Nada Manley - Fun with Fashion Over 40

Ageless Style Confidence

Wear This To Look Old

By: Nada Manley59 Comments

I have been forced to borrow reading glasses from friends twice in the last few days. Twice. Once to read the minuscule words on a restaurant menu, and another time to read the instruction manual on a piece of clothing. (Yes, some clothes require assembly, and like all instruction manuals, the writing is tiny).

Crazy, right, considering my 20/20 vision.

There are other signs, of course, that things are, um, changing. A couple more strands of glitter in my hair. Bags under my eyes after too little sleep, which is pretty much all the time. And for a moment the other day, I thought I detected a jowl but I gave it “the look” and it went away. For now.

But nothing bothers me as much as krinkles.

Not familiar with them? They are the folds of wrinkly skin you get above your knees as you age and your skin loses its elasticity, i.e. knee wrinkles, or krinkles. Isn’t it oddly comforting to know they have a name? No? It wasn’t to me either. Gratefully, I don’t have a full-blown case of krinkles yet, but they are a-coming. I see the early signs. The firming body creams on my shelf are taking on a whole new importance, as they have been plucked out of obscurity and are now part of the regular rotation.

Ahh, the indignities of aging.

But there’s one indignity none of us have to suffer. We’ve all heard the phrase: “Put on your big girl pants, and deal with it.” But I refuse. I may have to say yes to the reading glasses, and the frequent hair color appointments, and the firming body cream, but I refuse to say yes to big girl pants.

I refuse to say yes to capris.

If you’ve been led to believe that capris are that magical hybrid of pant and short, keeping you cool in the summer while still providing some much-needed coverage, you have been misinformed. Capris are the beginning of the end. They are the gateway to all things old. Once you start wearing capris, comfort shoes and purses with numerous compartments are not far behind.

They may appear harmless, but they are lethal style killers. You heard it here first.

Don’t believe me? Try to find a pair of capris in the stores right now, like my tall, gorgeous friend recently did. You will not find them at your usual haunts. You will only find them at the stores that carry old things for old people. (And old isn’t directly related to age, by the way. I know women who were born old. It has much more to do with sensibility and attitude). Or better yet, let me do the searching for you. Among the capri-length leggings (fine for working out!) and cropped denim (misnamed capris as most are longer and more like ankle pants) and trendy crops (with a flared hem and contemporary details), here’s what I found:

Current Capris

Style & Co Cargo Capris. These come in every color. Because one pair of unflattering pants is never enough.

Eden Pull-On Capri Pants, White

Neon Buddha “Eden” capris

Women's Apt. 9® Torie Modern Fit Capri Dress Pants

Neon Buddha “Eden” capris

Why do I hate capris? Let me count the ways:

  1. They shorten your legs. They make you look short and squat, unless you are long and lithe and supermodel-esque, in which case you can wear anything you want. (So why wear these?)
  2. They add pounds. Somehow, they manage to add extra weight to every woman who wears them. That is their superpower.
  3. They are frumpy. I know this is vague and may be slightly frustrating to hear, but capris instantly signal frumpiness. They are practical and functional and comfortable and all of the other adjectives that describe the dowdy clothes that we settle for when we no longer care what we wear. And while there is nothing wrong with practical and functional and comfortable (I pretty much insist on these in everything I wear), clothes should also be beautiful and flattering and stylish and make you feel fabulous.

So now that I’ve eliminated many of your summer outfit options, let me suggest a few substitutes:

1. The Culotte

Culottes are the cooler cousin to the capri. They’re swingier, sassier, and not at all frumpy, when worn properly. Plus, the extra volume means they are extra breezy, making them a great choice for summer. (Capris aren’t really much “cooler” (temperature-wise) than conventional pants, unless you tend to have overheated ankles). Because of their movement and volume, these are best for a Style Dial Blue, and would also work for a Style Dial Red or Purple.

2. The Bermuda

I’m with the Holderness family on this one.  Bermuda shorts offer coverage and coolness, and work on pretty much any body type. Plus, they’re far more leg-lengthening then capris. The more leg that shows, the longer you appear, so wear them a couple of inches above the knee for maximum flattery, but if you want more coverage, go for a knee-length pair. This simple pair would look good on every body type.

3. The Skirt

Skirts are not just for dressing up anymore. They, along with their counterpart, the dress, are the coolest way I can think of to pull off summer style. Nothing beats a maxi for breeziness and coverage, or go for the universally flattering A-line or a full, floaty circle skirt (especially gorgeous on a Style Dial Orange!).

We all want to be cool, comfortable, and chic this summer, so I hope you’ll agree to ditch the capri and try some more flattering options!

