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?

It´s true! Specially wear sleeveless…some women after that age have to avoid this!!!

a kiss!!!

great post!!

This 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!

great list

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.

wow. interesting. i have to be reminded about this after 10 years. lol.

[...] 10 Things Women Over 40 Shouldn’t Wear (Chic Stories) [...]

I’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!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How 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”.

you 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

Stupid. It’s all prejudice (anti-Boomers),
and 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.

I 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.

I 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!

This 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?