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!

Oh and I would avoid buying anything with a pattern at the beginning - start with plain items to build up your wardrobe

Could you please share her IG handle? There are loads of variations on that even I searched. As a shortarse I'm always seeking inspiration! Thanks 🙂

I think that in essence you have some nice bits there

The brown trousers are fine. If you team them with a tucked in loose white crew neck tshirt. M&S is fine, and add the cropped jacket which is lovely. I would probably change the shoes to Birkenstocks or something a bit lighter than the DM’s that is a great outfit.

Your main issue is the jeans which need to be the one thing you ditch. Again, go to M&S, their Wide Jeans, they’re called Wide, would work well withe the green top and with the white shirt. Both of those are nice pieces. Personally i add a belt, just a plain leather one in black and brown but you don’t have to.

The blue dress is really nice but not with the rain jacket. Again, I’m not a fan of the DM’s so wouldn’t wear them. For casual some Birkenstocks would work. Otherwise it does lend itself to trainers for casual or some less clumpy sandals for going out - maybe something completely flat.

I do like the denim dress but again, ditch the trainers and that is the one dress which would probably work with the DM’s (or Birkenstocks!)

I think you look great! I agree no to the bare legs and trainers and get a new pair of jeans. You might have to try on loads. I only have one pair because I can’t find a current style that suits me.

I really don’t want to hurt your feelings OP but I think all of these outfits need to go to the charity shop and you need to start from scratch. There’s some great advice on here but if I were you I would try and copy the styling of a whole outfit so buy the top, bottoms and shoes in one go so there is less room for error if you struggle with buying stylish clothes.

I agree with this. No need to bin what you have - just wear it differently. We are in a tricky time of year where it feels like we've plunged into summer (will probably drop 10 degrees tomorrow!) so you may need a bit of trying on to see what looks good together. Also go out and have a look at what sandals/trainers people are wearing and what you're drawn to. I think you'd look really good in wide jeans and a fitted top BTW.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/high-waisted-wide-leg-jeans/p/clp60504942?color=MEDIUMINDIGO&extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_CrossBUStores&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22492993877&gbraid=0AAAAAD7g6bT1AN9ZKtdKvzyxxwU3Y5jdI&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy8HdrryijQMVd5xQBh2kOA_BEAQYASABEgJ1APD_BwE

You literally can’t go wrong with these jeans. I have a few pairs, I wear the full length in the winter and actually go for the shorter ones in the summer and have my ankles out. They’ll work with all your tops and your jacket

What's your hair and makeup like? I know you're hiding your head deliberately but your clothes are giving me "sensible practical haircut" vibes.

I'm no fashionista but I do like to keep an eye on what's current. I hate saying this as there's nothing wrong with buying from charity shops but your outfits look like they're from charity shops 😔 Some of the individual items are fine but put together, don't look quite right.

You have a great figure.
The shoes are for comfort purely.
You need to update them.
The jeans do not flatter your figure.
The M&S ones recommended are a nice cut.
That of smart wide leg can be smartly dressed up or done.
White shirt and blazer.
Short fitted cardigans in pretty colours and white tee shirt.
You need to wear well fitted clothes with your figure.
The runners with the denim dress is a no, pretty sandals yes.
Some of the greens and browns are shades that are too muted and dead.
Shades that lift you.
Good luck.

I’m almost 52
im not fashionable by any stretch but I think that outfit isn’t quite right.
i wear slim jeans with converse and a nice top
or leggings with a nice denim shirt
I like biker style boots or Doc sandals with a dress

I'm 50 this year, and don't feel comfortable in jeans or trousers, but that's just my personal choice.

I wear long summer dresses, then in winter long jumper dresses with tights.
As long as anything comes just above my ankle I'm happy.

To be honest I don't know many people who are rude/ insensitive enough to speculate a person's age or comment on their appearance.

Haha I do indeed have a sensible practical haircut! I'm growing it out at the moment, though, which will pay off in time but at the moment is making things worse. I've also started on tretinoin which will also pay off in time, and I've started wearing a bit of makeup (I stopped wearing it a few years ago but have decided to restart).

In terms of colouring I'm a muted autumn. I look best I think in blues, greens, and browns which I know can look sludgy. I know I really look awful in black next to my face and this thread confirms it so all those clothes are going into the charity bag. I wish I were a Winter - things would be so much easier!

I absolutely love the ideas about how to combine what I've already got in different ways. And I'm heading to Uniqlo this weekend. Please don't worry about hurting my feelings - I think this is a great example of the fact you sometimes have to be cruel to be kind!!

I've been watching the thread with interest. I am 61 and have recently lost 2 stone in weight, but haven't really updated my clothes yet apart from a couple of pairs of M&S jeans. I WFH and almost never see anyone in person, live remotely, don't have local friends, and only go to a city (usually London) once in a blue moon. So what i wear is mostly immaterial. But I am going to a big family function in another country next month, will be there for 5 days together with lots of people and of course I want to look good. Many of the people have either never met me or haven't seen me for years, I don't want to look old!

