Genevieve
Marquette
Clare
Jodi
Victoria
Michael
The issue of age-appropriate dressing has long piqued the interest of many men and women of all ages. Some agree, while others take offense. Should a 15 year old and a 35 year old shop in the same department? There has to be a line drawn somewhere, should the juniors department should be off limits to individuals of a certain age? Perhaps the issue of figure-appropriate dressing should also be included in this discussion. Should you flaunt it if you've got it? Or flatter your figure in tasteful, stylish looks? We can all admire and don the same trends, but each in a different way. The skinny jean is still a hot trend and can be worn by women of all ages. But not all women should wear the SAME pair of skinny jeans.
These are perfect for your tween:
While the higher rise on these will flatter Mom. For those looking for a modest fit and a hint of control, this pair is perfect for you too:
This pair is perfect for the 20 and 30-somethings:
We can all follow the trends, look fabulous and age-appropriate!
However, there are certain fashions that continually top the "don't" list because they aren't flattering on any body of any age. Keep this in mind when you are championing the capri pant. Do exposed ankles keep you that much cooler in hot weather? Your legs appear short and stumpy, even if heels are worn. Why not opt for a flowing skirt? Remember ladies, just because it's comfortable and easy, doesn't mean it's flattering and stylish. Otherwise the muu muu would be a best-seller!
Agree? Or disagree, defend the capri pant. Share your comments with us. See fashion tips for men here.
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 23)
21. At 50, this guy isn't going to catch me dead in a flowy flowing skirt...and where on earth would anyone be able to find them to wear them, if they could?!
Capris look appropriate on everyone in the summer.
If this guy is such *the expert* he should put out his own line of clothing for us over 40, 50, 60 and then we'll all see if he knows what he's talking about! If he's right, we'll buy his stuff, if he's wrong, he should just leave us all alone!
Posted at 4:51PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Susan
22. Ok - well here it goes again!! First off, if a woman is fit and petite she has not choice to go to the juniors dept. I am 48 and petite, i cannot find anything worth while in the ladies dept. they are too high waisted too big and not flattering at all. I love capri's in the evening or out on the boat in the day.. What is wrong with this fashion guy,, (oh yeah hes a guy or not!!) I think if your fit and love capri's wear them. If your on the heavier side you can still wear them, just wear a little loose! Come on, if it looks good don't you think we would know? Da??
Posted at 4:53PM on Feb 27th 2008 by MB
23. Pfffft......this is TOO FUNNY!
Who wrote that?? "Editors at Netscape"?? Who are
they? Why would anyone in their right mind...
say women over 40 shouldn't wear capri pants?
THAT'S JUST NUTS!
They have no clue what they are talking about.
We need to ignore them........because they are
Lost.
Posted at 4:53PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Deb
24. It is unfortunate that anyone, much less a man, feels the need to state what he feels is appropriate or inappropriate clothing for a woman over 40. First of all, who is he? There are many other men who would disagree. I don't believe that because someone states his/her opinion on television or written media that opinion becomes law. I personally don't care what this guy thinks, and I hope no one else does either. Capri pants can be attractive on anyone, although as the mother of college age daughters, I can tell you NONE of them want to wear them and in fact, they label them "for old women". Stores that cater to women over 40, like Chicos, Talbots, are LOADED with varieties and styles of capri pants. Much better than short shorts on an unattractive body/leg. And yes, they are cooler than full length slacks! Whoever said they aren't is speaking without experience!
Posted at 4:54PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Debbie
25. Please. I work out and eat right so that I can wear whatever I feel comfortable in. I don't dress like a teenager but I am thin so I have some low rise jeans and LOTS of capris. I don't think there is enough money to EVER get me back into a pair of those stupid jeans that sit up so high on your waist that they touch your bra. Not a chance.
Posted at 4:55PM on Feb 27th 2008 by mary
26. Thank you ladies!!!! I gasped when I read about the capris. I am so thankful they are in style and so many people feel the way I do. I am 58 and would not think about wearing shorts anymore. I think capris are very appropriate no matter what the age.
Posted at 4:57PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Jan
27. I am 59 , full figured and wear capris!! I love fashion and I have sense of what is not age and size appropriate for me. I feel I look good in my capris.
(Have you ever checked out how some of these stylists dress?? Some of them need more help in what to wear than I do).
Posted at 4:59PM on Feb 27th 2008 by brenda
28. Please. What a moron you are, MR fashion consultant. I am 43, work out and eat right and wear whatever I'm comfortable in. I don't wear the ultra minis or anything tight but I do wear low rise jeans and capris. There isn't enough money to get me into those high waisted jeans that are so uncomfortable you can barely move, not to mention they almost touch your bra. Might as well be in a jumpsuit with a belt. Maybe some fashion consultants, like this one, should stop consulting once they reach shortsightedness - that moment when age becomes the inevitable division of a persons life no matter what.
