Do ladies really have to dress old & frumpy after a certain age...?

reetpleat · Oct 23, 2009

But there are a number of inronies and other factors at play in a discussion of this topic on a forum devoted to vintage style. Most of the women here, whie looking sharp and sexy and great, would probably be accused by some of dressing frumpy becaue they dress in na style from the past. Older women often dress the way they used to, which would not be so flashy. or, they dress as they did in middle age in the sixties, which is bound to be frumpy. A woman in her sixties in a mini skirt would surely draw more rath from this forum than general society. Just as a man in his fifties or sixties in youthful t shirt and jeans would.

Now, the sweat shirt look, that is a whole other matter.

But then, many older folks dressed as they did not out of a certain dedication to style, but because that is the way it ws done. To a man who is older na not oout to impress anyone, or required for a job may well be tired of the stiff collars, wool suits and leather shoes that we love. to him, to be able to wear jeans and a t shirt is heaven. he is not dressing out of some societal force to be frumpy. This is how he is most happy. i imagine it is the same with women.

But your point remains. Why can't a woman wear a mini skirt/ Well, she is free to in my book, although that may not be her greatest desire.

Anyway, just some ramblings. This is obviously a complex subject for those of us dedicated to traditional style.

Grant Fan · Oct 23, 2009

chanteuseCarey said:
RL skirt and knit top, Arianne camisole (wow, my perm has really grown out - thankfully!)

in tailored RL linen trousers, RL Chaps blazer

I think that these two outfit are perfect examples of dressing fabulously and in an age appropriate fashion. I know if I were to wear that blazer outfit being that I am 23 I would look a bit silly.But I love it. Your fashion especially in these two photos reminds me of my moms, classy fashionable and just plain great. You have stuff on that someone at any age with even the slightest fashion sense could enjoy, and yet you don't look like you are trying to be an age you aren't. It's absolutely fabulous. If more women your age learned to dress like you the would be a beautiful place

Louise Anne · Nov 14, 2009

I do occationally see older ladies wearing shorter skirts (50+) not many I have to say in my view they look great, fashions should be about wearing what you like style wise, not forcing any one any way.
I do think shops have a lot to answer for, shops for younger fashions and others for older one, and even department stores split it up into older ranges etc.

Some clothes are not split up into age range as much i.e gloves , older ladies may go for leather whilest younger ones bright wool etc they tend to be all in the same area if on different stands .

so why shops could not intergrate age range of fashions up a little more. might give people more confidence in trying other styles instead of almost saying over 50's go right and teens down stairs to the darker boutique area, after all every one was young and trendy once, and most of us will be old one day do we have to be boreing also from a fashion point.

I know I have worn the odd very very short dresses and people have not said "that's too short" but you have the feeling they thinking that as they said I like your hair or shoes instead.

Helysoune · Nov 14, 2009

Tina Turner, who will be 70 in a few short weeks. This pic was taken last year. Now, granted, many women of all ages do not have the build to pull off this look (I sure don't), but goodness gracious does it ever work for her!

Edward · Feb 22, 2010

A few years ago, I did reach a point where I felt I had to change certain things.... I didn't want to look like I was trying to be eighteen forever, and frankly I'd just gotten too damn rotund for drainpipes and some of the other options. All my beloved bondage trousers went out the window, along with most all of my punkier stylings (a big Vivienne Westwood circa Seditionaries influence going on there). In many ways, my conversion to vintage was a reaction to getting odler myself. Believe me, scratch most any rockabilly over the age of thirty and chances sre you'll find an old punk lurking beneath the surface. I actually stumbled across this place looking for more information about fifties looks, and my love of the thirties and forties styles was strongly rekindled as a result. I am now trying to go through my wardrobe ruthlessly and weed out what I no longer care for.

The irony is, of course, I've gone from being in anger of dressing "too young" to regularly being taken for much older than I am, especially in tweed. I'm coming to the view I may just have to accept this, and am desperately hoping that I'm one of the ugly ducklings that just blossoms into a swan later in life.... lol

Inky · Feb 22, 2010

Edward said:
The irony is, of course, I've gone from being in anger of dressing "too young" to regularly being taken for much older than I am, especially in tweed. I'm coming to the view I may just have to accept this, and am desperately hoping that I'm one of the ugly ducklings that just blossoms into a swan later in life.... lol

oh brilliant, Edward

I love that theory and join you in that hope. The big 5-0 is coming for me in May this year and I am just happy to get there as the other option isn't nearly as much fun, I don't think!!

23SkidooWithYou · Feb 22, 2010

I think we need to hop on the Elizabeth Arden wagon. I watched a documentary on how she got started selling cold creams. She actually lied and told people she was OLDER than she really was! The response was always how good she looked for her age. I think I'll tell everybody I'm 50 now and by the time 60 rolls around, they'll think I'm fabulous!

Funny this came up again. I saw a new look shirt waist dress in a happy, youthful color and thought, "Will I be able to wear this in a few years?" Since I'm on the NSB, I actually don't have to think about that today (chanelling my Scarlet O'Hara..."fiddle dee dee, I'll think about that tomorrow")!

