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What counts as “old lady clothes” nowadays?

(280 Posts)
sarahcyn Sat 07-Sept-19 11:18:12

I need the brilliance and sharp eyes of Gransnet! As I approach Birthday No..
61 , I worry more about dressing like an ”old lady”.
I’m aware that many clothing choices that look normal to me look old fashioned to my daughters.
It was ages before I realised my jeans were the “Wrong” length for example.
Is there anyone here with a keener fashion sense than mine who has a list of no-go looks that scream “EIGHTIES”?

Gonegirl Sat 07-Sept-19 15:24:23

But fleeces are so warm! I have got a lightweight Jack Wolkskin one on at the moment. Black with a fuschia zip.

Oldandverygrey Sat 07-Sept-19 15:24:27

Not much hope for me, not only do I wear Hotter shoes, but I also wear the granny pinnies as well.

Gonegirl Sat 07-Sept-19 15:25:26

Can you still buy them?! ((Rubs hands excitedly))

Gonegirl Sat 07-Sept-19 15:26:47

I am between sizes in Hotter shoes. Unfortunately. Fit flops for me. (Including lace-up flats shock)

ninathenana Sat 07-Sept-19 15:31:04

When I was a teen I used to go into Evans and the like with mum who despite having a 22" waist whilst in the army was by then a plus size after having her three children.
Every item in such shops to me were "grannie clothes". Now I have become my mother, every item in my opinion is now aimed at my daughters age group. Sooo frustrating. I wear skirts a lot but they are all maxi or short and straight.
I would love to wear tunics and leggings but I have short legs and a large tum and look 9mths pregnant in that style.

Witzend Sat 07-Sept-19 15:34:23

Ill-fitting beige trousers, and those sort of muddy-lilac coloured waterproof jackets.
Patterned summer frocks with white cardies.
Winter/warmer cardigans with brass buttons.

My mother wouldn't wear what she considered frumpy old lady clothes even at 80. When she later got dementia and couldn't care less what she wore, I still wouldn't buy her anything her former self wouldn't have worn.

M0nica Sat 07-Sept-19 15:38:08

Quite often it is not what you wear but the way that you wear it.

Oldandverygrey Sat 07-Sept-19 15:38:25

Yes you can still buy granny pinnies, am in the Essex area.

Gonegirl Sat 07-Sept-19 15:41:56

The pinnies I would really still like to buy are the ones that have that "contraption" at the back. Where the ties going down meet with the ties going round. They were so comfortable. Searched high a low for them but no luck.

fiorentina51 Sat 07-Sept-19 15:45:56

I have a granny pinny. Made it myself and wear it with a rather fetching red and blue checked turban to complete the ensemble. I think I look magnificent! ?

MawB Sat 07-Sept-19 15:46:37

Good point M0nica - although pastel fleeces and beige crimplene would make even Naomi Campbell look frumpy.
I am sorry to see everybody knocking M&S - I have had a lot of wear (and compliments from my 40 + DDs) out of a denim “biker” jacket from them this summer and their Per Una straight jeans are second to none. (White, indigo and black)
Tops and t shirts have gone down in quality IMO for tases I prefer Joules, but I think the key difference is colour and not being afraid of being bold.

MawB Sat 07-Sept-19 15:48:07

“For tops” I prefer Joules and no I do not have 40+ DDs but two in their early 40’s with great style.

seacliff Sat 07-Sept-19 16:16:02

Oh my goodness Gonegirl - wherever did you find that company, they really are old lady clothes grin.

My problem is, I am overweight so cannot wear fashionable skinny jeans and leggings, they look unflattering. I have to play safe with straight leg. Equally I wear shoes/sandals primarily for comfort now. I compare myself with younger colleagues and can see the difference in what we wear.

Gonegirl Sat 07-Sept-19 16:22:12

Well, I think this one is really pretty. So easy to slip on in the mornings too, with one of their full length slips underneath for warmth.

Gonegirl Sat 07-Sept-19 16:22:46

Shame I would have a gap between hemline and woolly ankle socks.

Gonegirl Sat 07-Sept-19 16:23:28

I could shorten it and wear it with leggings.

merlotgran Sat 07-Sept-19 16:24:28

Doria Ragland looks good in beige.

merlotgran Sat 07-Sept-19 16:25:38

Shame I would have a gap between hemline and woolly ankle socks.

grin

Oldandverygrey Sat 07-Sept-19 16:43:55

Turned out my wardrobe this morning and just realised I have a pair of trousers which I wear frequently, purchased over 30 years ago! Just disposed of a raincoat that I bought in the 1970s.

ninathenana Sat 07-Sept-19 16:53:23

Apparently this is 'on trend' hmm

maddy47 Sat 07-Sept-19 17:11:08

I bought my first pair of jeggings yesterday. Not worn them yet. I wear tunics a lot so I'm hoping they'll look okay. A real bugger to get off though - thought I might have to press the bell in the fitting room to get help!!!!

maddy47 Sat 07-Sept-19 17:12:34

I'm 72 by the way, and still trying to be reasonably fashionable without looking like "mutton dressed as lamb"!

janeainsworth Sat 07-Sept-19 17:16:24

Does it matter if other people think your clothes are old lady-ish?

Surely by now we’re old enough and wise enough not to care whether something is ‘on trend’ or not.

As long as I feel that what I’m wearing suits me and is appropriate for whatever I’m doing I really don’t care what other people think.

glammanana Sat 07-Sept-19 17:19:03

Gonegirl Those dresses remind me of the old fashioned smocks my mum wore when she was expecting,notvery exciting then and not exciting now I'm affraid.
I love my jeggings and levi jeans worn with oversized linen shirts I very seldom wear dresses if I do it would only be a self coloured midi length blinged up with sparkly scarf.
I equate everything beige with older fashion along with pull on elasticated trousers they are not for me but can understand that they can be comfortable for the right person.

Auntieflo Sat 07-Sept-19 17:21:46

MawB, is the DD 40+ you refer to, your daughters, or your bras? ?