I am 32 (almost 33) and find that I can’t really wear “young” things any more. However, I’ve ended up with a boring look now! I seem to wear a v-neck tunic sweater, black jeans and black boots every where I go! What exactly do you mean by “smart casual”? Can you give me an example? Thanks so much for your great fashion advice!

Thank you for your comment. I’m sure that you could add a few exciting dimensions to your style if you had a bash at experimenting with some of the new trends. Layering what you have and complimenting with new-look accessories always kicks your look up a notch. There is lots of color in the pipeline for Spring and you might feel more motivated to giving that a go as the collections unfold over the next few months.

Have a look at my blog entry on “smart casual dressing” – hopefully this will answer your questions. If not, I’d be happy to help.

I love the sound of your style- perfect. I’m also thrilled to hear that your gear only comes out when you hike. As for walks in the park, try a coat made of boiled wool instead. It’s a lot more comfortable (unlined but structured) and is still smarter than a parka. Eileen Fisher does this type of look. Despite the fact that you are not fond of the idea , a fitted parka in the right cut, style and colour sounds perfect too. You might have not stumbled across the right one for you yet? How about shearling? That’s also a lot more casual, and as long as it’s fitted…could be lovely in black or brown. For warmer days – try cotton twill jackets with a good amount of stretch in them. A avant guard stretch denim jacket with casual pants or skirts (but not jeans) is also a good option. Hope that helps and let me know how you fare

[...] Spring trends are a welcome change from the somber, strict and skinny styles we’re still sporting for winter. The new look has started to blossom in stores and I am excited about it. It will soon be time to make some savvy decisions as to which trends will work for your age, fashion persona and body type. [...]

I just turned 30 and I realize a change is in order. I’m still mistaken for early 20’s which is definitely not a complaint but I know that age appropriateness is the key….I just didn’t know how to go about it until now. Thanks for all the tips…

One more way to stay looking current is really getting rid of the old things in your closet and making way for the new! As and image consultnat, I see many women make the mistake of wearing dated clothes that need to be freshened up.
Once the old clothes are out of the closet, you will want to replace them with a few new pieces that hopefully will be up to date and of good quality.

I’ve reached the fabulous age of 45. I don’t want to look 20. I love simple, classic clothes. I now know my style. On the rack, my clothes look boring. That gives me permission to invest in layers of colored freshwater pearls, and funky “art’ and ethnic jewelry.

Age appropriate? Co’mon. The last time I checked, a pair of trousers or a shirt don’t come with age restrictions. No one should, according to age, dress in any way that does not suit their personality or their body type. I think age should be left out of the equation all together. Looking “tarty” is a no-no for a woman of any age and the majority of women over 25 have common sense enough not to dress like teens. I see nothing wrong with trendy fashions for any age if it suits your body, personality and lifestyle. So let’s just cut the ageist claptrap already. IT’S RIDICULOUS. Wear what suits you!

I completely agree with elle.

Hollywood “stars” can afford to have designers stitch up a wardrobe full of structured clothing to make them look fresh & chic. However, most of us over 50s must depend upon off-the-rack clothing and frankly structure just isn’t hanging there for us. In my part of the country there is a very large gap in the clothing styles. There are all the trampy stuff for the teenagers, the half-made junk for the 20-30 year-old then the elastc waisted, flowered monstrosities at which my 99 year-old grandmother would laugh I agree with Elle. Clothing should not be sorted into age groups, it should be sorted by sizes as in the days of old. I’m a 5′2″ 59 year-old stuck in a size 1 or 3 junior size body. Junior sizes do not and cannot translate into misses sizes, so clothing makers just put elastic in the waist of everything, slap on a petite label & expect that to take care of the problem. Ha! Want instant love handles, hips, or look like a pregnant Grandma, just put anything misses on a junior body & cinch in the waist, no matter whether you’re 5′2″ or 6′, size 3 or 15. Does anyone really want to look that way?

Angie – I’m disappointed in you. The women who agree with you are not in their 50’s because it’s still “acceptable”, according to you and other fashion folks, for them to only look “more pulled together”, but when it comes to us, we’re supposed to be tailored. There is not one shop of tailored middle aged women’s clothing, where we can go and “oh, that’s smart and it will work for me”. You know darn well that we have to browse through every department and pick here and there and hope we’ve done a good job, unless you have a personal shopper – we do the best we can. I have never heard middle aged women referred to as mutton. Really! And a basic t-shirt can still be smart. I agree with elle, ms.mulligan and Judith Parker-Proctor.

