Hi dears!!! Today we’ll talk about a very new-fangled topic i.e. what 10 things women after the age of 40 should not wear.
Black leather pants or jackets should be circumvented after the age of forty.
Jackets that are of mid-thigh length should be avoided.
Creased trousers should be evaded.
Fluorescent colors should also be shunned.
3/4th length trousers should not be worn.
Low rise jeans.
Plunge V necklines should not be worn.
Mini skirts should be avoided.
Wearing bikinis means violating this ninth rule.
Wearing sleeveless clothes may reveal your skin aging.
I can see your point about some of these items, but the problem with fashion rules is that they should never be seen as absolutes. What is wrong with a more mature woman wearing some of these things if they are done in a stylish manner and their body allows it?
ReplyIt´s true! Specially wear sleeveless…some women after that age have to avoid this!!!
a kiss!!!
great post!!
ReplyThis was a funny post but I agree, the rules are sometimes there to be broken. If I can get away with it, I will certainly be trying to put a bit a neon into my outfits!
Replygreat list
ReplyThanks Dears!! I agree rules are meant to be broken..
No issues..!! these are just guidelines set after some observations..
If you don’t feel like..don’t follow…
Whoz gonna say anything after all..it’s a matter of your heart …
ENJOY!!
LUV
ReplyAditi
Good list - should be helpful to any women who are just clueless and seeking some guidance. I think leather pants are difficult for most women of any age though.
Replywow. interesting. i have to be reminded about this after 10 years. lol.
Reply[...] 10 Things Women Over 40 Shouldn’t Wear (Chic Stories) [...]
ReplyI’m sorry, but I just can’t agree with these rules.
I think it’s all a matter of good sense.
Like MizzJ said:
“What is wrong with a more mature woman wearing some of these things if they are done in a stylish manner and their body allows it?”
This can be a guideline, not rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyHow absurd. If you look good in leather pants, why not? I’m way over forty. I look good in mine. It all depends on what kind of leather pants you’re talking about and what you wear with them. I wouldn’t wear buttery leather leggings, but a nice pair of snug leather pants - not toooo tight - put together with a great pair of shoes and a big yummy cashmere sweater (not dated),the right bag and accessories looks great,for me. I’m sooo tired of the age police. Who are these people? I think as many of us get older - those women who are interested in, and knowledgable about fashion - have developed a sense of what is appropropriate and what is not. (Not all, mind you.) But to read, all too often, the rules for what “we” should and should not wear, becomes annoying after a while. There are alot of us out there, like it or not. And we shouldn’t be confined to the granny closet. The bottom line is, some people associate the wearing of leather pants with an attempt to come off as “sexy” or provocative. I can’t count how many times I’ve read them described as “slutty”. It certainly can be tastefully done. If you have the body for it, and if your skin is still toned, what is the sin? An item of clothing is not fashion. No matter your age, when you look in the mirror, in your heart of hearts, you know whether you look appropriate. If you don’t, rest assured - someone out there will let you know, and how you respond to that is up to you. With all due respect, and with the kindest of intention, I ask those who consider themselves knowledgable with regard to what women over forty should and should not wear, to think about it a little more and not throw us all in one box for the “rule”.
Replyyou don’t seem to say what should be worn for autumn winter 2008/2009. I already no what i shouldn’t wear. knowing exactly what i should would be more useful
ReplyStupid. It’s all prejudice (anti-Boomers),
Replyand sexism. I’m over 50, and sweetheart, I have the right to wear whatever I want. I don’t say that
I do. But, that’s my business, and I’m not going
to have some airheaded 25 year old telling ME what
to wear! Just think of it this way, sweetie:
YOU still have to worry about being pregnant! HAH!
I agree with Elaine. The problem with these women over 40 shouldn’t wear…is that not every woman over 40, every 20 year old woman, or every 35 year old woman is built the same.
I am completely impatient with picking on older women and dictating what they can and cannot wear. There’s an ageist idea that you’re ugly, wrinkled to hell and back, and a fat troll past the age of 40 and that you should not attempt to look attractive or sexy because you’re not and you’re just making a fool of yourself. Guess what, 20-year-olds don’t have the market cornered on looking good and feeling sexy.
