Help - too old to know what to wear

[Toooldtopretend]

I’m 49 and have no idea how to dress for a night out any more. City centre, weekend night out type thing, meal, bar etc. I just feel old and wrong! would love some guidance please.

I’m very average height (5’6”) and size 10.

thank you for any ideas/links!

Gosh, you are ancient. How do you even manage to stay upright?

Why are there so many posts like this? Look at what's in the shops or in a magazine or on social media if you care what other people are wearing. Otherwise wear what you like and feel comfy in.

I know this is S&B but fgs 49 is not old.

At size 10 you should be able to find a nice pair of jeans and a blouse which is sort of standard going out to pubs ‘uniform’. Pair them with flat adidas trainers or kitten heeled ankle boots and throw over a trench or blazer. Keep it casual.

Other posters might be able to suggest influencers that showcase outfits for your size/height but I’m fat with huge boobs so I envy your slimness! It gives you so much more options.

When I’m working and socialising with people born in 2007, I definitely feel ancient!

Crisis of confidence maybe. If you don’t like such posts, no need to read them.

Someone on MN recommended this Instagram fashion adviser. I have found her really inspiring ( I am someone who’s never naturally been good at a stylish and polished look).

Stylebyclairelopez

Good Luck!

Honestly I read it thinking it would be someone my mum's age or something. It just feels a shame to deem yourself old and clueless when you're not even 50.

I am joking and was perhaps too snarky. You are not old.

I am 53. Just going out now and I am wearing a midi length knit skirt in burgundy, a black knit top, flat boots and a charcoal wool coat. Plus a statement silver necklace.
Most days I wear wide leg trousers with a cropped jacket or blazer over a fitted tshirt.

Do you perhaps suppose that other 49 year olds never go out at night, @Toooldtopretend?

Not at all. I just lack confidence and think other people look great but can’t quite find that look, hence asking for advice. Seems this is not the right place!

Wear this or something similar.

https://www.baukjen.com/collections/responsible-jeans/products/zanna-straight-leg-jean-dark-indigo

Hi OP. No advice but I feel you! I’ve spent so many years in mum mode and feel like I’ve lost all sense of style!

If you browse the & Other Stories Evening Edit you’re sure to find some inspiration:

https://www.stories.com/en-gb/campaign/evening-edit/

Are you on insta OP?

S&B bingo well underway here OP...😁

I get it, you've lost your way. This is S&B and frankly anyone telling you off for starting a thread about S&B should be having a word with themselves. People do find it difficult to empathise though, especially if you make the cardinal mistake of mentioning that you feel old. Some posters on here haven't lost their way as they've aged, or have retained the confidence to switch up their style and not give a toss what other people are wearing or what other people think. They don't understand why everyone can't do the same. Great for them! Still a bit shit for he rest of us.

You'll get some good advice on here though, if you can stick it out 🙂

I'm 50 and can relate!

I still go for jeans and a top but I don't feel that quite hits the spot anymore. Maybe wide leg trousers would be better?

No idea why you’re getting a pile on! I’m 43 and after 2 kids and never going out when I were little I felt very dated.
Ive recently worked out that shoes are the key to updating your style. You can wear pretty standard stuff like some straight leg jeans and a jumper, and then with some updated shoes then you suddenly look more current.
I’d go for some boots (probably pointy toe, kitten heel) or chunky loafers or nice trainers (I personally find the adidas specials, sambas or similar too much of a trend uniform, but there are loads of nice options around).
Also have a look at instagram for styling ideas, especially how to do layering, tucking in of a shirt/jumper, and accessories.

Wideleg jeans: I recommmend Levi's rib cage.Not too wide. Expensive but wait for a sale.
You could also try barrel leg trousers.
I am your height exactly and feel more current when I change my trouser legs. I wear all kinds from barrel to wide leg and straight, from Cos, Uniqlo, Albaray, even M and S.

Kylie Minnogue is 57, and I don't think she gives a single thought to whether she's tool 'old' to wear something, she wears loads of stuff the 20 year olds are wearing!

Jeans and a nice top ? Roman are good for this type thing ? Or tights with a nice dress . There are lots of Xmas party wear things next & m & s have some or new look /zara ? M and co also seem to have some nice parts bits as do George ? I am 40 x

People are different, aren’t they?
No idea why OP is getting hassled for asking for style advice in Style and Beauty.

I've seen a lot of people this year still wearing satin bias cut midi skirts with a cropped fluffy or textured jumper or a vest top with a sheer blouse or velvet blazer over it. They look really good. There's a great video of a woman styling a wine coloured one, to encourage women not to wear black automatically as we age, but I can't find it now (just looked for ages). If you do find it - her colour ways and styles are really good.

Last time I went out for a drink after work I wore Anthropology barrel jeans (black) and Me and Em jumper

I was told that’s trendy, or words of that effect 😂😂

I know. Almost immediately, a poster snipes at OP for asking for style advice in S&B. Why? There is a snipey AIBU bitchiness around lately that never used to be so common on here.

I too am 49 and totally understand I wear black jeans and a black top/jumper/T-shirt/vest top/ or blazer as standard weather /season depending 😂. I just cannot for the life of me put an outfit together and always feel overdressed or underdressed but never quite right whenever I socialise . I trawl the internet for inspiration and still manage to look like I’ve been dressed by a child . 😂 currently trying to find an outfit for Christmas work evening meal . 😫