Let’s have more “age” appropriate styles shown on your web site and links so we can get an idea of what it looks like, price range and availability. So far, the only magazine that is out there is More. And please, give us our kudos that women today have been able to look better than ever at ages 50 and over.

Thanks for your comments ladies. Above all I would like to acknowledge that thanks to healthier lifestyles in general, women in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s have never looked better than they do today. There are a few other things I’d like to clarify.

First, I regret using the phrase “mutton dressed like lamb”. It’s a common expression where I’m from, but in retrospect I can see how it could be read as offensive. I apologize for that.

Second, I use the term tailored in a very loose way, referring to flattering, body skimming garments that show off your shape in the best possible way. All types of clothing can look tailored – anything from a casual pair of jeans and knitted top, to a corporate suit.

Third, as women get older it becomes harder to generalize about style and clothing. More than ever in this age group, does your body type, persona, lifestyle and budget play in role in what’s appropriate to wear and what’s not. There are exceptions to every rule and I see this with my clientele. I have 74 year old clients that look amazing in a fab pair of jeans and a casual knitted top; and I have 50 year old clients who just don’t pull this look off.

Essentially though, I still believe what I believe. The older you get, the smarter and more tailored your clothing should be. You can still dress casually, playfully, eclectically or alluringly. But a basic t-shirt isn’t smart no matter how you look at it. A styled T-shirt is a different story.

Age is no different to body shape, skin tone or hair colour. As it changes, so should your clothing choices. One of the reasons I love my work is that everyone is unique, and age is just one component of this equation.

I just passed mid-20s but I like to dress “old”. My favourite styles are from celebrities in their 30s and even 40s. I’m not a big fan of mini skirt, skimpy top, etc, that a lot of younger celebrities are wearing. I would say modesty is high on my list because often I find that it is hard for non-celebrities to look socially appropriate in flesh-baring outfits.
A lot of stylists recommend that young people should “throw modesty to the wind” which is very limiting to people like me who actually wants to dress in a more classic way. How about not using the term “dressing your age” anymore. As the last comment mentioned, our healthier lifestyle has help to maintain much of our looks and figures. So people should dress according to their mentality, their figure and quit worrying about being age appropriate. A granny a wear a bikini to the beach if she has the body to carry it off.

After saying all these, I must clarify that I do love your blog. I just wish more people would understand that not all teenagers and people in their 20s to 30s want to dress outrageously. People like me are tired of receiving comments that our dress style are too conservative

I am in my mid fifites, you say wear higher waisted jeans in a darker shade, but where on earth do I find them. Can you name a brand or a place to start looking. It is like looking for a needle in a hay stack and I haven’t a clue. I haven’t worn jeans since the 70’s because of this problem. I am tall and slim, not pin thin, a normal size 12-14.

Absolutely. Brand like “Not your daughters jeans”, DKNY Soho and some David Kahn should work.

Thanks so much Angie, I presume yu were answering my enquiry. I lived in jeans in the seventies but really was skinny then. I have a bit of a tummy, but am in pretty good shape other than that and feel 20 in my head. I find it hard to get boots to fit as well, I would love to wear fashionable footwear but have high arches and wide feet. I would so love to wear something elegant, but all the wide fitting boots and shoes I see, I wouldn’t put my own grannie in them.

Wow!! Age is a really emotional topic. I agree with you Angie, I must admit. Everything you’ve written makes sense, and your piece is beautifully written & presented.

I’m really struggling with your piece, though, because a part of me is conflicted.

It’s refreshing to see an old lady who’s abundantly happy and comfortable with herself, trotting around in miniskirts and plunging necklines, laughing and flirting away.

If she’s happy and thinks she’s fab, that’s better than looking presentable & appropriate, but feeling somehow constrained.

I’m scared to get older (I’m 26) because I don’t want to let go of my sassy style and become subdued just because society says “it’s time”.

Even at my young age, sometimes I’ll come across some cute thing and realise that it’s really for someone aged 18 or 19, and I’d feel somehow inappropriate wearing it. That’s a sad feeling.

Also, it frustrates me when my Mom refrains from buying something she loves because she’s afraid she’ll come across “Mutton dressed as lamb”, which is so silly, because that’s not her at all.