I’m 44 and I wear leather pants, jackets, baby dolls, low riders, wide legged pants with a crease, miniskirts, and bikinis. There are 20-year-olds who can’t wear these things, yet I see NO articles telling fat or odd shaped gals of this age to avoid clothes that do not flatter them.
It is not about age. It is about body type, lifestyle, and personality. If we are to dole out fashion advice, it should be aimed at all ages with an emphasis on body shape. Let’s stop the lists about what grown women past 40 shouldn’t wear. It’s asinine.
ReplyI agree with the over 40’s whereas I am 42 5′9″ 130lb and I think my body looks as good as the girl in the bikini although I would never dream of putting one on. I am proud that I still have a shape after giving birth 5 times and I do not plan on giving up the freedom I have to wear whatever I want. Of course I keep in mind not to do midriff shirts or have a thong hanging out of the back of my low rise jeans. There are things we can put under our low rise jeans not to expose our flesh like body suits or tops that can tuck inside of your jeans. Mini skirts can be worn not micro mini, as long as the top is not too youthful looking. Capris I love them again with the proper top you can look youthful but age appropriate. Leather pants with the proper top or occasion I think is acceptable as well. What when you turn 40 your suppose to throw away all of your clothes, start shopping in the misses dept which by the way the clothes in that department do not fit my body contour properly so I am pretty much forced to shop in the juniors dept still for tops and pants. So if you are a fit 40 do the damn thing.
ReplyI just turned 40 and I do agree with some of this list. I have been a runner for most of my life and am physically fit, but wearing a bikni at this age makes me feel like I am trying too hard. I opt for swim shorts or boy shorts and a swim halter that I order from a women’s athletice wear catalog. The suit does not look like a “mom-suit” and I always get compliments at the neighborhood pool. The skin tone is just different now and I have two daughters that I want to be an example of modesty. I also despise capris on anyone. Wearing pants that stop mid-calf are just not flattering on anyone, despite the age. I just think they are dowdy. (except on little girls) If you have taken care of yourself, be proud of your body, in a tasteful way. I see a lot of the 80’s style of clothing is back, but leggings and flats are not becoming on me. I stick with wide leg jeans, crop jackets, high-heeled boots, chunky jewelry. I am only 5′3″, so I want to appear taller. You just have to know your body type and wear what works. My running partner is 8 years younger and has legs that do not stop. She can wear ANYTHING, but just because it looks good on her does not mean it will work with me. It is good to have younger friends to help me along though!
ReplyThis list presumes that you a) need an absolutely perfect and youthful body to wear certain clothes
b) that every woman over 40 has skin so wrinkly it should not be exposed to the light of day.
Of course, all of this is NONSENSE. I am well into my forties, and most of my skin is supple and unlined and I am not in any way delusional. And even if it were? So what. I mean seriously. If it’s blazing hot, are you not supposed to go sleeveless?
You can wear leather, sparkles, metallics, bikinis, and mini skirts if you want to. Phyllis Diller wore miniskirts, Mrs. Ford wore miniskirts, Linda L. a lovely 40-something woman I worked with wore them and Helen Mirren famously wears a bikini and she is 60-something. So give me a break with these idiotic rules.
For Angel, the runner with the awesome bod who won’t wear a bikini because she feels she would be “trying too hard” WTF does that even mean? I’m sorry. If you have a great body and you want to wear a bikini, wear it.
Who says only 20-somethings should want to show what they’ve got? Besides, you may have noticed, not every teen or twenty something has a perfect body either. They don’t let that stop them.
Ladies, you keep making these lists and the next thing you know, you’re in a gunny sack and sensible shoes. I have no idea what the point of that is. We shop and adorn ourselves as girls because that’s part of the joy of being female. When you have 40 or so more of living to do, why be the stereotypic old lady before your time?