The women in my family have always had a more tailored style which I feel is timeless. My Aunts get on this "you're too old for long hair" kick. Considering one sports a brown football helmet and the other thinks her fake strawberry blonde is oh-so-natural (not!), I won't be taking any hair advice from them.

HERE'S TO THE UGLY DUCKLING, LATE BLOOMERS, EVER CHANGING, GRAB LIFE WITH BOTH HANDS AND ENJOY PEOPLE!

Inky · Feb 22, 2010

23SkidooWithYou said:
I think we need to hop on the Elizabeth Arden wagon. I watched a documentary on how she got started selling cold creams. She actually lied and told people she was OLDER than she really was! The response was always how good she looked for her age. I think I'll tell everybody I'm 50 now and by the time 60 rolls around, they'll think I'm fabulous!

I have consider this approach, but then I'm afraid I'll say hey, yeah, I'm 60 and no one will say anything

23SkidooWithYou · Feb 22, 2010

Girl, you have our eyes popping out at 49 and ticking.

By the time 60 rolls around, you'll be LEGENDARY! :eusa_clap

Inky · Feb 22, 2010

23SkidooWithYou said:
Girl, you have our eyes popping out at 49 and ticking.

By the time 60 rolls around, you'll be LEGENDARY! :eusa_clap

LOL - i can only hope, but thank you so much - you've made my week!

chanteuseCarey · Feb 22, 2010

Since I'm a late bloomer myself...

No Frumpy here! I'm not buying Elizabeth Arden, but I DO swear by my expensive, (I mainly use DDF and a few Elemis brand products) skin care lotions and potions. Just wished I started taking a serious investment of time and thought in caring for my skin before I turned 40!! And I swear by eating almost daily copious amounts of French Vahlrona 72% dark chocolate to keep me feeling young at heart ! I'm going kicking and screaming (okay maybe just moaning alot in agony during Pilates class), dancing and singing and smiling into "being an older woman of a certain age"... Any pride or vanity aside- I prefer the terms self-confident and self-assured anyway, besides I'm too broke to afford pride these days - I look better at this age I am at right now, and am healthier than I was twenty years ago. I wouldn't be 30 again or 25 for nuthin!

Here I am yesterday evening at 51-1/2 years, I'm even being brave enough these days to show off the face sans makeup...brand new haircut and one month into a slightly darker haircolor than I've previously had, closer to my natural color.

Taken yesterday late afternoon at a CA Pops Orchestra concert I volunteered at.

two Pics taken 1/17/2010, 15 pounds lighter than I was in the Spring and Summer. In these pics, with makeup, but no lipstick

Lillemor · Feb 22, 2010

23SkidooWithYou said:
"you're too old for long hair"

It always winds me up when other women try to discourage a woman over a certain age from having long hair. If she can grow it long, why not?! Who's to say what nice looking long hair is?! No one says long hair has to be blunt cut curtain hair if it doesn't flatter your features or just isn't your thing. It's a combination for me. Thankfully everyone's begging me not to cut my hair for anything but maintenance trims and they'd like me to go longer between trims.

Chanteuse, I've already raved about your hair and that blue dress on another thread. I also look and am healthier in my 30s than I was in my teens or 20s. Losing the baby cheeks flatters my face I've been told. A 50 y.o. friend of my mother saw me last Tuesday and kept raving about how I just grow more beautiful each time she sees me which isn't that often and she's such a genuine person who wouldn't just throw something like that out to flatter without meaning it. Her compliment was much more flattering than all the "you really don't look 33 yet" comments though they're flattering too.

chanteuseCarey · Feb 22, 2010

Here here Lillemor! I've got my hand up to the computer screen to high-five you girlfriend!!

Lillemor said:
It always winds me up when other women try to discourage a woman over a certain age from having long hair. If she can grow it long, why not?! Who's to say what nice looking long hair is?! No one says long hair has to be blunt cut curtain hair if it doesn't flatter your features or just isn't your thing. It's a combination for me. Thankfully everyone's begging me not to cut my hair for anything but maintenance trims and they'd like me to go longer between trims.

Chanteuse, I've already raved about your hair and that blue dress on another thread. I also look and am healthier in my 30s than I was in my teens or 20s. Losing the baby cheeks flatters my face I've been told. A 50 y.o. friend of my mother saw me last Tuesday and kept raving about how I just grow more beautiful each time she sees me which isn't that often and she's such a genuine person who wouldn't just throw something like that out to flatter without meaning it. Her compliment was much more flattering than all the "you really don't look 33 yet" comments though they're flattering too.

23SkidooWithYou · Feb 22, 2010

chanteuseCarey said:

We interrupt this thread with an important message for Monsieur Chanteuse...You are one lucky fella!