Age – appropriate dressing is a tool you can use to inform how you dress, a subtle art. But we’re most stylish when we give ourselves permission to think for ourselves & follow our hearts, above all.

Thanks,

Trish

Most assuredly whatever body changes you will go through necessitate a change in clothing style. Body changes can occur because of weight fluctuation, age, pregnancy, what have you. All I ask is to stop basing it purely on age alone! Whether or not you can wear a mini skirt has nothing to do with your age and everything to do with your legs, your personality, and your lifestyle. An 80 year old could wear a miniskirt if she has awesome legs. She just won’t be wearing that miniskirt with the same top as a 18, 15, 30 or 40 year old. As for clothing with structure, all the the structure you need is a good undergarment! They don’t call them foundations for nothing ladies. Thirdly, stay in shape to the best of your ability. This will help you to wear nice clothes that look good on you for life.

I turned 30 recently and I still look early 20’s and dress it kind of. I’m a Mom, so my body has changed somewhat but i can still pull it off. BUT, I dislike people who see me with my son and think I’m a babysitter or I’m a lot younger than I am and judge me for having a 7 year old like I was 12 when I had him.

So I would like to dress more age appropriate but in my style. I like trends but I don’t follow them all. I still wear low rider jeans, mainly because it’s impossible to find anything else that is in a good price range, but i hate the low rider jeans, if you have any extra baggage in the stomach area it only makes you look worse. All the stylish t-shirts and long sleeve T’s are made super skinny and sheer and extra long. I’m short and I would need the flattest abs possible to pull this off. (if you couldn’t tell I’m a t-shirt and jeans kinda girl).

I can and do layer but lately I find it harder and harder to find what I need to make myself look and feel good. I’m not even sure what I could change that would make me feel confident, young (mid 20’s to 30) and stylish. There are TOO many wrong choices out there and none pointing us in the right direction.

someday my clothes end up all over the room like we had a fight and I guess technically we did, they’re just not working for me.

Wow. I just turned 50 and have suddenly realized how un-pulled together I am! I googled “dressing a 50 year old” and found this! I find your advice very helpful. I would however, love to see some links and more on this! I’m lucky, I’m small (5′1 and 110 lbs), but I’ve been making the mistake of dressing too young, just because I can….I’m starting to feel ridiculous. I’d love more help on this subject.

Thanks Sue. If you are more specific about your questions I’d be happy to oblige. Age 50 comes in all shapes and sizes. I have clients approaching 70 who are funky deluxe and pull it off with all the style in the world; and I have clients approaching 40 who feel best in classic attire but are just as stylish. Horses for courses.

Who are we dressing for? I think that’s the question. Fashion be damned–if I’m not comfortable, it doesn’t matter to me how it looks. I dress for me. I’m not man-hunting, I’m not a model and my job doesn’t depend on my fashion sense. I want clothes to fit me and feel good on my body. Other than that, what’s the point?

It’s sad that women try so hard to fit into images of how we “should” dress and look. Why “should we? Who dictates what we “should” look like? I will continue to dress in the clothes I feel most comfortable and happy in, and the opinions of others will not be part of my decision-making process.

Come on, ladies! Opt out of the “fashion police” mindset and be who you are.

I will be 39 next week, and I have never felt younger!…I still get 22 years olds hitting on me…it’s flattering, and my husband thinks it’s hularious. my oldest is 21 and he hates me around his friends because of how I look. Im simple, sweats layer tees, and flats is how I lounge, work business casual. night out with the girls, jeans, stilettos, and a black top of some sort, possibly low cut.
I think the whole age-appropiete thing is over-rated, you are as young as you feel and look!..when I start seeing and ovious 40 somthing lady wearing low rise jeans with her thong showing, then that’s a problem…30 is the new 20, and 40 is the new 30…I think individuals are free to wear what every they like a an expression of who the are and how they feel, who gives anyone the right to question that?

Hmmm, Elle – that 80-year old could have the legs of Heidi Klum and I would still say that a miniskirt was an undignified choice! I know we all should “dress for ourselves”, but the rest of the world is looking at us and I know that I, for one, appreciate seeing a beautifully – and appropriately – dressed woman, of any age.

Oh sigh… Me thinks we do protest too much! Of course we want to love who we are. But “freedom” means freedom ‘from’ as well as freedom ‘to’. In America we bristle at structure/ rules. But creating a dressing set of personal rules frees me from hours trying on things that don’t quite work and a closet full of nothing to wear; it consequently frees me to mix and match almost everything in my closet for zillions of outfits that are appropriate for my age and the occasion and which look great on me.

