What is your style over 65?

Ok so I realise practicality is dictating some choices as well know. Floaty dresses and longer skirts don't work for me when using the mobility scooter - too much risk of them getting caught in the wheels - hence I'm wearing trousers more. So I think I need to focus on tops and jackets as that's the part of me that shows the most!

grannybuy

I’m probably a bit reserved re clothes. I’m nearer 80 than 70, 5’1”, size 10/12, so no real problem re fit, though I might have to alter length! I have no leggings, jeggings or skinny jeans. I like tapered or straight trousers, though quite happy that wide leg is back in fashion, and I have raked out my old ones, which are still in good condition. I do have a couple of pairs of jeans, but prefer chinos. Last summer, I bought two dresses, one from white stuff, and the other from M & S. No frilly tiers! I’ve always like straight skirts, but have few occasions to wear those nowadays. I often wear Ecco shoes, trainer and Mary Jane style. I like casual jackets, but not blazers. Have fine hair, so keep it short. I think long hair for older women is okay if it’s thick, but otherwise not. I’m boring.

That doesn't sound boring at all - it sounds quite chic :-) I have never been able to wear straight skirts, despite being tall - I think I'm just the wrong shape (or feel constricted).

I think it can help to look at the clothing choices of a celebrity in the media of your size and shape and colouring that you admire, for inspiration and see if you can pull off the same look using main stream shops. People in the media often have stylists to help them keep up to date without looking too ridiculous. Same goes for hair styles and colouring and make up. Less is more when it comes to make up for older skin but a good facial moisturiser with sunscreen is essential .
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Personally I like smart not ripped dark stretch jeans, or cotton neutral coloured trousers bin khaki shades in a straight leg as my everyday casual wardrobe staple, and dress up or down with t shirts blouses shirts and modern cardigans or nice zipped fleeces, or a jacket, depending on just how casual I want to go. I am too short to wear wide legged trousers . I agree with the comments made previously about baggy floating tops need closer fitted bottoms and vice versa for floaty swishy bottoms, to afford looky grumpy and bag lady like.. Dresses are best plain in colours that suits you and are not too clinging over bulges or low cleavages.

Avoid big floral prints in multiple colours unless you are tall enough to carry them off.

Avoid skirts lengths that end level with the wide part of your calf .

Don't wear jogging bottoms or sweat pants, hoodies etc except to gym or yoga etc.

If you like leggings, make sure you wear them with a tunic style top that finishes above the knee at your thigh but below 'chub rub' level.

Spring and summer I usually wear knee length shorts,t shirt and as I've got older a very fine long cardigan and fit flops for footwear. Winter I wear black jeans or trousers,t shirt and a heavy weight cardigan.Plus DM's or heavenly feet boots. Mainly ankle boots now rather than knee length unless I'm going out somewhere and wear either a dress or a skirt and tights. I match everything colourwise, have loads of scarves in lots of different colours to co-ordinate with the rest of what I'm wearing. Always put a bit of make up on when I go out,even if it's just to the shops. Used to have extremely long black hair,now it's a bob,coloured pink at the top and turquoise at the ends at the minute. Got a cupboard full of different colours to choose from,not sure what's next on the agenda. My 11 year old granddaughter thinks I'm the coolest grandma ever and that's fine by me. Not bothered what other people think anymore

I'm a few years younger than you, gentleshores, and still working. I usually wear full-length, tailored trousers (wide or straight) or a midi skirt for work with slim fitting tops. I dress for comfort at home, so that means really comfy leggings and long, loose tops and if I'm out at the weekend it's usually jeans, tops and blazers or loose, knee length dresses and boots with tights.

I admire people of all ages who use accessories well to update their look and older people who seem to have the knack of getting the casual look right. Like you, I wish I could wear more casual clothes and not look messy. I always feel as though I have to dress a bit more formally than I'd like, just to avoid looking untidy.

Even though I'm still slim, as I've aged, I find that tighter clothes don't suit me and they're too uncomfortable. I'm finding that I need more things I can move around in freely. I spend a bit more on outerwear, as I think a good quality coat or jacket is a good starting point for whatever else you need for your wardrobe.