  • Boden Abingdon Skirt
  • Club Monaco Soft Culotte
  • Tommy Bahama Boracay Shorts

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Comments

  1. Nada Manley says

    It is an interesting topic and there is so many regional and generational differences, like you said. I LOVE your summer uniform. So chic!

  2. Eileen says

    What a response to this topic, wow. I imagine each generation has its don’t look old outfits. I live where its hot, the go to outfit for older women is, capris, tee shirt, Merrill sandals, and nails hair and jewelry like at an office. It’s a mix of casual and office looks, I always find confusing. I’m 71, and pear shaped, I wear a simple cotton dress, espadrilles, straw bag, hoops, and a simple pixie haircut. Carolina Herrera is my style role model. Interesting topic.

  3. Nada Manley says

    I definitely get your frustration! I also live in a hot climate. I think a skirt that comes below the knee is going to be cooler and more flattering if you don’t love your legs, as well as the new crops, which are the modern version of the capri. They hit at a flattering spot on the midccalf but are not fitted, so they are much more flattering and cooler as well. Pedal pushers are also in style but again you’ll want to avoid fitted styles which are not current and not flattering either. I think a style like this would be great. https://www.madewell.com/curvy-tapered-huston-pull-on-crop-pants-in-corduroy-99106316452.html?source=googlePLA&noPopUp=true

  4. Sheila says

    I’m 64 yrs old 5ft tall & weigh well over 150 lbs. I have big solid legs with ugly cellulite. Explain to me how I would wear anything over the knee like Bermuda shorts? Collettes make me look like I’m wearing a balloon & a skirt or dress over the knee is not something I’m comfortable with.
    I admit to wearing capris, always in dark colours, usually with a top that covers the top of my large hips. Skirts or skorts I have but cover the knee.
    Please suggest what to wear in a hot summer climate, without the obvious answer “ lose weight”
    Thanks

  7. Jill Minars says

    I guarantee that the women who no longer care what they look like never cared in the first place. The rest of us have always cared what we looked like no matter what our ages. Capris, culottes, and Bermuda shorts have always been unflattering, even on the tall, lithe women. You can still be comfortable without screaming frumpy. There are maxi skirts, loose/wide pants, loose leggings (check out Hue Utopia). And it doesn’t have to blow your budget. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Target and Kohls are there for a reason. So get pretty!

  9. Jane says

    Nada,
    I get it… capris that are too short and too wide are awful and I avoid those for sure. I do not enjoy your flippant answers to comments posted claiming your views are “ mathematically correct”. Sounds a bit like an arrogant word bully

  10. Nada Manley says

    Thanks for your input, but I think a lot can be gained by offering options to items that might be unflattering to many. We can all make our own decisions, but as a stylist, my job is to share my perspective, and it’s a mathematically correct one. What you do with the information is a matter of personal choice. 🙂

  11. SUKIESEZ says

    I love capris.
    I think your essay was full of generalities and clichés. I am old enough to know what works for me and what does not. I buy the best quality clothing I can afford, I make sure it fits properly, and i wear colors and accessories that are flattering to me. I know how to pull outfits together that suit my body type and are proportioned to my height. Nothing positive can be accomplished by articles that chip away at choices that may not be right for everyone but are definitely right for many.

  13. Cheryl says

    I hate capris – on me. I’m 64, only 5’, so anything that stops below the knee and above the ankle makes me look so much shorter. And I really don’t think it has anything to do with age, but more with height.
    I wear shorts, dresses, skirts, (all above the knee) or at the ankle jeans and pants. I have nice legs, no Kringle. And no leggings!! Outside the house anyway!
    All that said, wear what you want. I don’t care if you look frumpy. There are lots more ways to look frumpy than wearing capris. “Shiver”

  14. Nada Manley says

    Hi Debbie! I very much agree! It is absolutely about knowing yourself and what looks good on you and makes you feel pretty. Your outfits sound really cute. I want to see the ones with the ripped jeans! Thanks for the comment!

  15. DEBBIE says

    I love to wear culottes and dresses. Shorts are a thing of the past (in public, anyway)…

    But, I also love my capris… I dress them up for work with a tunic and jacket. I’ve even worn combat boots with a pair… and I’m pretty old. Hate the tight ones… and tight bermuda shorts are hideous on me. But, I’ve got capris in every color and I’ve got cool shoes to dress them up.

    And,… I wore a pair of distressed jeans with holes the other day and felt great in them. I really think it’s about knowing who you are and feeling confident and comfortable.

    I’m totally above 60.

  16. Nada Manley says

    Thank you so much Julia! I’m so glad you found it helpful! Like you, I am happy and love life and I want my style to reflect that! Thanks so much for the comment!

