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 6 of 24)
101. I agree with Joyce, I have never worn capris because they do nothing for me, I look better in shorts!(extremely skinny ankles) I have friends my age (55) who still look fab in capris! Never looked good in pleated pants, they give u a big belly and no one looks good in horizontal stripes (almost). You should judge what you wear by what looks good not by age!
Posted at 6:44PM on Feb 27th 2008 by shirl
102. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. What a moron. Next!
Posted at 6:45PM on Feb 27th 2008 by kathy
103. I AM SICK AND TIRED OF "SOCIETY " DICTATING FASHION.
I AM OVER 50 AND I LOOK HOT IN CAPRI PANTS AND SHORTS AND THONGS AND MINIS. I AM A SIZE 4 AND DO NOT LOOK A DAY OVER 35. I STAY IN SHAPE, EXERCISE AND EAT RIGHT SO I CAN DRESS NOT LIKE A TEENAGER, BUT NICE AND SEXY.
YOU SHOULD BE DICTATING AT WHAT SIZE A PAIR OF CAPRI'S AND OTHER FASHIONS SHOULD STOP !
Posted at 6:45PM on Feb 27th 2008 by MARTA
104. # 105
If you would have heard some of his speeches in NY on this subject you would have walked out like I did in a major department store. What a drag he had women over 40 in , frumpy, plain, to classy I call it and they all looked older than 40 . NO Thanks Mr GUNN we are not all thinking like you about capri's, the stable for summer day at any age for all women if they are well tailored.
Posted at 6:47PM on Feb 27th 2008 by TH
105. I am almost 70 and look great in capris and low waisted jeans. On the golf course I wear capris all the time. Want to keep covered and not expose my body to the hot sun. Who is he to tell me I should dress my age?
Posted at 6:48PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Brenda
106. Well, I love Tim Gunn, but I also wear capris, and I'm 60. O.K., I barely look 50 (no plastic surgery, just lucky genes), and I exercise regularly, so if you can, why not? That's plain silly. On the other hand, low rise jeans, uh-uh. And sadly, past 55 or so, shorts had to get longer, sigh. But yay for those capris!
Posted at 6:48PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Nancy L.
107. I am 58, and have no intention giving up capri pants! It's totally insane that women over 40 should give them up!
Posted at 6:49PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Donna
108. Any women should wear what looks good on her and depending on her shape its fine to wear something our youth wears. Mr Gunn step down to the real world and why would you know so much about every day women's life. I seen your clothing ideas in NY stores and a women would have to go bancrupt to spend this kind of money. You are a touch out of step and I for one don't listen to a homosexual male what to do.
Posted at 6:50PM on Feb 27th 2008 by TH
109. No doubt, Mr. Gunn is a misongynist and certainly has never lived in the Deep South! Capri pants are a necessity on the hot, sultry days of late Spring and Summer. Yes, they are much cooler than long pants. How stupid to wear a dress to a Little League game or a water ski show! I understand the shorts (unless one is on a boat or at a beach), but Capri pants are the perfect answer for many occasions. They are widely accepted in all circles, including upscale and well-educated. My feet, ankles and calves are all smaller than any of my beautiful daughters ages 17-24. We are all in top shape! I don't know what Mr. Gunn's associations are, but let's find out, ladies, and boycott any product or company he is associated with! I am quite offended at both his comments and with AOL for continuing to perpetuate them.
Posted at 6:50PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Karen Hopkins
110. That is all silly, at age 40 you have a standard of wardrobe. I am almost 40 and look pretty good for my age and I wear what ever is comfortable, Capri Pants are my favorite, why hide good looking legs. I've been dressing non-age for years as I am not about to put on a stuffy sweater and wear polyester-NEVER. I like some of the younger looking clothes and it makes me feel young, So why not.
