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Thursday, 14 April 2011

Dressing your age



Lovely Danish label, Day Birger et Mikkelsen is launching a new funkier line this autumn. Aimed at a younger demographic (25 as opposed to 35-year-olds), the range is sexier, more rock 'n roll. And That's Not My Age likes it (well some of it, not the tweed shorts.) So, this got me thinking about age-appropriate style. Should a woman in her forties really be contemplating sequinned leggings? They could look hot with the right tuxedo jacket. Or plain ridiculous. Am I in serious mutton territory (remember to pronounce this moo-ton) if I start cherry-picking from younger labels, or is it good to update a classic wardrobe with a couple of stand-out pieces? Like this fabulously shaggy sheepskin jacket:



Or another pair of coloured jeans? That's Not My Age is thinking burgundy for autumn.



How about a flattering tailored jacket, with studs?



Why not throw on an eye-catching scarf or statement necklace?



Whilst I understand a brand reaching out to a younger audience in the hope that shoppers will graduate to their main range and spend, spend, spend - is it unseemly for an older customer to migrate in the opposite direction?


Your thoughts please.

23 comments:

  1. Well, I'll be 40 in a couple of months and I'm loving the clothes here, so I say go for it. It's all tasteful, even if it is 'younger' than their main range.

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  2. Oh that sheepskin body warmer would look good over a jeanjacket and some high heels!

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  3. At 54, I'd probably pass on most of these, but might be tempted by a scarf or necklace.

    I sometimes find pieces at Gap, J.Crew and Madewell (retailers that all skew toward the 20-35 range). Am cautious with trends, usually limit to accessories.

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  4. Oh to hell with it, just go for it. There some great pieces here. Xxxx

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  5. I think it all depends on how you look rather than your age. Some 40 yr olds may look ridiculous, whereas some will be able to embrace such items. I really like this range and I am not the main demographic so why not :)

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  6. Ah, the dreaded 'mutton' question ... I think I'd steer cleer of the sequinned leggings, but I can see the potential of some of the other items. I guess part of the trick is being very picky about what latest trend you incorporate, how it fits with your style generally, etc. Context is all ...

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  7. I seriously want the sequinned leggings, shaggy coat and studded jacket - I don't care if I am well past 25.

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  8. Well, first of all, who cares about rules? But if we do, I would say that almost any flamboyant item can be paired with a more conservative one to create a more toned down look.

    Now, for me that means a sequined top UNDER a tailored jacket (I'm toned down to begin with!) It would be interesting to see if the same rule applies to trendier items like sequined leggings and furry jackets. You won't know until you try it.

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  9. personally, i think sequin leggings are wrong at any age. and i'm saying that as someone who dresses younger than my chronological age, plus i like an edgy twist on the basics.
    burgundy jeans- yes. sequin leggings- no. furry vest thing- oh yeah! :)

    - Style Odyssey (yes, it's me. blogger refused to let me comment as styleodyssey).

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  10. I think they're all gorgeous. And you can definitely carry it all off. You looked amazing in the red jeans, there's nothing wrong with your figure. If you've got it... xx

    PS. How much were the sequin leggings? My friend stocks this stuff in Stoke Newington and I can get discount if you want anything

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  11. According to DAY's Creative director Keld Mikkelsen, it's all about being young at heart - so you could say the new line is directed at women feeling around 25, even if that is not necessarily their real age..So buy in to it however much you feel like, nothing wrong with that! :-) Great to see you last week! /VARG

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  12. Mmm, love the shaggy sheepskin jacket, sequinned leggings...well why not if you have the legs, I say go for it!

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  13. I think how you dress depends more on your personal style than age. What looks good on one person can look disastrous on another at any age. Having said that we do need to honour our physical attributes.

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  14. Hi there-I've got more self confident and assured in my dressing as I've got older and wear what I like, age appropriate or not, although I do try to be mindful of staying on the right side of tasteful hopefully!!

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  15. I have a feeling that the right time for some change is when you start wondering this question yourself.

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  16. I love her stuff and have a few pieces. Not sure about the sequin leggings unless you have Elle's legs but that jacket would be top of my hit list!

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  17. Thanks for all your comments - when you reach a certain age it's all about incorporating contemporary pieces into a figure-flattering wardrobe. So I think I'll give the sequin leggings a miss!

    Christina - yes please to discount!

    Metscan - I think you're right.

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  18. yes.....leggings of any kind are a tad doggy on the older frame....but that sheepskin shaggy jacket is too good to miss!!

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  19. Oh, sequinned leggings! I'm surprised so many lovely ladies have vetoed them. I think they'd look great with heels and a white shirt. Could be wrong :)

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  20. I'm thinking this is better than their other stuff! Sort of upbeat Margaret Howell xx

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  21. I'm of the mind that certain things are not meant for a woman of any age, regardless of how "slammin'" her body may be. Sequin leggings are one of those. Best for pre-K girls who favor princess outfits for food shopping.

    As for the rest, I think mixing in more youthful and/or funky pieces to your wardrobe is a good idea.

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  22. I find my self drawn to cos and marant ,sophia coppola franzy of the younger european girls.I'm 43 and the influance has done me good.

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