Capris and short(ish) skirts past 35? (shoes, bikini, age, pants)

[RoaminRed]

Originally Posted by Trudeyrose

OK.. all I'm hearing is no capris over 40... what the heck are you suppose to wear in the summer??? Not mini skirts..or short shorts. what??? Jeans? floor length skirts...what am I suppose to wear at the beach.. a berka??!!

Personally, I don't care how old you are. I just think there are a lot of people that wear things not suited to their body shape. Capris for instance look really bad on someone who is overweight, or has big hips. Especially if the person is short and overweight, the capris GREATLY accentuate that fact and make them look like a pumpkin with feet.

I'm tall and thin, and there are things that certainly don't fit my body type either -- so I don't wear them.

[Trudy Rose]

Originally Posted by RoaminRed

Personally, I don't care how old you are. I just think there are a lot of people that wear things not suited to their body shape. Capris for instance look really bad on someone who is overweight, or has big hips. Especially if the person is short and overweight, the capris GREATLY accentuate that fact and make them look like a pumpkin with feet.

I'm tall and thin, and there are things that certainly don't fit my body type either -- so I don't wear them.

I understand what you are saying.. but it's not an answer to my question..I'm being serious...I don't wear short shorts or mini skirts etc. or clothes that are age inappropriate...although it's hard, as I can wear junior sizes...of course I'd look like a fool if I did !! Seriously, what about beach wear,and casual wear in the summer?

[jkcoop]

Originally Posted by BlueWillowPlate

I wear capris, and occasionally I'll wear skirts that skim the knee.
If the Fashion Police deem this improper, too bad.
I also wear Red Hot Chili Pepper t-shirts--the horror!

I'm 40 and I wear capris. But if I went by Tim Gunn's rules I shouldn't be because of my height. Apparently it makes me look shorter. I'm 5'2". My weight is not the issue. I'm a size 0. One reason I've worn them is that for the last few years, the only shorts I can find are the short shorts. I noticed this year the shorts are a more normal length, so I'll probably be getting them.

I'm sure a lot of what I wear would get me on the chopping block I wear band t-shirts too! I'm a bit of a concert junkie.

Until I can no longer pull something off in my own mind, I'll keep wearing it. Most people put me in my early 30's - so I'm going with that for now

[Skywings]

I'm in my late 50s and have always had nice legs; in skirts my choice is either at or just below the knee. It depends on the shape of the skirt: a slim tailored pencil-type skirt can look fantastic at knee-length while a fuller skirt might look ridiculous at the same length. I don't like skirts that come down to mid-calf or lower. I used to wear minis in my teens and 20s but they would look ridiculous at my age even though figurewise I could still get away with it.

As for capris, I love them and can't wait till the weather is warm enough to wear them without looking out of place. IMO they look silly in winter (in a cold climate anyway) unless it's a dressy cocktail-type outfit. The capri-type length I like best is just below the knee, and a tailored shape. I also have some casual ones that come to mid-calf and some have a slightly flared leg. I don't like pants that end just above the ankle... to me they look as if they accidentally shrunk in the wash!

To be honest, the older I get the less inclined I am to wear skirts anyway. I'd rather wear casual pants (jeans, chinos, capris) or a one-piece dress. Trouble is, I have a hard time finding dresses in the combination of length, neckline (no deep V's for me) and color/pattern that I like, so I have only about 6 or 7 of them. My addiction is artsy-antiquey-print t-tops!!

[Trudy Rose]

Originally Posted by Skywings

I'm in my late 50s and have always had nice legs; in skirts my choice is either at or just below the knee. It depends on the shape of the skirt: a slim tailored pencil-type skirt can look fantastic at knee-length while a fuller skirt might look ridiculous at the same length. I don't like skirts that come down to mid-calf or lower. I used to wear minis in my teens and 20s but they would look ridiculous at my age even though figurewise I could still get away with it.