Posted at 6:51PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Adriamarie
111. Oh well i guess I will go out and try to find something age approrite,for me,wonder what it will be,a granny gown for daytime???How dare you try to tell us what to wear- I am like the other Lady I wear my Daughter's hand- me -downs,and they look better on me ,than they did on her---we know that we should not put on short-shorts,or let our stomach hang out but i look good in my mid calf pants,and will continue to wear them,so------put that in your pipe and smoke it !!
Posted at 6:51PM on Feb 27th 2008 by gail
112. Capri's beat shorts anytime for any women.
The behind and knies look less fat and cover up verical's veins on ladies and are still good on a hot day. My neihgbour is 78 and still plays tennis and wears shorts a lot and I must say I dont like it to much because she has to many veins showing, if she would stick to capri's it would cover it.
Posted at 6:54PM on Feb 27th 2008 by TH
113. As a 53 year old "fart" who occasionally still gets "proofed", why would I listen to anyone on how I dress????? What am I 12 and need my "daddy's" official OK as to what I look like before I leave the house?????????????? I have been mistaken for my 26 year old son's girlfriend for pity's sake.....
Posted at 6:54PM on Feb 27th 2008 by chris
114. I highly disagree with your style guru. I live in central California where it gets in the 100's in the summer. I am 60 years old and exercise every day and have maintained my body. Whereas I won't wear short of any kind, I do wear what we call clam diggers that hit a couple inches below the knee. To me, anything that hits at the ankle is called an ankle pant. Capri's generally are 5 or 6 inches above the ankle. Anyway, I believe what you wear, within reason, has everything to do with how you have maintained yourself and not what you "style guru's" dictate.
Posted at 6:59PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Julie
115. What all of you just don't understand
In America we are all dead in the designers eye at 40 and we should just hide and look proper and frumpy to please there creation for that age group.No thanks Mr GUNN You don't live my life neither do I need your advice. I am endorsing mini skirts and slutty look at a certain age but for god sake caprie's Give me a break go get a GUN and shut up, would you
Posted at 7:00PM on Feb 27th 2008 by TH
116. I am 52 and love capri pants in the summer. I cannot wear shorts and long pants are too hot to wear. They make a lot of great capri pant sets for women my age and I look great in them at my age. Not wearing capri pants after 40 is ridiculous in my opinion. I am not sure why that fashion suggestion was made. Who else thinks that capri pants for women over 40 is not a good fashion statement...and if so do you have any other suggestions of how to remain cute and fashionable in the summertime without always wearing a skirt or dress!! Let me know.
Posted at 7:01PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Kim
117. typo error on 121
I wanted to say I am NOT endorsing mini skirt's and a slutty look, but what's wrong with capri's ?
NOTHING, short's YES
Posted at 7:02PM on Feb 27th 2008 by TH
118. I agree with everything BUT the low rise jeans. While super-low rise is not appropropriate, a lower cut jean with stretch in the denim is perfect for any woman over 40 - in fact, I successful persuaded to get my 75 year old mother, who has a nice figure, to get out of her fuddy-duddy high rise jeans. Voila! She looks 10 years younger. Clothes, by the way, is all about the attitude with which you wear them. And P.S., Capris are not a good idea, but long shorts that hit the top of the knee (not below!) is very flattering.
Posted at 7:03PM on Feb 27th 2008 by DBT
119. # 122 and most of you
I see already how we do not want to hear from Mr GUNN and I am proud of you girl's. The day MEN dictate US what to wear we are doomed. Have you look'd at men over 40 lately? pretty unkept and sloppy
Posted at 7:05PM on Feb 27th 2008 by TH
120. The young kid's do not even wear capri's it is totaly a middle age syndrome and why not? Mr GUNN IO have seen your clothing in NY that 40 plus women should wear
and we look like nun's running around town.
are you kidding me. You happen'd to be a very nice
man but you are a homosexual and just do not relate to women's every day life's. Enough said
Posted at 7:08PM on Feb 27th 2008 by TH