Effortlessly eccentric dressing at 50 plus. How to look quirky not completely daft?

[SureIusedtobetaller]

I saw a woman when I was on hols, harem pants, flowy fabrics, grey hair, clearly didn’t give a damn. Looked gorgeous. Must’ve been at least 60 or over. I often see older women looking fabulous but not classic. But sometimes I see older women just look like they got dressed blindfold in the dark and didn’t brush their hair.
How can I achieve this? I like hippy stuff, Dr martens, pretty colours. But I just feel stupid when I try and end up in jeans and a t shirt.
Help me. Where to shop? What to get? What’s the key? I suspect good skin and hair helps? I don’t want to look classy I want to look odd but lovely!!

I do like some TU clothes but have found the cut especially around the upper arms on the sleeves and the underarm to be very off.

I fell in love with a very simple but bright dress one of my crushes was wearing on tv... I recognised the pattern as TU as I'd tried on the top, so went in search of the dress.

I bought and 18 was was slighty baggy but ok (was running at 16-18 in TU) but very tight in the bingo wing area but big and gaping under the arms...returned for a 20 which was still tight in the arms but like a tent all over.

I ended up returning it again and giving up..I called it the Janina dress as it looked so good on Dr Janina Ramirez [sulk]

That is true
I am small build and I dont buy their tunics because they are too tight at the top

I think the problem might be with the word 'effortlessly.' My effortless dressing is a jumper and jeans, but it's not very stylish.
I do wonder if I'm not more adventurous because I don't want people to look at me. That sounds a bit depressing, doesn't it? I don't want them to think I'm trying too hard, but I do want to look as if I care, and I've always loved clothes.

Who are these ‘people’ helzaoppin2?

(And why cannot a jumper and jeans be stylish?)

Ah, Gruach - who indeed are these people? They live in our heads, speaking with the voices of long-gone aunts and school 'friends'...

You could try Asian kameez/tunics, come in various prints, shapes, colours and fits, just pair with palazzo for flairy look or chinos for a formal look, then add a scarf or silk shawl. Lagenlook is great

Love these styles - great for ideas abs inspiration

www.jaypore.com

www.theloom.in

www.goodearth.in

I love the harem pants and some of the tops on the Forgotten Tribes website. I can't see who originally posted the link now but, thank you!
Prices for my budget too.
I'm 52 and wear jeans and various, very boring jumpers at the moment. I do love a scarf though. I really want these as I'm not sure I want the full DM clump but still a bit tough 😬 And they have a zip!

pancakebread, the loom and good earth have some lovely clothes.
Thank you for the links. The shapes are perfect for summer clothes for a figure like mine. I'm an apple shape.
Gruach I don't know who these people are, didn't even realise I'd written that!
While we're on the subject, I like the look of skinnies and jeggings, but when I try them on, they're like tourniquets for the legs, and I can't do with constrictive clothing. Does anyone know of any that are narrow, but forgiving?

Love those boots Bagel!

Can I please direct you to “ Karen Brit Chick” who has the most awesome channel on You Tube featuring some seriously cool and eclectic fashion choices - including thrifted and vintage buys. She also has a website here.

wheredidugetthat.com/

I'm an apple with total intolerance for discomfort. My favourite trousers are Landsend Starfish slimfit jersey trousers. The blurb about them says something like 'sort of leggings but not'. They don't go baggy. The colour fades eventually. They cost £35-40 but they go on forever, wash on 40 and tumble dry if you need to.

Buykud (online) also has some affordable slightly eccentric clothing and the quality is excellent.

Footle, thanks for the recommendation. Darn it, I've just missed the 30% off at Lands End, but I'm sure it'll be around again soon.

My fault! I actually ordered myself a new pair last night, and should have come back to let you know. They do have a lot of offers.

Saw this, thought of all of you.

Now this is exactly the sort of thing I’ve been trying to describe. Verging on perfection in my eyes. (Both photos from Milan Fashion Week.)

Though I would want: a stiffer skirt; chunkier, mohair socks, or probably wellies.

@Gruach love everything about the second pic but the footwear

Actually I love the sandals as not slip ons but sling back. Yes, it's perfect

I'm a size 14, but wear clothes sized 14-20, very good for layering and hiding the nerve going baby belly. Plus I'm 14 on top but 16 at the hips and thigh. Most of my clothes are from vintage fairs, charity shops and eBay. My current favourite dress style is a knee length tunic, jumper with straight sides and slits abs ankle grazing chinos. In this weather I am wearing them with dr martens brogues or boots and men's socks.

*never not nerve !!!

Gruach that coat (2nd pic) is lovely. it's reminded me I had a similar one years and years ago from a charity shop which I loved and wore until my bag wore a hole in the side!

Lands End Starfish trousers look great but annoying there's no longer length option. Still, if I bought the Dune Rayko boots I crave, the shorter length would probably be perfect 😬

Place marking! I was on the quirky thread too and still searching for accessible, affordable interesting clothes.
Must persevere with my DMs. Are they always hell to wear in?

Yes they are but once you have they are worth it. Try doubling up your socks.