I’m “almost 50″ and look the best I ever have. But I agree completely with Angie about tailoring and age appropriateness. For example, I’ve loved vintage pieces ever since I played dress up with my grandma’s clothes. But now I opt for fitted jackets, cashmere sweaters, collared blouses, vintage jewelry that pair with jeans or my favorite suit. In my 20s it was all about flowing layers that both revealed and concealed my shape – think flappers and chiffon. I’d look and feel ridiculous in that now! A friend of mine and I say “one trendy or vintage piece per outfit”. We’re not too rigid about it, but it works!

As for places to shop, sources, zafu.com will match jeans to your body size and shape – it worked for me. DUO makes custom boots for wide calves, don’t know about high arches or wide feet though, and tailored clothes…aren’t they everywhere in America? Talbots, Ann Taylor, Bananna Republic, J.Crew, major department stores… I live near Toronto – so trendy Zara and H&M are possible for me, too. Petites – well I’m 5′4″ – just on the cusp – sometimes they fit and sometimes they don’t. The petite fashionista has a useful blog for style and shopping. And I know a good tailor!

There’s an excellent book called “The Power of Limits” (art meets math) that expresses visually the endless variation (i.e. freedom?) possible within a given form. Let’s use rules to our advantage!

In theory, dressing as you wish is a great idea. In reality, there is a more stringent matter of taste. At 5′ 8″ and 140 lbs, I could pretty much wear whatever I want, even though I am mid-50’s. However, even with professionally and regularly color treated hair (and I wear make up every day) its not hard to tell I am no spring chicken. Color fades after a few washings, jowls show up when we look down to read a menu and chicken neck rears its ugly head when we turn ours. many of the spaghetti strap and low cut tops that are so popular now, with the loud prints, can still be worn–but we better not take off that jacket or we look silly. Low cut jeans, even with a flat tummy look ridiculous when that tummy shows. Wear a longer top, or raise the jeans. As much as I love the comfort and look of cute sneakers, I have quit wearing them with flared jeans–it makes me look like a teen wannabe. I have gone to darker, less threadbare jeans, with a belt always and a ballet flat or sandal. Or boots, weather permitting. Sneakers (not tennis shoes) are fine with straight ankle length khakis or a cute, matching warm up. My legs are great and thin, but I won’t wear short shorts anymore. Longer shorts or capris unless I’m at the beach or in my garden. if its hot and I must wear sleeveless, thats the time for a more classic well made top. Not wildly colored or thin fabric.

Its not as much fun to dress but the trade off is that I actually FEEL better when I am put together with an outfit rather than a few thrown together pieces. Youth can get away with a lot of things.

Don’t mistake sloppy for comfortable!!

I’m 5′0, 36 and about 50 lbs over weight. I hit a wall this morning, as I chose what to wear for work; saw myself in the mirror, changed tops 2wice, pants and even shoes, couldn’t see myself look and feel good, young, hip, bubbly.
I need to go shopping but know that I need to loose weight.
What do I buy and where?
I don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a new wardrobe, knowing that I’ll be a size or 2 lower in a couple of months (excercising).
Please advise.

[...] The androgynous look Body type balancing act Rethinking the skinny The inverted triangle Dressing your age What to Wear Where to Shop The Industry Everything Else Summer Day Wedding Evening [...]

I have to agree that finding age appropriate clothing for women as they become more mature can be difficult, especially when one considers the vast amount of frumpy looking old lady clothing on the market. My wife is 54 ( been married 35 years), works out and keeps herself in great shape. She has six pack abs and is often mistaken for my 30 year old daughter’s sister. She looks great in hip hugger jeans (she doesn’t do the bare midriff thing) and sandals. In the offiice she dresses very conservatively, but when we are out on the town or bumming around, I see no reason why she can’t wear whatever she likes since she looks geat in anything she puts on. Too many women in their 40’s and 50’s have given up… chopped off their hair into a man cut and wear shapeless old lady clothing. Then they bellyache or complain about their peers who have taken care of their bodies and dress in a stylish manner. I say if you look good in something and are comfortable wearing it then do it!

For Summer— another brand that is great and you can find that go around the waist and not the hips is Gloria Vanderbilt. And I enjoyed reading everyones blogs! Great ideas and thoughts here!

