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The issue of age-appropriate dressing has long piqued the interest of many men and women of all ages. Some agree, while others take offense. Should a 15 year old and a 35 year old shop in the same department? There has to be a line drawn somewhere, should the juniors department should be off limits to individuals of a certain age? Perhaps the issue of figure-appropriate dressing should also be included in this discussion. Should you flaunt it if you've got it? Or flatter your figure in tasteful, stylish looks? We can all admire and don the same trends, but each in a different way. The skinny jean is still a hot trend and can be worn by women of all ages. But not all women should wear the SAME pair of skinny jeans.
These are perfect for your tween:
While the higher rise on these will flatter Mom. For those looking for a modest fit and a hint of control, this pair is perfect for you too:
This pair is perfect for the 20 and 30-somethings:
We can all follow the trends, look fabulous and age-appropriate!
However, there are certain fashions that continually top the "don't" list because they aren't flattering on any body of any age. Keep this in mind when you are championing the capri pant. Do exposed ankles keep you that much cooler in hot weather? Your legs appear short and stumpy, even if heels are worn. Why not opt for a flowing skirt? Remember ladies, just because it's comfortable and easy, doesn't mean it's flattering and stylish. Otherwise the muu muu would be a best-seller!
Agree? Or disagree, defend the capri pant. Share your comments with us. See fashion tips for men here.
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 24)
81. St. John Knits makes capric length pants and sells them at $400, and they sell a lot. It's a fun,sporty, flattering look and the author of this article is clueless.
60+
Posted at 6:12PM on Feb 27th 2008 by sandy
82. I really take exception to someone telling me not to wear capris if I'm over 40. That's stupid! Capris look better than shorts and are much cooler than pants. Besides I will wear what I want and not listen to "fashion gurus". Who needs 'em?
Posted at 6:15PM on Feb 27th 2008 by LadyFrog42
83. apprently judging from the list of "should nots" people over 40 should go naked then! I say if you have the body you should wear what you want, there are teenagers running around in low rise jeans showing but crack with a severe amount of overspill over the waistband but I guess thats ok, because theyre young. I'd like to know who is the idiot that wrote this article, I have some more things to point out to them.
Posted at 6:18PM on Feb 27th 2008 by gustavo arias
84. Completely ridiculous!!!!! What a TWIT!!
I turned 50 last year, and wouldn't DREAM of putting my low waisted jeans away (I won't even comment on the capri dictum). Good workouts and some genetic luck allow me to wear hip jeans, and the mental benefits of looking good in them are great. Frankly there are 20-year olds that shouldn't wear such jeans; it has everything to do with how you look in what you put on, and not some dictum from a MAN who clearly is clueless and needs to live by rules. Any woman who follows the advice of her mirror will know what to wear and not to wear - I truly hope Oprah kicked his butt for these stupidities.
Marie in New York.
Posted at 6:19PM on Feb 27th 2008 by marie
85. Why does a man over 40 think he knows what is best for a woman to wear? I believe a woman should dress for her body type, size, and environment. There are females under 25 that are large and should not wear some of the items he listed for women over 40 not to wear.......I would like to know why he made the suggestions he did. What is wrong with over 40 women wearing capri pants, double brested jackets, and jackets that hit mid-hip?....INFORM ME PLEASE!!!!
Posted at 6:19PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Velina
86. Who is this guy anyway? I'm 60 years old, spent 40 years in the fashion industry and never heard of such nonsense. I don't live in the city, I live in a coastal area where, although I'm past the shorts and bikini age, I'm not about to swelter or look ridiculous in long pants, Besides, capris look GOOD on me! I bet he's single, ya think?
Posted at 6:24PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Barbara
87. I am 52 and I don't wear capris but not because of my age..Because I'm 6 ft. tall and I feel the way I used to buying pants that were too short! It's hard to get rid of that feeling! But I would love to wear them and would if they looked good. I think they look better than seeing mid-50 women in shorts!
Posted at 6:26PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Nanette
88. Good heavens, what does AGE have to do with it? If it looks good on you, by all means, wear it! If the weather is extreme, forget looks and wear whatever keeps you comfortable, fashion be hanged!