I also try to make an effort to look a bit more polished these days. For me that means smoother hair, light makeup, taking care of my nails (basic manicure) and clean, better quality footwear. The dishevelled look only suited me when I was young.

I’m not really keen on all these fashion rules, I know none of us wants to look ridiculous, but I agree with Rosie, just do what makes you feel good .

I’m 78 wear makeup whenever out and about. Definitely wear bright colours and costume jewellery. I just please myself and just go with the flow.

Buy most of my clothes from charity shops.

Steelygran

I'm a few years younger than you, gentleshores, and still working. I usually wear full-length, tailored trousers (wide or straight) or a midi skirt for work with slim fitting tops. I dress for comfort at home, so that means really comfy leggings and long, loose tops and if I'm out at the weekend it's usually jeans, tops and blazers or loose, knee length dresses and boots with tights.

I admire people of all ages who use accessories well to update their look and older people who seem to have the knack of getting the casual look right. Like you, I wish I could wear more casual clothes and not look messy. I always feel as though I have to dress a bit more formally than I'd like, just to avoid looking untidy.

Even though I'm still slim, as I've aged, I find that tighter clothes don't suit me and they're too uncomfortable. I'm finding that I need more things I can move around in freely. I spend a bit more on outerwear, as I think a good quality coat or jacket is a good starting point for whatever else you need for your wardrobe.

I also try to make an effort to look a bit more polished these days. For me that means smoother hair, light makeup, taking care of my nails (basic manicure) and clean, better quality footwear. The dishevelled look only suited me when I was young.

I quite agree - the dishevelled look only works when you're young. I'm also thinking outerwear is the key - jackets and coats.

Gentleshores it’s worth looking on Vinted once you have an idea of what ‘look’ you want- you’d be amazed at what you can find.
I always set the filter to new or new without tags (labels) and the brand names I’m looking for, buying new clothes doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Someone on here mentioned Erica Davies, plus I would suggest having a look at a blog called MidLifeChic for styling ideas.

Sara1954

I’m not really keen on all these fashion rules, I know none of us wants to look ridiculous, but I agree with Rosie, just do what makes you feel good .

What rules?

Tenko

Gentleshores , have a look on instagram , there are lots of 60+ ladies on there .
I’m sorry to say it but I think long hair is ageing and if it’s up all the time , what’s the point ?
I used to have long hair for decades but have had a bob for about 10 years . I also have ashy blonde highlights . I’m naturally light brown. I’m lucky that I have a great hairdresser and my hair looks very natural and is in good condition . Yes it’s an expense having a cut every 7 weeks and colour every 3 months. But I don’t spend money on nails or lashes and I’m frequently told I don’t look 66 .
As for clothes , wear colour on your top half , get a well fitted bra , and dress for your shape .
I recently came across a YouTube video of Trinny Woodall going through her own wardrobe , she was explaining how her clothes would work for other shapes and sizes . It was very interesting.

I have long hair and always wear it up, top knot on top of my head with spirals down the sides. I was told I look late 40s. I am 65 . I am also wearing today, slim fitting jeans, a lightweight khaki sweater and desert boots. I work on a building site. I dress no differently to my daughters in law who are 25 years younger than me. Nothing screams old more than a bob. Not for me. The secret to clothes is always wear something that fits, do not try to cram into something that is to small or anything that is way to big. Confidence is the key. I actually do not give one hoot what anyone thinks of what I look like. My husband says that I am beautiful and that's the only validation I need.

Haven't wore the look for a while-but I love a twin set , tartan skirt and pearls !

I like clothes from Forbidden Tribes, Uniqlo, A Hundred Stars, Camper, linen duster coats all in sludgey toning colours.. to go with my streaked blonde/dark grey hair..

I don't think there are any fashion rules these days, thank goodness. We can just wear what we feel good in. Or comfortable in.

I’m not quite over 65 but getting there. Don’t think I have a style. I don’t want to spend a lot on clothes so Next and M and S are my usual haunts. A v necked jumper and jeans or a shirt under a woolly waistcoat are my go to in winter. I have also got some really nice tops from Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.
I went shopping today and popped into Next and M and S, but I was surprised at the high prices. £40 for a jumper of mediocre quality seems a lot to me. I wasn’t impressed at what was on offer.
I agree that there are no rules, and try never to judge what other people wear. I love to see different styles on people of all ages.

