If you're 50ish, what do you wear on a night out?

[MissLucyEyelesbarrow]

I seem to have lost my going-out mojo. I aim (with varying success 😉) for understated glam - anything too bold or glitzy looks ridiculous on me, though I love fierce looks on other people. I used always to have a couple of tops that I put with good jeans or a leather skirt, to look a bit dressy, but I feel they''re too young on me now. Looking for inspiration.

@Sunnycats

Can I ask for an opinion on this? Definitely not wanting to hijack, just I'm in the same boat. I'm good with day to day style but when it comes to dressing to go out I feel a bit lost. I dont have any going out clothes really anymore and I've been trying to sort an outfit out all week for tonight! Off to a nice cocktail bar for drinks with friends. I ordered this but am really unsure about it! Can I have some honest opinions? Be gentle though

You asked for honest opinions. It's a perfectly nice, although somewhat unexceptional dress. It's a pretty dress and you look fine it. Nothing to worry about.

@5128gap Cowboy boots are creeping back in for autumn, they were in The Times style section recently, happy because I love them too, esp short ones

I think the older lady (she's definitely well over 50) in the new Sainsburys Tu Autumn ad looks fabulous, long wavy hair, blazer, very cool

@KimikosNightmare

I don't know a single woman over 40 who doesn't give some thought to whether clothes are age-appropriate. I bet you do too, if you're over that age

I'm 62. I never give the slightest consideration as to whether or not what I'm wearing is "age appropriate"

Could you give me some guidance on what is "age appropriate" for my age?

I know you’re being goady to the poster, and I can’t quite understand why posters have their knickers in a twist, but generally in your sixties if you wear tight crop tops, bum skimming minis when out most folks would think it more appropriate on a late teen early twenty something person. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ,if that’s your bag go for it.

For me, it’s less about age appropriate and more about what looks good on you as you age. I prefer well fitting, body skimming, good quality, clothes, that I wouldn’t have considered as a teenager. When crop tops, minis, rara skirts, tiny shorts, were all the rage. I’d not wear these now.

Each to their own and no one is saying you can only dress a certain way, more that most of us do give a nod to our age when we dress. And that age can be anything from ten years old to twenty and on through the decades.

You will seldom see a ten year old in high heels and a body con dress, or a teenager in patterned polyester blouses and elasticated floral midi skirts from markies with American tan tights, throughout our lives most people dress or are dressed with a nod to their age.

But that doesn’t mean people have to. More they choose to.

but generally in your sixties if you wear tight crop tops, bum skimming minis when out most folks would think it more appropriate on a late teen early twenty something person. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ,if that’s your bag go for it

What a bizarre comment. Why are you assuming I want to wear "bum skimming minis"? Or that I ever wore them?

As someone else said Novel shape/construction, interesting pattern/texture, compelling back story, enjoyable references, that sort of thing. Selecting them on their own merits, on the basis of their design value

You will seldom see a ten year old in high heels and a body con dress, or a teenager in patterned polyester blouses and elasticated floral midi skirts from markies with American tan tights, throughout our lives most people dress or are dressed with a nod to their age

I can safely say that other than heels of up to 4" (is that high ?) I've never worn any of the items you list at any age.

What a bizarre comment. Why are you assuming I want to wear "bum skimming minis"? Or that I ever wore them?

I mean this gently but you’re anonymous on here, you asked what would he age appropriate for a woman in her sixties, I responded it’s generic, not personal to you. None of it is personal to uou

Look if you just want to fight with someone, it’s not going to be me.

Stop being disingenuous Kimikosnightmare you asked about age appropriate clothing and you have been given several examples, no one has suggested that is what you want to wear, stop trying to start an argument on what is an interesting thread.

@AmberLynn1536

Stop being disingenuous Kimikosnightmare you asked about age appropriate clothing and you have been given several examples, no one has suggested that is what you want to wear, stop trying to start an argument on what is an interesting thread.

I'm none the wiser about what "age appropriate" clothing is. Nappies? Baby grows?

I've seen plenty of blinkered stereotyping about what some posters seem to think is "age- appropriate"

When should I buy my first floral polyester blouse from M& S?

Almost 50 here, for going out I generally wear a long or short sleeved blouse (weather dependent) with culottes or a mid length skirt. I’m 5’3 so I like to wear heels as well. Jumpsuits are also a good option!

I tend to stick with slim black trousers and a nice top, unless its just a pub night and then it’s jeans, T-shirt and white trainers.

Sorry if that sounds boring!

I'll come blouse shopping with you @KimikosNightmare. I've already been accused of being in denial (and 'scared'?) purely because I disagree that all 40+ women choose what to wear partly/completely according to their age, rather than how whatever it is looks and feels on them and whether or not they like it.

We can take @Floisme too. I would love to see what you both would wear for a browse round the shops .

Lovely thread, and it's interesting to read about what looks and feels good to wear. For me, it's always been about body shape (top heavy) but that has changed slightly thanks to recent mammoplasty. Suddenly, I have become more critical of my midriff. I still just have a waist, but because I'm less hour glass, I'm having to rethink proportions.

