What counts as “old lady clothes” nowadays?

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?

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 haven't seen anyone dressed like that - ever.

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.

have to agree about M&S Gagajo and Nandalot - I have had some reasonable linen trousers and jeans from there but so much is frumpy, poor fabrics and things I wonder who would wear and buy

GrammaH it depends how long you expect your jeans to last as to whether you go for ankle grazers as jeans are starting to be worn longer in the leg now. Ankle grazers could end up looking like 'old lady length trousers' next spring. Also, if anything you fancy would make a good cushion cover don't buy it as that is definitely ageing. Good luck with your shopping.

petra’s got it right there. Horizontal stripes are much more flattering than vertical. It took me over 60 years to realise this....

Hettie58 - I agree! I love not having to care what's fashionable. I aim for clean and neat and I just wear what I think suits me and is comfortable. In that respect I rather like being an old lady!

giulia
That's a fallacy. Look up the Helmholz Illusion. It's all explained.

Lessismore could it be applied to humans

"Ditsy" seems to mean little flowers. I like to think that could be applied to me. On a good day.

I like stripes, just not on me

horizontal stripes are really fattening! If they were vertical they would be slimming but they rarely are.

Tweedle24 I met up recently with my two dds and my GD. We were all, by coincidence, wearing stripes. We range in age from mid-60's, early 30's, early 20's and 20mths old.

I want to buy new jeans this week so please do tell me what is the right length & what should I avoid?? I tend to like ankle grazers....perhaps I'm getting it really badly wrong!!

Genuine interest question - why are stripes considered ‘old lady’? I don’t have any, by the way.

Today I am wearing my black jersey pull-on trousers and black and white striped t-shirt (scoop neck) and black leather boots (flat). When I am indoors I am wearing my burgundy M&S long cardigan. When I go out I will wear my black, padded jacket (from Sainsburys).
Breaking a few no-no's here? BUT I am comfortable, clean and tidy and that's the most important thing to me.

Me too, giulia. It's a very useful colour to have in the wardrobe but I never wear it with anything pale and rarely in summer months.

Nanna

That sounds lovely, may I ask where you bought it?

But I LOVE beige - with contrasts of deep, chocolate brown or taupe and brightened up with gold (coloured bits and pieces, it can look very well put together.

Tesco have a very nice autumn range now. At least, I like the styles. And colours.
And so cheap!

The word " ditsy" seems to be everywhere. Can it be applied to humans?

My most recent outfit that I can’t wait to wear is a look that was entitled ‘country grunge ‘ in the store, burgundy ditsy flowered midi dress with frilly hem, teamed with matching plain woollen scarf and DM boots. No beige!!

Alexa, thanks for the heads up about Bon Marche. The bigger stores seem to have some OK things in them.

When out shopping in clothes store, I have been known, often, to see someone looking fabulous, and sort of stalk them, see what they are looking at and then, pick up same item, scurry off for a try on, I have got some of my favourite stuff this way, been doing it for years?

Yes I agree Hetty. I once asked my daughter what she thought of a top I was trying on, she replied " well it's alright for you mother but I wouldn't wear it !!" I did bring them up to be honest.