ReplyAditi- how old are YOU? This is totally insulting. I just turned 40 and look 10 years younger. How one dresses should be based on how they look in the clothing and how they feel in it. I am struggling with aging as all women do BECAUSE of the emphasis on what is acceptable to society. I see tabloids splashed with images on what is “wrong” with women’s bodies and there is no same standard for men. Frankly, I look at men my age and think yuck. I work out, I take care of myself and dress to suit my figure. Meanwhile, men can be going bald, double chinned, pot bellied and we are supposed to remain looking 20. Women should be supporting each other, not creating more of the same delusion that aging is bad, avoidable or unacceptable. Telling, ME as a 40 year old what I cannot wear, when I might look better in it then most women 10 years younger is ridiculous.
ReplyI completely agree with Kate. The whole what women this age cannot wear is extremely ageist and cannot possibly apply across the board.
Where’s the list for what balding fat dudes shouldn’t wear or what teenagers shouldn’t wear? Why is it always women over 40. And I hate that term women over 40. As if 40, 60, and 80 year old women are all the same.
ReplyI’m 41 and have looked after myself all my life and it shows - I still have the body of a teenager and the face of someone in their late 20s. Last week I wore a denim mini skirt and got lots of compliments - it looked fantastic. The fact of the matter is if you have looked after yourself and have the body you can wear what you damn well like. You should wear what makes you feel and look great. There are no rules!! Just because you are 40 or over doesn’t mean you have to dress like a frump and hide your body!!! Those rules of hiding your legs and arms are ridiculous. Wear what you feel comfortable with and if you’ve still got it flaunt it.
ReplyI agree with Elle, I too am in my mid 40’s and at 5′6 125 lbs I can still wear alot of these type of clothes. I am still wearing a bikini and I tell ya, there are alot of women younger than me, who look absolutely horrid in one. I love my low rise jeans too, will not ever wear the typical “mom jeans” if my life depended on it. Rules are meant to be broken, but lets face it, only by a select few. And that applies to every age.
Replylet me tell you.. I’d rather see a hott mama in leather pants over the age of 40 than a young mindless twit who looks like mali-bu-barbie-gone-wrong. wanna know why? it shows confidence. There nothing hotter than condifence, and they’ve got the experience and wisdom to back up their character.
Why else do u think men go after older women?
Cause they’re not just a pretty face and a body to screw.
It’s bitches like you that make people hate youth of today.
Wanna know why? Cause we’re all closed mined, i Can’t even stand my own generation.
all i gotta say is:
I’m a 17 year old girl; age does not defy maturity.
It’s not about what you wear, its about how u wear it, its about how in shape you are, what shape you are, what compliments you, not age.
ReplyAnd while we’re on this topic..
Since you’re generalizing what every women whose over 40 shouldn’t wear.. then what are you leaving me to think?
That everyone under the age of 40 can get away with wearing low rise jeans and mini skirts that show off their ass just cause they’re young? and thats our excuse? grow some brains. stop generalizing things you dont understand.
Yes! Over 40 wearing leather pants is JUST FINE! It’s about how the pants are accessorized, not who’s wearing them. Girl, guy, old, young, it’s all just fine because leather pants are pure class when worn right.
ReplyWhat a load of mindless, ignorant stereotypes! “Over 40: bring out the (long-sleeved) muu-muu???” This is not a list of what women over 40 shouldn’t wear, it’s what out of shape (or the “wrong” shaped)women of ANY age shouldn’t wear! I am in my late 40’s, run marathons, and look better in my bikini than many of my kids’ friends.
ReplyI just turned 50 and definatly look much younger. I am blessed to have good genes that have made my life easier at every turn. I am still fit, 5′6, 125llbs. I am firm without anything that “sags”. I do not have any stretch marks etc. I eat well, work out and have always been extremely active. This year I finally stopped racing stock cars. What I am getting at is not all 50 year olds fit into a neat little pidgeon hole. I would not wear a mini skirt, but at the beach when wearing a bikini see many 25 year olds who should be slapped silly for wearing one. Also, A black leather Jacket can still look great with jeans, a nice white tank top, and some kick ass jewelry. I guess the point I am making is that not all 50 year olds fit the “saggy body, lack of muscle, thinning hair and thick middle” look you seem to suggest. Just as not all 20 year olds look like models. Tell Susan Sarandan or some of the other beautiful stars out their to put away their bikini and their leather jackets and you will be shot down instantly.
