Are camo and Peter Pan collars too youthful?

Wendi1984

I have a couple questions about whether some of the items I've been eyeing are too youthful for a 40something to wear.

I tried on a blouse at Kohl's that had a Peter Pan collar. The blouse had a subtle pattern, and the collar was in the same material. I liked the look; it seemed ladylike and a bit retro. But I have been thinking that Peter Pan collars read too young. Maybe that's just when they are contrasting or very small? What do you think? I haven't been able to find the top online.

Next question: What about camo? I like it as a "neutral" pattern to mix and match with, or to use with lots of different neutrals. But is camo for the young, or do you women my age wear it too? What if it's pink? Would that make a difference? Because this jacket keeps catching my eye.
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=918087002
Should I stick with more traditional camo colors? (I wear a lot of pink.)

10 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from Susie

rachylou

Veteran

My thought is camo is super casual. If you've got room for casual, that's all good.

The Peter Pan is trickier. I think you'll need an edgy or architectural jacket to siphon off some of the Father Complex factor. Or a very modern sweater.

10 years ago

kkards

Veteran

l hope camo's not to young, as i'm 50 and just bought a pair of camo jeans. love that gap jacket you linked to. i personsally perfer the darker colors, but i didn't think that the pink "girly".
as for the peter pan collar, i would have to say it would really depend on how you were styling it. ---it funny but i think of it as an older style, since when i was young, that was what the 70 year old ladies wore,

10 years ago

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I steer clear of Peter Pan collars because they feel too young for me.
I am not fond of camo, but have seen it work well for a lot of bloggers in varying age groups. May I suggest you look at Pinterest to see looks that may resonate with you ?

10 years ago

Wendi1984

Active Member

I'd probably pair the Peter Pan collar blouse with an a-line skirt, and some booties. Maybe a denim jacket. I like to pair romantic items with edgier ones.

I am so tempted to get the jacket; I have so many solid toppers, and I think pink camo would go with a lot of my clothes! I've also had my eye on some camo Toms shoes to wear with jeans, khakis, and ponte pants.

I dress casually most of the time, so I'm trying to find ways to make the basics more fun and express my own style.

10 years ago

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I think both a peter pan collar blouse and a camo print jacket can be styled in an age appropriate way. The way GAP shows that jacket with jeans and a tee shirt seems ageless to me. And I like the way you describe wearing the blouse. If you keep the other pieces sophisticated and modern, definitely not something a 20 year old would wear, it will work.

10 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Peter Pan collars are a pet peeve of mine - I think they're too young for anyone who's old enough to vote, but that's just me they are definitely in right now, so I think as long as you style them intentionally with the rest of your outfit more classic, they can work.

10 years ago

shedev

Veteran

now I want that blue camo jacket.

10 years ago

Anonymous

I haven't worn a Peter Pan collar since early elementary school, and don't intend to. I'm with Laura (rhubarbgirl) on this one.

I don't know about camo. I'd say it depends on how you style it.

10 years ago

Wendi1984

Active Member

Ruth, what about camo shoes? I'm thinking of getting a pair of camo Toms to wear with everyday jeans outfits.

10 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I say why not to both of them, as long as the rest of your outfit is not too teenager. For example, a cargo mini skirt with the camo jacket would be too young. But the jacket with jeans would be great. A Peter Pan collar blouse with a skater style mini skirt and combat boots might look too young. But a Peter Pan collar blouse with a pencil skirt or graceful midi and a trench coat, would look age appropriate.

The blouse seems to require a bit more sobriety in the rest of the outfit as it can look girly. But as long as you ground these pieces, why not!

10 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

I was worried that the jacket would be bubblegum pink a la Forever 21, but on my screen it looks more coral -- and more adult. IMHO, pink is fine as long as it is not the same pink that little girls wear.

Peter pan collars are more difficult. [Did Peter Pan wear such a collar?] I think I'd have to see the blouse and how you plan to style it. I'm assuming you don't plan to pair it with a pleated skirt or skater skirt and knee socks -- i.e., no sexy schoolgirl look!

10 years ago

Anonymous

I think camo Toms would be fun--a youthful touch without going OTT.

10 years ago

Susie

Veteran

I have to agree with CL; it depends on the styling.

10 years ago

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