What counts as “old lady clothes” nowadays?

Hi, newby here.

My take on the old lady look - tightly curled perm or stiff shampoo and set, face powder that is too light and lipstick that is too dark.

Any kind of top or blouse, as long as it's too big and tucked in, extra points if it is paired with a fleece or padded gilet.

Elasticated skirt or trousers. Skirt to be midi length and pleated; Palazzo trousers or sweat pants at half mast. Think sack of potatoes tied in half.

Pair with beige ankle socks, pulled right up and black leather slip ons with a slight heel.

Bag must be faux leather, fabric or oilcloth, patterned and worn cross-body.

Cheap oversize costume jewellery for added effect.

I must say, though, that I see many chic ladies out and about, who wear none of the above.

I haven't seen anyone dressed like that - ever.

OMG What is wrong with a cross body bag? My eldest daughter who is always beautifully dressed wears her bag like that. So I refuse to take this 'old lady' criticism on board. I might be a slightly oldish lady (71) but she definitely isn't!!

I agree Danni. It’s a lot better for your posture to wear a bag cross-body than hooked over one shoulder.

Here’s a shot from the current Plumo catalogue. Hardly an ‘old lady’ look is it?

I have a Prada cross body satchel which is a classic but definitely not old ladyish you can wear it on the shoulder but much more practical worn across the body, it frees up both hands for a start. (I didn’t buy it myself btw).

I think the accessory that makes one look older is the rumpled old man by your side, lol.

???

I take on board your comments about cross-body bags. There are some really stylish plain leather ones.

I only object to the patterned, cheap ones.

M0nica, you have not met my mother in law.

MOnica, this is the usual style in my village!

Nt in Oxfordshire.

EllieB52
I think the accessory that makes one look older is the rumpled old man by your side, lol.

Love it !!!

Sara65, all in Primark! Dress £15, boots the same, and scarf £2.50 - I luuurve a bargain! ?

Long white hair up in a French pleat or pigtails very old lady.

I always think that looks very elegant old lady.

Land's End just started advertising at me (I've never bought from them).
The first items across my screen were a floral dress, a fleece and some baggy beige trousers.
So that's me all set.

Anything in Purple! My mum and my mother in law have a habit of wearing the colour and usually in horrible fleece trousers and ribbed jumpers. Sadly they've been doing this for a LOT of years and now in their eighties!

Some much older ladies often wear their trousers a little too short, I think flesh coloured tights or pop sock can be ageing too.. polyester and everything matching.

Crossbody bags though are very fashionable, I’ve bought a couple in plain leather from My Exquisite recently (online store) and they’re gorgeous and not in the least old fashioned.

This bought back a memory of those wicker wheeled shopper baskets, and the rain hoods everyone seemed to wear when I was young.

Boots had some of those rainhats the other day - I didn't buy one!

The old lady dresses posted by Gonegirl are interesting but I'd not consider one unless long enough to hide my ankles and unless they were cotton or at least viscose. Some of the colours and patterns are nice and understated. I could go to bed in it and take the recycling out without covering myself.

Discodiva

I love purple!

I'd take purple over beige, any day.

Never heard of a rock group called 'Deep Beige'..

OH DEAR! AT 72, I think I'm guilty of a few of these No - No's.
i own a zipped fleece similar to the one shown by Shysal - and even worse - my hubby has one to match! Ours feature Polar Bears!
I do wear jeans (no centre crease) - but hate Trainers - I can't get them in my size anyway (size 2 wide fitting) . My shoes mostly come from Pavers and include the dreaded "Mary Jane" styles. I can't get nice shoes in my size as so few Brands make them. Children's shoes are too narrow, and since I have arthritis in my feet, I can't tolerate ill fitting shoes. I still love the "fitted" clothes I looked good in at 21 - but acknowledge that in a size 16, they are anything but flattering (I'm an Apple shape, too)! I mostly wear trousers, and try not to wear tops that are too close fitting! I have Thankfully - avoided the dreaded Beige - I don't own anything this colour. I only wear cardigans in the house, when I'm a bit too cool. I do wear jackets, but don't possess an anorak! My favourite is "faux leather" biker style with a fur collar (another No-No?). I buy new clothes from Bon Prix (intended for young people) and sadly for my granny image - Kaleidescope for "posh frocks". Guess I'm already "an old lady" !!!

Just looked at the Plumo site as I'd never heard of them. Checked out the dresses and skirts page and thought they were totally dreadful. They did nothing for the young women modelling them, and anyone over the age of 40 would just look like a "bag lady".

Think I'll stick with my skinny jeans and biker boots.

MissAdventure
That’s a very good point!

In the week I am an 'oldie' and I dress accordingly
No one would take much notice of an OAP like me
People nod politely ..and smile indulgently
As I cross with trepidation any busy road I see
BUT ...you would not know me on a Sunday
In my leather biker gear ….crash hat on my head
over green stripes in my hair
My Harley Davison is revving I'm roaring down the street
Get out my way or else ! I'm dancing down with the Angels at the rock n roll café ……(some say with the Devil …
he calls me Happy Feet

Meat Loaf is on the Juke box (still got one, you see)
I'm heading for the future ...I live disgracefully
SO ...don't you dare dismiss me in my beige and white attire
Come the weekend I will set the place on fire ….