ReplyI’ll be turning 50 in April; had a baby girl four years ago (no fertility treatments), bring home the bacon - cook it up in the pan, have him screaming like a woman instead of a man. Therefore, I think I’ll wear what I choose embracing the beauty of my age, body type and self-worth of course. Don’t let the rules change you - change the rules.
ReplyOh my! Has anyone noticed the pudgy teenagers that wear these selected items? I have 3 sisters 45 and older that would blow most teenage and 20ish girls away! Next thing you know some twit will be telling us what not to say!!!
ReplyHEY NOW!
ReplyNot all of us are as stagnant and closed minded as the one who posted this! All generalizations are wrong, just like this post, however fighting it with another generalization. THANKS. Not all of youth are young “twits”. I’m only 17, and prior to this I posted and saw it your way. But everything is an eye opener to me in this world. Wanna know what you just proved to me?
Age does not defy maturity. All of humanity are unrealistic ignorant generalizers.
“And All Generalizations Are Wrong.”
And there’s ALWAYS exceptions to the rules I’d add to that.
Thanks for listening, but no one probably was. Why listen to a little “twit” who thinks she knows more than us? WELL NO. Cause I apose this post aswell.
GAWD I have no faith in humanity anymore. THANKS EVERYONE.
Jan, I’m going to appologize for “Hot Blonde over 40″ since she isn’t. I think it was very mature of you to respond the way you did to this article that is extremely detrimental to a person’s self esteem. I am over 40 and still have a bikini that I have been wearing for over 5 years now and it still fits the great way it did then. I’m 118 pounds and 5′5, but I admit, I was looking on the internet for advice as to whether to wear my bikini anymore. I had seen on a TV program “Swimsuits to flatter the over 40 body.” They were ALL one pieces! It made me depressed. I’m going on a cruise in a week and don’t want to look bad in my bikini so I’ve been freaking out about losing 6 pounds so my stomach can be flatter. Then I see this article and see the woman in the bikini - my stomach is flatter than hers! After reading all the posts, I’m not so worried about losing the 6 pounds anymore. I DO look good in my bikini and I DON’T have wrinkly skin or stretch marks. You’re right, ALL stereotypes are wrong, just as the stereotype about 17 year olds or 20 somethings are all “twits.” My daughter is almost 18 and certainly isn’t a “twit.” She has a good sensible head on her shoulders and encourages me to wear clothes that fit my body type even when I ask her if it looks to “young.” Good for you Jan. You’ll go alot farther in your life with the attitude you started out with. Don’t give up on people because of one person’s unfeeling comment.
ReplySo, what can be worn for one over 40? What works or not depends also on the woman, the occasion, body type, fitness level and her self confidence. Who are we to lay down the rules? This article is not at all useful.
Replyabsoultely ridiculous…i have been living for 54 years…from italy…and may i say like most european women…i put most 20 years and 30 year olds to shame..wear what ever you want ladies!!!
ReplyI agree with gia. So many young women who do not take care of themselves. They should start taking care of their bodies so when they reach 40 they may be able to look as fabulous as most of us!!…I have to say no one ever guesses my age. I am over 50 and people never believe me. I put a lot of 20 and 30 year old women to shame. I can wear whatever I want and look fabulous. Not to sound conceited I turn heads!! Most men who ask me out are always younger than me…how wonderful!…I have a red bikini just like the the number nine rule, I must say I look just as good and perhaps probably better :D! I am fortunate not to have a ” saggy body” and I don’t work out. I am truly blessed!
ReplyI disagree with just about all of these “rules”. Except for the leather pants. I don’t think anyone at any age should wear leather pants unless it’s 1985 and you are in a band,lol.
