61. I could care less what anyone thinks about the way I dress. I have had and raised seven kids and have a knock out body at age 50. If I want to wear a mini skirt, crop top, or whatever suits my mood I will wear it. When these people who decide what this or that age sould wear starts paying my bills and buying my cloths then I may listen to them. Until then I will wear what I want and be proud doing it.

Posted at 2:53PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Terri

62. I will turn 40 next year. Reading this article made me kind of depressed. Not to brag, but I still look great in a bikini. My flat stomach has always been my best asset. Why should I hide it? I believe that women should wear what they feel confident and comfortable in.

Posted at 2:53PM on Jul 10th 2008 by C

63. This is the second article in less than six months on AOl that has been about what women over 40 shouldn't wear. Remember the capri one. Who makes these thing up? Who is so threatened or revolted by what women over 40 are wearing? I'm 51 and even though I wouldn't wear most of what is listed, I think a woman should wear whatever she wants or is comfortable in. And a back pack?? Back pack are functional. They are not a fashion statement.
I am sick of hearing what I should or shoul not wear.

Posted at 2:51PM on Jul 10th 2008 by mel nash

64. At first, I found myself nodding in agreement with a lot of the comments, but then, I thought, 'wait a minute'. Many of the items that this article steers us over-40 gals away from are actually items which are comfortable and healthier for our bodies - backpacks carried on the back are better for our bones and muscles than overloaded tote bags carried on one shoulder. Leggings are better for our digestion than tight jeans and slacks. Empire waist tops and dresses allow us to go without belts that bind our middles. I'm not advocating being naked - or nearly naked - that has its own set of health and safety problems. I just think that the focus is misplaced. If you feel good, wear it - if you don't feel good, don't buy it or if you bought it, give it away. Why let people who are positioned to gain from you buying something new tell you that you "shouldn't" wear or carry something that works for you? To do so is to give away your power to make decisions for yourself. If you don't like seeing my 54 year old cellulite poking out of my Lilly Pulitzer skirt, don't look and sure as heck, don't tell me to 'act my age.' It might get you a poke in the nose for expressing an unsolicited opinion!!!

Posted at 2:50PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Rebecca

65. you suggest that crocs are not acceptable for the over 40 set ... however your suggestions are all at least twice as costly. Many of us just squeek by financially as it is! Crocs are comfortable for our "aging" feet and kind to our pocketbooks!

Posted at 2:53PM on Jul 10th 2008 by maryann

66. I don't agree with this artical and by the comments made above no one else did either. Who ever wrote this artical has no clue about how people over 40. I say wear what you like, life is to short. Have fun in all you do and in all you wear.

Posted at 2:53PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Jeanette

67. Any bike shop can sell you a "water bottle cage" that mounts on the fork of your bike. Most cyclists use two of them. I fill one with water and the other with Gatorade and take turns. Good luck and keep pedaling! I'm 68 and love it...great exercise and I've met some super people.

Posted at 2:55PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Seveer3

68. I don't give a hoot what anyone thinks...if I want to wear it at 43, then I will. As for the Crocs, some people wear them for foot and leg problems..I wear them because they are comfy..so arrest me fashion police...geesh!! I say if you can pull it, off wear it!! The ONLY thing I agree with is the printing on the athletic wear across the fanny!! Just not for me..I think it looks trashy....just my opinion :) If you like it though..go for it!! You only live once!!

Posted at 2:56PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Julie

69. Yesterday I bought orange Crocs I am 53 and proud so many that I have known did not make it. I also made a decision to stop listening to others so much. I painful foot problems and Crocs have been the only reprieve and until God heals this condition I will proudly wear them. I like backpacks too. I am glad to say that I answer to a higher authority than society and when He says get rid of something then I listen.

Submitted with love
Arovy

Posted at 2:56PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Arovy

70. I would like to know who this person is who wrote this. How old are they....20? Forty is not too old ,and I certainly don't think that it is inappropriate to wear a backpack, or leggings, or even a bikini for that matter. I am offended that you think that once someone reaches forty, they have to put a bag over their body. Shame on you

Posted at 2:59PM on Jul 10th 2008 by lahela lea

71. ALL I CAN SAY IS, WOW? YOU MUST HAVE DONE THIS TO PISS A LOT OF PEOPLE OFF. ONE THING AMERICANS WILL NEVER LEARN, IS HOW TO LIVE AND LET LIVE.
IF YOU WANT TO WEAR CROCS WEAR THEM IN FACT PEOPLE WHO DO THEIR OWN THING WERE ONCE CONSIDERED LEADERS IN THIS GREAT COUNTRY OF LEADERS. WE USED TO LOVE BEING FREE AND AT THE LEADING EDGE OF THE AMERICAN FRONTIER SPIRIT, NOW WE ARE JUST A BUNCH A IDIOTS. I AM AN AMERICAN AND I AM MARRIED TO A BRAZILIAN BEAUTY. SHE HAS TAUGHT ME SO MUCH ABOUT OUR INSANE CULTURE AND FEARS. WE ARE CERTAINLY NOT HIGHLY REGARDED IN THE WORLD SCOPE AND THIS ARTICAL IS WHY.
WEAR WHAT YOU WANT AND BE YOUSELF! ON THE PAGE ABOUT NOT WEARING LEGGINGS YOU SHOW A STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL OLDER WOMEN OVER 50 MOST LIKELY IN LEGGINGS. THIS IS PRECISLY WHY I AM TURNING OFF MY TELEVISION AND MY COMPUTOR, FOR GOOD.
TKS.
ROBBY

