What Not To Wear
Don’t you just hate those proclamations? I do. What not to wear was a very popular television show about 15 years ago which I could not watch. The premise was that a style “felon”, who was nominated by family and friends, would agree to throw out their current wardrobe and be given $5,000 to go shopping for a new one.
Stacy London, Clinton Kelly, and the viewing audience would watch this “felon” (not my word) shop while the two hosts critiqued what they chose. I couldn’t watch it without my stomach-turning. Seeing a woman ridiculed for her shopping choices may have made for interesting television but I felt they were needlessly demeaning her.
Whew…OK, I got that off my chest. Now let’s talk about what not to wear. The things we choose to not wear for no other reason than the limitations we put on ourselves.
Doesn’t it always seem easier to narrow down the styles and fashion you would absolutely never wear? The ones that feel too old for you.
For me, there are several things starting with orthopedic shoes because although my feet would feel wonderful in them, they make me feel ancient. That means I’m always on the hunt for comfy shoes with a modicum of style. You’ll also never see me wearing elastic waistbands, that show. I love the easy comfort of pants and skirts elastic waistbands but I never let them show.
How about the fashions you’d never wear now because they seem too young for you? The ones you’d feel silly wearing lest someone thinks you look like “mutton dressed as lamb”.
What about fashions we won’t wear because of our aging bodies? Sleeveless comes to mind as does short items where our knees and elbows are on display. Why are we limiting ourselves at a time when time itself seems so much more precious?
There is a style that never seems to look too old or too young. It’s classic style. A pair of chinos with a button-down doesn’t look appreciably different on a 15-year-old or an 80-year-old. What is different is how you style it and the accessories you add. That makes classic garments ideal for investment dressing so you can buy fewer items of better quality.
And so right about now, I’m reconsidering trends. I know they help to keep us looking current, but at what cost?
I would love to know, is there a style you avoid like the plague because of your own prejudices?
Be well and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
xo
I agree with many of your replies, especially ripped jeans or cut off jeans. I never wear ruffles and I pass on crazy patterned outfits, although I can’t seem to pass on a paisley item when I find them. I have given up on short shorts, even though I have managed to maintain a reasonable weight. I have switched over to pull up pants and jeans, mainly because I do not see the reason for belt loops when belts are not worn and they are comfortable because I have a short waist. I also never let them show and I am very selective of the material.
Hi Dee,
Would you please share brand name pull up pants that work for you? I agree with your thought process.
Thanks,
Pat
Eileen Fisher does some great pull on styles. Look at the stretch crepe.
Thank you, waiting for stores to open🤗
Hi Pat,
I like gloria vanderbilt jeans and shorts. They have a moderate waist band which I find comfortable because its not too high. I just purchased some nice pants that are Liz Clairborne classic ankle studio pants and I also have New York brand. Both of these brands do not have waist bands and lie flat all the way up just like a dress pant does. I am 5’2” and have a difficult time getting pants to fit, petite can be too short and regular is usually too long.
Exactly! I know where to find brands you mentioned, thanks for the tips! Girls have to stick together.
I gave up on any shoe with a heel years ago but will never buy a “Mary Jane” style shoe no matter how comfortable they might be. I just don’t care for the look. Ripped jeans are another fashion trend that evades me. I watched WNTW and did learn a lot from the show.
Agree with you, mostly, about WNTW. I didn’t find Clinton’s comments as demeaning as Stacey’s. Often felt the roles they were assigned were “good cop/bad cop”. Must admit I learned a lot watching them though.
I won’t do tattered, frayed, holey jeans and don’t understand why anyone out of their teens does. Love the boho look on others but don’t feel like I wear it well. Same shoe struggle as you. Try Vionic & Earth brands. Style & comfort, the winning combination!
WNTW had a few good lessons. Throw out old bras. For a professional look, a well-fitting blazer looks far more professional than a trendy blouse or old t-shirt, etc. I hope this pandemic’s lessons stick as well. Women look naturally beautiful with less make-up. We can make do with less. Consider the cost of keeping up with all of the trends. What styles do I avoid? I am with you on orthopedic shoes. Just can’t go there yet. Also anything overly floral, pastel pink, or ruffly (a holdover from my days as one of only a few women in a male profession). Peplum. Tight button up shirts. Platform shoes because I have big feet and they just look bigger in them. Tube socks. Tube tops.
I agree with ripped/distressed jeans are not a style I find attractive. I try to purchase classic pieces and add current fashions and colors to make them have a cool vibe.
I don’t know that my style choices have changed that much over the years. I have never been comfortable wearing anything low cut, too tight, pastel, ruffles, lace, short shorts or sleeveless.
Yikes! As you mentioned, I still try to find a shoe that is comfortable and functional but does not date me, too much. I focus more on my skin and hair maintenance these days. I keep my nails trimmed and polished with a neutral color. I do wear makeup everyday and have found that adding accessories can really elevate an updated look. I am ok adding a trendy piece of clothing as long as it’s not an investment piece.
Biggest challenge is finding breathable, long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve tops for summer, that don’t cling and don’t require ironing, and are not black or white, or sheer, without crew neck style, and are not blousey. Is that asking too much😊?