Wear what looks good on you. Is it that difficult? I turn 40 this year and I can rock the low rider jeans and the mini skirt moreso than some of my younger counterparts.
ReplyI’m 45 and old enough to wear what I want. I love Tina Turner..who told her she couldn’t wear short dresses whe is 70!!!!! Check out my pics on myspace. and see for yourself I wear mini skirts when i sing on stage…I have young girl and guy fans that always compliment my look…..
ReplyYou know, how one dresses really depends on the woman and how well she’s taken care of herself over the years. I recently saw a pic of Yoko Ono, whose in her 60’s wearing a short skirt and I noticed what a youthful body and great legs she still has. Conversely, I see some 20 something waddlers who stuff themselves into tight jeans and cropped tops, showcasing their fat muffin tops. It depends on your body, not your age. I’ve seen some younger women who would look repulsive in anything.
ReplyI think a lot of this what a woman over-40 shouldn’t wear stims from something else. Namely, society being uncomfortable with older women (and/or Moms)expressing their sexuality. It’s the old idea of moving from maiden to matron. Very old fashioned, but we’ve outgrown this idea. Once upon a time, women’s lives were very strictly proscribed. Think about Gone with the Wind, and the 12 Oakes BBQ. The young girls were dressed up pretty to attract husbands, the married ladies were dressed modestly, the widows were expected to wear sensible mouring clothes, etc. When people say older women shouldn’t wear this or that, this is what I think about.
Things aren’t that cut and dry anymore. It’s a new world where most people don’t get married off at 16, where women work and are independent and sometimes unmarried at 40, we live longer and look better doing it, and our lives don’t revolve around men. So why are will still adhering to these old stereotypical rules? That’s all they are.
And let’s be honest. Most women older than 40 are not dressing like teenagers and are aware of any flaws they may have. And, if not, why do some of us care so much? I’m more concerned about the 13 year olds that are dressing like sluts.
ReplyI commonly get carded in the grocery store and I’m almost 40. I look at least 10 years younger and am a size 3-4. I can wear the same jeans as my daughter and one of her teachers thought I was her sister. Wear what you want!!! You only live once and someday you won’t be able to wear that bikini when you really are old. All that matters is what you think about yourself in that cute little outfit. If you’ve got the body, flaunt it!
ReplyI’m 46 and often get mistaken for my son’s girlfriend and regularly get complimented by much younger men… Wear what you feel comfortable with. Most women over 40 are confident and understand their bodies. Yes, some older women do get it slightly wrong but we are all individuals and dress according to our personalities…. I don’t wear revealing clothes but sexy fitted clothes that show my hourglass figure that a lot of younger girls dream of!
ReplyYou seem to be very quiet Aditi - anything to say?
I must say that most of the comments made sense, and helped me greatly. Last but not least,I am 47yrs with a lover 16 yrs my junior. NEED I SAY MORE! Ladies confidence is truly the key.
ReplyWhat is it that makes people think that over 40 means overweight, out of shape and wrinkled? If you look after yourself well, which I think many of us do, then in this day and age there’s no reason why an over 40 doesn’t look in any way the stereotypical forth-something. I have inherited my mum’s skin condition, I always wear sufficient protection against the sun, I work out so I don’t have flabby bits, I eat sensibly so I can still fit into the clothes I bought 20 years ago. Who can dictate what I wear? I think as long as you are not really mutton dress as lamb, there’s nothing wrong to try to look youthful. Ladies, let’s go ahead and look our best!
ReplyCorrection: “there’s no reason why an over 40 should look in anyway like the stereotypical forty-something…”
ReplyI’m in my mid-40’s and men hit on me thinking I’m in my early 30’s. Most of my female officemates envy me my flat, 2-pack abs, my toned legs, chiseled back and my firm arms. No batwings. All products of an active lifestyle since I was in my 20’s. And I’m supposed to hide all of these under boring, frumpy clothes??! I still wear mini skirts, tank tops, and low-rise jeans without looking cheap or slutty. And I am not delusional either - if I want the truth, I ask my best friend and my boyfriend because they’ll tell it like it is. I look at women in their 20’s and 30’s who’ve already let go of their bodies yet insist on wearing mini skirts, spaghetti strap shirts, and ill-fitting clothes. I think you should talk to them. Quit stereotyping.
