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Sense of style

(113 Posts)
DS64till Tue 07-Mar-17 15:38:02

I seem to have lost my fashion sense now I'm in my Fifties; I've looked for it everywhere....... Seriously I want to look stylish and coordinated , I'm 5ft 3 and an 18 and want to look like I've effortlessly confidently dressed but end up looking like a bag lady.... any ideas please

carol58 Wed 08-Mar-17 14:10:54

Think I'd wear the tan flats with skinny jeans if I was taller / thinner / both lol! Parklife1 , do you shop at Debenhams? The larger stores usually have a good range of their own label classics such as trousers, skirts, cardigans etc. Roman originals and Wallis do decent classics with a modern twist too.

Penelopebee Wed 08-Mar-17 14:31:41

Wear what suits you and you and comfortable with. When you are comfortable it will shine through. Forget fashion. Forget style. Be you in what you like and it will let your personality free. I am a fat woman. I'm not 2pounds overweight. People say I always look good. I don't wear anything scruffy out in public, but what I know suits me I do still envy tall slim women that look good in a bin bag but inside they're probably worrying more than me so I just love myself instead. I have a huge wardrobe I wore a blouse last week I've had for fifteen years. I wear it because I look good in it not because it's fashion

amt101 Wed 08-Mar-17 14:51:33

I rather like Togther and Bonprix. Also Marisota. I prefer boots and wish I could wear them all year. Leather jackets often smarten an outfit and look casual at the same time.
I live in jeans but do have calf length skirts for the odd occasion. I try and do tops that are a bit longer. I find M&S tops generally too short. Hope that helps.

123kitty Wed 08-Mar-17 14:52:21

Firstly, get the correct bra size, be measured and fitted (don't be shy- it's her job). Then make an appointment with the stylist service offered in many stores, they also often recommend the colours that will best suit you. You don't have to purchase if you aren't sure. In fact try all the stylists you can find- hopefully you will get an idea of what shapes and styles look good on you. How exciting. Good luck

Muchtygirl1 Wed 08-Mar-17 15:12:03

Treat yourself and have your colours done. Log on to Kettlewell Colours for info. Also Look Fabulous Forever for great make up tips for older women. Go for it. wink

VIOLETTE Wed 08-Mar-17 15:54:07

Love hunting for fashion tips ....don' follow fashion and can't afford 'high end# (not that any would fit me in any case !) but like some of you, having virtually lived in suits most of my working life I found it difficult to find an alternative style ,,shall be 70 this year but I quite like A line or Princess line dresses with a bolero for summer or a short jacket for winter ....bootcut jeans, long tops with button back sleeves or a long cardi thing or a jumper. In summer I have a lot of Bonmarche sun dresses with a bolero which I love ....Being 5'10 I do find it really difficult to get dresses that are not 6 inches above the knee and trousers that are long enough to sit on top of shoes !! I also quite like the cut off trousers and a top for summer ...and since I cannot wear heels any more, I buy a lot of different coloured Menorcan sandals or wedges (online direct from Menorca for 20 Euros a pair as opposed to those advertised for sale in the UK at more than 40 euros or pounds a pair !!) even with postage it is cheaper ! I absolute LOVE the Lindy Bop 50's style dresses but they are made mostly in China and even a size 26 is only about a 16 !) I used to make all my own, but can't be bothered any more ! flowers

Kitspurr Wed 08-Mar-17 15:54:16

It's about looking for inspiration, not necessarily copying the outfit completely. We all like different things. I wouldn't wear boot cut jeans, as I think they're very dated. Anyone can wear skinny jeans, it's how you wear them that makes the outfit work.

paddyann Wed 08-Mar-17 16:55:54

Try QVC ,I buy a few of their ranges,best thing is you can have it for 30 days and try it with everything in your wardrobe and if you dont like it send it back ...even if you've worn it...even earrings and undies .I hate fitting rooms in shops so this suits me fine .

Jalima Wed 08-Mar-17 17:22:27

best thing is you can have it for 30 days and try it with everything in your wardrobe and if you dont like it send it back ...even if you've worn it...even earrings and undies
You are taking the michael, surely?

