This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
“Those were the days my friend, We thought they’d never end” sang Sandie Shaw in 1968. Those days when we could step out in just about anything and get away with it. Well those days don’t need to end for us young-oldies. Here’s how to break (or gently bend) fashion rules that ban us from wearing what is often considered ‘inappropriate’.
The days of our youth! Mini-skirts, multi-coloured dresses, frills and flowers, and high, high platform shoes. I’m talking about the Sixties (you may not have been around then but you will surely know what I mean) when fashion exploded with colour and newness. When we oldies (then youthful and blooming!) were able to wear anything we fancied and felt on top of the world.
But oh! As inches and wrinkles appear, innovative dressing – once our prerogative and delight – seems to have disappeared.
Well, it has if we take notice of headlines like: “What not to wear if you are over 50/60” or: “How to dress age appropriately” or “The rules for dressing when you are over 60”.
So do we, of the older (and, of course, wiser!) generation really need to take notice of these sartorial no-nos? If you’ve been reading my past columns, you won’t be surprised to read that my answer is a definite No!
Of course, to expose an overflowing amount of midriff (or knees, or thighs or cleavage) that has seen better times is not what I am saying. Nor am I suggesting you wear jeans that you can only get into by lying on the bed. Or wear a neon colour that wipes out any natural colour you may have. These are definite no-nos. But aside from these extremes (and you probably wouldn’t have indulged in them even in your younger days) most newness in fashion can be taken in our stride. And used to make us both feel and look younger.
Take a look at these 10 so-called no-no’s for us mature ones, and how you can wear them.
Baggy Clothes
I love baggy clothes. Not, of course, the original ‘sack’ dress type. That was like an overblown, well, hessian sack! Wide around the bust and the bum, and just as wide anywhere else.
Baggy clothes now, or we should probably say ‘stylishly over-sized’, takes bagginess to a new level, where there is looseness but also shape. The body underneath is not swamped and obliterated, but gently hinted at with flattering shapes that give a subtle structure.
Crop Tops
More excellent sartorial advice from Maggie Cox can be found in her previous fashion articles
There are a lot of these around, many so highly cropped that I would call them fortified bras. These I think are difficult to get away with unless you keep them for a new beau, indoors! The cropped just-on-or-above-the-waist ones can be worn with high waisted jeans to get the right look, without any exposure.
Light Neutral Colours
But pale can be attractive as well. The right pale, though. If you have a warm toned skin, or slightly tanned, you will look better in soft warm colours, pale honey, coral or a sandy beige. If you are cool skinned (most English are and black women too) you can look good in pale lilac, ice blue or pale grey. If you prefer a touch of intense colour, you can add brightness with jewellery, or a scarf or a cross body bag.
Heels
High stilettos, (favoured by TV presenters and celebrities) maybe too difficult to balance on. But chunky heels are still around and do the business of giving you extra stature if you need it, without falling over.
Elastic Waistbands
Elastic waistbands have come of age. They’re no longer the prerogative of polyester slacks but are part of today’s modern styling. Usually neatly placed at the back of trousers, where they disappear into the less scrutinised rear view, to provide all the flexibility and comfort the waist needs. Best place for stylish elasticated waist trousers has to be So Simply Robell. All their trousers are elasticated, fit like a dream and come in loads of colours, sizes and lengths.
Calf length skirts
This length is sometimes thought to be somewhat frumpy, and neither one thing nor another (mini nor maxi). But it really depends on your height and body/leg proportions. Midis have become a strong contender for ‘best length’ prize. It all depends on the style and fabric of the skirt or dress in question. If the midi dress suits and looks good on you – go for it.
Jeans
Jeans have never gone out of favour since they were invented decades ago. And there is an infinite choice of colour and style which young oldies can wear. If you still have the legs for the skinny, go for it. The rest of us can relax in wide, or even wider leg jeans, currently on trend and easy to wear. Look no further than Artichoke Collection who will happily advise you on the ultimate pair to suit you if you phone them on 01760 724948.
Bright Floral Dresses
Despite the fashion press having recently been sniffy about bright florals, public demand has won the day. And pretty, brightly patterned and floral dresses are as popular as ever. So go bright and patterned if that suits and step out with the youngsters. Me+Em often have fabulous prints, such as this Batik Floral Print Tiered Swing Dress £135.
Mismatched colours
Long gone are the days of matching your shoes, to your bag, to your hat. Colour has gone viral. And while not every colour goes with any other colour, as it is sometimes nowadays said, most colours look good together. So, you can follow your own colour preferences and not have to agonise about matching precisely one garment to another.
Black Anything
Black can be ageing. No two ways about it. Especially when it’s a dull fabric. But if you go for silk or viscose, with a hint of shine, then black is more flattering to the complexion. And as long as you don’t choose a style that comes right up to your chin, this monochrome colour can be an elegant part of your wardrobe. You can always spruce it up with bright accessories if you can’t do without an injection of colour. Consider something like this belted midi shirt dress from Cos £99.
So don’t think: ‘what shouldn’t I wear?’ but look at all the things you can wear. These are still the days, my friend!
More excellent sartorial advice from Maggie Cox can be found in her previous fashion articles