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I'm a fan of Project Runway, and as I watch Michael Kors sneer about things being too "matronly" week after week, I wonder how does one avoid that dreaded look? I'm assuming "matronly" means "middle-aged mother," so that somewhat describes my station in life. But relevant to describing fashion, it seems to have a negative connotation. What types of clothes are "matronly" and how do I avoid them?
Being a 40ish mom does NOT mean surrendering your fashion sense and giving in to a closet full of twin sets and pearls and handbags that match your shoes (all in neutral brown or black leather, of course). Dressing your age is not the same as looking "matronly" (and Aimee is dead on: that is NOT a compliment). The trick is to balance classic, grown-up pieces with fresh, youthful accessories for a look that is individual and hip and age-appropriate.
What pieces are by definition "matronly"? Well, anything that makes you look old and frumpy and unstylish. Mom jeans are the first thing that comes to mind when we picture matronly wardrobe pieces, those washed out, ill-fitting pleated ones with the waist up to your armpits and the tapered legs. No one really wears jeans like that any more, but the idea is still valid: pants that make you look wider through the mid-section will age you faster than a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party. Opt instead for mid-rise trousers that fall straight from the widest part of your hips. No matter what your size or shape, this cut is flattering and NOT matronly.
Suits can be matronly if you're not careful. A very conservative suit, paired with a neutral blouse or sweater and matching neutral shoes and bag, is a snoozer; instead, wear your basic black or brown or gray suit with a bright colored tank or blouse, or with some fabulous printed peep toe pumps. Keep shoes and bag in the same color palette, but don't match them; creative and colorful accessories give neutral basics a youthful edge.
We often assume we can avoid looking matronly by erring on the side of looking more youthful, which can mean graphic tees with pictures of Sesame Street characters or mini skirts and Keds. While a graphic tee can be chic and grown up, it is MORE chic -- and less likely to make you look old -- when its worn with dark jeans and a slim jacket. And a mini, if you've still got the legs for it, can be perfectly appropriate for someone Of A Certain Age, but pair it with some cute skimmers or sandals, rather than dirty tennis shoes.
All pieces available at Boden USA
The trick to avoiding looking old is simply this: dress your age. Don't try to dress like a kid, because you're not one any more, but don't give up just because you're 40 (or 50 or 60). Looking youthful and fresh is about finding the balance between classic pieces that fit your body and funky, colorful pieces that give your wardrobe character. Too much classic and you look old; too much funky and you look, well, old, but in a trying-to-look-young kind of way.
Still not sure what should and shouldn't be in your closet? Oprah to the rescue! In the January issue of O Magazine, Charla Krupp, author of How Not to Look Old, provided readers with a list of 25 items that have to go:
1. Holiday sweaters with bells and appliqués (reindeers, teddy bears, bumblebees, pumpkins).
2. Granny necklaces that tell how many grandchildren you have.
3. Souvenir T-shirts.
4. T-shirts with meant-to-be funny sayings.
5. Overalls.
6. Acid-washed jeans.
7. Ripped jeans.
8. Shoulder pads.
9. Flannel shirts.
10. Muumuus.
11. Photo handbags (the older you get, the more sophisticated your accessories should be).
12. Flesh-colored hose.
13. Penny loafers.
14. Oversize blazers.
15. Mommy robes.
16. Thin gold chain necklaces.
17. Elastic-waist pants.
18. Granny undies.
19. Baggy sweats.
20. Bearlike, full-length fur coats.
21. Short shorts.
22. Cargo pants.
23. Stockings with reinforced toes.
24. Three-piece suits with vests.
25. Backpacks.
Now that you know what NOT to wear, how do you know