Posted at 3:01PM on Jul 10th 2008 by robby

72. I don't agree with your selection of "don't wear if you are over 40" ideas. I have many younger friends, I'm 60, that are over 40 that look great in almost all of the things you listed. I think if a person is fit and healthy she can wear all of the things you listed just fine. Why draw the line at 40? Huge fat people probably will wear what they want when they are 20 if they have a mind to and skinny little people will do the same. Backpacks are handy for hikers and students of all ages....crocs are worn by almost every Doctor and nurse I've seen lately no matter what age or size and color! Bikinis have always been a no no for fat, skinny and hairy people, but they still wear them, young and old...leggings are cute on older girls with short dresses just as they are on 39 year old, assuming that it's ok for 39 year olds and not 40's...people dress as they wish these days and even though I wonder sometimes if they have mirrors or friends to tell them otherwise, they just don't seem to give a darned...my biggest thing that I don't like to see on anyone at any age is shorts out to dinner after dark! But that's just me! Think I'll go out and scare the neighborhood in my bikini and crocs!!

Posted at 3:02PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Judy

73. It is tough to dress "appropriately" at 44 - compound it with being a recent widow, a body better than most half my age. Not that I need or want to flaunt but frumpy has never been an option. Bikini, no, two piece yes, I do have abs. Words across my butt - no. Baby doll dress - probably not. I'd love an "appropriate" make over.

Posted at 2:59PM on Jul 10th 2008 by lisa

74. I agree with all of you comments except the backpack. I wear one when riding my bike to carry essentials, wallet, glasses etc and for shopping or to go to the library. I do have a water bottle holder on my bike frame in reply to irischris10. They are about $10.00 I also wear a back back in lieu of a purse due to severe siatica and upper back injurys. The weight evenly distributed on my back - vs- a purse over one shoulder greatly relieves my back pain. Mine even has lumbar support. I am 49.

Posted at 3:00PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Sidney Leonard

75. I would like to know the ages of the ones who put this "Valuable Info" together. If I had to guess they are NOT in their 40's yet and if they are they are in the position that these things are out of their reach anyway. I had a friend once who had gained an extra 30 and all of a sudden she got this self righteous attitude that "We" were getting too old to shop in the jr. section .I am a size 1 and the crossover section as I call it does not fit me. I can't wear any of those clothes ! Well she mysteriously lost her weight and guess who is wearing halter tops at 40! I really don't think it is a age thing I think it is all about class and I think words on any butt at any age is no class as for the rest I think if you can GO GIRL!

Posted at 3:02PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Queen Bee

76. I believe you are as young as you feel and look. I am 45 and I wear what makes me feel good. When I go to work I dress accordingly, but for play I wear whatever looks good on me. My husband loves the way I dress so I don't care what anyone else thinks. I hate it when people try to stereotype people. If I have a nice figure and look good in a 2 piece swim suit and a 18 year old is over weight what makes it right for her to wear it. Come on get real.

Posted at 3:06PM on Jul 10th 2008 by cholliex

77. I agree with most everything you suggested except for the bikini and the backpack. there are things better for you than a backpack, like the messengar bag...the load is distributed across your body. As for the bikini - if you have it, flaunt it. I am 43 and have a better body than most women in their 20's. Why should I hide it...granted I know more is less so I do chose styles that are sexy without all my goodies hanging out! =)

Posted at 3:06PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Audrey

78. I THINK THAT A FEMALE OF ANY AGE SHOULD WEAR WHAT EVER THEY FEEL COMFORTALBE IN AND NOT WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK FOR THE SIMPLE FACT THAT PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS WEAR OR NOT WEAR.

Posted at 3:05PM on Jul 10th 2008 by SHIRLEY

79. How ridiculous!! Women over 40 should quit giving up their womenhood...why does that happen? Why do women over 40 think they have to dress conservatively and boring? I am 45, am petite and many people are shocked at my age. Yes, I wear stretch plants (usually with a baby doll top or some other tunic-type) with ballerina flats. I get compliments all the time. It is much more attractive than half of what the other moms at the elementary school are wearing! Crocs? Most God-Awful ugliest shoes (hello - rubber!!) ever created and I would never waste my money on those for myself or my kids! They are ugly if you are over 40 or under 10...

The best thing? My husband appreciates the fact I take care and pride in my appearance. He is proud I have not let myself get fat under the guise of being too busy to take care of myself, and that I still love clothes and love to be fashionable. That makes me happy.

Posted at 3:05PM on Jul 10th 2008 by Susan

80. I hear this kind of advice and sometimes think, yeah, I would be embarassed to stand next to a friend of mine with Juicy across her butt. But then, it's her butt, if she wants it to say Juicy, who am I to say? More important than using age as some kind of cut off to pertain to the entire female population, maybe one should pay more attention to the person's frame/size and what shape they are in. Also, what is their station in life and where do they live? An exec in New York City is going to have a whole different wardrobe than a yoga instructor in So Cal. We are just more unique than the little box of "over 40" . . . Would you tell Tina Turner not to wear stilettos and miniskirts anymore? She's well over 50 and rocks those skirts!

Posted at 3:06PM on Jul 10th 2008 by malina