6 Things That Look Matronly
The words matronly and frumpy came up on the blog this week which got me thinking about wardrobe items we may be holding on to that aren’t doing us any favors. Style has no age limit but there are items a 25-year-old can make look modern, that often go awry on the older woman. Here are 6 ways to look less dowdy and frumpy over 50 you should ditch from your wardrobe this spring/summer.
Capri pants
I know this will be unpopular, but capri pants that end at the widest part of your calf, are unflattering and can look dowdy. Brands that cater to middle-aged women feature a lot of capri pants because women love them, but they’re not your most flattering option. Pants that end where your leg narrows, just above the ankle bone are more flattering and look modern.
Too Much Jewelry
I love jewelry just much as the next gal, but wearing too much at one time looks matronly. If you wear a statement necklace, dial down the earrings, or better yet, skip them altogether. A large bracelet with a statement necklace and bold earrings is too much and detracts from you. Wearing matching sets of jewelry is also dated so break them up and wear them separately.
Clothes that don’t fit well
Oversized, baggy clothes may be comfy, but an entire outfit of loose garments looks frumpy. If your top is oversized, choose a bottom that fits closer to your body. Blouses and shirts that are tight and gap between the buttons look sloppy, which translates to “don’t care” and that’s frumpy. Peasant skirts (like this) have been popular since the ’70s but they add bulk around the tummy and have a dowdy vibe. My outfit would have been saved by a slim tee and wearing the blouse unbuttoned, then removing some of the matching jewelry.
drab colors
Whether or not you’ve had a personal color analysis, or know your most flattering colors, beware of drab colors that bring your appearance down. An entire outfit in washed-out, faded colors looks dated and frumpy. That’s not to say you must wear bright, but have a balance and wear colors near your face that give it life.
Beware of florals
Florals are hugely popular this year, but they can be a fast track to frumpy in the wrong color or size. Tiny florals are the most dangerous, especially in pale colors so if you love them, be sure the shape is modern.
Shiny Nude pantyhose
There’s just no way to look modern when wearing shiny pantyhose for casual wear. Pair them with sandals and you’re on the fast track to frumpy. They can work for formal and dressy events but ensure they’re the sheerest possible and that your toes are covered.
No woman sets out to intentionally look matronly but it’s easy to go overboard and cross into dowdy territory, trust me, I’ve done it.
What do you look back on and realize that it made you look dowdy?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
If you’d tied your linen shirt in front to me it would have looked younger. What do you think? To me, I’d want my bag, hat and shoes to match shades better, even be a nice color like pink or turquoise.
I am 68, 5’ 2 1/2” tall weighing about 63kgs. We live in a warm climate of Australia. I like to wear linen shorts (I do have nice legs) and a tee shirt with the ‘tuck’. Am I fooling myself? I have a very young outgoing demeanour.
Go for it!
What hair spray are you using in the hair styling demo?
I am using this one from Aveda
Ha! This was great. I am definitely in the two many florals camp at least for me personally, and the pantyhose not good. Too much jewelry is another good point. Less is more at our age!
Good information!
There seems to be a lot of chatter about older women wearing less makeup, but I’m wondering if there is anyone out there like me. I never wore much when I was younger, hardly had time for a shower let alone makeup, didn’t know much about it and didn’t have the money to experiment or get help. When I had cataract surgery with corrective lenses implanted I could put aside a lifetime of wearing eyeglasses. Suddenly I discovered my best feature was my eyes and began to enjoy wearing eye liner, shadow, mascara and even eyelid base and under eye coverup.I put lipstick and gloss on every morning and throughout the day. I have the time and am enjoying a phase of makeup experimentation I missed out on as a teen and younger person. I say, the best way to stay current is to be open to new possibilities.
I wear makeup everyday and love it. I’m not wearing less, just different techniques.
I just don’t know if I can give up my crop pants. I’m 5’2″ and, in the summer, they’re so comfortable. I have a couple of pair that come somewhere between mid-calf and ankle. Oh, me.
As for dresses, puff sleeve and floral print is everywhere this year. Fine for young gals but ridiculous on us older women. I find J.Jill to be a good resource for this age.
Great post! I am looking for lightweight summer pants and ditching capris. Also agree that we can wear fitted clothes and look fabulous!
I’m heading into the late half of my seventies. No one has so far mentioned lightweight midi or maxi jersey dresses as a possible non-frumpy choice, with the proviso that they’re loose enough to skim torso, waist and bottom, (no bum-hugging!). I have a collection in a variety of summery colors, some with a wide stripe, (but also a pinstripe) or a solid color. These probably wouldn’t work if you’re significantly overweight, but with my average weight, they provide a long line, and lots of ways to accessorize. At 5’4″, I always have to have them hemmed, so I get to choose a good length that glosses over my less than lovely calves and ankles and works with summer sandals. Lightweight kimonos for breezes and aggressive a/c also cover upper arms, that despite regular weight training, wave goodbye when I do. These dresses take me to both casual and dressy summer affairs, and I’m often told I look cool and relaxed 🙂 Just not following the blousy trend -it chops inches off my height and adds 10 pounds no one needs!
An excellent post! I’d like to see more do’s and don’ts.
I do have a question. Do any of you make it a point to wear almost weightless earrings? Surely you’ve seen “sagging or pulled earlobes”?
I refuse to wear heavy earrings and always wear backs that support my ear lobes.
Great advice from everyone today. I would add ruffles, lace and bows to the no-go zone. They make me think of my great-aunt’s bed jacket. I have to confess to buying a dress last summer as I liked its colours and style. However, when I actually wore if I felt I had put on a duvet cover.
That’s not a good feeling. We’ve all been there.
So true on all your comments. Capri pants scream frump.. I am love at wearing drab colours and I now try very hard not to buy them when someone put me 10 years older than I am. Not sure who was more embarrassed thank you for your advice.. Robyn
Ouch…reminds me of the time I was asked when my baby was due…my “baby” child was in grammar school at the time.