Should I be hanging up my lifelong friends (Jeans, cardigans, backpacks, trainers) and move on to something more grownup?
Has the time come for a casual outfit to mean smart Jeans, heels and a blazer?
I certainly hope not!
Unfortunately, many casual outfit ideas (aimed at 35+ women) are not my idea of casual at all.
Some of these looks are overdone, and downright frumpy.
I may be a mum but I don't want to look mumsy!
Today I wanted to wear my old (and falling to bits) New Balance trainers.
Not very blog-worthy, surely?
Well, I like to wear all kinds of outfits.
I am a mood dresser after all.
This mood said,
"Chilling with a cuppa, thanks!"
These trainers are my old favourites.
Battered and bruised, worn and faded.
They have walked many miles with me.
A classic pair.
I could have funked them up a bit (with a skirt) but on some days, only jeans will do.
A chunky cotton cardigan acted as my jacket, and a cotton scarf helped beat the wind chill (it was cool out of the sun).
My black leather backpack was the obvious choice.
Throw it over your shoulder, and go!
Being casually dressed does not have to mean sloppy, and unfinished.
Some interesting details make all of the difference.
This cute dog brooch was just the thing I needed to bring some interest.
Lilac nails (I just can't stop wearing this shade!) and my (slightly creepy) eye ring finished things off perfectly.
SHOP MY LOOK
What do you think about casual dressing, over 40?
Do you think trainers should be left to the teens, or those of us with problem feet?
At what age (if any) do you think trainers should be retired from our wardrobes?
Please let me know your thoughts... I love to read them!
Jeans: GAP...these boden ones are nice.
Trainers: New Balance
Jumper: GAP (charity shop)...similar
Shirt: Unbranded (this one is nice)
Nails: Topshop
Ring: Topshop (similar)
Brooch: A gift
Cardigan: Boden (teen section)....this one is an adults!
Leather Bag: Clarks (similar)
Scarf: Beck Sondergaard
I get it...they're comfy, but jeans & workout shoes are so everywhere. I want women to show how great they are...not be one of the pack!
ReplyDeleteI love you Samantha---you have the gift to make us push our boundaries and reach for the stars, but I'm going to have to say this outfit is a miss for me.
Only because I know you can do better. And especially because it'd be too boring if I was always gushing over everything you put together!!
Bring back the Samantha I know & love (so the psychologist part of me is wondering if you're having tough times? I feel like many times we dress the way we feel--like you said---mood dresser)....
Sending love & hugs,
jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie I love you to bits! You are not afraid to say what you think, and I appreciate that so much. I completely agree with you about dressing up, and not being on of the pack, but somedays I need to tone it all down and slop about.
DeleteA "one of the pack" outfit (for my daily world) would be black trousers, black shoes, black bag and a colourful top. Not many of my peers wear jeans and gutties.
Thank you so much for this comment. XXX
P.S. I was feeling a bit under the weather and needed comfort...you are right about that!
If you're comfortable in 'em, wear 'em. I refuse to believe I'm too old for the plaid leggings and long sweaters I wore through the winter and I hope I never feel I have to settle for old lady clothes just because my age demands it.
ReplyDeleteYes!! Thank you Laurie. Tartan leggings and jumpers sound perfect to me too! XXX
DeleteI love the eyeball ring and the brooch!
ReplyDeleteI wear jeans and tees with runners daily when I walk my dog. Otherwise I try my hardest to keep wearing all the fabulous clothes I've collected.
bisous
Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne, we are lucky that we can dress up or dress down and still get on with life. I look like a tramp when walking the dog (no word of a lie) :oD XXX
DeleteI think casual dressing is the story of life! So, I'm going with it--until....well, I'll let you know when I can wear heels again!!
ReplyDeleteYou look great Sam. No, FABULOUS!!
Love, Annie
Annie, you are the queen of wearing gutties and looking fabulous! You are my guttie guru. XXX
DeleteI think age should have nothing to do with how you dress, if you're comfortable - wear it! You look brilliant and so comfy in your jeans and trainers. That is totally an outfit I do and will continue to wear. I'm 35 at the mo but I can totally see myself continuing to wear this stuff for many years to come. :)
ReplyDelete#brilliantblogposts
Thank you Morgan. I agree!! I will be wearing what I want until my body makes me stop or I drop dead....either way, I am going down with a fight! XXX
DeleteLove it! It's almost how I dress all the time (but I do live in southern Calif).
ReplyDeleteMonica.
