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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

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 .....

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

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 17:22:27

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

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 .

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

carol58 Wed 08-Mar-17 14:04:40

IMHO the pink jacket would look good with a knee length floral or denim dress and nude ballet flats. Too rock chick for the more mature lady with the ripped jeans!

MawBroon Wed 08-Mar-17 14:03:29

Yes I hesitated over the last, as tan and denim go well together, but thought the shoes made it look tacky. A pair of cowboy boots with a little heel would lift it.

Parklife1 Wed 08-Mar-17 14:03:28

I got rid of most of my smart work clothes, but find it really difficult to find anything these days. Our local M&S is dreadful, Phase 8 is too expensive and the House of Fraser has been revamped and only has high end brands like Hobbs now. I just want classic, well fitting clothes that don't break the bank.

carol58 Wed 08-Mar-17 14:01:27

MawBroon. I would wear the last outfit but with heeled brown ankle boots as the flats would make me look dumpy with the long cardigan. White skinny jeans only look good on the super slim don't they? More about your shape than age I would say.

MawBroon Wed 08-Mar-17 13:55:55

Perhaps unfair to judge on first appearances, but these would be a total no-no!!

carol58 Wed 08-Mar-17 13:50:24

Jalima & Shweek have you tried Evens for shoes? They are all wide / extra wide fit and start at a size 4 if I remember correctly. I used to buy all of mine there before I had my bunions done. Best thing I ever did BTW - bunions fixed I mean ?

Jalima Wed 08-Mar-17 13:49:14

Or Camilla wink

Jalima Wed 08-Mar-17 13:48:46

but tight jeans on frankly curvy legs? Well, not tight jeans (straight-legged ones and not at that price either shock)

I must confess I only briefly looked at the jeans (not ripped!), check shirt and gilet picture (what I would wear when I meet Cammila at the polo match) and just thought that the rest would be suitable.

Lynd1952 Wed 08-Mar-17 13:47:04

I get a lot of inspiration from the chic at any age blog. She often does features for gransnet.

widgeon3 Wed 08-Mar-17 13:33:06

Hear hear Mauriherb
Can still wear the size 8-14 clothes I bought years ago( now size '18') only because the style then was to have wider cut sleeves. Now they just will not accommodate bingo wings and bigger thighs.
Did a hundred mile round trip thinking john Lewis would offer me something new. no! I called the manager and asked him if he could see the customers in his department. He looked puzzled until I explained that we were 5 larger sized, disconsolate- looking women who could find nothing suitable. He suggested I contact the buyer in London.
All I want is natural fibres(skin condition exacerbated by many synthtics except fleeces) and a comfortable garment. The nearest I could find for my requirements in one ladies' department was a pink / purple spotted skirt.
Now I have to stick to Unisex.... not that I care too much at approaching 80 but would love some sort of local choice

icanhandthemback Wed 08-Mar-17 13:25:21

Make an appointment with the Dressers in Debenhams. They are really helpful and can help you choose a wardrobe which will make you look your best. You don't have to buy anything if you decide you don't want to but will know what styles really suit you.

Mauriherb Wed 08-Mar-17 13:03:06

My problem is finding a suitable shop ! In my town you have lots of choice if you are young and thin or want casual wear but for a mature size 16 wanting smart clothing you've got no chance!

MawBroon Wed 08-Mar-17 12:51:46

I am going to be picky! Always on thevlook out for a new label, I too clicked the Alexa Webb link and thought oh dear!
Maybe I should have gone further, but tight jeans on frankly curvy legs? Ripped jeans (also "skinny, but the legs weren't) Beige waterfall cardigans?
Ripped is not never a good look . End of.
Skinny jeans on fatty (!) legs neither.
A pair of dark indigo boot cut jeans in the right size, a jacket (or even cardigan in a colour) and a big scarf would be my outfit of choice and IMHO much more stylish and flattering.