Posted at 5:01PM on Feb 27th 2008 by mary
29. I must say AMEN to all my fellow ladies!!! Get rid of my capri pants? I don't think so. It's all a matter of preference, comfort and style. Hopefully most women will have enough decency and class to recognize what looks good on them and what doesn't. Now tell me that a tasteful combination of capri pants, wedge sandals and a flattering top is not fashionable and I'll tell you that you're in the wrong business Mr. Whateveryournameis!!!!!!!!
Devalyn-Staunch Capri Lover
Posted at 5:02PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Devalyn
30. I work for a school district in California in the valley we start school in August and end in May. When it is 110 out and we are in are classrooms(with faulty air) or out on the campus I don't want to be in hot heavy jeans. Nor at 42 do I want to where shorts to school (work). capri's are a great alternative I wear what I like and I've never had a guy tell me I looked bad so this man can just shut up.
Posted at 5:02PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Terri
31. I am another 55+ who stopped wearing shorts and tanks around age 50 except for yard work and switched to capris. That was my concession to the fact I've got less than perfect arms and legs these days, but frankly, I see very young women whose appendages are nasty by comparison. You don't get off the hook from poor judgment just because you're young.
I see no reason why capris are not an appropriate choice for me when slacks are too hot and skirts too dressy. The style "guru" who decreed this is an idiot who probably can't tell the difference between 55 and 85 anyway-we're all just old to him.
Posted at 5:05PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Raejean French
32. Okay, you don't want us to wear capris. Does that mean you want to see us in shorts?? Trust me, I wear capris because 1) they are comfortable and not tight and 2) shorts on me are really terrible! It gets over 100 degrees in the summer here -- I am NOT giving up my capris. Also, you can forget about the horizontal stripes. I'm overweight and it isn't a secret than be kept by not wearing those horizontally-striped rugby shirts so I'm gonna wear 'em anyway!! So there!!
Posted at 5:08PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Robin
33. I very much disagree. Women in their late 40's early 50's are looking better then ever. Look at Christie Brinkley. I am 50 and I wear what I want. I always get compliments on what I'm wearing. I think women who dont dress youthful look frumpy. Yeah maybe we cant wear a thong bikini on the beach, But capris? Absolutely!!!!!
Posted at 5:08PM on Feb 27th 2008 by patty
34. I beg to differ on the capri thing. My grandma wears them, has all her life, she's 82. Of course, she calls them 'clam diggers'. Be wary of who you judge, people who write this crap. These items have been here long before you. Possibly you idiots never did any research and want attention & publicity rather than good information.
Posted at 5:09PM on Feb 27th 2008 by JEN
35. Give me a break. The problem is not capri pants, it's the length. Most of us need to either hem them ourselves or have a professional do it for us so the pant hits the leg at the appropriate place. I see shorter women wearing what looks like "floods" and it does indeed look bad.
Posted at 5:10PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Kathryn Ackerman
36. Verboten on Capris for 40+, No way! They stay! PJ
Posted at 5:10PM on Feb 27th 2008 by PJ
37. We have to look at the big picture here. There is a massive, idiotic cultural bias that says that only young is beautiful, and anything that doesn't look perfectly young should be hidden. Another aspect of this is the ubiquitous desire of men to deal in the sexual marketplace with only young women, even and often if they themselves are aging. Women of a certain age (even their own) disappear to them. This mentality often translates into a subtle or not so subtle disdain for aging women: disappear! Not suprisingly, the recommender of these fashion "rules" is a man.
Who says we have to hide aging legs? And if I have busted my butt to have an amazing abdomen at 40 then why the heck should I hide it? Because I'm not supposed to be sexy anymore?? This is a women's issue, and like our bra-burning forebearers, we should march the streets in capris and low rider jeans!
Posted at 5:10PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Alita
38. I very much disagree. Women in their late 40's early 50's are looking better then ever. Look at Christie Brinkley. I am 50 and I wear what I want. I always get compliments on what I'm wearing. I think women who dont dress youthful look frumpy. Yeah maybe we cant wear a thong bikini on the beach, But capris? Absolutely!!!!!
Posted at 5:11PM on Feb 27th 2008 by patty
39. Tell me where I could find jeans that AREN'T low rise, I will make a bee-line to that store! That is all I can find, I'm 48 and fully realize I no longer have the figure for low rise!
Posted at 5:12PM on Feb 27th 2008 by judi
40. Amen, sisters!! I am 47, 5 feet 2 and weigh 109 pounds. I work my a** off to maintain my body and you better believe I wear low-rise jeans! I buy Gap, Old Navy, The Limited and Anne Klein. If it feels good and your pudge ain't on display, WEAR IT!
Posted at 5:13PM on Feb 27th 2008 by julie smith