Thank you Monica! Being comfortable all of the time is the best way to be. XXX
DeleteHI Samantha, I have to be honest and say I was an incy bit scared to read your post, but curiosity got the better of me. I am so glad I don't have to dispose of my half a dozen pairs of trainers.
ReplyDeleteAge should never be the defining factor of how a person should dress. On the other hand comfort and the way it makes that person feel should be.
Phew. I can breathe now!
xx
Hahahaha...thank you for this comment Debbie, it made me smile! I am not a fan of being told what I can and cannot wear and I LOVE my trainers too (I have a few pairs...hmmmm...too many). Modern women have choices, and thank goodness for that! :oD XXX
DeleteActually I like casual looks even on 80 years old women, so you can imagine what I think about going casual at 40 ! Of course the most important thing is to dress up well for the right occasion, I suppose. I am flattered I inspired you to wear a midi skirt, must check out that look, I missed some posts cause mum had some health problems and didn't spend much time online ! Kisses
ReplyDeleteFashion and Cookies - fashion and beauty blog
Aww thank you Vale. I do hope your mum is feeling better. XXX
DeleteDoes it count if trainers never made it to my wardrobe to begin with?? The only times I've worn them is to school with my pinafore uniform and, these days, to the gym. Casual for me sort of correlates with what you're wearing, Sam, save that my top would be a tee + some sort of bomber jacket. And booties. You know me and my shoe fetish :)
ReplyDeleteOf course Sheela...I would only expect to see you in (flat) trainers when you were heading to the gym! XXX
DeleteI love your quirky colourful style. This post struck a chord with me, there are days when trainers are the go. It's the details that lift your outfit (scarf, Scotty dog & cuffed jeans) and let's the world know you have style but today you have casual comfort too.
ReplyDeleteKathleen
Thank you Kathleen. I hoped that the little details stopped me looking like I could not be bothered to get dressed. :oD I am glad you agree that casual can work too! XXX
DeleteLooks stunning.Missydresses.ca
ReplyDeleteThank you Amanda. XXX
DeleteAWWW love the doggy brooch, if you find a shih tzu one, let me know! I do dress casually from time to time as why not, we need a break from heels or just want to be even more comfy. Love the put together look and the details are what make it. Perfect mail color in lilac, I would be paranoid with that eye looking at me! haha, kidding!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I will keep an "eye" out for you...hahahaha...thank you Jess! (It is a little creepy, isn't it??) XXX
DeleteI like to see you (and other bloggers) wearing their 'Real Life' outfits, sometimes dressier and other times more casual. Because I don't wear cute dresses everyday.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love particularly how you wear a subtle color combo, matching your trainers colors with blues and greys, and creating something comfy&cool. And that little brooch on your blue shirt really has stolen my heart. That's the kind of detail that enhances an outfit, you always accessorize so fabulously!!
besos & cozy!
Thank you Monica, that really means a lot to me. I am so glad you like my little furry friend! XXX
DeleteAt 64 I work out at least 5 days a week (Yoga, zumba, resistance bands, treadmill, and stationary bike) Hiking in the Appalachians of Kentucky recently, required hiking garb but I still donned a smart hat and bandana at my neck for a bit of flair. Obviously it's absurd to wear anything BUT a casual look for certain activites . I replace the jeans with leggings and do a sports bra and long t-shirt or racer back and matching longsleeved sweatshirt/jacket. If your going to continue "living" your life then you must dress for it. Also, it's FUN to have a variety of outfits to express the variations on the theme of "you"!
ReplyDeleteYou look comfy, and ready to have an adventure Samantha.
Judy, you are super-fit and making me feel like a lazy lump!! (Note to self: Must try harder) I am lucky if I get a decent walk with the dog. I feel inspired to do more, thank you! XXX
DeleteThanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. How old is old?
ReplyDeleteWe are never too old! :oD XXX
DeleteI have never heard the term mood dresser before, but I love it! That totally describes me...which is why I hate packing to go away. I cannot plan an outfit even a day ahead of time...because I dress based on my mood! Thank you for enlightening me!
ReplyDeleteAnd how can a person be too old for casual clothes? I would think the older we get, the more relaxed the rules should be...not stricter rules. You look fabulous in everything you wear...causal or not!
Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com
You are right! We should never be too old for anything. I am glad to hear that you are a mood dresser too. I always pack super-light, then I am forced into dressing simply otherwise my suitcase would be HUGE! :oP XXX
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