The Budget Fashionista

Last month, a reader asked a question regarding whether one can be too "old" to wear leggings... Do you think you can ever be "too old" to wear anything?

Well, I think there are some items I'd prefer not to see on a woman of a certain size or shape. For instance, I don't want to see back rolls under a too-tight shirt, nor do I like it when their pant legs around the thigh are so tight it restricts their movement.

But age is a tricky thing because a lot of people refuse to admit it, and have a need to always think of themselves as young. And young to them doesn't mean up to date with what's going on in the world, but it's all about a certain look and the appearance of being cool or hip (I think of Hulk Hogan talking to his 17 year old son, which was pretty tragic, or the lady on Tim Gunn's "Guide To style" show whose daughter was embarrassed by her Mom's show of cleavage and general attitude). Unfortunately, they'll wear clothes that are better suited to an 18 year old, than say, a 45 year old. At some point, regardless of how thin one is, it just doesn't work. And it's not just the clothes, more tellingly, it's the hairstyle they've been holding onto for 20 years, as well as the makeup application!

I look at photos of my own Mom who grew old so gracefully, and countless others. How great. Does anyone else remember Jessica Tandy?

I'll admit I'm not in my 50's yet, I'm 40, but being the mom of a teenaged daughter has me exploring this topic at home . My daughter has complained that I'm too frumpy in her opinion and has tried to be my fashion consultant. It's been with mixed results, laughter and growing pains for the both of us.


I could possibly pass for 25, but I'm not and don't want to dress like I'm 25, or worse yet, like my 16 year old! But, I do want to be fashionable. I think her and I have found a balance, an understanding and a greater appreciation for one another.


I think there are styles that are meant for the younger generation and different styles for the not as young as we used to be generation.





Now where did I put that face glitter....

I don't know that it is age so much as a matter of being true to who you are. That said, I turned 49 a couple of weeks ago and wouldn't wear all the stuff my 18-year-old wears. I would look pretty silly.

But sometimes I pick up something fun. I was just in Washington DC, in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, where I found "Shake Your Booty" a funky shop that caters to the younger set. During their "Big A*s sale, I found a cute jacket. I bought it, and get lots of compliments on it. However, it was one of thefew things I could wear at my age. It wasn't because I couldn't fit into the clothes--I wear a 4 or 6-- but mutton dressed as lamb isn't a great look. :-)

I agree with you all. I'm a firm believer that it's not "what" you wear but "how" you wear it. I can't tell you how many emails I get from 50+ readers saying the site is geared too young. I often ask them why they feel they can't shop at F21... Are the pieces in their stores ultra trendy and focused on the junior set... yeah.. but they have awesome accessories, bags, sweaters, etc that are fabulous wardrobe stretchers and cost about 1/10 of the cost of a similar item at a store like Nordstrom.

On one hand, I agree that when you are older, you need to avoid things that would make you look like an old lady trying to look like a teenager.

On the other hand, I don't think any older woman should use that as an excuse to let herself go and start looking dowdy. Yes, you should stick with classic and trendy classic basics, but you should keep up with trends just a little. Accessories are a great way to do that as long as you don't go overboard.

As a 50 plus woman, yest there are things I won't wear and stuff my daughter does. Nothing is sadder than someone who says by her clothes that she wishes she was 16, and is trying to fool herself and others into thinking she is. She says loud and clear that she is only confident in her youthful appeal, and that is fading fast. What a wobbly and uncertain message that is.

I'm happy to be who I am, at the age I am, and I'm even happier if I don't have to dissolve into a matronly non entity once I passed the teen/young woman years.

People can exist past 29, and have fun, and enjoy life and fashion, and benefit from the wisdom that ought to come with age and experiance.

And that should come with the confidence to be the age we are at, while still taking care of ourselves and enjoying fashion.

I read once that if you wore it the first time it was "in," you shouldn't wear it the second time it's "in." Not bad advice, really. No more maxi skirts, mini skirts, leggings, ultra wide leg pants, bolero jackets... However, I am getting better at "adapting" a trend for my age bracket...maybe a pattern, a fabric, or a style but not all 3 in one garment.