  17. Julia E. says

    Loved reading this! I’m over 50, and petite but I’m still very happy, fun and spirited. What great ideas to keep me stylish or ‘pulled together’ without those pesky numbers that come around every year.

  18. Nada Manley says

    Culottes shorten your legs ONLY if they come to the wrong length. As a petite woman myself, I can attest to that. Love them or hate them, they can be flattering on many women at the right length. See the Fashion Fit formula for more on the right lengths of clothes. That said, nobody has said that women need to be interested in fashion, but if you’re not, this place probably isn’t for you. You may have given up and “can’t be bothered” but that is not true for many of us. I am over 50, and I can definitely be bothered and still enjoy making an effort. Not trying to look 30. Just trying to look like I haven’t given up, and helping other women to do the same. There’s plenty of other reading on the internet if style is not your thing.

  20. Atty Tude says

    Val is absolutely right. Coulottes shorten the figure and make women look even more squat than capris. I am a 5 foot, 97 pounds woman. What the devil should I look like in wide pants that stop way above my ankles? Exactly. No thanks. As for bermudas, they are the second best way – shorts being the first way- to show the krinkly knees.

    Look, I don’t mean to start a fight here. But can’t we just let women wear what they bloody well makes them feel comfortable, instead of forever making them feel insecure and/or inadequate? When women reach a certain age they can’t be bothered with fashion and obsessive vanity and anymore. And they earned that right. Also, and I hate to be the one to tell you this, once you reach 50+, NOTHING will make you look 30 again. So just enjoy your “retirement.” Remember, the alternative to aging is dying young.

  21. Heidi says

    When you get older, some of us are not fortunate enough to keep the same shape we’ve had, no matter what we do. Capris can be dressed up and look nice……..why don’t you focus or emphasize on those ugly leggings!!! There are only a handful of women that can wear them. The look can be disgusting if not worn properly, or are not thin enough to wear them! I’d rather see those women in capris!!!!

  23. Christine Whitley says

    Since when can’t you dress your age? Why isn’t it okay to be stylish at your real age. If you look like a well dressed person for your body and your age – accept it.

  25. Cristina says

    Capri and culottes are so, so unsightly with no stylishness. The Bermuda shorts are better suited for the mature woman, but I do not agree that more skin makes one look longer. Thank God for Bermuda shorts, too high a hem looks as if she is trying too hard to look young. Like I say, capris from the rear makes a woman look like an ice cream cone with too much ice cream! And the various tan lines produced by wearing capris, clam diggers, culottes, and daisy dukes (OMG! noooooo!) can hurt everyone’s eyes! Ankle pants and straight leg slacks lengthens legs making one look taller and slimmer.

  27. Val says

    Seriously? The culottes look terrible on your skinny model and chop her up much more than the capris would. Imagine the culottes on a much rounder or shorter 60 year old! And since when is a full length black skirt cool in the summer? I’ve always found shorts much cooler. Let’s not worry about looking old, but finding clothes that work with our bodies.

  29. Nada Manley says

    I am so so glad Carolyn! That is my goal. To help us all along on this crazy style journey and to have fun doing it. I live in the south too and the struggle is real! LOL

  30. Nada Manley says

    I have many clients in this age range Virginia, and living in Florida, I’m familiar with the heat, but I do skirts instead and love them! (I might be thin but I am not that young. I’ll be 50 in March.) Wear what works for you! These are only my suggestions/opinions.

  32. Nada Manley says

    Capri leggings are a totally different thing in my opinion, and under a silk wrap skirt sounds gorgeous. Culottes do bring back memories, right? LOL They are definitely not for everyone. Your signature style sounds gorgeous!

  33. Nada Manley says

    LOL! I love this comment! I’m here to help Frankie! Culottes are a good choice if you’re adventurous but I find dresses and skirts (comfy, easy ones) to be every bit as comfortable for wrangling toddlers or getting work done around the house. They are really my go-to. Joggers are also a good option but not as cool. I’d love to see you in my private FB group. 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/groups/beautymommyvip/

  36. Nada Manley says

    LOL Linda! I love that you are traveling with your husband, and I think gray hair can be beautiful, although I don’ think I can pull it off with my coloring. Of course these are just my opinions, but you have to do what works for you!

  38. June Bauman says

    I love capris, do not like the jeans with holes in them, cut off jeans are great but trim them up, for heavens sake.

