My clothes are aging me - please help?

[Nifty50something]

The other day someone mistook me for being over 60 when I'm actually in my early 50s. I asked a good friend about it and she said it's because my clothes are aging me. I've never followed fashion and tend to just wear what's comfortable, shop second hand or from m&s, etc. But I'd like to try to update my look.

I've been wearing:

1. Cropped jeans with zips to make them tapered
2. Black cigarette trousers tapered at the ankle
3. Midi dresses with nice patterns (not flower patterns but more aztec or palm print).

Are any of the above items still ok or are they all frumpy? Any links to things you've bought and love? What are the trends now (I think barrel leg trousers, denim jackets or cropped trench jackets, pink...also waistcoats without a top underneath which I wouldnt wear but could wear one over a top if that would work)?

Nothing wrong with looking 60 but I'm just not there yet and would prefer to look my age!

I thought it was just me! I haven't heard of anyone "getting your colours" done for decades - other than on MN!

It's also ridiculous to get rid of clothes simply because they are no longer "fashionable". How tedious to be so restricted by what others deem as being in fashion, rather than being able to decide for yourself what you like and what you feel good in.

@Nifty50something I'd definitely do a 'wit woo' at you in those dark green trousers, you really suit them.

What a transformation! You look amazing!
I particularly like the light trousers/ stripy top
i love Uniqlo for basics

I like the stripey top. The trousers are a good shape but material looks thin. I like the green barrell trousers and top. The jeans and the shirt with the jeans are not nice.

@Nifty50something
Just to throw the cat amongst the pigeons I put the word 'palm' into the Mint Velvet searchbox and it came up with 24 items, most of them gorgeous summer dresses. So it's not just you (and me) that loves a good palm print!

Thank you for starting this thread, I have really enjoyed it. I would only suggest when you're trying things on it's a good idea to wear suitable shoes, not bare feet, ie your chunky shoes or sandals with the wide legged jeans.

You have a lovely figure, I hope you're enjoying trying on lots of different stuff and find you're own individual style.

Well @Nifty50something , some people might not like the individual items, but IMO todays shopping trip has taken 10 years off you, if not more and about a stone

I was just about to say similar. I wear no-show socks (actually, they do show a bit) simply because I don't like the look of ankle socks with shoes - I'm not a child. I had no idea no-show socks had anything to do with fashion!

Actually, coloured ankle socks with short boots and a dress can look nice, otherwise it's a firm no from me (and I wouldn't wear them myself).

Why do some people find it so difficult to understand that some of us have a style we like which has nothing to do with what is supposedly in fashion?

Those last three outfits look great. I love the trousers/jeans in all of them. Can you provide links?
One thing I would say that's already been mentioned. I think you need new bras in a different size. Get yourself measured, but not in m&s as they are notoriously bad for measuring.

Actually, coloured ankle socks with short boots and a dress can look nice, otherwise it's a firm no from me (and I wouldn't wear them myself)

I wear ankle socks with longish skirts, with boots, flat pumps and fisherman's sandals. So does my mid 30s assistant.
I think these look great.

Ankle socks
Ankle socks

@Nifty50something much better. Clever finding trousers that little bit longer. Keep enjoying your experience. We all get stuck in ruts at times.

One cheat re teeshirts is to buy tight plain, throw a shirt over the t-shirt and leave a couple of buttons undone at the top. I've done that in cooler weather.

Like the striped t shirt and light trousers but not together. Good shape for the top though. I like the striped shirt in the last photo. Not sure about the green trousers though - can see why you're not convinced. Maybe could be altered if you were bothered enough.

I love that you're trying new things, very helpful for lots of us watching this thread. These latest outfits have taken years off you.

Look at what women are wearing on TV, or shopping, There are selling channels for fashion. You don't have to buy them, but they are modelled by women of various ages.

Some clothes catalogues, like Gudruns have models of all ages showing the clothes.

@Nifty50something I like the photos you've put up and the changes you've made.

My only advice, and it's one I should take myself, is always wear a belt if the trousers have loops.

Quite like the striped top and the jeans aren’t bad - not keen on anything else - then again I refuse to buy certain things because they are ‘in fashion’ so it may not be my judgement you want . I thought the skirt and trainers combo plus denim jacket looked nicer if I’m honest - but as someone said we all like different things

Sorry, I think they look hideous - but then I'm probably a lot older than you
Coloured merino socks with chelsea boots and a long dress/skirt, yes, anything else it's a definite no.

I'll be 66 in a few days.

Oh, then you in fact are slightly older than I am. I can't imagine any of my friends going for the look either, but it's good that we are all different. You probably wouldn't go for my scruffy casual look!

I'm sorry to be blunt, but those shoes look very old-lady style, and the vest makes the dress look right out of the eighties. While it would be a nice look altogether on a younger person, I can see how it could make someone in their fifties look older.

It all depends on what you like. I usually wear striking, unique pieces of very different, unusual design (I'm fifty-eight but everyone assumes I'm a decade younger) and people are always commenting on my style and even offer to buy my clothes. You need to find your style. Look at fashion photos, explore different shops, try things on, and don't be afraid to stand out!

The second link with the falling down pop socks has a true Nora Batty vibe.

The look is the antithesis of style. It makes me think the shoes gave the wearer blisters the first time but they want to keep wearing the shoes.

I love the socks and sandals look… I don’t like the second look here because I’m not keen on kitten heels but the socks have not nothing to do with it. I wore some bright socks with some black block heels from Cos, some oversized black trousers from Studio Nicholson and an old graphic tee shirt from a Siouxsie Sioux gig that I rediscovered a while back. I’m about to be 55… and Siouxsie Sioux is 67!

I really like those green trousers the OP has on but I can’t tell which ones they are at Uniqlo.

All 3 look great!!

@IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle

I kind of agree with you about the colours…I understand that we look “better” in some colours than others that seems to be standard. I asked ChatGPT and it assessed me as a soft summer which seems pretty accurate. Among the colours I’m “supposed” to wear are colours I gravitate to naturally so that’s fine. There are plenty of colours I wouldn’t wear though just because they suit me - I’m not passive in this process. I still have my own taste.

If you can afford it I would recommend going to a Levi’s shop for good jeans. They bring you combinations of different styles, leg lengths and waist sizes so you can find the perfect pair for you. (If you can’t afford them, try on all the pairs anyway and then watch Vinted.)

And John Lewis for new bras. They do a good job of measuring and fitting you, again they bring all the things for you to try and you can really see the difference.

OP you are amazing for being brave enough to start this thread and put photos up, those last pictures look so much better. What an inspiration. Some really interesting discussion here too.

I am 53 and struggle a bit sometimes too. I am petite (5ft 4 and size 6-8) so have to be careful with anything baggy or floaty that just swamps me. However I got stuck in a skinny jeans rut and realised that they mostly emphasise my broomstick like frame as I have no boobs or bum. I also feel the cold terribly and menopause has made it worse so wear thermals most of the year, which is another complication.

My approach is to try to wear clothes that are comfortable and make me feel good whilst being a bit aware of fashion and trends. I still go into the office most days. I wore very corporate wear to work for years, it was my armour and gave me confidence so I have found it hard to move away from that.

I also believe that accessories, hair, make up and nails make a massive difference. I could probably improve a bit and I would love to get my teeth whitened, but I have a good hairdresser and go for regular facials.

The thread has made me want to hit the shops this weekend!

@Nifty50something your latest photos look great, it all suits you so much better than the first lot of photos. How do you feel in the things you've been trying on?

I love that gold necklace you have (like half a sun). That's super pretty, where is it from please?