We now return to our regularly scheduled program.

kymeratale · Mar 1, 2010

I wrestle with this more and more

I am 39 these days and I find myself thinking about age appropriateness more. I feel like I am at the cusp where a definitely youthful style could make me look like I am trying to recapture my early 20s. Where I live, there is a subsection of the women's population who dress in styles usually seen on much younger women (anybody who lives in Quebec or Eastern Ontario will know what I mean). The way they do it, just emphasizes their age and really doesn't do them any favours. I'm not saying that women over certain ages can't wear "younger" styles, but you do see it done very badly and it can make them look a bit ridiculous. I am conscious that this is a bit of a thing here and I really don't want to have any hint of that in my look. It is the other extreme to the cardigan/seasonal sweatshirt/comfy shoes thing.

On the other hand, I also don't want to age myself through my clothes. I have always had a preference for very classic styles and in high school, I would get mistaken for a teacher by people who didn't know me. I do sometimes worry that some of the vintagey stuff might make me look older than I am. Not older I suppose, but more mature shall we say?

Ultimately, I think your attitude matters just as much or more than the clothes. I am pretty bouncy and bubbly by nature and that usually makes people think I am younger than I am. Tina Turner can pull her look off not just because she has a great figure, but her personality and attitude suits what she wears.

Edward · Mar 2, 2010

Inky said:
oh brilliant, Edward I love that theory and join you in that hope. The big 5-0 is coming for me in May this year and I am just happy to get there as the other option isn't nearly as much fun, I don't think!!

Heh, well. In some of my darker moods..... but that's why I have a shrink.

I very much doubt you need to worry, honestly, from your photos you could pass for ten years younger - at least. Me, well.... I'm coming to terms with the fact I might just very well be an ugly duck. lol

23SkidooWithYou said:
I think we need to hop on the Elizabeth Arden wagon. I watched a documentary on how she got started selling cold creams. She actually lied and told people she was OLDER than she really was! The response was always how good she looked for her age. I think I'll tell everybody I'm 50 now and by the time 60 rolls around, they'll think I'm fabulous!

Yeah, lie up, that's the way...

Inky said:
I have consider this approach, but then I'm afraid I'll say hey, yeah, I'm 60 and no one will say anything

Heh. People often take me for forty plus.... Apparently it's because I "dress old", or so a couple of close friends whose opinions I trust tell me. Way I see it.... well. I finally found a look I'm happy with, and if other people can't get it... their problem. I've wasted too much of my life caring too much about the thoughts of others who don't care how I think or feel.

I've never felt so old as one day, about six years ago, when during a lecture I said, as I did every year during a particular lecture, "...or Robbie Williams, or whatever pop music it is you young people listen to nowadays..." and for the first time..... noone laughed. This year, I had to explain to my undergraduate class who Myra Hindley was.

Olde English · Mar 2, 2010

It is a family joke that I was born middle-aged! I don't think I ever really dressed 'young' as I never felt comfortable in high fashion clothes, preferring more classic (vintage) styles. Being under 5' tall and a little broad in the beam (hem hem!) doesn't help when 'fashion' is designed for 6' sylphs!
I think that as one matures (ok, ages!) it is probably more desirable to know what suits you and what doesn't - youngsters can follow fashion slavishly and can usually get away with it, whereas older ladies can look much more fabulous by wearing their signature clothing shapes and lengths in 'today's' colour, or by accessorising with up to the minute bags, jewellery etc. rather than embracing the latest fads.
Mutton dressed as lamb isn't usually a good look!
I find I'm getting more into vintage style as I get older - it doesn't have to be ultra-conservative, after all, and am doing my hair in a more vintage (1940's everyday up-do) style. Oddly enough, I find it makes me look younger!
I am so inspired by the pictures that have been posted in this thread - there are glamourous and stylish people of all ages at The Fedora Lounge - thank heavens I've found you!

Yeps · Mar 2, 2010

Helysoune said:
Tina Turner, who will be 70 in a few short weeks. This pic was taken last year. Now, granted, many women of all ages do not have the build to pull off this look (I sure don't), but goodness gracious does it ever work for her!

Sorry for bringing this back in, but I cannot disagree more. I think that she looks incredibly silly, and the way she is dressing is horrendously unflattering. When you are in your twenties you can get away with it, but in this photo, I find it revolting.

Red Diabla · Mar 2, 2010

Yeps said:
Sorry for bringing this back in, but I cannot disagree more. I think that she looks incredibly silly, and the way she is dressing is horrendously unflattering. When you are in your twenties you can get away with it, but in this photo, I find it revolting.

To each their own. Tina Turner deserves a lifetime pass for her to do whatever she wants clothing-wise. She earned it.

RD

cupcake · Mar 2, 2010

Edward said:
Heh. People often take me for forty plus.... Apparently it's because I "dress old", or so a couple of close friends whose opinions I trust tell me. Way I see it.... well. I finally found a look I'm happy with, and if other people can't get it... their problem. I've wasted too much of my life caring too much about the thoughts of others who don't care how I think or feel.

This made me chuckle a bit.
My boyfriend is 34 and a year or two ago this happened to him, he finally found a style that resonated with him and everyone elses opinions could go shove it.
His style? Punk. With a little rockabilly edge but punk for the most part.
I sometimes wonder if he'll ever "retire" into vintage gear. For now, he's rocking punk harder than any of the teens I see these days

Do ladies really have to dress old & frumpy after a certain age...?

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