Thinspiration

Is 40 really the new 20?

Personally, I think no. I used to think that I would dress trendy and what not "forever" but it drives me nuts now. I can't stand, I repeat CAN'T STAND, seeing "older" women dress young. It drives me fricking NUTS. Just accept your age and dress appropriately. Does that mean you need to wear poly pants and reindeer sweaters? No, you can still be utterly stylish but AGE APPROPRIATE.

I saw a mom at my daughter's ballet class tonight wearing low-rise jeans (she had on black panties ), some tight tee, and this big trendy coat like that of another girl (about 15yo!) who helps with my daughter's class was wearing as well. I used to kind of admire that in some twisted way but not anymore. . .The absolute worst was this woman who had to be at least 60 and she was wearing 20-ish clothes. I thought she looked foolish and wondered when her lipo and such were scheduled.

Anyway, I think I went off topic. Sorry! But I think it's great to be thin and fit at any age!

[DCJenn]

OK, having just hit the big 4-0, I can tell you that it is a very fine line to walk. Some things are obvious- like low riding jeans and tight t-shirts. Some of the fashion trends for the younger set I think look stupid in the first place so there's no real danger there.

But there are times when I look at something and think- 'wow, that's cute'. Luckily I so rarely buy clothes that it doesn't happen that often. I'll stick with expressing my funkiness with my furry birks. It is kinda sad though to realize that I'll never again buy a mini skirt. I have great legs...

Jenn

A miniskirt is a good one, jenn! That would be a very difficult look for a 30-40ish to pull off in a tasteful way, IMO (I'm thinking here of a true mini skirt in all 80's sense of the word, not just a short skirt).

What other trendy items are you deliberating on?

I tend to stick to certain stores as safe zones, too. I love some of the stuff from Urban Outfitters, too, but it seems to really scream "I am in my 20s!!" Anthropologie, however, is very similar but appeals to the 30 crowd. I actually read an article about their stores and I think it broke down as Urban Outfitters for the very young, Free People for the middle, and Anthropologie for the "established" older crowd.

[DCJenn]

strapless dresses look stupid on anyone over 40. I know it's all the trend but lord, some of those ladies in the society pages either need to go to the gym or get the surgeon to tune up the backs of their arms.

and I'm sorry, chubby isn't pretty in a too-tight strapless ball gown, nor is shriveled and skinny. Cover your shoulders, ladies.

Baseball hats with a ponytail sticking out of the back.

Lace up shoes look bad on most people, but are just ridiculous on anyone my age.

anything made by Harley-Davidson except for a motorcycle (that would knock out an entire subset of San Antonio's population...)

Men with bald spots and ponytails. Men with the Donald comb-over.

Men who stuff their bodies into the same jeans they've had since college. Belting you pants at your penis is never a good look.

I'll come up with more.

J.

[Stella]

Lily, I know I'm much younger, but I do understand where you are coming from with this question and I really do empathize with your concerns. My mother (who is 55, so this is different, but whatever) was never a great dresser. She still tries to hard, but we've come a long way.

One thing that I recommended to her was to pick a style icon. Try to find a celebrity or icon that you look up to who is about your age. Then study their style and implement that into your wardrobe. I don't think being 35 is that big a deal. I don't think it makes you old and I don't thing you are left to just wear gawdy suits and boob-high jeans.

Here are some examples:
Julia Roberts is 36 and she always looks timeless, but not "old."
Sandra Bullock is 39.
Kylie Minogue is 38.
Amy Sedaris is 45.
Sheryl Crow is 44.






Annie Brumbaugh's Top 10 Wardrobing Tips

*Define your style, and continue to refine it over time. This is your fashion DNA: What you love, what makes you comfortable, what you feel expresses you. Stay true to this, and the wardrobe will follow.
*Understand your body type, proportions, best silhouettes and colors, textures and scale. Whatever your shape, know that there are clothes out there that can really flatter you, and you should never settle for less.
*Don't go on fishing expeditions. Know what you are shopping for. Be specific but not rigid.
*Go to the right store -- not necessarily where the sales are, but where they have clothes in your style. Go rested and alone. Bring shoes.
*Look for color and fabric first, then silhouette, then size.
*Think outfit, not item. Put each piece in the context of your wardrobe. If you fall in love with a piece that can't be worn with other pieces you own, or that you'll probably never have an occasion to wear, pass it up.
*Get help. Make your wishes known to the salesperson. Get her (or him) to check back with you. A store with unresponsive sales help is not your store.
*Love it or leave it! If you're not absolutely in love with a garment, don't commit.
*Insist on fit. Get alterations then and there if possible. If not, get thee to a fitter. The most wonderful garment ever created won't look good if it doesn't fit.
*Buy the best you can bring yourself to afford, especially in core items. You don't need a lot of stuff when you have the right stuff. Concentrate on fewer, better pieces.

[alison]

What about Elie Tahari?

[Vishenka69]

Totally agree with Stella. Alison, Elie Tahari is great and timeless, both my mom and I really love his stuff.

I think once you're approaching 40s, it's time for more structured clothing. Unless you're a gym junkie or had everything in your body pulled and sculpted, you'll generally need more from clothing than you did at 20. What I mean by structure is better execution, lining, stronger materials. It's a lot harder to pull off tissue t-shirts and silk tops than cotton and wool. Dressing age appropriate has nothing to do with looking frumpy.

[alison]

Vishenka, pick me out some Tahari stuff that would look good on my squat, 5' frame! I need something for a conference paper I'm delivering at the end of March, and again at the end of April.

BTW: The locations are Illinois and Kentucky - in other words, I won't be judged too harshly. Still, I want something professional and young-looking.

[Stella]

I'm not Vishenka, but I can't resist the opportunity to put together a good outfit.

[alison]

I like the slacks, except, they look sort of evening-ish to me.

Would I be able to pull off a baby doll blouse. I'm SHORT with a really short torso.

[Stella]

You can use that as a guide if you aren't comfortable with that. I like putting something with flair under a blazer and slacks to take it up a notch and show some individuality. I really like the color and the texture, plus it'll probably hit right between the waist and hip, which would stick out just enough under your jacket to break up the color without really cutting you in half. Does that make sense? You definitely want a lower neckline though. And I would recommend a pretty similar color from head to toe.

ETA: The waistband on the slacks do dress them up a lot. The shirt I chose would cover that. you wouldn't tuck it in.

[alison]

Thanks! I do like the styles that you picked out.
I should have a look for some slacks, because I will definitely need to get them tailored in time...

What about jewelry? I have the feeling that less is more in my case.

[Stella]

What about jewelry? I have the feeling that less is more in my case.

You are dead on. Especially with a top that is textured like that, you would hardly need anything except maybe a drop pearl earing and a ring. You don't want to go overboard.

[DCJenn]

I can tell you from my 40 YO perspective that I looked at that blouse and thought NFW.

In case anyone is interested!

Jenn

ETA: no offense!