Is it fair to have to certain trends for certain ages? We felt that some trends are just not suitable for women who are over 40. Does a 50 year old woman really need to wear "Key West" or anything else for that matter, across her backside?
Let us know if you think that certain trends are only OK for certain ages or if we should all just toss the rules of fashion out the window and wear what you want to wear... no matter how old you are.
Genevieve
Marquette
Clare
Jodi
Victoria
Michael

Reader Comments (Page 3 of 65)
41. I'm nearly 50 and I'll wear what I want when I want for as long as I want.
Posted at 2:42PM on Jul 10th 2008 by falldowngobump
42. I am 41 and I don't feel or look it...I can't believe some of these things...backpacks, crocs and baby dolls...who wrote this article a 20 year old...come on this is the 21 century where 40 is the new 30! Thank God at 40 we have the confidence not to listen to this type of "advise"!
Posted at 2:36PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Jen
43. Backpacks are used by very, very many over-forty women!! In fact, in New York City, older women tend to use backpacks more than younger women. The backpack distributes weight evenly -- and this is more important to an older person than to a younger person.
Posted at 2:38PM on Jul 10th 2008 by novhan
44. HORRAY!!! I'm glad SOMEONE agrees with me about Crocs. These are GOD AWFUL things to be worn as every-day shoes, FOR KIDS AS WELL AS ADULTS! I can see wearing them for gardening or for people who are on their feet all day, such as nurses, docs, etc. I do, however, disagree with you on bikinis and backpacks. I use a backpack every day as a commuter and I am 41. It is MUCH more ergonomically correct to carry a full backpack than it is to carry a tote or messenger bag hanging on one shoulder. Thanks for the article.
Posted at 2:39PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Cath
45. I agree with most of the fashion rules, except about the Crocs. I am 63 and think I deserve comfort as much as a 20 year old. I have 5 pair and can hardly stand anything else.
Posted at 2:39PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Nancy
46. I feel that if women have a great body they can still wear a two piece...classy not trashy bathing suit (maybe not a string but a regular bikini). Also leggings are fine if with the proper style. Backpacks are fine too.
Posted at 2:41PM on Jul 10th 2008 by drmagica44
47. I agree with the article. Who wants to look at a 40-50 somethings butt with something printed across it? What about the babydoll dresses... add a pair of maryJanes and some rosey cheeks and feel like a real babydoll..no thanks. What happened to a nice pair of stylish shoes? If I were gardening or going wading crocks might work ok. I do agree that age 47 it can be a challenge at times to find nice casual clothing.
Posted at 2:38PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Joy
48. I believe that if you can wear it? AND LOOK GOOD why not? IT IS how you feel and how you wear it. Nobody has the right to make rules... THAT WILL BE THE DAY SOMEONE MAKING RULES ON WHAT TO WEAR IF YOU ARE OVER 40 PLEASE!!! FIND A BETTER ARTICLE TO WRITE!!!
Specially when they are trying to make you buy something.... Ha! that's why? they want you to go the website store and check it out... if you are over 40 PLEASE!!!... JUST ANOTHER WAY TO MAKE MORE MONEY!!! BE HAPPY WITH YOURSELF AND THE REST IF JUST THAT... WHATEVER!!!
Posted at 2:56PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Ingrid AK
49. I personally do not like pants with slogans across the bottom PERIOD. Age group is not a factor, it just looks tacky to me. As far as everything else goes, if you have the body for it then wear it.
I have seen some younger females (even teens) who do not have the shape for low rise pants and halter tops; basically, it is not about age it is about wearing what you feel comfortable in and what flatters your body type.
Posted at 2:42PM on Jul 10th 2008 by erika
50. I really don't agree with any of your comments, I wouldn't have worn writing on my butt at 16 nor would I today, but retro fashion like baby doll tops, started in bygone eras and we over the hill at 40 people enjoy them too. I don't have crocs, nor do I consider them attractive on any age group. So what is the point here? Old people shouldn't be comfortable so youth can have different looks? When I am old I shall wear purple if I so choose.
