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.
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Michael




Reader Comments (Page 20 of 24)
381. I think youre crazy if you think capris are bad for women over 40, Im fifty and I wear capris, the best part of my legs show and Im not hiding them.
The person who wrote this must either hate women or be a nun.
Posted at 4:42PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Linda
382. Give me a break, when it is so hot wearing long jeans or pants is wrong. When you live in the South and the summers are so HOT and you just try to stay Cool, most of the fashions that are out now are so Ugly what should a woman over 40 wear and where can you buy clothes that look right on a woman over 40
Posted at 4:46PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Jean
383. Well now, I am 78 and if I don't know what does and what doesn't look OK on me by now I never will--Yep, I love my capris. You won't catch me in a pair of shorts, but I don't care who says give up the capris, I say whatever you are comfortable in and don't look rediculous--go for it.. I am all for casual and comfort, sorry but I just don't give a hoot about "the Style Thing", I just stick with what suits me and what I like., besides, my grandkids would disown me if I were stupid enough to go out the door in some of the things I have seen on some ladies. Jean
Posted at 5:03PM on Apr 12th 2008 by JBonn40299
384. I agree with nearly everyone who has commented. I don't unerstand what's wrong with capris for everyone. I think they're better than shorts - especially SHORT shorts. I will wear capris & be comfortable in my own home - I have good legs & don't look my age. So grocery store, here I come on a hot, summer day, in my capris! I don't always agree with the so-called experts on how to dress. Even the ones that tell you what not to wear on TV!
Posted at 5:10PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Laurie
385. Was that don't wear "over 4O or overweight"?
I'm a size 8, 63 yr old grandma in shape & looking good. Looking better than most under my age.
Girls, get some discipline & back away from the trough.
I wear Capris with high heels or wedgies & get compliments. Pleated Pants are so fun, so Kathryn Hepburn.
How old is the one who is telling us what to wear?
Umph!
Posted at 5:19PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Grandma Dee
386. NO ONE OR NO COMMENT GETS BETWEEN ME AND MY CAPRIS!
KAREN
49 AND HOLDING
Posted at 5:22PM on Apr 12th 2008 by KAREN
387. I'm 62 and my legs arn't too bad , I live in New York and there are so many different styles that I don't think that anyone notices. any if your HOT..
Posted at 5:24PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Helen Sansone
388. I've been wearing capri leggings and pants since I was in my early thirties. My essential body shape hasn't changed. I simply balance the capri-length pants out with a tunic top, or something that lengthens the torso, broadens the shoulders, and de-accentuates the hips. The fact is, I have a better figure than many of my daughters' friends - 20-somethings and 30-somethings - some of whom are obese, others who have odd bone structure, etc. How can any fashion editor make such global statements? Age has less to do with what "looks good" and "should be worn" than does body type, personality, weight, and so on.
Posted at 5:26PM on Apr 12th 2008 by avivamagnolia
389. Does Mr. What'shisname really believe Southern women over forty value his advice on capris? We'll make that decision for ourselves, right after exercising our beautiful 50-something calves, on the hot Florida beaches. Bless his heart.
Posted at 5:32PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Marian
390. I also agree with all the rest of the over 40 ladies. I'm 55 and since I work and make my own money I buy and wear what I want. I like being comfortable and know what looks good on my body. When someone else starts buying my clothing, then we will talk lol.
I love my capris!!!!!
Posted at 5:34PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Diane
391. My mother had warn capris in here 40s and so will I. If you look good in it wear it.
Posted at 5:36PM on Apr 12th 2008 by 39Woman
392. I think this guy is full of you know what. well I agree with the double brested jackets. They make you look boxy no matter what age you are
Posted at 5:45PM on Apr 12th 2008 by nutsy10
393. There is a degree to which clothes are age appropriate, but limiting capris or horizontal stripes or jacket length based on age is way over the top, completely ridiulous. What matters far more is whether those work for the person wearing them. For me, they wouldn't, but I know many people who are well over 40 who would look great in those and other "banned for over 40" styles.
Posted at 5:54PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Myshiloh
394. What a load of crap. I'm 68, worked hard all my life, earned every gray hair on my head, weigh more than I did in my 20's, & I think I've earned the right to pretty much say, do, & wear whatever I darn please no matter what anyone else thinks---thank-you! Lila
Posted at 5:55PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Lila
395. Crop pants are perfect for anyone. Some people need to get out of New York and smell the roses. I wear jeans and crop pants - am 59 - and very cute in them. I will never wear shorts, though.
Posted at 6:02PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Marie
396. Personally I think if you feel good and the clothes you wear look nice, who cares about age? Did you ever shop and see under 30 only on the sales ticket ? Capris are out there in every single size and so are jeans no matter what rise. If you enjoy what you buy isnt that why you buy it? Why would you spend you hard earn cash on something you didnt enjoy, and that is what buying clothes is all about, Wearing something you feel as though YOU look NICE in. Never saw a ticket on a garment with a age ??? only !!!!
Posted at 6:25PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Sharon
397. I'm 62 and I look great in capri's. Count me ount on giving up a classic look that is flattering to everybody.
Posted at 7:12PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Peaceful602
398. Capri pants look great on women of any age. I especially like capri-length leggings, with a tunic top, for women 40+. I'm 55+, and have a better figure than some of my daughters' friends (20-somethings and 30-somethings), although my skin may not be dewey and fresh and taut. Capri pants are far better than shorts on women who'd prefer not to reveal cellulite (and women of all ages, even in their teens, can have cellulite). I think the key is to balancing the capri pants properly with your shirt. If you have wide hips and narrow shoulders, you want to wear something that either broadens your shoulders, covers your hips, or lengthens your torso. Otherwise, you CAN look like an "easter egg!"
Posted at 8:02PM on Apr 12th 2008 by avivamagnolia
399. Tim Gun should take a reality check. Just because a woman is over 40 it doesn't mean that her fashion sense has become non-existent. I am 73 and I enjoy dressing and looking attractive. There are things that I will not wear such as mini skirts and hip hugger, but capris please give me a break. They can be both attractive and comfortable. Tim Gun remember as long as good sense prvails we can go for it.
Posted at 11:04PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Evelyn
400. I AM 46 AND MOSTLY WEAR CAPRI'S EVERY DAY AND I'M ALSO AN EAST TEXAS GIRL AND FORTUNEATELY THE WEATHER ALLOWS THIS. WHOO HOOO!!!! BUT MOST OF ALL I KNOW I LOOK GOOD. SO FOR THEIR INFORMATION, I DON'T CARE WHAT THE "fashion idiots" say. I SAY, TUFF TITI SAID THE KITY CAUSE THE MILK IS STILL.... GOOD..... STRUT ON LADIES.
Posted at 12:45AM on Apr 13th 2008 by MAS