Organize Your "Over-Forty" Wardrobe

I watched Oprah yesterday, which is unusual. Nothing against Oprah, I love that sassy chick! I just don't watch tv in the daytime. Today's Oprah totally rocked! She was celebrating women over fifty, and had some aaaaaaa-mazing women on the show. Along with these women, Tim Gunn, host of Project Runway, came on to tell us what women over forty should -- in his words- - never. wear. again.

Gunn's list starts off with this vinyl number on the left...

and the rest of the over-forty-fashion-faux-pas are:

Horizontal stripes (don't do it!)
Jackets to the middle of the thigh
Pleated pants
Clothing with wild fringe
Double breasted jackets
Capri pants (ugh)
Low-rise expose-your-buttcrack jeans (NOBODY should wear these)
Oversize clothing (makes you look bigger than you are)

Take it from Tim, ladies, this is just one more reason to clean out your closets! I can't wait to hear what you pull out this time!

Comments

[Gina]

Wow. That picture is ahem...interesting. ;-)

I'm not quite 40 but I don't wear capri pants. My husband doesn't like them and I look awful in them. No matter the length, I look wider than I am tall. I'm not overweight but putting a pair of capri pants on makes me want to start dieting immediately.

I wear skirts/dresses 99% of the time. They are comfortable, easy to find at thrift stores and are acceptable in most any situation.

[Jacki Hollywood Brown]

What about the Sue-Ellen Ewing type shoulder pads?
I think they should all be donated to the nearest high school football team!

(the little leather outfit...okay if you're over forty just maybe not out in public if you know what I mean ;)

[Kristen]

Oh, well. I'm only a mere 34 but I will never ever give up my capri pants! Thankfully, I'm skinny with long legs and I don't look like a freak in them. And I'm petite, which means the more leg I show, the longer I look.

I so wish the low-rise jeans would go away....

[Monica Ricci]

Gina, Jacki, and Kristen, thanks for your comments! I don't know the woman in the photo, but I have to say unless it's HALLOWEEN you don't want to be caught in that get-up!

I know people are fiercely protective of their capri pants... if they look great on you, I say have at it. I can't wear them and am happy about it. :)
~Monica

[Terry Lessig]

Just so y'all have a man's perspective, I think she's really hot looking except for the hair. You might not want to show up at church with her dressed like that, but if she gets a bit tipsy at dinner, red wine, marinara sauce, and chocolate mousse will slide right off that thing.

Wash your hair, slip your ID in one of those boots so you can lose the girly purse, and we're outta here!

[Monica Ricci]

Terry, I agree that from the neck DOWN she has a good figure, but still... out on the town on any other night besides October 31st? For my sensibilities (and I'm no prude either) that's just right out. :)

Point taken about food sliding right off though! LOL

~Monica

[Terry Lessig]

I'm a sucker for a girl in glasses. What can I say?

OK. Throw it out. But she'd better not come around later asking for a new rain slicker. :)

[Julie]

Oh. My.

Tim Gunn wouldn't find any of those items in my closet. After all, did anyone other than Laura Petri every look hot in capri pants?

I've had to push clients...hard...to let go of shoulder pads and those hugely oversized sweaters The Limited sold throughout the 80's (bright jewel colors in cotton and ramie...you know you had them). Really...they need to go the way of overteased sorority girl hair and the Flock of Seagulls. From these abominations we ran...ran so far away...

[Monica Ricci]

Julie and Terry, thanks for your comments. Julie, I never watched the Dick Van Dyke show so I can't attest to Laura Petri in the capri pants but I'll take your word for it.

Terry, wait til you see my new head shots...
~Monica

[Terry Lessig]

Head shots!?!?
Been sneaking live targets to the practice range?
Had clients unwilling to pay?
Ridding the blog of riff-raff posters?(yikes!)

OH! I get it!
Promotional pictures!

Glasses?
Rain slicker?
BOTH????!!!!
Can't wait!
'Course, there's nothing wrong with what's up there, now.

Laura Petrie looked great in anything she wore, and her house was very organized, neat as a pin. Except for Richie's toys in the entryway that Rob fell over EVERYDAY when he came home. You'd think he'd have learned to look down, but he couldn't take his eyes of those capri pants.

OMG Terry you crack me UP! Haven't been to the range lately, unfortunately. And yes, I'm getting new head shots and they *may* show me sporting my Smart Girl Glasses. :)
~Monica