Posted at 6:26PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Karina
89. I do know Mr Gunn and realy do not care what he has to say about CAPRI pant's in my age(over 50).
I have a cute shape and will keep on wearing them.
Just got back from a cruise and GUNN would have taken a GUN to his head if he would have seen the women on the cruises and the MEN. FAT people with capris and short's (which are worse than capri's at all ages.
He talks and talks and the real American world is totaly tuned out to fashion. it makes me laugh.
Posted at 6:30PM on Feb 27th 2008 by TH
90. What a bunch of bull! They assume that everyone over 40 is overweight and out-of-shape. Not true! The only thing on the list I don't wear is very low-rise jeans, simply because they aren't comfortable. This article would be laughable if it weren't for the fact that people are actually listening to it, rather than wearing whatever suits them.
Posted at 6:31PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Laura
91. He has got to be kidding...I think that age is just a number. clothes should be body specific and worn for comfort. Maybe he should have focused on the obese woman wearing a bikini rather than a 40+ wearing capris. It's absurd...
Posted at 6:33PM on Feb 27th 2008 by CSI 2 BE
92. I could care less about the "over 40" and capri pants. They are cute on ANY age... I'm the one who sets "MY" standard. and I say it's a GO for Capri's!
Posted at 6:33PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Mira
93. I would just like to know what it is we are suppose to wear. I hate shopping!! If you're not 18 or 81 you rcan't buy anything to wear. I hate wearing jeans that are low rise but they are the only kind of jeans I can find to buy. I think the statement of no Capri's is just stupid!!
Posted at 6:34PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Teresa
94. Hey, I look good for my age of 60. Whoever tells me not to wear capri pants, and other fashions you mentioned do not know what you are talking about. You cannot generalize "woman over 40- not to wear capri pants". You have to be more specific. Fashion is what anyone feels to wear for personal satisfaction and feeling good about herself. I WEAR CAPRI PANTS BOTH FOR FUN AND WORK.
Posted at 6:35PM on Feb 27th 2008 by ginagin
95. Its amazing that people make a living telling other people what they can and cannot wear. Have a mind of your own and wear what you want to wear. This is 2008 think for yourself.
Posted at 6:37PM on Feb 27th 2008 by jack
96. How ridiculous! What an over generalization! You should basically wear whatever looks good on you and what you're comfortable in! I'm 57, have just worked hard to get my body back in shape and you can bet I'm going to wear all the capri pants I want. I've got great legs and I look good in them.
Posted at 6:38PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Jenny
97. I basicly agree with not wearing lowrise jeans, but good look finding any if your less than a size 12. But as for Capris, I think he is geographicly challenged by living in New York City, If you live in a warmer clime you can def wear capries and they are much more attractive on most women that shorts or skirts for casual wear. My 74 year old mother looks great in capries. It's also about the shoes you wear with them, lower heals or flats not high heels and your accessories. AS for the other things he mentions who cares, although I'm not sure about his point regarding a jacket that hits mid thigh.
Posted at 6:38PM on Feb 27th 2008 by jean
98. I agree with everyone else. Many women of all ages look good in capri pants including my 75 year old mother. And I'm 52 and would rather wear them than shorts in most cases and they look just fine. Low rise jeans are more flattering when you have bigger hips as long as they're not too low and your shirt is a good length. All the comments here just prove that women have minds of their own and know what looks good and won't be dictated by some supposed style guru.
Posted at 6:40PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Ellen
99. What reason does this fool give for not wearing capris over 40. I would like to know why he is saying this............????????????
Posted at 6:42PM on Feb 27th 2008 by Barbara Lachman
100. This is funny every designer out there makes tops and bottoms Horizontal and not vertical.
Why Mr Gunn WHY are you all design these clothing if you say its a NO NO for women after 40 or any age?
The problem in America is that most fashion designer or clothing makers are MALE and Homosexuals and just do not relate to a womens world. amen
Posted at 6:43PM on Feb 27th 2008 by TH