Trivial topic - but would welcome advice

[Chelmsford mum]

I have recently gone down 3 dress sizes and last year hit 40 I have had to buy new clothes but find myself wondering what is age appropriate ? For example - have purchased a pair of skinny jeans which I would wear with boots, a casual top and long cardi. However despite the fact they fit well - find myself asking ..."Am I too old to wear them?"
Would hate to be the proverbial mutton dressed as lamb. Have asked teenage daughters who seem to think it is acceptable but perhaps they are being kind.Not ready for twinset and pearls yet though
Any thoughts anyone?

[scarlett]

That sounds really nice ! and well done for your great weight loss ....I expect you look gorgeous ! I'm in my late 30s and wear skinny jeans with boots as do many people I know and I think it's age appropriate ( unless we're talking teaming it with a cropped top ! ) I buy lots of my clothes in the sale at The White Stuff ..and that's the sort of thing they sell ..have a look at their outfits .I always wonder when I hit the Granny Stage where does one purchase those floral one size fits all dresses from ?

[Chelmsford mum]

Thanks Scarlett.there is something about hitting 40 that makes one doubt oneself! I just remember all the criticism there was recently around Carol Vorderman wearing jeans and boots.(although some praise too) I just think perhaps I should be playing safe.I nearly bought a denim jacket a month ago and decided I probably was too old for that.
Other half will just always say I look lovely in everything - without looking up from the cricket!

I can't imagine an old lady in a denim jacket but the change doesn't happen over night so maybe I should start sourcing those floral dresses....

[pheasantchick]

Congratulations on dropping three dress sizes!

Your outfit sounds lovely, and remember, 40 is the new 30. I think as long as the style fits your body shape (pear, apple etc), then go with it. I still refer to a Trinny and Suzanne book for dress hints for my body shape.

Enjoy your new figure!

[Chelmsford mum]

remember, 40 is the new 30.

I hope this is really so

[scarlett]

Me too ! Thanks PC !!

[scary mum]

That sounds absolutely fine. I am a bit older than you, but if I went down 3 dress sizes I would wear the same (not that fat, but do have trouble fitting jeans inside boots )

If you have the figure for it, go for it

[Chelmsford mum]

Thanks, you are all being very nice.
I do wonder though when I will know for sure some things just aren't seemly on a 40+ woman. There does sometimes seem to be a huge chasm between young trendy clothes and frumpy clothes and hard to find the in between.I used to like per una and now I think they are looking a bit frumpy - or maybe that's just me.(or this season) However can't exactly shop at Top shop anymore

[marigold]

I have a very glamorous friend, mid 50's , not particularly slim and she often wears a little denim jacket over a long floaty top, skinny jeans and boots. She looks lovely and not at all muttony. I have pinched her style a bit, hope she hasn't noticed !
My sister in law, well past 40, wears lots of White Stuff like Scarlett and I think she looks lovely too. Just the right side of trendy. They do have good sales.

[scarlett]

It's quite sad when you come to that realisation you just can't wear certain clothes anymore. I loved those one shoulder floral playsuits that were knocking about in the summer , and would definitely had worn them a few years ago... but although I did um and ah for the beach I did decide that I would have to leave all that sort of thing behind me. I now know what my mother meant when she announced she was too old to wear pink.Sort of.

Just spotted you , Chelmsford mum with the fashion police checking you are wearing age appropriate clothing !