ReplyI’m 52, slender and I work out. I still get compliments on my figure and turn some heads at the gym. I’ll wear a bikini if I wish. I deserve it.
ReplyWhen was this article written? The 1950’s. Spectacularly funny in it’s ignorance. I know a lot of 20 somethings that shouldn’t wear any of the above items on the basis it may look “unsightly”, age has nothing to do with it! Like many of the 40 somethings here (I’m 40) I have a body to die for (ok work hard in the gym for!), a six pack, fantastic toned arms and the face of a 30 something. It’s how you look after yourself, not your age.
Whoever wrote this article, direct me to some more, HILARIOUS!
ReplyWhile I admire the confidence of the ‘over 40′ women who have posted, is it really necessary to post your stats? If it’s all about confidence, you don’t need to prove to me or anyone else how tall you are, how much you weigh, what size you wear, who is hitting on you…. if you’re that confident, then go out and live it up, don’t sit online either boosting your own self esteem or trying to put someone else down.
I’m 30 years old. I dress modestly for my age. Partially because I know I don’t have the body for a bikini,and also because I really just don’t like bikinis.
What does this make me? Are you going to laugh at me when you see me in a tank top? This whole idea of labelling and generalising people based on age goes both ways.
The point has been made, this article is poorly written and can be seen as insulting.
ReplyI notice that some of you are worried about ‘leaving’ the leather pants. It’s now 2009, leather pants shouldn’t be on ANYONE!! No offense, but they’re just sooo tacky.
ReplySafe to say at any age a woman should wear what suits her body and colouring as long as worn with class. No hanging out of any body parts and no butt cracks showing regardless of age.
ReplyYeah covering your skin is a great idea, because when you age your skin shows it even on your legs.
ReplyI have seen this list in one form or another on several sites or mentione by so called “fashion/celebrity experts.” Each time I read it I can’t help but get a little angry. I don’t agree that there is a rule for everyone just based on their age. I am surprised that the “rule” of not wearing long hair after 40 isn’t listed here. That’s another one that should be based on the individual and not a blanket rule for all women over 40. The cast of Desperate Housewives, all over 40 and look great. They all have long hair. Sarah Jessica Parker looks waaay more attractive with long hair than short. Salma Hayeck, sexy as hell with long hair. Cher wouldn’t seem like the same Cher without the fabulous hair. She in her 60’s and looks beter now than I ever did in my 20’s. As I sit here I am watching Beverly Johnson on TV. She is wearing a sleeveless(oh my gasp)dress. Beverly is in her 50’s. Obviously she didn’t get the memo on how to properly dress. What does she know anyway? She was only one of the first super models and a judge on She’s Got The Look. A TV show for models over 35. By the way many of the models featured on the sow are frequently seen wearing short or sleevelss tops. What in the world is wrong with capris? They barely expose the ankels. What’s the problem with that? I’ve seen women in their 60’s wear short sleeves and capris and look very nice. Hot weather calls for cool casual clothes. Sure wearing Daisy Duke shorts would probably be inappropriate but capris? Oh come on! Suggestions are nice but I wish they wouldn’t focus on the do not wear strickly by age. There are MANY women in their 20’s that have unattractive arms and shouldn’t be wearing sleevless tops. It is 96 degrees where I live righ now. I’m in my 40’s and I am wearing sleeveless shirt and capris. I think I look nice and casual for the climate I am in. Whoever doesn’t like it doesn’t have to look!
ReplyI think some off the staff that you said, womens litle over 40, you can`t wear, is absolutley out of the time.If you always workout and you have nice legs and nice everything for your age (in this case,I`m included) I don`t know why you can`t shows up what you got after years working out and try to be in shape.Definitly,all depends on you.
ReplyAs we age, I think the focus should be more on health than being in fashion. People who strive to keep fit have earned the right to wear whatever they like to wear.
Reply