Remind me not to buy anything from QVC, it could be 'pre-loved'
shock

Lazigirl Wed 08-Mar-17 17:25:05

Well said Penelopebee. It's a lot about confidence and self esteem, but I do think cheap clothes can be a mistake. I prefer to save up and buy the odd good quality piece with better fabric and material. Have had some silk blouses for over 10 years for instance.

Jalima Wed 08-Mar-17 17:25:40

I don't wear skinny jeans because they are just too much like hard work to get on and off hmm

That pale pink would make me look sallow MawBroon - yes, I agree, a no-no
And as for the jeans - does the bum look big in these?

Thanks you Carol for the tip re shoes

Jalima Wed 08-Mar-17 17:28:24

I daren't buy another pair of shoes that just 'might be comfy'.

I sneaked in a pair I bought yesterday and tried them on indoors thinking that DH wouldn't notice (not another pair of shoes?)

Unfortunately, I forgot to take the labels off the bottom so when I put my feet up on the stool .....

Ana Wed 08-Mar-17 17:34:41

Who would send back undies and earrings they'd worn...? That's not right...in fact it's gross!

Ana Wed 08-Mar-17 17:36:07

Jalima, that is such a basic error, you should know better by now! grin

NannyKasey Wed 08-Mar-17 17:42:04

I have been wearing the same style since I was a teenager (more or less), I'm now 52. I wear leggings, jeggings and skinny jeans, teamed with a top, jumper or a band t-shirt (depending on the situation) I have a few dresses which I will wear if I need to go to a meeting which isn't at my place of work.

I've put on a couple of stone in the last 2 years due to the menopause, but luckily I'm still a 14/16 (having been a size 10), depending on the retailer.

Jalima Wed 08-Mar-17 17:42:08

I know, I got caught out grin

I remember when my uncle got married again, he knelt down in church and my mum (his sister) whispered to me 'look, he's left the price label on his new shoes'!

Marydoll Wed 08-Mar-17 17:43:52

I was looking at new cars today and asked the salesman, "Are there any hidden compartments in the boot, for hiding purchases till later." He thought I was joking. grin

Jalima Wed 08-Mar-17 17:45:58

Just remember to take the labels off .....
rub the shoes in the dirt

MawBroon Wed 08-Mar-17 17:47:33

Sorry Kitspurr (!) bootcut jreans are totally this season -(again ) - and skinny jeans are not compatible with fatty legs!!

Jalima Wed 08-Mar-17 18:03:23

Never throw anything out, it all comes back into fashion again!

carol58 Wed 08-Mar-17 18:21:08

I agree MawBroon, bootcut are the ones to be seen in again -thank goodness! They suit my chubby legs better than skinnys. You're very welcome Jalima and if you wear trainers at all, try Skechers, they're wider fit, being American.

willa45 Wed 08-Mar-17 18:25:40

It's all in the hair! I've always felt more confident when I have a good haircut and my gray hair isn't showing. These days, I choose two shades lighter than my (original) dark brown and I've added creamy blonde highlights. Eyebrows are important too, since they tend to thin with age but avoid too thick or too dark. Easy also on the eye makeup and lipstick. I'm pleasantly plump and average in height so I go for anything that lengthens my figure. Shoulder pads widen the shoulders and give the illusion that everything below is 'thinner'. Over the knee skirts and dresses make you look taller and make legs look thinner. Leggings are OK if you have the legs for it. Same with boots. Avoid very high heels and tight fitting clothes (they will actually make you look bigger). 3/4 or long sleeves hide problem arms. Finally, good quality accessories like shoes, belts, bags and tasteful jewelry are a must.

Theoddbird Wed 08-Mar-17 18:44:20

Google 'Capsule Wardrobe'. It is about mixing and matching clothes. I think this idea might help you.

Corncob Wed 08-Mar-17 18:51:10

who cares.Just wear what you feel comfortable in,most of us are at an age that we do not have to dress to impress

Norah Wed 08-Mar-17 19:06:43

I take my daughters and GDs shopping, they help sort. Slim jeans, trousers, tops and scarves is almost enough to me, with a few nice dresses, jackets.