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!

You look amazing in your new clothes. You suit them. It is a stunning change that you have made .I rate Bravissimo for measuring. Ever since I went there I have felt far more comfier when it comes to bras .When Debenhams was still open I had bra fittings done there and also at M&S. The lady at Bravissimo reckoned I needed a different size and she was so correct. I wonder what your next plan is.

Second Bravissimo pre DCs wedding we went dress shopping she needed the right scaffolding for the style. I wound up in a changing room and came away with two new bras. Great experience, perfect fit.

As pp said try Levi's. After years of wearing spray on jeans my son asked for Levi in a particular style size length for Christmas.

I found a pair online. What a difference he looks amazing in them. My older son has had some 20 years. He's had replacement zips and repairs done. They're worth the price.

Thank you again!

For those who wanted links to the uniqlo trousers, I think the green ones are these:

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E475344-000/00

Cream are these

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E479311-000/00

And I took a (bad) photo of the label of the jeans which is attached. Someone asked if I was wearing a different bra in the set of photos I the dressing room - yes, that's my "going out" bra!

I think I'm going back for the green barrel leg trousers. The more I look at them the more I like them. They'll need to be slightly shortened bit uniqlo does that for free. I'll get the t-shirt also. I wanted to try on the striped m&s button down someone mentioned in here but they were out of stock in my size so I'll try another branch. And with that I'll have the start of a capsule wardrobe I think.

I like Uniqlo V neck T shirts. Bought a load of white ones a few years ago and they lasted really well and still white..

Thank you so much! The necklace was a gift I'm afraid but there are lots of similar ones on etsy I found via Google lens for example pin.it/nyaST2Bgp

Fabulous developments, @Nifty50something - you look a different woman already!

OP I'm just chipping in to say you look particularly fab in the green trouser outfit - definitely go for it!

They look ridiculous. Nora batty indeed.

You see this is what 'gets me'. Some journo pops up on a 'style' magazine and posts some pics of a young women wearing ankle socks and says THIS IS THE WAY TO DO IT.

Nope. I won't be told what to wear by some journo who writes column inches.

I think those green ones look great on you ( although it’s very much my style) so I’m going to give them a go too! They look like they could be Toast / Cos / Plumo if that happens to be your vibe

Those links are to looks that are truly hideous.

Just chipping in randomly to say that I think there's a look these days that's become, imo, every bit as "clichéd old(er) woman" as the grey perm used to be.
Jenny Eclair was sporting it on "House of Games" recently (yes, I realise watching HoG ages me).
It's the grey/platinum short hair worn in gelled spikes, huge earrings and/or necklace, 80s children's TV presenter clothes* and "wacky" spectacles frames (if worn).
They're quite likely to say things like "I'm mad, me" and they "bimble" to places.
I don't know much about fashion or style (yes, I'm sure it shows) but I know what I don't like.
OP, I think your look is becoming more and more flattering to your enviable shape at a rapid pace. I'm particularly jealous of your waist - the tucked-in-top thing is difficult with a huge stomach like mine.

*Extra points if they describe their often-worn dungarees as "dungas".

Was it you who used the word "daps" on this thread?
If so, are you Welsh?
I've no objection myself to the P-word, saving your presence, but it's ages since I've heard/read "daps" and I realise now that I've missed it.

Invest in more going out bras and turn them into your all round, everyday, all occasion bras.

This thread is very helpful. I don’t think I am too bad on the clothes front at 55, but got a bit of a shock when I looked at myself in my underwear in the John Lewis changing room mirror, so I need to get refitted and spend a bit more on my bras.

@LaMarschallin , it used to be that any post that mentioned p-solls was hidden until the mods had a look at it. Cue a few innocent posts about Supergas or similar generating a feeling of 'What have I done?'.

Careful, your ageism and misogyny are showing.

They’re never a good look.

it used to be that any post that mentioned p-solls was hidden until the mods had a look at it

Oh! I didn't realise - how strange.

What’s wrong with p…solls?

@LaMarschallin that sounds a bit like Prue Leith (minus the "dungas") and that woman is a QUEEN.

Prue Leith or not, I think that look started out well and as a reaction to the way women were perceived to dress as they got older but has now become very stereotypical.
Just my opinion; I wouldn't wear it myself but I'm sure a lot of people love it.

I think it was a reaction to a troll with a used rubber-soled shoe fetish.

I don't see anything wrong with the Jenny Eclair look.
I wear dungarees but only call them dungas on here, in the same way as I might use cardi. Wouldn't dream of using it IRL.

My dad always said daps and he was Scottish.

Green trousers with blue shirt 👌🏻

This thread has been great @Nifty50something Really enjoying the transformation. Wanted to suggest LF Markey - loads on Vinted that would suit you.