My favourite going out rig was a black taffeta dress with pockets, with a tightish sweater over it and riding boots. Or white cargo trousers with fancy ponyskin sneakers and a looser swing top. Age 65, size 10-12. I wear skirts and dresses past the knees, unless I can wear tights (thread veins). But I like sleeveless kneelength dresses because my upper arms remain decent. Nice jeans and carefully chosen top are my default setting, and for going out all that needs changing/adding is shoes, make up and bigger earrings/jewellery.

[quote MrsVeryTired]@5128gap Cowboy boots are creeping back in for autumn, they were in The Times style section recently, happy because I love them too, esp short ones [/quote]
Yay!

Ignoring all the squabbling.

I like jumpsuits too, and I sometimes find them more flattering than a lot of the dresses around now, because they sit better on the waist.

@KimikosNightmare

but generally in your sixties if you wear tight crop tops, bum skimming minis when out most folks would think it more appropriate on a late teen early twenty something person. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ,if that’s your bag go for it

What a bizarre comment. Why are you assuming I want to wear "bum skimming minis"? Or that I ever wore them?

As someone else said Novel shape/construction, interesting pattern/texture, compelling back story, enjoyable references, that sort of thing. Selecting them on their own merits, on the basis of their design value

You will seldom see a ten year old in high heels and a body con dress, or a teenager in patterned polyester blouses and elasticated floral midi skirts from markies with American tan tights, throughout our lives most people dress or are dressed with a nod to their age

I can safely say that other than heels of up to 4" (is that high ?) I've never worn any of the items you list at any age.

You are really missing the point!

55 here. My shape has changed subtly, much bigger boobs, wider hip, chunkier thigh and calves, thicker waist. Even though I am slim I have a LOT of cellulite which means it can be seen through lighter fabrics. My feet hurt which defines footwear. My body temp fluctuates. My skin on my face has changed so I have altered the colours I choose. The muscles on my shoulders are changing, getting shorter so t- shirts for example are a challenge. I look like my mum from the side! A collar looks best.
After much trial and error, much sweating (or glowing ), and much needed patience I do the following: when suffering from fluid retention, excessive heat, or both I have three casual dresses from Zara that I throw on, all seasons. They are loose, a good length for me, do not make a statement but are a nice print, and work well dressed up or down. All of them suit my face well, and are so comfy.
When feeling more myself, I wear a light jacket in the shape of a frock coat (I found one that really suits and got it copied), usually a Uniglo t -shirt or shirt under it and nice pants or skirt. I cannot wear heals anymore so I go for a "rock chic" look with boots or sneaker.
I have a few scarves that help. I have really simplified everything, buy a lot less, and find it is getting easier.

OP you are in you late 40s so you have a while to go getting used to a new you. The posters who are having great fun with style and fashion are a bit older than you. I saw that with the incredible Aunties I have, style icons one and all. but when they hits late 50s /60s? WOW. I cant wait personally!!

Heading out tonight wearing this with a denim pencil skirt and not these but v similar

boogiewithasuitcase Claudethecat and CanIPleaseHaveOne thank you Claude, I sometimes post very bad outfit pics on the Parisienne thread (heavily cropped to disguise the squalor in the spare room where the mirror is). SocksAndTheCity I'm always up for shopping!

I think agedmother's posts are really interesting. I do wonder sometimes if all this dressing for your shape business has made us even more self conscious and critical of our bodies. It's not that I don't find style rules useful, but I do find I'm chafing against them more and more.

And I don't know why we keep coming back to arse skimming minis, as if they're somehow a big thing in the over 50 demographic. I spend far more time on here than is good for me and I have yet to see a 'bum cheeks at 60?' thread, which I take to mean that those who do like the look aren't bothered about our approval. What I do see by the truckload are threads about whether it's ok to wear the most innocuous items, like trainers or denim jackets.

@Sunnycats Where are your silver boots from? They're amazing!

Arse skimming minis are coming up because the conversation deviated into what was age appropriate. They are something you see regularly in the late teen early twenty demographic but seldom in a woman over fifty.

If there were a like button on MN, I'd click it for @Floisme, but as we're acquainted already, I'll just agree. Most of the style threads are pretty anodyne.

if you wear tight crop tops, bum skimming minis when out most folks would think it more appropriate on a late teen early twenty something person.

Ugh, appropriate appropriate appropriate this drives me mad! Who has the right to say what is or isn't appropriate?

Judgemental much?

I just don’t get the angst about age appropriate but it’s really upsetting some folks

The point being repeatedly made is that most people do dress with a nod to their age, be they a child to an elderly person. However no one has to, there are no rules and we can all wear what we wish.

There’s nothing to be upset about in that, we are all free to do as we please.

A poster on here at the near geriatric age of 38 is worried that boho, lacey or flowery dresses might no longer be appropriate for her age.

Talking about "age appropriate" clothes is just sheer nonsense.

I never stopped wearing cowboy boots...short silver and green ones, and long suede ones. 💖