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!

Me too, she's an amazing lady

Love this thread - I'm learning so much!

I'm in my early sixties and struggle in the summer so trying to put together a summer wardrobe that I like and feel good in (covering up arms and legs!)

Sorry but this is top frump, I'm 63 and 8 would wear it

This thread has given me a rethink. I was bored of wearing the same old jeans and tops. I took a few bits to charity shop and I’ve had a splurge on Vinted for some softer colours Stone/ cream/ white spectrum.
I bought a beautiful Broderie anglaise blouse( love Broderie!) for £4.50.. almost identical on the White company website £115.. it’s pristine and fits perfectly
I am 60( 21 in my head)

Thank you for starting this thread OP. It has helped me look critically at my own clothes and I've learnt a lot from the comments here.

The transformation in your style in just a few days is amazing! I think the Uniqlo outfits are particularly successful.

Have you seen this blog?
https://thatsnotmyage.com/outfits/
I saw it recommended on MN and I've found it hugely helpful to keep my look current. She mixes clothes from all sources and is big on how to wear existing things in her wardrobe with something new. I also think she is good on changing silhouettes. Her favourite shirts and slouchy trousers look might be yours too!

I think v necks would suit you better op, high and round necks make you look frumpy.

I'm so glad this thread is helping others! It's seriously going to become my "fashion bible" which I will study over thr coming weeks and months. I've booked in to see a John Lewis personal stylist next week (doubt she'll be as good as you lot but I'll hear what she's got to say). And I'm heading out to Uniqlo and then to meet a friend for lunch and a show. Will be wearing the dress outfit attached as its easier than the jeans. Hopefully both are ok (not perfect)?

I totally hear you about the v-necks and fit by the way but I do want/need to make the most of what I've got. Ideally I'll get to a position where I don't need much so can buy a few high quality things. I love the thatsnotmyage link @RandomThreeWords and aspire to some of the clothes like the v-neck linen t-shirt but it's £55 for one t-shirt!

I think your blue striped dress would work better …

God I hate the linen shirt I bought. It creases to hell. I'll never buy another one 😁

Are you planning to wear t shirts on their own or under a shirt?

I'm loving this thread - thank you OP!! I'm nearly 73 but been told I look 60ish(?) and I know I'm stuck in a style rut - had a radical mastectomy 2yrs ago and can't get away from being lopsided and disfigured (can't wear falsies). Anyway...this thread urged me away from charity shops and on the bus to my nearest Monsoon (25% off everything!) and H&M - the latter has about 14 different types of linen/linen mix slouchy trousers for anyone wanting/needing more and I bought 2 super pairs. I did learn that wide-legged ankle-grazers are not for me though. And in Monsoon a denim skirt that fits my post-treatment belly perfectly and can be worn now or in the winter - reduced to £50, more than I usually spend but beautifully made with elasticated back and covered side zip (it's actually proper soft indigo denim, in the picture it looks a tad shiny for some reason!)
https://www.monsoon.co.uk/harper-a-line-denim-midi-skirt-blue-10007570101.html
Today I'm off to hunt down a soft boxy waist-length jacket of some sort that will sit square just over the start of my belly - I've learnt that silhouette suits me now.
So many great ideas on here and, OP, I agree that you've got a super figure and love the changes you're making x

That Monsoon denim skirt is a real find@Lifestooshort71! I love something that works winter and summer - two totally different looks for the price of one.

I think skirts are the most versatile pieces of clothing. I always feel excited ringing the seasonal changes with boots/tights/chunky knits v. t shirts/ trainers/chilly tanned ankles!

I live in linen in summer. Who cares if it creases - that's what it's supposed to do!

@Nifty50somethingUniqlo have v necked linen t shirts for less than that. You will need to size up in them by a couple of sizes though. As they look best a little slouchy.
I like your 2 outfits.

@Lifestooshort71Uniqlo also have some soft jersey cropped jackets depending on how tall you are.
I have the beige purchased on sale & have also just bought the khaki. They're so easy to wear & hang beautifully.

Having been almost exclusively a trousers wearer since my 20s I've discovered the joy of skirts in my 60s.

Apart from the seasonal versatility, they deal much better with a fluctuating waistline that now seems to expand if I so much as look at a slice of white bread or a glass of wine. Plus I think a big skirt with pockets stuffed with tissues and lip balm and an elasticated waistband can still look cool in a way that elasticated trousers with bulging pockets don't.

And when I finally chucked out my skinnies which were no longer flattering I also found that wearing skirts avoids the soggy hems issue with wide leg jeans on a wet day.

I like the jeans outfit OP. I think the jacket does a great job defining the golden one third/two thirds proportions.

With the dress outfit I agree with another poster that your blue stripy dress would be better. And the beige boxy jacket might be a better length than the denim jacket which is a tad too long.

Can you photo those last two images without the jackets and with footwear? It'd be good to see the proportions of the brown dress, and the shape of the red T. I'm not sure about the denim against the brown dress, although it might just be the lighting. What shoes were you thinking of with it?

Wear the beige jacket with the dress not the denim one

White Stuff really isn't unique. It looks just like Fat Face, Sea salt etc

Without wishing to sound mental or fetishist @Nifty50something, you have very elegant, healthy looking feet. Never a need to keep those covered up.

Too late, I'm on the loose in my brown dress (and the sandals that will not be mentioned) but tbh I feel good! Not perfect but good! I'm posting live from the Uniqlo dressing room. I'm definitely getting the khaki barrel trousers, striped top (think the medium is better than the small) and the orange linen shirt (the colour is outside my comfort zone but I think it's feminine and it suits me and goes with my new trousers. I need to push myself outside my sludgy comfort zone!).

On the fence about the green dress so will leave it for now.

I agree, you have lovely feet OP. Perhaps your shopping trip today could include trying out some simple leather sandals in a neutral tan colour to show them off? The tan is flattering with most skin tones and goes with everything. I think black sandals can look very harsh on pale skinned people.

Maybe something like this.

https://www.teva-eu.com/en/gb/women-sandals/original-universal-slim-leather/1151031.html

These are all a big improvement
I think it’s the footwear that is going to let them down though so I would spend sme time focusing on that as well

I really don’t like the orange shirt. The colour is fine but the cut is very bland and conservative so looks old. Maybe it’s because you’ve tucked it in? Does it look better out? Or even tied at the waist rather than tucked in?

Please don’t wear those damn black sandals with the green trousers. It’s offensive. 🤦‍♀️😂 They do actually look okay with today’s actual outfit though. 👍

The green dress looks okay but you need to try it with shoes on as that can make a massive difference.

You do realise that you don’t have to rush into buying a new wardrobe @Nifty50something? Take your time and buy pieces you love rather than rushing into it.

@Nifty50something the khaki dress is absolutely fabulous. The best of everything you have posted.

Agree, the khaki dress is fantastic. What is making you unsure about it?