I am an artist and interior designer. I dress for the situation i am in. I always ‘dress up’ for a client, as i see the type of people they are, however i don’t want to come on too strong. Because of my artist nature, i use accessories to the max and always have. In casual…jean dress…i’ll have belts, earrings and neclace,bracelets, shoes and purse. My car and briefcase also reflect the type of person i am. Right down to my pen and buisness card. My image was so very important as an interior designer. On a job site i would wear jeans and a tailored jacket.
Now that i am semi retired (late 50s) i have began to dress like a 30 year old, when with my fashion concious boyfriend. He believes that if i “look good” and can “carry it off” that it is very o.k.
i have been getting some flack from my sisters and some of my friends. So would you please help me? Another thing… i am 5′ 4′5” and i weigh 140 lbs. Mush of that weight is in my breasts as i am a 38 ddd! My boyfriend says…if you have it faunt it. I do look like i am in my mid 40s or younger. So how do/should i be dressing???

Mini-skirts,especially really short mini-skirts are inappropriate for any age.

[...] off a smart casual look with taste and refinement. She embraced a few trends and made them work appropriately for her age and body type. The timeless and current aspects of her look blended perfectly. She did not come across as [...]

I am 49. My boyfriend of two years is considerably younger so I like to not dress “old”. I have a very unique problem though. I never aquired my “grown up” figure. I still have to shop in the Jr. dept because I never got hips or heavier thighs. Women’s size clothing is too big in the butt and thigh area and looks funny. Jr. size still fit nicely but trying to find more “age appropriate clothing in that department is difficult. I still wear jeans alot, but if I want to go out, it is difficult to find things. Any suggestions?

I am turning 39 next month. I want to make a change in my wardrobe, but it is harder then you think. I’ve tried on misses clothes and the waist feels like it goes up to your neck. I want to look more put together and mature. I dress pretty casual, so I do still shop in the juniors department. I don’t like heels. How do I put together a look that is casual that is more mature looking? Where do I start? Prices usually scare me off also.
Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

[...] Dressing your age [...]

i’m 19…all i have to say is…it’s pretty freaking awesome to be this age =). I usually have no problem picking out clothes or wondering what’s too ‘young’ for me. If anything a lot of clothes are a little too on the ‘mature’ side.

I’m 52 and still in good shape. I have let my wardrobe evolve around my dress code for work – rugged, industrial, OSHA safe. I don’t even own a pair of heels. But I would like to start dating again and I want to dress like the woman I am – intelligent, interesting, classy but not too classy. I don’t even know where to start. Even with hair – long hair, short hair? You mentioned staying away from loud prints but I think a bold, floral print blouse with ruffles, worn with jeans would be fun. I live in the southwest, where we probably dress too casual. But I want to knock it up a notch from casual when I have a date (unless the date is a hike). Pants or dresses? I personally don’t like the ballet slipper or stilletos. I don’t need to show off any skin or cleavage. But I don’t want to be dull.

First off, I loved the blog about dressing your age!

I’m a 25 year old, pre-med student and I find myself drawn to tees and jeans, not the skinny jeans. But, I’ve been told that I am still dressing like a teenager but I don’t want to wear heels and slacks every single day…especially if I’m not working. I’m stuck, on one hand I want to be comfortable, on the other hand I want to be seen as a conservative, classy adult…no matter if I want to wear heels or tennis shoes.

Do you have any recommendations on the type of designers I should wear as well as what type of pieces I should consider to look like the adult I am?

Thank you in advance,

Bonnie

I have been thinking about this lately. I never subscribed to micro-minis or plunging necklines. Trashy clothes don’t suit anyone no matter what age. Also, depending on body type and tone of muscles, certain people can pull off certain clothes and styles. So, no one should adopt every trend.

However, personally, I have moved from more classic, timeless clothes with muted and neutral colors to more trendy clothes and bright colors as I have matured. I feel that statement clothes and accessories take ones eyes off the body imperfections to the clothes/accessories and that helps. Also, older women look more current with some trendy clothes and accessories and less dated.

Wonder what the rest of you and Angie think about trendy choices for older women as that goes against the usual guidelines given by stylists.

hey, im 13 years old and my hieght is 5′0 and i need some casual dress for me but all of my dress is just not in my type , who can gave some website for teen casual dress liike me ) i like some punk or rock style hmmm? or mybe for the best i need a simple casual dress