Mutton dressed as lamb?

[LoveIsInTheAir81]

Hello,
I’m a 41 year old mother of two who has lost a lot of weight over the past couple of years. I’m now a normal size for the first time since I was 27. All those clothes that I had wished for back then but couldn’t wear because they didn’t look good have found their way into my wardrobe. But how do I wear these items without looking like mutton dressed as lamb?? I want to look classy and elegant but still show off my new features.

This much I have realised myself:

• only one asset at a time (boobs or legs!)
• if wearing something a bit risqué, play it down with other items.

Any more tips?

How can I wear a black denim mini?

How can I wear a standard blue denim mini?

How can I wear an above the knee, strappy sundress (if at all?).

Please please advise!!!
Thanks.

I wear denim minis with vest tops in the summer....

I'm 42

I don't care if I don't look elegant!

Fair enough - we should wear what we like - but OP did say she wanted to look elegant.

I think denim skirts are too casual to be elegant, although I like them.

If OP wants to wear a short skirt & look elegant she should stick to a smarter look, eg a short black dress can look chic.

Elllllle, I don't travel on the tube, I'm very unlikely to be bending over in public it's not like I'm scouring the pavement for dog ends, and of course I wouldn't attend a meeting in a very short skirt, but then I'm not bothered about corporate life, London, or whether other women are bitching. Not my problem.

Another hater of that phrase. Comparing women to meat, suggesting that older women have no business looking attractive, etc, etc.

Anyway, I'm the wrong side of 50 and wear short skirts and dresses (with opaque tights in the winter, bare or nude tights in the summer).

I'm also a big fan of shorts (they suit my figure, I think) with tights in the winter.

Don't know if I look elegant but think I look good. And that's what matters.

You're also not the 'wrong side' Bella 😀

@maxinespalour I applaud all showing off of legs! And I think you should keep doing so as long as you wish. Rather than "bitching" @MiniTheMinx, I admire good legs and a good mini for that matter, I just don't want to see your arse cheeks (or your gusset!) as well. I have seen both on women out and about and it's seriously awful. Sorry if that offends you!

Just remember Kylie Minogue is 50 and looks amazing. If I had her legs I would be rocking a mini like the one linked.

I do wear skirts that are short but not that short just because my legs only look great to a certain point and I am mid 40s.

I am not suddenly going to opt for a twin set and pearls type outfit. Wear what you like for you. We are not eye candy for men, dress for your shape rather than for fashion.

I would style both those dresses just like they have on the models. I’m not keen on the blue skirt. Agree with a PP that dresses would be more elegant.

Elllllle, agreed, no one wants or needs to see it!

Is there an equivalent term for men? Can men dress too young for their age? What do we assume about their moral character? Nothing generally. So I agree the term mutton is deeply misogynistic. But is it mainly women doing the judging?

I categorically do not want to see random men's arse cheeks or gussets either.

90% of men just dress poorly - too fuddy duddy mostly. 80s leather jackets, awful jeans etc in the UK. In Sydney, they wear too tight tshirts and jeans and think they are 20 yrs (?) younger than they are

Ellllllle is right - 90% of men dress like Homer Simpson.

I'm 50 and I still look great in a bikini, shorts, etc. in the summer.

Elegance =/= denim mini skirts though, so if you wanted to look more elegant a leather option with thick black tights might work better.

I’m the same ages and think both skirts would be great with tights and boots (blue denim with grey or brown tights and boots).

In the summer I’d genersly wear slightly longer skirts/dressses with bare legs (fake tanned) for work and only really wear that short skirt with no tights on holiday or to go out.

@thedevilinablackdress
You're also not the 'wrong side' Bella

See how insidious the sexist language is?

Anyway, off to pull on some denim shorts, tights and DMs - 'cos it's my day off and I can!

There are little heeled Ash boots which look nice with minis.

I’m a little late on parade with this thread. which is a shame as being of a similar age, it is a subject close to my heart.

A little (but not nipple skimming) cleavage is nice with, say, white trousers.

Quality leggings (the better ones have a gusset so no nasty centre seam) go nicely with a top just below the bum.

Skirts. Try one above the knee and go a little shorter. Vary (reduce) the denier of your tights until it no longer feels right for you. Then Make your last “comfortable” ones your standard.

Sundresses. I suggest stopping around the knee. Watch for side boob too.

Finally, with weight loss you probably need different size bras, don’t spoil it all by neglecting this bit. Treat yourself with some matching knix.

Denim mini for summer

Loose v neck t shirt with a french tuck.
Silky oversized blouse with sleeves rolled or pushed up
Birkenstock sandals or low/mid clog sandals

Denim mini for winter

Big chunky sweater, thick tights and those western style suede ash boots. Team with a leather or suede biker and a big scarf.

A bit of fake tan doesn’t hurt for ultimate short skirt confidence!

Crisp white trainers are good with mini skirts too-
Superega
Veja
Adidas