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grapefruit1_ar

Fashion over 65.

5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

My favorite threads are the ones about clothing. Since we most likely have more free time than normal and have been unable to “ go” shopping, what are you looking to buy? I chose “over 65” because I am.

i really do not have the need for any nicer dresses this year, but I would like a couple of sundresses.

Also, have you noticed that SO MANY of the dresses have tie belts or faux wrap fronts? I am tall and slender, but are there many women who can rock that extra bulk in the mid-section? It just seems very unflattering.

Tell us or show us what you like or plan to purchase!


I would wear these at the appropriate time of year. Do you think that they work for a 70 year old? What would you choose?

Comments (26)

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    With the warm weather approaching, my thoughts are on summer clothing.

    I would like sun dresses too , but also casual tee shirt dresses. So far I haven’t seen any online.

    ETA: As a petite, I try not to buy too many tunics.

    Both of those outfits are suitable for any age.

    grapefruit1_ar thanked eld6161
  • 5 years ago

    Do I think either of these would work for a 70 y.o.? Absolutely! I can't imagine anyone of any age not being able to pull these looks off.

    I'm currently on a buying freeze and won't purchase unless I find something I love and can't live without (terms used loosely). My preferences lean toward basics with simple lines punched up with accessories, all of which I have more than I need. I do love clothes though so who knows how long my moratorium will last. :)

    grapefruit1_ar thanked llitm
  • 5 years ago

    Can I answer if I’m under 65?


    I definitely think age 65+ can wear the outfits you posted.


    I’m eyeing these sneakers.


    Garnet Hill had a sale the other day and I ordered these:








    The only thing I actually needed was the robe, but, well, you know how it goes.

    grapefruit1_ar thanked Sueb20
  • 5 years ago

    Yes, Eld, sundresses have not been appealing to me so far. I would like something fluttery or “ fit and flare” for summer. The other issue is length. The cute tee type dresses are too short for me. I have long legs, but , nonetheless, they are 70 years old. Something just below the knee would be perfect.

  • 5 years ago

    Are those Rifle, Sue? so cute. On my sneaker quest last year I tried some, but they were not comfy; no give.

  • 5 years ago

    Cute shoes, Sueb. Yes, we still value the opinion of youngsters. 😊

  • 5 years ago

    My latest purchase was the J.Crew Parke linen jacket in white and flax. I also decided to be optmistic that my feet would indeed be outdoors again and bought these sandals.



    grapefruit1_ar thanked User
  • 5 years ago

    Grapefruit, I think the belted trend is due to Meghan Markle, which I never understood because that's a style that looks best on figures like your's.


    I rarely wear dresses and I wear a uniform at home. Tee shirts, capris, or shorts. Capris and shorts need an elastic waist since I'm always working around the house or outside.


    Of course I make sure to look stylish too and wear cologne daily. lol

    grapefruit1_ar thanked Oakley
  • 5 years ago

    Oh, yes, if I looked like Megan I would not be asking these questions!

    I cannot even wear any scents now due to dermatitis. I just try not to stink. 🙊

  • 5 years ago

    i have a closet full of linen shorts and shirts, and what do I buy but more linen shirts and shorts. They are my summer uniform that I vary with espadrilles, black slides, brown leather sandals or navy sandals. The shorts are all white, khaki, black or navy. Shirts vary in color from blues to pinks to white to “linen“ color. What these clothes lack in imagination they make up for as background for fun summer jewelry and scarves and sunglasses. I will be 64 in August so within striking distance of your query. Both models in the original post seem to be wearing jeans. Although I have purchased jeans and even used to pack them for trips, I never ever put them on. I actually haven’t worn jeans since the early 1990s so I finally stopped buying them and admitted I just don’t like them. So while I think those outfits are nice and very appropriate for over 65 or nearing it, I would not wear either of them.

  • 5 years ago

    SueB I got those sneakers this year! Love them!

  • 5 years ago

    I tend to think athletic, casual wear looks good on older women and is youthful. Overdressing and too proper is very aging imo.

  • 5 years ago

    I, too, have been “shopping” for clothes. I am DYING for color!!! No washed out pastels, but COLOR. I like some things on Soft Surroundings, but there is no room in the budget for that. I need more of the OLD Navy pricing, but I have NM or BG taste.


    I cannot wear most wrap styles because I am short, but my shoulders and back are broad....I wear a size 6 on top, but a 2-4 on bottom.


    I wore a navy fit and flare shirt dress to Aldi yesterday, and got 3 compliments! It has small, shiny gold buttons, and a faux roll up tab sleeve. I put a multi-strand pearl and chain necklace (some of my dear mother’s jewelry) on, and I felt so sophisticated...LOL, and needed somewhere else to go....but I got frozen vegetables, so I drove home...

    grapefruit1_ar thanked Springroz
  • 5 years ago

    I think those 2 example photos are definitely appropriate attire. ( I am 66). In this time of the rona, I know many of us are getting pretty lazy with dressing , myself included. I chuckled reading @Springroz's comment. A few weeks ago I placed a curbside order at Target because I was just so bored and figured I would give it a try ( a great experience by the way). I was so excited to be going out and I got dressed nice (nicer than usual anyway and took time with my make up). I got such a lift from that. Now, I mostly am going for walks on emptyish trails so comfort is key...but if I am going to the supermarket or costco for example, I am making the effort to get dressed!