I looked into the wide leg trousers that are all over the fashion pages, they look terrible on me. I am too short, and also, they make me look as though I am just the same size I used to be, which obviously I don't really want after all the effort of losing weight! I like bootcuts and was pleased to see someone else mention them, I was fearing they are rather dated. I love floral enough that I don't care if it is in fashion, but only very small prints. I wouldn't like the palm print dress the OP put up. I had a denim jacket (now too big) but I read somewhere that they are outdated (this may be wrong as I seem to see them everywhere now!) so got a faux suede instead.

One thing I won't be changing is my pale pink trainers, of which I have several pairs!

Could we have a photo with the cropped/zip jeans and the black cigarette pants OP, and maybe we can think of ways to make them work for you?

I would recommend following Val (embracing fifty) on TikTok, a very stylish over 50s lady. You will get lots of inspo on her account. I’m 32 and think she’s incredibly chic

www.tiktok.com/@embracingfifty?_t=ZN-8wLMb7unQgg&_r=1

I'm blue/green/brown also. You might want to try a dark dusky purple or warm rusty red as an alternative to black. If these are your colours, steer clear of white, cream or beige; they will drain you.

I agree with the comment about doing a whole co-ordinated outfit together rather than just random bits. Set out with a list rather than just randomly pulling items off a rail or flinging them in a cart.

The main thing is, have fun in creating a new look!

I would recommend seeing an image consultant. You will find out what colours are best for you. You would find out which styles are best. Hairstyles get covered. I was asked t take a case of clothes with me and those clothes were matched up to make lots of outfits. I can quickly decide if the thing I am looking at will suit me and I have built up a wardrobe mainly from Vinted.

OP I like all your updated outfits but as previous posters have said the DM sandals and bootcut trousers/jeans are doing nothing for you. I’ve recently found Lee Carol jeans. They are straight leg and have a bit of stretch. Try them. Make sure you measure your waist to get the correct fitting. You get them on Vinted quite reasonably priced.

I’d also get the bagged up clothes to a charity shop or get rid of them on Vinted and make a bit of money to buy new stuff. Give those clothes a new home, there’s no point keeping them. I know where you’re coming from (I own 40 pairs of footwear). Get rid!

I really like the palm print dress, but I would get rid of the waistcoat and shoes.

I would pair it with some lovely sandals, or 50s style shoes with a low heel, and some bracelets.

You could go for some wooden bangles for even more of a 50s / tiki vibe, that would be amazing!

I like your tops, and particularly the blouse/necklace combo. I think they would look better paired with some wide leg trousers. If you got a dark blue pair and a taupe/beige pair both would go with most of your tops.

Op it's great you are posting your outfits.I really like the broderie anglais blouse.It would look great with blue jeans, a gold necklace or hoops (M&S do all these reasonably).The sandals would be great with longer jeans -bootcut or wide.They would look good with a long dress or skirt too.
I don't think the rest of your clothes fit you or have lost their shape - and this makes a huge difference.You have a great figure but the trousers all hang off you. I also think long or short in skirts and dresses - I don't know anyone who can wear midi!
I know you said you were going to uniqlo - just be aware I'm 5ft 4 and all their jeans are super long on me. They are really good for basic t shirts and I love their men's sweatshirts over jeans/ shorts though. M&S however do 3 lengths in jeans. I'm sometimes short and sometimes regular so try both lengths.
Keep us updated this is a really good thread .

I actually like your outfit - especially the shoes (Im mad on Docs)
I follow someone on Tiktok - Nerys over 50s fashion. Shes really annoying and up herself, but a lot of her advice is good actually. She thinks the following are aging -

In a nutshell

1. denim jackets, floral dresses or tops, white trainers - totally outdated
2. anything patterned at all.
3. cropped trousers
4. sensible walking sandals/sketchers
5. anything from bon marche/roman/seasalt/joules/monsoon
6. no leopard print unless accents like shoes or a bag or belt
7. no karen haircuts.
8. no revealing clothes - cleavage, short skirts etc.
9. No sparkles

She basically recommends the following;

1. wide leg full length trousers (never ever cropped)
2. tops always tucked in, with belts
3. everything plain no patterns,
4. fitted tee or shirts
5. using belts nice handbags shoes to accent. - everything in neutral colours.
6. shoes should be heels (i dont agree cos i think heels are dated) or colourful gazelles. I personally would add doc martens to that like your awesome shoes.

Im very lazy with clothes and was getting overwhelmed by all my clothes so this worked for me as I had a huge clear out and now have a capsule wardrobe and I dont have to think about anything in the morning cos it all matches (cos its plain and neutral). I got rid off all my sparkly stuff and florals. I still add 'me' in there and wear my docs and converse cos I love them, and my dungarees (no patterns). Im 50 and get told constantly I look much younger and stylish so its working! lol. Best bit is once it was set up mornings are soooooo easier. I pull stuff out without even thinking about it and it still looks good.
HTH.

I think you need to look at the length of your dresses and what you put on your feet.

There is more stylish comfortable footwear out there and your dress is too short

Lovely advice - if you're tall and slim

I can't wear wide leg trousers or tucked in tops so what do short dumpier women wear?