'Fabulous Fashionistas'

Who needs railings and walking sticks these days when we've got #gransnet

j08 I love it - you epitomise that poem. That's a compliment BTW

I'm not. Disgraceful!

I'm starting to identify with that poem much more nowadays!

I have always loved that Jenny Joseph poem. However, it is not so easy to find purple and red gorgeous clothes (unless they are mother of the bride chiffon). I will keep trying though. When I go clothes shopping I somehow always end up with black and navy - where are all the jolly bright clothes in size 16?

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me,
And I shall spend my pension
on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals,
and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired,
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells,
And run my stick along the public railings,
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens,
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat,
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go,
Or only bread and pickle for a week,
And hoard pens and pencils and beer mats
and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry,
And pay our rent and not swear in the street,
And set a good example for the children.
We will have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me
are not too shocked and surprised,
When suddenly I am old
and start to wear purple!

Jenny Joseph

OK - will find it on i player! Your comments have persuaded me..

I was in awe of their fitness and flexibility. I don't think they were trying to stop the ageing process just enjoying life while they could. I thought the programme was quite life affirming Good for them - be who you want whatever anyone thinks. Wish I was as fit and flexible. Wish I had the courage to wear all these bright clothes. Wish I could find nice bright clothes - it is not always easy.

They are amazing ladies indeed,their style and attitude second to none,I laughed at the American lady who was the author of low fat cookery books and as to how bonny she was now but I loved her top coats over a plain black dress wonderful.

I thought they were all amazing, and I remember Gillian Lynne getting married to that lovely man. They seemed so happy.
I loved the charity shop lady's stylishness, and the attitude of the 'fringe' lady, inspiring stuff.

I saw the last bit of the programme but what I saw I thought very uplifting. Not about fashion per se, but attitude. Luckily I have it taped so will be even more uplifted later Gillian Lynne (?) looked amazing.

Fantastic..... feel like changing my wardrobe.... off to the charity shops! On second thoughts, local charity shops are a bit dull, perhaps the trusty old sewing machine and some judicious snipping to achieve the layered look, flattering AND hides a multitude of sins!
What amazing, inspirational women!

Loved the photographs, and the comments here. I loved the look Gillian the ballet dancer had, but wouldn't wear it as I'm with the practical approach to clothes. I've loved retirement, as I can now buy clothes I like wearing, rather than having to chose clothes that will double as going out for a drink/meal and going to work clothes as I have for so long. My youngest daughter took me in hand when I was about 50, and heading for M&S middle aged lady clothes. She was brilliant in encouraging me to try on things in smaller sizes, she was right, I didn't look fatter in them. Also, stuff I'd passed by thinking I was too old for it.
Don't all those women look fantastic, I wouldn't wear all the clothes they're modelling, but they look so energetic and full of zest and love of life - fabulous

In my head, I've been like her for several years!

I want to be like Baroness Trumpington when I grow up.fabulous!

I loved Bridget - what a stylish, elegant and lovely woman. She had such a positive attitude. I wondered what on earth she was doing cutting her fringe so drastically, but it really suited her.

They were all truly inspirational - although enviably slim (even thin) and fit apart from one. Watching Doc Martin last night I was amazed at how young Eileen Atkins (Aunt Ruth) looked for 87 - there's hope for us all!

Just watched the programme and I wish I had half the attitude those amazing ladies have. I always wanted to grow old disgracefully and still trying to achieve it. Must go and find the poem about wearing purple !

I think they're all amazing and none of them are trying to be younger than they are - no Botox or tucks. They all embrace life. I particularly like Bridget with the short fringe - great attitude and the one who shops in charity shops is my kind of girl I might wake up in th morning a different person - possibly one with a dislocated hip if I do the excises

I agree with Grannyknot - they all look as if they are trying too hard. OTT. My idea of stylish is understated with no more than one quirky or outstanding bit, be that the hair, make up, clothes or accessories. My style icon is the Penguin - immaculately smart suit with a bright red or gold fascinator on top.

I say again - each to their own

I wonder what they would think about a pair of my battered old Levi's and my trusty boots.I somehow don't think I would class as elegant.

j08

The Baroness looks very stylish and feisty.

Blow fashion, what they have is STYLE, which is more than just clothes it is also personality.

Love these comments - looking forward to watching the programme this evening. These ladies have my utmost admiration for being so individual. I would love to just wear exactly what I like without caring what other people think but sadly I just don't have that sort of confidence and therefore tend to play it a bit safe - hopefully still reasonably stylish for my age though !!

They look interesting, the sort of person you would want to talk to. I'm sure I wouldn't have the chutzpah to carry it off myself. Good on them. Look forward to seeing the programme tonight.