    How elegant you must have looked in this day and age Springroz!

    grapefruit1_ar thanked salonva
  • 5 years ago

    My mother in law is a New Yorker/ Sarasota gal. She is tall and slender and always looks wonderful. She is around 80. She has two thing going for her look: She lives in fitted pants (white jeans, dark jeans) and long shirts. She always has a divine bag (often her Louis V. oversized bag) and stylish shoes that are comfortable and sunglasses.

    Secondly, she has a great haircut and has kept her color blond. She actually looks very much like the last picture, just add an oversize tote and sunglasses. That outfit is timeless.

    grapefruit1_ar thanked jojoco
  • 5 years ago

    I know a 90 plus lady who always looks so good. It makes me happy, as my own mom resorted to sweats with bird houses and such. She had been very fashionable.

    I am only.. lol.. 50.

    i just think wrong fit, too revealing is an issue. All of those outfits are beautiful! I admit I have spent some money on new clothes. I can dress much more casually right now for work and I love it!

    grapefruit1_ar thanked Anne
  • 5 years ago

    From your self description, you are built much like Rhoda (second picture) and although she's not 70 she's 'mature' and I think a great fashion resource for what is appropriate. You won't go wrong with either outfit.

    grapefruit1_ar thanked DLM2000-GW
  • 5 years ago

    My riend and I were discussing that we won’t be able to go out when we’re finally allowed because we seriously have nothing to wear. I’ve gained weight since Christmas which I could not afford. Been living in stretchy pants since C19 has been keeping us indoors and until the last couple weeks, a light coat to cover the damage. I love the outfits you posted and would definitely wear them .Im well over 65. I like clothes by a company called Habitat. I usually see that label at boutiquey stores. https://habitatclothes.com/

    grapefruit1_ar thanked dedtired
  • 5 years ago

    I no longer read Rhoda's blog (Southern Hospitality), but if you look it up, she used to have a periodic post for fashions over (a certain age). I'm another "youngster" (THANK YOU for saying that!!) as I'm actually under 60. But, of course I notice what people wear, younger and older. I think both outfits would be fine. I haven't really been in a mood to shop for clothing. Truth be told, I have a few items I bought last year (end of season) that still have tags on them. LOL I do not often wear dresses, or sneakers (although those are cute Sue). From the minute I can put on flip flops and sandals, I do. My tootsies hate to be covered up LOL. I don't work, but outside this safer-at-home/stay-at-home, I am pretty social. I dress casual at home of course (no uniforms) but am out and about a good bit. A favorite for me in warm weather is cropped pants or the slim ankle pants. I love rayon, cotton and linen. I love bright colors and wear lots of pink and turquoise shades. We are in the South, where summers get hot and humid, but we love outside activities, so of course, shorts are part of my wardrobe. Not so fond of my legs anymore, so I wear the longer shorts. I'm short-ish and while I can carry off cropped/ankle pants (with the right tops and shoes), capris look absolutely ridiculous on me. They really chop me and to be honest, I do usually think of them as a bit matronly. I think you just have to find what styles look best on you, the colors that look best on you, etc. Make sure the clothes FIT and one thing that makes every woman look BETTER is a well fitting bra! I think one thing that makes some women look older/matronly in their clothing is their ill fitting bras and droopy bust!

    grapefruit1_ar thanked Tina Marie
  • 5 years ago

    The latest Lands End catalog has a knee length polo dress that is available in a Tall size. It’s a little heavier than a T shirt material but it is offered in a few different colors. The model is pictured with a belt but it would look good either way

    grapefruit1_ar thanked cmm1964
  • 5 years ago

    KSWL, I have to say that I have never owned anything linen! I guess it because I did not want to iron it. I see some items that look great but the fabric has scared me off.


    I agree that fit is important , and I really try to find the correct colors. I never wear white tops, but will do off-white, but much prefer color. Jojo, I know some much older women who dress like your mother-in-law and look great. I know that I am not good at adding the correct jewelry, but I am the queen of scarves. Living in the northeast has forced me to have a much larger “ cold weather” wardrobe. But, I find that warm weather does bring out white pants/ crops/ shorts with colorful tops. Yes, I am built like that second lady in my OP ( Rhoda).


    Anne, I do not own any sweats or things with birdhouses.....my DD’s would collapse if they thought I did. So, I understand. Salonva, I might have to plan a trip to Target. Haha....good story. CMM, thanks for the heads up about the LE dress.


    Thank you for all of the input!

  • 5 years ago

    Yes, both outfits would work (68 yrs old here)

    I love those sneakers, but I haven't found Keds comfortable since they stopped making them here in the US. They used to be my go-to every summer.

    grapefruit1_ar thanked cyn427 NoVaZone7
  • 5 years ago

    One of my retired colleagues has a great collection of linen shorts and they look fabulous on her. She has had them for years she said. They never go out of style and look professional. She is about a size 4-6.

    grapefruit1_ar thanked gsciencechick
  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    I just turned 65 (which I find a bit shocking) but I think both those outfits would be just fine for women our age. I live in jeans and slim ankle pants - when not in "workout" leggings. I also have the same TB sandals and just purchased a white linen blazer like Marlene posted. Like jojo's MIL, I think keeping a somewhat simple uniform and investing in a good haircut/color and great accessories makes for a classic and timeless look. The cost per wear of a good haircut and color is a bargain!

    While they are a bit pricey, I have and love these shirts from Ann Mashburn. The fit and fabric are very nice and are long without looking oversized. Very age appropriate even though the models are about 15 :).


    Ann Mashburn Classic Shirt Styles

    grapefruit1_ar thanked rubyclaire
  • 5 years ago

    Rubyclaire, I like those shirts! Thanks for sharing.

    grapefruit1_ar thanked Tina Marie
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