I am hopeless at choosing and wearing clothes that suit. Always have been. Am almost never happy with how I look. I am only 5'3 and sadly have bigger boobs than anyone I know. I recently lost 3 stones (now in the "healthy" band) through cancer treatment but the boobs have stayed the same K-cup even though I'm now size 12 or 14. During a normal week I live in dark denim jeans, a patterned top and probably a hoodie, though recently I've bought a few jumpers. I can't wear wool or other animal fabrics cos they itch, so most clothing is acrylic. At least it's easy to wash.

I think one problem I have is on buying clothes too cheaply. I've never heard of most of the makes mentioned on here and no idea what shopping centre within 25 miles might sell them.

DH and I have been spending the kids' inheritance on cruises and I have a whole wardrobe of "cruise clothes", both casual and dressy. Mostly for warmer weather.

But it's very rare that I feel I look good in anything.

I'm useless on choosing jewellery and accessories, useless on scarves too.

Hair is shortish, layered, with a side fringe. I can't apply make-up at all. The foundation is okay but my hands are too shaky to do mascara and lips both too thin and acidic - a lippo disappears in about 3 minutes flat! And I have very pale skin, now also a tad patchy do to radiotherapy to the head and neck area.

I do get a tad depressed about my appearance but no idea what to do about it. Fortunately (or not) my social life doesn't involve many well-dressed ladies (apart from on the cruises) so I don't stand out!

Oh, shoes are another problem. I have wide feet, including the toe area, so nothing remotely pointed will do. Being used to being "dumpy" I like a small neat heel if "dressing up" but hard to find - again no shops nearby and I baulk at the prices that most of you pay. It's not that I can't afford to spend, but I know I'll buy a pair and find they only look good with one outfit, or maybe none at all.

Bag lady is my style.
I revel in elasticated waistband, flat, clumpy shoes, and "who's going to be looking at me anyway" coats.

Hang on, just realised I'm not even 65 yet!!

MissAdventure

Bag lady is my style.
I revel in elasticated waistband, flat, clumpy shoes, and "who's going to be looking at me anyway" coats.

I like the sound of your style MissAdventure. I dress like a bag lady who has a certain' Je ne se quois'
My poor Mother used to despair!
I'm also a stranger to a dress. Currently I'm wearing my lovely 20 Yr old brown corduroy's 🤭

Oh dear , Pascal why did you mention A Hundred Stars ?!
Now I want that expensive dress with the willow pattern on it !
It's gorgeous .
I like the other companies , that you've mentioned as well .
My taste is quite varied - fifties frocks , caftans and that English twin set and pearls look .

I always wanted to be in the Borg collective before I became fat !
Being in an 18th century costume drama is on my bucket list .
How they even managed to go to the loo in those costumes beats me - but I'll manage reading and embroidery in one of those fantastic dresses .
And it would be the end of what to do with my hair as I can wear one if those amazing wigs !

Oh, I just had a look at A Hunded Stars too! Now, to convince myself that I am worth it....

Me too Aveline! Comfy is great and I can be a hippy.

madmeg Its not what you wear but the way that you wear them. By that I mean if you can conduct yourself with confidence and radiate the fact that you are happy and content withyourself, you seem well dressed even if you are dressed in a plastic bag.

The OP asked "What is your style over 65?" I would have thought most people would have either sorted this out or not be bothered. You may adapt to a new body shape.

Choosing any item of clothing, in any "style", will need the same knowledge of dressing for you body shape if you want to have a flattering fit, enhance your best features and downplay areas you may be less confident about, get a confidence boost, increase your self-esteem, feel comfortable, express your personal style, gain wardrobe efficiency, and avoid fleeting trends.

I see being able to do this as knowledge. If you see it as rules and you don't like rules in your life then why would you bother with it. We are surely all dressing for ourselves by the time we are 65 or over.

Do people's shapes really change that much? I have a bigger waist than I did when I was younger, and I have shrunk and inch or two, but I still have long legs and arms, and I am still pear shaped, I still take the same size in clothes and bra, and my weight hasn't changed much either, so not that much has changed.