As for capris, I love them and can't wait till the weather is warm enough to wear them without looking out of place. IMO they look silly in winter (in a cold climate anyway) unless it's a dressy cocktail-type outfit. The capri-type length I like best is just below the knee, and a tailored shape. I also have some casual ones that come to mid-calf and some have a slightly flared leg. I don't like pants that end just above the ankle... to me they look as if they accidentally shrunk in the wash!

Thanks! I don't go by "rules" either...I find that if I am wearing the capris, I usually wear heels.. not flats..and you're right...the ones that are too long do look like a 'mistake' Thanks.

[ArkLexee]

I usually wear sandals with my capris and I'm not in good enough shape, leg wise to wear shorts; don't wanna cause anyone out there to have a stroke.
But when the temps hit the eighties, I'm in my capris and tank tops. My theory is, if they don't like what they see, they can look elsewhere.

Years ago, when Oprah had Bobby Brown on telling us all what make-up we could and could not wear, I stopped watching her so much. And that Stacey girl....who dresses HER???

[RoaminRed]

Originally Posted by Trudeyrose

I understand what you are saying.. but it's not an answer to my question..I'm being serious...I don't wear short shorts or mini skirts etc. or clothes that are age inappropriate...although it's hard, as I can wear junior sizes...of course I'd look like a fool if I did !! Seriously, what about beach wear,and casual wear in the summer?

Okay, I'm all for everyone wearing whatever they please -- as long as you don't care what it makes you look like and don't mind people staring if you end up looking odd. Clothes aren't that big of a deal unless you're worried about appearance.

[Beth56]

I was stopped at a stop light a few days ago. Crossing the street was a long-haired blond wearing a mini skirt. Thought she was 20-something until she turned around. This woman had to be in her 60's or 70's. Sorry, just my opinion, but some clothes are made for the younger crowd.

[jillz]

Originally Posted by fabumom07

OK- Summer is coming and I will be the big 40 this July. Just heard one of Oprah's fashion Nazis outlawed capri style pants for those over 40 and Staci and Clinton already have their "no mini- skirts past 35" law. Now, ladies, my busom is past its glory, by 26" waist is now low 30 something, but when I work out, my legs are truly nice. At least from the mid thigh down. Why must I make sure my skirts come down to the knees instead of a little higher,and why cant I wear my cute Ralph Lauren trouser or my Old Navy cargo style Capris this Summer? I am a tasteful, relatively fit gal ? What gives? Are the fashionistas afraid that I will don a stonewashed micro mini or dowdy Capris that look like polyester cruisewear? Why can't they trust women to assess their own figures and tastes and make good choices instead of issuing these mandates? Of course I will still be wearing what I think works for me. What do the rest of you think?

Well, I'll be 40 in September and I say wear your capris and short skirts. I had to laugh at the micro mini (stonewashed no less!) comment because I was thinking as long as it isn't one of those. No one, regardless of age, needs to be wearing a stonewashed micro mini. I think the don't wear this if you are this age way of thinking is antiquated. I see people that are well over 40 that look fantastic (and I mean WELL over 40) and some that are barely 20 that look heinous. I think most of us are smart enough to cover what is less than stellar and hi-light what is great.

J

[fabumom07]

Originally Posted by RoaminRed

Okay, I'm all for everyone wearing whatever they please -- as long as you don't care what it makes you look like and don't mind people staring if you end up looking odd. Clothes aren't that big of a deal unless you're worried about appearance.

Well yes I do agree with you.I don't want to look odd and no one has ever me taken me on for my dress. I think one of the problems is that some minis and some capris look dated and if you are a woman who wants to be seen as stylish if not trendy, you do want to be thought of as well dressed and appropriate. I admit that I do. I think a well dressed woman keeps her own figure and age in mind. I have smallish hips and longish legs and small ankles so the "bottoms" I described work on me for now. 5-7 years from now who knows? I love the big belt/full skirt look but with my short waisted mom of four figure, it does nothing for me. It may be in style but not for me. That is why I think the fashion police should be more flexible. IMHO women don't need to be encouraged to be so judgemental. It happens enough. Does anyone know if European women, as in Italian or Spanish women ,have these dictates or is it just us Americans?