I’m not a fan of sandals that are all straps and thick soles.
I am with you on the tops for summer. 3/4 sleeves are my jam, but so hard to find
Just a reminder…you can always buy easier to find long sleeve tops and have them shortened. 😊
While much of it was hard to watch. I learned a few good lessons: Jeans are seldom a perfect fit. Don’t be afraid to get them properly altered. ( tuck the waistband, hem the length)
Jackets also – if it fits well in the body, get the sleeves adjusted.
A good fitting bra is your first tool.
I love tees and sleeveless shells (keeps me on track to do arm exercises, and now I am doing yoga.) I hope my arms look okay in these – I am my worst critic.
I do not like frayed jeans (the ones frayed at the cuff, chewed I think some sites are calling them.) I know they are very popular with many, but I just don’t like them.
I agree we are often our own worst critic. I’m hoping to change that.
I tend to feel the cold – not just in winter – so when I am at home will very often wear a fleece over a nice outfit. I know they are something we are told to avoid as they are aging, but honestly, nothing is more aging than feeling miserable. BTW, I do have the central heating on!
Being comfy is pretty darn important in our homes 🙂
I avoid wearing too much of anything, especially fabric and shoes. Thick heels, soles, and straps add extra weight. You won’t catch me in a tunic top. I’ll stick to classic style.
oh yea….crop and or ankle pants…heres the reason, in the 70’s remember the thing was big long bellbottoms. and i loved them..however we didnt have much money, and frequently my stuff was 2nd hand….and sometimes the pants were shorter than the style…and i got teased, of course. so while every style guru on the planet is pushing crops, i just sit here like, when pigs fly, ladies, when pigs fly…….also, while i liked that show, i frequently disagreed with their choices of what women should wear….my biggest aggravation?, peplum tops or jackets….they pushed those frequently, and i dont think they do anything for anybody, not even the 90 pound weather ladies on the local news….thank you for letting me vent, feels good!
It’s so interesting how the teasing wounds from our youth last and last. Mine sure have
For me, it comes down to fabric. Absolutely need breathable ones…linen, cotton, bamboo etc. especially in the warmer months.
Totally agree with you on footwear. My personal choice is anything made by Vionic.
I say, wear what you are comfortable in. You don’t need to follow the trends to be current. Update with accessories and yes, carry yourself with confidence!
Classic pieces will always stand the test of time.
True and now that you mention it, artistic clothes have similar staying power.
They absolutely do! I have a few artistic tops and tunics that I love to wear with stream lined bottoms. I actually have a few from my mom that she had way back in the day. I think of them as my big accessory. When I do wear them, I let them do the talking, so I only wear simple stud earrings, or one over size bangle!
So much fun …
Because I am short, I avoid cropped pants and maxi skirts
As a petite, I don’t wear maxi skirts or dresses or the soft fabric wide leg pants. I tried in the past, but always felt overwhelmed by all that fabric and the garments ended up in the back of my closet.
That’s a great reason to not spend money on them again.
Torn, distressed jeans. It’s a puzzle to me why this trend gets adopted by any woman over the age of 16.
No sleeveless for me. If I have one one under a jacket, I wouldn’t remove my jacket if I caught fire!!!!
Lol!
For me it’s Boho style and maxi dresses and skirts. Last summer I thought I should stop restricting my choices and bought a gorgeous kimono which is in a fabric and pattern that is my style, but I’ve never worn it. Every time I try it on, it just feels wrong. If I don’t wear it this summer, I’ll give it to a friend to make scarves out of it.
That’s a great solution!
Yes, there are styles I try to avoid…yet I’m NOTalways successful. Sleeveless blouses, tees! I own a few and usually send them to the rear of the closet, but with layering….I grab onto the tanks and tees! Then, if the weather warms up and I remove the topper or remove the cardi…there I am in a sleeveless tee. I’m not heavy but my upper arms have not responded to gardening,light weights etc. they are flabby…ugh.
Don’t like animal prints though I have tried. My shoe choice is Skechers as they are comfortable. Love the classics as they are always “in”. Would never wear ripped jeans and try not to wear sleeveless unless the weather is hot like today. A humid 31°C. Never liked WNTW as it seemed very demeaning to the subject but it did bring up some interesting style points.
Like Sheryl explained, in the 70s and 80s my pants were always too short, which made me feel like a clown. As a result, I now avoid cropped pants and capris. I let my hair turn silver, so now I avoid brown or taupe next to my face. Also, since I have a large bust, I avoid pockets around the chest area, crew necks, and scarves. Shoes, well I had two foot surgeries last year for arthritis—I now wear colorful trainers even with conservative suits. I’ve decided if I look good from the ankle up, that’s Ok with me! So go figure—crops make me feel awkward, but giant supportive trainers (Altra is my fave) don’t. 😊
I’m right there with you and the untoned arms but if it’s really hot I have to ignore them.
I do not wear anything sheer. Anything that needs a Camille under it to provide modesty, I will not touch. Mostly because in summer I get too hot, but also I think a mature woman in sheer clothing isn’t attractive, unless they are a suoermodel of course.
Thanks for sharing Linda