The new dress might be enough to make you feel that actually there's nothing wrong with your other dresses, and the jacket will then 'revive' them too!

helenatroy · 27/08/2016 15:13

Why on earth not. I saw Helen Mirren in a black leather bikers jacket and she's older than 45. If you suit it wear it.

FrancisCrawford · 27/08/2016 15:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AuldYow · 27/08/2016 15:14

I have 4 denim jackets in varying shades plus a leather one, I'm 41 and couldn't care a jot whether I'm too 'old'!

I'll get me coat denim or leatherWink

Wolfiefan · 27/08/2016 15:15

I'm 45 and I want one! It's what I will be hunting for in the shops this autumn. Not to wear with jeans but over a dress or with a skirt maybe.
Recommendation please. I'm a size 16 so no suggestions for skinny folk!!

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 27/08/2016 16:08

I want a denim jacket now.

Glares at Baby and puts her in the corner Wink

BuntyFigglesworthSpiffington · 27/08/2016 16:56

As long as you don't match your denim jacket to your denim jeans a la Shakey I can't see what the problem might be!

Denim jacket is a neutral and classic garment isn't it?

FurryDogMother · 27/08/2016 17:01

I'm 57 and I wear one, complete with badges on it. Works for me!

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 27/08/2016 17:19

Double denim was A Thing last year (as was Triple Denim in one magazine, I was Shock jeans/jacket/denim shirt or waistcoat. A bridge too far )

If............................... IF I bought one , could I wear it with black jeggings. I can't wear heavy coats (hot flushes) but I'm not a dress person either.

I feel a trying on session approaching, with my hyper critical DD doing a CatsBumFace.

Original poster
BabyGanoush · 27/08/2016 17:46

70s, leave the DD at home!

Am still undecided

Pleased with attention and having been put in the corner, am plotting to jump back on centre stage and do an amazing dance

In my jersey dress

.. And a denim jacket?

Still undecided....

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 27/08/2016 18:41

Oh no, I need DD as my Simon Cowell/ Craig Revel Horwood otherwise I'd come home with a Parka (channelling my inner Feargal Sharkey) or a houndstooth checked throw that IMO made me look like a glam 40-something, but IRL made me look like Paddington Bear.
Or the lovely buttonless camel wool coat that had DD and DH tutting and muttering about DelBoy Trotter.

I saw an amazing woman , 'bout my age (I'm 50) short grey hair, glasses , sandles and the shirtdress I covet.
I have short dark hair (henna) and glasses but I couldn't have worn it with the grace she had Sad

Get out there in your jersey dress and try it on. Then buy it and see what else it goes with.