Posted at 2:47PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Doris
51. I agree with don'ts except: BACKPACKS, properly adjusted, should be used by everyone for ergonomic correctness and to prevent uneven shoulders and often, sore necks and backs. I have treated these conditions for many years and conclude that side purses and heavy handbags are contributory to many spinal aches and pains in women! Barring a double shoulder strap, at least creat purses that are cross bodied that don't spoil the outfit...
Posted at 2:40PM on Jul 10th 2008 by myomom
52. "I will wear back packs when I please and no homosexual white trash male (who is upset that he wasn't born female) or skinny broad (no one wants a bone but a dog)will influence me differently. Shame on the idiot who put this annoying crap together."
I agree completely. In other words, think for yourselves, don't allow anyone else, especially strangers, tell you what to do and what not to do. As I said before, IT'S NONE OF ANYONE ELSE'S BUSINESS.
Posted at 2:43PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Ahneen
53. This article is incredibly stupid!
Posted at 2:44PM on Jul 10th 2008 by mark
54. I agree with several of the posts. I don't think your age has a lot to do with what you wear. I am 60, still a size 6, but I am not stupid....I don't wear a bikini, but because I choose not to, not because fashion dictates that I don't. I think the other suggestions are individual choice. I don't use backpacks, but, because I don't like them. I wear crocs and love them..Same with leggings and long shirts. I wear what I want when I want, but, I do have sense enough to know there are some things that are better left to the younger generation. IF they would only clean up there act and get rid of all that belly fat............THAT does not make a fashion statement or actually, I guess it does, just the wrong kind.........
Posted at 2:46PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Paula
55. I agree with the bikinis but it goes for young ones too....if you have a belly, don't wear a bikini! I disagree with Crocs and back packs....I am an older Mom of young ones and I need both. Crocs are so comfy and backpacks are indispensable. Leggings are cool unless you have too much leg and they look more like sausage casings. I don't think everyone should be stick-thin but I do think that there are a lot of fashion choices that enhance each persons body.
Posted at 2:53PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Lisa
56. Your article is ridiculous for two reasons: Not only because who the heck are all of you to tell over-40 women (or anyone else) what to wear? What are your "fashion expert" credentials? Crocs, for examples are ageless, and appropriately comfortable for anyone, just as ageless as backpacks. News flash - people use backpacks to carry stuff - oh my what a horrid fashion faux pas! I will feel such shame the next I walk into my gym with my backpack filled with workout necessities. NOT!
Secondly: Your "article" is nothing more than a brainwashing sales tool telling readers to buy this particular article of clothing at Target and this item at Overstock and sweats at Nordstrom. Your "article" is nothing more than an advertisement.
Posted at 2:50PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Pickles
57. Oh, honestly, I've seen 15 year olds in outfits that they should not be wearing becuse of their being overweight. I've seen 30 year olds who look ridiculous in babydoll dresses because of their fat legs. If you look good and are over 40 or under 40, wear what you want. Some thought and discretion would do all women good. And #10...if you think you are going to be young forever, it doesn't work that way. And since I am over 40, look good, feel good and have the money, I'll shop where I darned well please!
Posted at 2:47PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Victoria
58. I agree with most of them, as a 53 yrs. young it is extremely difficult at times to find clothing that is age appropriate. Either the clothes make you look to old or they are too young looking, and makes you look totally rediculous. I would love to go in a store and have a section labeled over 50 to choose from. Please designers give us some better options.
Posted at 2:47PM on Jul 10th 2008 by pat
59. I don't feel that age should have anything to do with what you wear. Why shouldn't a fabulously fit woman over 40 wear a bikini, or anything else for that matter? If something makes you feel good, wear it!!! It is tough enough getting old, we shouldn't have to always be worried about what other think.
Love yourself and be confident with who you are!!
Posted at 2:54PM on Jul 10th 2008 by K. Bittner
60. I personally think this article is ridiculous and I am only 29!!! I hardly ever see any women over 40 in this type of clothing. What I do see, however, are 15, 16 year old little girls running around the mall with shorts that look more like panties and tops that are cut so low if they lean over, they are going to fall out! I am tired of going up the esalator behind some young girl and having her whole backside in my & my children's faces because her pants are so low that her butt crack is hanging out! It's disgusting and that is who needs to be addressed in an article like this! What is wrong with the youth today? Seriously!
Posted at 2:48PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Angela