Which top?

[OldGrannyish]

Friend's 50th birthday. DH doesn't like one because it's too grannyish and MIL says that one is better (but then, she is a granny!)
Which is better? I prefer one over the other, but my fashion sense is questionable

Black jeans and probably a dark blue (or black?) cardigan with it

Anyone can't wear black! I can't! It looks awful. Ditto grey. People are allowed know what suits them! Agree re Docs but also agree some do anyway and can absolutely look good.

I agree about the blazer thing too. I like the look on others, but it makes me feel like I’m at work.

I used to have a jersey biker jacket that I wore to pieces, as a blazer alternative, but can’t find a replacement.

I wore an outfit like this to a 40th birthday party last year- I think the bright top works with black.

🙌🏼

YES!!

There's no such thing as can't. You mean you choose not to because you don't think it suits you.

Ha, well yes, but it really doesn't suit me and I would be wasting my money on black because of that, so from my POV, I can't wear it. I've never had my colours done BTW but in recent years, know what suits me and doesn't. Can't see how that's a negative!

Never had my colours done either. I just muddle my way through. I don't wear white or cream often because I drink coffee and am clumsy with spills.

Oh no, OP now wants makeup suggestions?😅(only joking, OP).

Maybe I should make a new thread!

I prefer not to wear black close to my face but will happily wear black trousers or jeans (with coloured tops).

OP I think it’s important to wear what you’re comfortable in. There is nothing worse than wearing something that you feel self conscious in and are always fiddling with.

I must admit I’ve found several of the alternative tops frumpier than the original suggestion.

Hmm I think I prefer navy but DD says black. Colourwise me says I'm a deep winter. I quite like this blazer but I'm not sure I can justify it as a one off. Unless it's job interview material? Does it go with navy trousers/top?

Again, H and M are good for blazers if you don't want to spend a lot. I bought a decent linen one last year.
And colours? I had mine done and it was a real help. When black or any jewel scarves were put next to my face I looked ill and the dark circles under my eyes looked terrible. When warm, bright scarves were put next to my face, I looked so much better. Every time I go off piste I end up taking the clothes back. And, no. I have no links to any of the 'colour' businesses! I just had a good experience (says the woman currently wearing a vivid yellow top)...

Step away from that blazer, it's worse than the two tops you initially posted about.

I can’t help but notice on this thread how the usual cries of ageism by S&B posters are absent, despite constant mentions of “frumpy”, “grannyish” (even in the op’s name!) and “nursing homes”. Why is this thread escaping scrutiny? The only person who’s mentioned it is @NatashaDancing . Part of me wonders if it’s not all some sort of weird experiment by the OP - why would you call yourself “OldGrannyish” and post the tops in the OP if you weren’t trying to bait ageist comments? While claiming to think that those are the sort of thing most 40 year olds wear? It’s bizarre.

I like the blazer - I would wear it with black over navy personally but then I'd be breaking the black with colour rule

I like the first silk top with sleeves rather than the cami.

I would wear it with trousers not jeans for a birthday.

Bootcut jeans + DMs have to be the least flattering looks around.

Yup.

I don’t like the blazer, sorry, and absolutely not with navy.

OP, the Lily silk top is great! I quite liked the green Maxmara one too but no way would I spend £400 on it!

re colours being done - I found initially when I had them done it can be confusing if you like florals or prints like I do. I’m also told by other people sometimes that I suit aubergine, plum, purple etc and I don’t feel comfy in them. It’s what suits you that matters. Certain colours I’ve found I can wear now i’m older eg yellow and orange (not when younger) but I could never wear jewel colours but I love the look on others!

A leather jacket or little black boucle blazer might be nice with black silk. There are lots of the latter around, although might need to change the buttons.

OP, the Lily silk top is great! I quite liked the green Maxmara one too but no way would I spend £400 on it!

re colours being done - I found initially when I had them done it can be confusing if you like florals or prints like I do. I’m also told by other people sometimes that I suit aubergine, plum, purple etc and I don’t feel comfy in them. It’s what suits you that matters. Certain colours I’ve found I can wear now i’m older eg yellow and orange (not when younger) but I could never wear jewel colours but I love the look on others!

Agree

MN is obsessed with "blazers". I don't think I've worn one since I left school either and also have never worn the blazer and cami option. (Tbh, I don't particularly like it - I don't often use the word "dated" , this might be the first time but it does look "dated" as if the wearer is trying to look like Kate Moss from 20 years ago) Perhaps we're talking about different things - I've had tailored, fitted jackets but not what I would call a "blazer" which to me means a longer, straight up and down jacket.

I don't think it's a look for the OP.

I have a dark denim jacket and a dusky pink one, don't have a leather jacket.

Maybe a navy leather jacket (haven’t got one but a friend has). Boucle can look nice. Lots of boucle options around.

Thirded.