I think that I'm officially dowdy!

So tired of that flowy dress trainers/DMs look. So are the young ones apparently. One told me it has been "hijacked by oldies".

I definitely prefer comfort to fashion but try to look reasonably smart when going out. My 'style' if I have one leans towards unfussy, almost tailored - Bohol/lagenlook makes me look like a bag lady. Of course being not so much pear shaped as light-bulb shaped nowadays doesn't help. I feel most comfortable in linen trousers (summer) or jeans with a loose shirt or tunic-length top. That said, I did buy several long dresses this summer and really loved them. So cool and comfortable. My small act of rebellion against looking frumpy is to have my hair toned to a delicate pink or lilac which I love.

I’ve just been into town and wish I had a trolley. So many ladies, and men, pulling them along. Instead I had an aching shoulder from a heavy bag. My MIL gave me a Sholley but DH said I was not ready for that so off it went to a charity shop. Hmm…..wished I’d kept it!

Note self, must get a trolley. I think I look fine until I see a photography - oh dear.

Had to laugh at the trolley brigade tale. I was a trolley-hater as a young with-it mum, but then didn't drive and had to get my heavy shopping home. Then returned to work in London and seemingly all those young business folk were vying with me for space on the train with their trolleys (containing their tech gear/computers). Quite happy these days to pull my dependable old trolley!

Baggs

^Here's my reaction -my body , my choice and my money - so I don't give a damn anymore !^

Yuss!

THIS

The trainers don’t have to be white ! I’ve worn nothing but trainer type shoes for months in navy, light blue, silver, rose gold, white etc.
For winter some slouch boots from moshulu look fine with jeans or dresses or maybe coloured tights and brogue type shoes.
For me not looking dowdy is all about good colours earrings scarves etc
I actually don’t want to get to the “I don’t care what I look like” stage but each to their own

Own your style, if you like the comfortable look thats fine. Inside I seem to wear leggings or joggers and a sweatshirt. Outside I go smart casual as I love putting outfits together. Mainly jeans or trousers, top or jumper and jacket or coat but always accessorise, have a large selection of scarves, gloves etc.Like boots or trainers as have to be comfortable. I used to go out a lot of an evening but don’t now, so that’s why I put a bit of effort into everyday outings. I see women shopping now who look as if they are going to a party, perhaps wearing all those outfits languishing in the back of the wardrobe.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sarah74

Wyllow3

I do need to find an equivalent of the white trainers for winter tho. I have neat black trainers but they aren't quite the same as the summer equivalent.
Not quite a doc Martin person so this needs some thought...

There are some quite neat boots around, Wyllow - like these ones in Seasalt - not as clumpy at Doc Martens - that look good with midi dresses

I have almost identical boots to those from Clark’s. Very comfortable and great with midi length dresses, skirts and jeans. Also been wearing tea dress styles with white trainers since the 80s often with a short denim/linen jacket. The first person I saw, back then, in a magazine, wearing this was Princess Caroline of Monaco. If it was good enough for her……

Beige doesn’t have to be dowdy. It all depends on what you wear with it. I don’t know if this will post. But this is how I’d wear beige

pin.it/32KMkAA

Me too!

I went out today feeling smart and neat and tidy...My daughter took a picture of me helping DGS steering a mini shopping trolley. I looked a total mess, told my daughter who said "No, you just looked stressed" Oh great a messy stressy!

Many years ago I had my colours done and was told to avoid beige as it made me look washed out, which it did. My hair is now a natural light grey all over so I’d look even more washed out. I’m best in blues, cerise pink, emerald green tops worn with black trousers, jeans or leggings. I do wear dresses and skirts from Seasalt and M&S.

I still dye my hair. I use a box colour that matches my eyebrows and I find that makes me feel less dowdy and much younger. My clothes aren't modern at all, just Marks and Spencer trousers and jumpers found in the sales. I did have a Colour me beautiful session which has given me a better idea of the colours to wear, and that helps me when shopping for bargains.
I don't ever want to go into the beige uniform that some older women wear, but I sometimes wonder if they wear it for a feeling of invisibility and therefore safety ?

Wyllow3

I do need to find an equivalent of the white trainers for winter tho. I have neat black trainers but they aren't quite the same as the summer equivalent.
Not quite a doc Martin person so this needs some thought...

Shame you don’t like the DMs as they too look great with feminine floaty dresses. There are lots if less clumpy styles about that you might prefer so worth trying out this look.

Forlornhope

Shopping trolleys could probably do with a makeover which includes adding some sort of motorised assistance, like e bikes, for those of us with a bad back.

Wasn’t Gok Wan recently going into raptures about a certain type of shopping trolley, one with a seat so you can take a rest too. Think it was called a sholley.

I love flowy boho dresses. I'm short & curvy with big boobs & have found dresses that flow from under the bust flatter my shape. I have loads of bright coloured tights from Snag tights. Not a fan of white trainers for myself but have 3 pairs of patterned heavenly boots, a dm style white pair & some brightly coloured rocket dog sneakers & hi top converse.
I spent years only wearing black but now the brighter the better.

sandelf

Dowdy and proud - I'm looking for ankle boots (to wear with leggings and tunic) - but ones with grippy flat soles as I like to be free to walk miles - Ideas?

Pavers?

Just to say I can’t wear anything vintage as I am and that makes me look like a little old lady

Dowdy and proud - I'm looking for ankle boots (to wear with leggings and tunic) - but ones with grippy flat soles as I like to be free to walk miles - Ideas?

Never dowdy with a decorated shopping trolley!

You crack me up! I am so far past dowdy that yesterday my 10 year old grandson suggested I dress up as a Polar Bear for Halloween. (Which would be fine by me!)

Sarah74 I have pair of those black boots, bought them as this years footwear with everything I wear. It’s trainers all summer and then ankle boots. after a trip into Glastonbury the other day I was pleased to see that all the women had flowing while hair like mine and men with a pony tail like Mr B.

I am smiling to myself as I am wearing a sage green cardigan today but it suits me. It is teamed with a Seasalt long top with a poppy design. Most of the time, I wear black trousers or leggings with colourful tops and cardigans. Red and gold are my favourite colours. I generally have a fairly bohemian look as my favourite footwear is Red Or Dead Ziggy. Seasalt, Fat Face and Joe Browns are my favourite brands. My hair is its natural, original colour. I always wea jewellery; usually a necklace and a brooch. I am wearing two brooches today - a harp brooch on the left and a pair of spectacles brooch on the right. I have never looked right in scarves and I think they can look very ageing anyway. I have used a shopping trolley for years.