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!

White trousers look good in the summer.

This is slightly different OP to 'advice' but I'd not take it too seriously if someone felt you were 'over 60' and not early 50s.

I'm hopeless at guessing ages and I'd not be sure I could guess the difference in a few years (between say 53 and 60.)

There are women of 60+ who look fabulous and women of 45 who look much older.

IME women over 60 don't dress any differently to women in their 40s or 50s, on the whole.

60 is not 'old' nowadays.

Most of us don't buy designer fashion anyway- we're using the High St. And many shops have pretty much the same things.

TBH I think one of the best things you can do to de-age is to take care of your skin, get a good haircut, invest in a make up lesson at a counter, keep your shoes and bags up to date (ie not the same boring black shoulder bag with everything), learn how to accessorise, and which colours you suit.

@BringontheSunAgain It's Eloise. YABU for the hideous misspelling of a nice name, and for not providing a link
Eloise Tiered Jersey Dress-Navy | Boden UK
Brooke Linen Top-Golden Rye | Boden UK

I only checked them out because I didn't think that Boden would give a dress an ugly misspelt name.

I have a bob (which is probably verboten), and the nearest I have to dungas is a jumpsuit. I'm doomed.

Put your hair in bunches and pretend you're a Ceebeebies presenter and you'll be just fine.

You're just messing with me. Aren't you?

<mulls over anxiously whether cool stylish people are actually doing this>

If I thought someone was older than they are it would probably have very little to nothing to do with their outfit but more their face/hair/skin that I would gage.

@HamFrancisco , even I would not wear my hair in bunches. I'm not cool or stylish.

I think Prue Leith and Mary Berry are. Totally different styles, but manage to own their own look. I've no idea of their ages, that's not what they are famous for.

face/hair/skin + teeth + posture

Yes, me! But I can't tear myself away from it, it's fascinating and I am cheering OP on from the sidelines. When I read the comments and go back and look at the photos I can understand what people are saying (although I don't always agree) so I guess I am learning too.

The problem with the designer shirt charity shop find is that it looks a bit tired. As it was a bargain, iron it and put it on Vinted.

Keep your black sandals but wear them with jeans or the white or green trousers.

When clothes look a bit tired limp people used starch. I wonder if anyone starches anymore. I suspect some of the Chinese imports are starched. I noticed it with some white bedding.

Can you walk around with a book on your head. My mother used to make me do it.

Good point

If you like jeans/trousers and can spend some money the best investment I ever made was G-Star Kate boyfriend jeans - they do different lengths and waist sizes - I have a few pairs. I’m 5 foot 3 and small build so wide leg-is difficult unless tailored for me -these jeans are great and that’s from someone who wore 501 boys in the 80s with docs - you get the fit and can still wear the shoes you love. I wear with a tank top (Bowden have a great range) and tee shirt underneath - still with docs - sorted 😀. I agree with others, it should be hair (mine is shorter) and shoes - in the summer I am wearing with Mint Velvet loafers.

I've just seen a 70+ lady wearing this dress who I follow on Instagram. She looks amazing

"J.Crew: Long-sleeve Striped Dress In Viscose Chiffon For Women" https://www.jcrew.com/uk/p/womens/categories/clothing/dresses-and-jumpsuits/CI664?display=all&fit=Classic&colorProductCode=CI664&colorCode=YD7565

Suebelle! I love her!

Yep, slightly gutted reading this thread as I am 52, but early onset osteoarthritis in both hips (worse in right) has banjaxed my posture, particularly when walking.

Me too! Although it’s actually helpful because I started a cull a while ago but I still have things that I don’t really wear that I have been holding onto - so I am going to go through them again.

This thread is fab, and the main thing I’ve taken away is that I need to take photos of me in an outfit and then consider it. I am not able to objectively consider something in the mirror - I always think it looks better than it does!

Seriously, where would you wear that? Not going to the supermarket, not for formal work attire, going out for dinner maybe ? £225 for a bit of chiffon?

Big loose clothes on older women are hiding a heffer!!

I find this comment really offensive.

Sincere apologies. Unfortunate use of casual language.
Have asked for it to be withdrawn.