Er, nothing, really. Or maybe almost nothing…
Cyndy and Jan only bring up the subject of what older women should not wear because they were asked the question by the brilliant BBC radio host Jo Good when they appeared on the BBC London Jo Good Show.
“Is there anything an older woman should never wear?” asked Jo.
Jan and Cyndy both thought for a while…
The only fashion item they could come up with were ripped jeans. Ripped jeans and, indeed, embellished jeans at eye-watering prices by brand such as Louis Vuitton, feed into the 70s trend and the grunge vibe. And Jo, Cyndy and Jan all felt that grunge was not a good look for an older woman; indeed the reasons why it is not are explained perfectly by Virginia Ironside in her book.
Yup, Jan and Cyndy both feel ripped jeans are a trend best left alone by the older woman… except, except, if you style them this way, with a stunning knit jumper, flat trainers or boots and suede handbag, even a woman who can barely remember her 50th birthday could wear ripped jeans.
It all comes back to the principal premise of SoSensational: it’s not the garment, it is all about how you style it for a woman of 50-plus or for a woman of 60-plus…
Another garment Jo asked Cyndy and Jan about was “leather bomber jackets.” Now, if you are a regular visitor to SoSensational, you will know that at SoSensational we love a nice leather jacket, so they both said that, yes, an older woman can definitely wear a leather bomber jacket or a leather biker jacket – again, it is all about the way you style it. We love this bomber, with the casual on-trend ankle length jeans, and the gorgeous boots-and-bag combo. Don’t think bikers are just for casual outfits either – they work equally well with dresses and skirts.
Not even a mini skirt was taboo for an older woman if she has great legs and styles a short skirt correctly. Since you ask: that would be with opaques plus flat ankle boots OR flat trainers OR a chunky loafer plus a mannish blazer or a slouchy knit; but definitely not with a skinny vest… Volume is your friend as you get older. That definitely doesn’t mean baggy, but a bit slouchy…
The other trend Jo mentioned was the cold shoulder top. Someone had told her they believed the cold shoulder trend was not for older women. Jan and Cyndy disagreed, pointing out that, since shoulders age better than other bits of our bodies, we could comfortably put our shoulders on show so cold shoulders are a great trend for older shoulders.
Oh yes, white jeans; the same friend who had told Jo they believed the cold shoulder trend was not for older women had said the same about white jeans. At the risk of repeating ourselves, it is all about how you style them. They also need to fit well – the right cut, the right shape and the right rise all help; then add a slouchy jumper or a slouchy top, great shoes and bag and you will look fabulous, however long ago you celebrated your 50th birthday.
The one thing, Jo, Jan and Cyndy all agreed could definitely be left alone by older women were fishnets. But then, you already knew that, didn’t you…
We’d love to hear what you think? Do you agree or do you think there are other clothes that shouldn’t be worn over age 50 – just leave your comment below!
8 Comments
I’m 56 & I wear whatever I want* I think you should have had more photos showing older women wearing these looks just to prove your point, most of the models above look like they’re in their 20s which isn’t very helpful.
*Except fishnets … they should be left alone by ALL women, young or old!
Hello Gill, thanks so much for your comments. Photos showing older women wearing the looks is a constant problem for us. You see, even brands which specifically aim for our demographic, photograph their clothes on younger models. As one head of a very popular brand told me when I raised this point, no one wants to see the clothes on older models and they won’t buy either. So the way we usually tackle it – on the home page and elsewhere – is to remove most of the model’s head! Not an ideal solution, but the only cost effective solution available. Delighted to hear that you wear whatever you want Gill, but that fishnets are a no-no!
For those of us who are slim waisted but larger on the hips, the short jackets you feature are a definite NO. So many women of a certain age make the mistake of wearing these and look ghastly! Any alternative suggestions welcome.
Hi Hilary, thank you for taking the time to comment. Yes, short jackets can be an issue if you slim-waisted and bigger on the hips. But there is short and short; it really depends exactly where the jacket falls; we advise having a note by your laptop of the exact measurements (i.e. lengths) that are good for you. Alternatively, look for a longer blazer, but a curvy one (i.e. waisted, with darts) as that will cover hips and bottom and show off your slim waist..
I think that by the time we are over 50 we should really know what works and what doesn’t, I am 6ft tall so have the additional problem of finding retailers that can accommodate the longer length needed and there are many that don’t.
I hate having to put an outfit together for a special occasion wedding or party as the choice for me is very limited and dresses and skirts do not look as good with flat shoes.
For me its flat boots jeans in the winter and flip flops / flat sandals in the summer
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Gaynor. I especially feel your pain over “flat shoes”, though I’m limited to them for different reasons. Celebrate the fact that you are model height and can look stunning in most fashion… You are right, as women over 50 we should really know what works and what doesn’t. As a Tall, you’ve had to think about what works and what doesn’t and have learned what works; I’m a pear and have had to do the same; the more “average” women don’t think about it until much later… Enjoy being tall and welcome the fact that so many High Street brands are now offering Tall clothes.
I’m but no g 64 shortly and have been told I look much younger.I certainly am young at heart and wear trendy clothing.Ive always wanted a leather trouser and found one on sale a week ago .My daughter of 37 is horrified and my hubby thinks I’m too “classy” to wear them.Msybe it’s his way of saying I’m too old😣What do you think?If I do wear them should they always be tight?.Thank you. Linda
Thanks for getting in touch. We love leather trousers AND we think we should all wear what we feel happy and comfortable wearing. As mothers of adult daughters, Cyndy and I would never want to interfere between mum and daughter, but if you like leather trousers and feel good in them, we don’t think you need to worry what your daughter thinks. As for your husband, we feel sure he’ll enjoy seeing you look and feel good in whatever you wear. And on the fashion question, ‘Should they always be tight?’ No, they do not have to be tight; they should be whatever shape trousers best suit you, which could be tapered leg, skinny or wide leg. The key to looking great is in choosing leather trousers in a good shape for your shape, and wearing the right top for your shape. Good luck with them. We feel sure you’ll look sensational in them. And happy 64th birthday…