  39. Linda says

    Meh! One woman’s style isn’t to be believed when she’s recommending culottes ? really?! Worst wearable pAnts ever!! I agree not every older lady will find shorts a comfortable item to wear either- Bermuda shorts are totally acceptable! BTW darling, I did the hair color thing with my stylist for years and when my husband and I retired and started to travel around the world (being gone weeks at a time) I realized to get in touch with my authentic self. You can be fashionable and have gray hair and a few wisdom lines are ok for me!?

  40. VI says

    Disagree, disagree, disagree! Capris do NOT make me look shorter than a long full maxi skirt. Hate those.

  42. Frankie says

    Uh oh. There goes my summer. I just turned 60 and I have been wearing capris since I was 35. So, technically, that makes me 85 now. I confess, I love them. But I have noticed that only old ladies seem to wear them. My problems are fat thighs and dimply, chubby knees. So shorts don’t seem to be an option. Besides, why add a horizonal line to my thigh? Talk about eye-catching! I will ponder culottes and skirts but neither seems appealing in sweltering DC summers or practical for that sudden urge to pull some weeds or chase a toddler. (Don’t worry, I usually know the toddler.) Help me.

  43. Jennie says

    Hilarious and I enjoyed it, although Capri leggings (mostly under a silk wrap skirt) are my go to mom survival/adventure ready gypsy boho look, no apologies. 😉 Culottes bring back the horror of Christian school gym class so it’s hilarious to me that you suggested them, and a reminder that I’m dressing for me now, not anyone else’s idea of should wear. Still, I enjoy your style, think I’ll one around and read some more.

  44. Louise says

    Thank you! I hate capris on myself and others of “a certain age.” I have observed so many of them that I eliminated them on my own several years ago., So happy I did!

  45. Virginia says

    I’m sorry capris aren’t your thing, but in the middle of summer, trying to beat. the heat, they work.
    We all arent all young and thin, I’m a great-grandma…..make suggestions for the average over 50-60-70-80 crowd.

  46. Carolyn says

    Thank you , I have enjoyed ready your page so much info . I’m 55 yo and I have always struggled on how to dress I feel like I’m either dressing too old or to young . For me it’s harder to find the right out git in the summer . I live in the south , so I try to find an outfit that is cool and comfortable . You have helped me so much .

  48. Nada Manley says

    You may be on to something Cath! Shoes make all the difference! A sleek shoe can really elevate capris. And of course cropped and ankle length pants are super trendy right now, so fashion always changes its mind. So glad you enjoyed the article!

  49. Cath says

    I enjoyed reading this! I’m 55 yo and respectfully disagree on the capri pants. Once the warm weather hits i am going full on capris. The caveat? Pick the right shoe! I pick a bare sandal or ballet flat or casual low heel but definitely go sleek on the shoe or everything goes bottom heavy. Just my humble opinion. Nothing worse than a running shoe or *horrors* sock! to cut the leg line.

  51. Colleen says

    Ok I’m with you on the capris, but those jean Bermuda shorts….., are you serious? FUGLY!

  53. Corrinne says

    This makes so much sense. I’ve never liked capris on me I have really long legs, so wasn’t sure why… Thank you for helping me figure it out! I’ll stick to shorts and skirts. 🙂 Skinny jeans that hit at the ankle are great, especially the holey kind when it’s warm out. They provide some air conditioning. 🙂

  54. Nada Manley says

    Great advice, Janet. Thanks so much for the tips! I know that I am dehydrated. Drinking water is a real challenge for me! I actually have a fitness week coming up on the blog where I will talk about all the creative things I am doing to drink more water. LOL. I needed that reminder about how dehydration affects your skin. 🙂 So glad to have you on BeautyMommy. 🙂

  55. Nada Manley says

    Thank you so much Jess! This made my day! If you have any other ideas from posts, let me know. Most of my best posts come from ideas from readers. 🙂

  56. Nada Manley says

    Hi Jackie! Thanks so much for the comment! Sometimes the hardest wardrobe to address is our own, even as stylists. I’d love to help! I’ll send you an email to discuss. 🙂 So happy to have you on here!

  57. Janet says

    The biggest cause of krinckles and loose skin is dehydration. Everyone need to be well hydrated. Try a few days on lots of water to hydrate. Add some good oils to your diet. Low fat diet is the biggest cause of loose or wrinkled skin. Put it back , some of it is good for you, like coconut oil or olive oil.

  59. Jacqueline Mallet says

    Hello BeautyMommy!

    Love this article! I just turned 44 in May and I need a wardrobe overhaul. I’m a fashion stylist and I can’t seem to get started on the cleaning and updating in my closet. Funny, eh? I know I have nice classic pieces in my closet. But I worry the style and the cut no longer suit me.

    Can we discuss? 🙂

    Kindest regards
    Jackie

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