How to not look middle aged

[Justtakeatowel]

I've seen a few pictures of my recently and I look frumpy. I don't mind looking my age (mid 40s) but I just look uurgh.

I've started curly girl and I think curly hair ages me loads! Where do I need to buy from to make myself a bit more with it? I've a tendency to buy cheap supermarket stuff which I think isn't always cut the best and I'm willing to spend a bit more.

I'm 5 ft 7 and 9 stone 9 if that makes a difference but a definite apple and have a bit of a belly which I think adds to the frumpiness

Thanks!

Absolutely spot on @Newgirls. Middle-aged men shameless generalisation could and should pay more attention to their clothing
(unless, like DH, they are lucky enough to be married to women who acquire flattering clothing for them and deliberately sabotage the hideous stuff).

Ppeatfruit that is such a me thing to do!! But I see a nice wearable one, two actually tho one out of stock, on Cezane that I might actually wear rather than admire for its crispness in the wardrobe while I pull on a t-shirt.

I think the op, like many of us, wants things that suit her and that are a bit interesting, that's all. I have looked on & Other Stories and nothing great there at the mo but will keep an eye.

(unless, like DH, they are lucky enough to be married to women who acquire flattering clothing for them and deliberately sabotage the hideous stuff).

I have decided that camouflage clothing is the most flattering for my husband.

DH is not what you'd call a standard size so it's not just a matter of picking stuff up from the High Street. Thank heaven for online shopping.

I work with a group of Scandinavian middle aged men who take good care of themselves and are very good looking.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the majority of British men in my organisation.

A lot of young Scandinavian men look great but not so much when they reach middle age. Then they look grey.

They seem fond of greige.

People have a skewed idea of what entails “frumpy”. Some think a youngish French woman like this fits the description.

In fact she is chic and classy.

But that’s a different point. Obviously if I put on clothes I wore - very trendily if I may say so! - in the 80s/90s I’d look an absolute loon. My teenage dd can go out in the same clothes and look fine.

You think she looks “chic and classy” @candilemon. I think she looks years older than her age. That carefully tied and arranged scarf is so contrived, it would make me look as if all I’m missing is a blue rinse.

@candilemon

People have a skewed idea of what entails “frumpy”. Some think a youngish French woman like this fits the description.

In fact she is chic and classy.

Well several posters have,said they disagree with you; many more who have not posted will agree with them. I don't think anyone has come on here and agreed with you.

Lots of people don't want to look 'chic and classy' and would prefer to look cool.

In fact she is chic and classy.

Agree, she looks like she is trying to advertise polyester - really ageing look.

I do agree that we all have different views on this though, which is why you can't say "In fact..."

FWIW here is my idea of chic and classy and you can all rip me to shreds

Cool.

I would never wear a polyester scarf. Shock!

Both chic and classy...

Ditto...

I don't hate the first picture, but the second looks straight of the Grattan catalogue. The earrings in picture 1 make it modern; the rest is classic BCBG.

Scarves are not looking current to my eyes this year. But what would I know, I am 64!

What's BCBG?

Too much material in those scarves IMHO. I like the way Nina in Offspring wears them!

I don’t think I’d agree those neck scarves are chic and classy at all they look frumpy to me, and even more so on an older woman.

A lot of young Scandinavian men look great but not so much when they reach middle age. Then they look grey.

I would have to disagree. I'm often in Sweden and middle aged men over there look great as do my colleagues. I find them very handsome and well dressed.

Grattan catalogue.

What?

Bluntness, I’m sure you are a chic individual...
Do tell what your taste amounts to.

In Stockholm, the young blond men are a delight to behold; the older variety, not so much.

BCBG= bon chic, bon genre. Not a compliment, but it might be, nor an insult either. Naice, tasteful, rather well-bred!.