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.
Genevieve
Marquette
Clare
Jodi
Victoria
Michael




Reader Comments (Page 3 of 23)
41. I have to laugh at the ridiculous fashion limitations you place related to age. I am 44, soon to be 45, and look better wearing every style in the aforementioned then most teens or twenty somethings. I have worn low rise/hip huggers my whole life and still have the abs to pull it off. As for capris, I am 5'10" and will continue to wear them as well. In my late teens and early twenties I was a fairly successful runway model, not that that has to do with any of this but I have seen plenty of young folk who should be covered in a muu muu because they do not take care of themselves and think because they are young in age they can pull off wearing the latest fashions exposing flesh that is, for lack of a better term, simply fat. Not sure if these kids even look in the mirror before they leave the house. I think we should all simply make the most of what we have, at any age, and dress appropriately based on that not on age.
Posted at 5:14PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Lisa
42. why not capri pants i think youre outdated my sister is 70 years old live in florida and weat capri pants
Posted at 5:15PM on Feb 27th 2008 by paul
43. I am under 40, but I have no idea why anyone would tell women of any age not to wear capri pants or what they should wear. We are all adults who can make our own decisions about clothing. Timm Gunn needs to buy a clue.
Posted at 5:19PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Steph
44. I said, "WHAT" get real... This guy is a joke and probably has women issues! I am a 46 year old woman who is 5'5 and weigh 128 lbs. and look fairly well as far as being trim. I can not believe that he would be telling any woman who feels good or looks good for her age what to wear let alone what looks well! Please your "OPINION" is just that... Thank you
Posted at 5:21PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Judy Allen
45. Are you kidding? No capris? Maybe we should wear really short shorts instead? Comfort wins out for me.
Posted at 5:22PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Linda
46. What no capris???? Are you suggesting that we stick with the Bermuda Shorts? Help me!
WHY??????
Posted at 5:22PM on Feb 27th 2008 by p
47. You are out of your mine, not to wear capris afer 40!!
Posted at 5:23PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Jen, New York
48. Capri's have replaced all my shorts in the summer months -- mostly for golf, or if I'm at an outside event. I'm 56 and I am so thankful we have capri's to wear. What else is there? A flowing skirt does not work for golf, gardening, etc.
Posted at 5:23PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Diane
49. I would like more advice on clothes over 40, however, in the women's department, the clothes look very old ladyish! I am only a size 4 so I usually do shop in the junior's department. I agree with most others and don't understand the capri thing. They look good on people that I see.
Posted at 5:24PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Sue Ann
50. Another thing that makes anyone look older is peering at others over the top of your spectacles ;)
Posted at 5:24PM on Feb 27th 2008 by wageworth
51. I almost fell off my chair when I read I should not wear capris any longer! I am 50 and look great in them, as did my Mom at 83!!! Has this critique ever been to sunny Florida?? Capris flatter all ages if sported correctly - just like any other article of clothing he mentioned. And stay out of Juniors’? Sorry, I disagree there also. Certainly there are some clothes I would not wear, but that goes with any woman’s dept. when I shop. You know when you look ridiculous and you know when you don’t! Well, at least most of do!
Posted at 5:27PM on Feb 27th 2008 by ItaliaPrincessFL
52. I am past 60, but weigh what I did 40 years ago. I exercise, eat right and am told I look like mid-40s.
Even if I didn't look younger, I would not have anyone, especially a MAN, tell me how to dress.
I wear capris, low rise jeans and skirts with tights.
And where has this guy been? Pleated pants and double-breasted blazers have been out of style for years.
Posted at 5:28PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Betsy Gionne
53. I am 53, 5'4" and weight 110lbs. I work out regularly and have a well toned body. Maybe I'm the exception but capris both in a casual or work-casual setting, paired with a button down shirt, light sweater or even a t-shirt look very appropriate...even fabuous!!!
Posted at 5:30PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Lynn
54. You have got to be kidding. Come on down to the Florida beaches and try to push that crazy notion. This guy needs to find a new career. I think he is to old for fashion guru!
Posted at 5:31PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Pat
55. What a load of age-ist and sexist tripe! Who hasn't noticed Cher, Tina Turner and thousands of brave and beautiful baby boomers redefining over-forty fashion for everyone? As a plus-size woman in my mid-thirties, I'm grateful to them and dread growing old less. I wouldn't wear hip-hugger jeans or a bolero jacket now because they aren't flattering at my size, but I'll be damned if capri pants or long jackets will get weeded out of my closet on an arbitrary date. How dare you tell the generation that pioneered mini-skirts they shouldn't wear double-breasted jackets? These women shook up the world, and they're not going to fade quietly into the background just because they're retired, wrinkled or need more rest.
Posted at 5:32PM on Feb 27th 2008 by lostelenore
56. This is RIDICULOUS! Capris??? I think they look very attractive on women over 40! I don't thin you can put everyone in the same mold. This "fashion" guru IS a man right???
Posted at 5:33PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Lora
57. ok well I dont agree with the capri pants I think it more appropriate for 40+ women to where than the younger ones and shorts are more appropriate for the teens and 20 and 30. And low rise is the style I dont see where each age group has their own style..If you can where it then do. Somebody needs to go back to fashion guru school.
Posted at 5:34PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Marilyn
58. please tell this person to get off my wardrobe i am 46 and will wear capri's befor shorts come on! shorts on a older women looks tacky compared to a nice capri outfit. listen buddy or miss we are average women here not glamour-r-us. and i dont like high rise jeans the waist is to small and i have a big waist. so if i wear low rise it is alittle more comfortable. so thats my opinion lol.
Posted at 5:38PM on Feb 27th 2008 by mercedes
59. You people need lives. Ladies, wear whatever you want and deem appropriate for you. Do you seriously think you need to listen to some stupid article that tells you how to dress. Get over it. They should spend more time telling those fat old men what not to wear! LOL
Posted at 5:39PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Jeanne
60. Ok first of all if you like something and it looks good on you who cares what someone thinks. I say go for it!!! If it looks good and you like it Do your thing Momma!!!!!! Who is to say someone can or can not wear something!
Posted at 5:41PM on Feb 27th 2008 by crittersafehaven