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General Discussion => Welcome and General Discussion => Topic started by: StarBright on August 24, 2017, 09:00:14 AM

Title: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on August 24, 2017, 09:00:14 AM
#MustachianPeopleProblem - How long is too long to hold on to clothes?

Through a combination of forced frugality (due to lowish income) and then actively choosing a mustachian-lite lifestyle I have spent little on clothes for the last decade or so. I analyzed my last three years of purchases and actually spent between 0$ - $200 (and the $200 year included replacing undergarments and shoes).

So I work from home which means I don't have to have a ton of work clothes but I am starting to have to interact with people more (more work meetings than in the past, church, elementary school volunteer time, etc) and I do care how I look.

I have things in my closet from the late 90's and early aughts and I am starting to think that these are not viable wardrobe options to choose from anymore - right? No one in their mid 30's should be wearing anything from the Delia's catalog :)

I started to put some stuff together for Goodwill and then was thinking it wasn't even worth it because it is so far out of style that I can't imagine anyone would even want it.

So when do we say "time to pass you on/get rid of you" and update our wardrobe? I try to remind myself that wanting to be stylish is for consumer suckers but I don't want to look like a hopelessly out of date shut-in either. What is y'all's happy medium? and how much is a reasonable amount to spend on clothing?
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: fattest_foot on August 24, 2017, 09:12:04 AM
I've always wondered if we have this warped sense of how often we should buy clothes because as children you're always having to buy new clothes due to growing.

When we stop growing, we've already got decades of forced habit of buying new clothes so we don't consider that things should still fit.

I'd say buy clothes that aren't "fashionable" and wouldn't look out of place in any particular decade, and the only time you should have to buy new ones are when they get worn out.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Playing with Fire UK on August 24, 2017, 09:21:04 AM
My favourite casual jacket is older than me, it looks great, fits great, and I don't care that it is dated.

If clothes suit you, it doesn't matter if they were fashionable in the 90s. If they don't suit you, probably better to donate them and avoid buying similar. How timeless / 90s are the individual pieces?

If I am volunteering or at church and someone doesn't like my clothes, they can go and tell someone who cares.

Work is a different thing, I need to look smart (but not fashionable) at work, so worn pieces need to be repaired or replaced.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: marielle on August 24, 2017, 09:24:37 AM
Just wait a little bit longer and they will be fashionable again!

If it were me, I'd probably keep the basics/neutral pieces. I wouldn't keep anything that is obviously outdated and would cause unnecessary attention or obviously worn/faded.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: BigHaus89 on August 24, 2017, 09:32:35 AM
I think that if you're over 70 years old, clothing is optional. You've earned the right at that point!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: dcheesi on August 24, 2017, 09:35:53 AM
I only buy clothes when I identify a clear gap in my wardrobe. Sometimes that's due to an old item wearing out (or lost, destroyed-by-pets, etc.). Other times it's a new category of item, or one that I'm finding myself wearing more often than in the past. Very rarely do I replace something simply because of the style, and usually then it's something that was an ill-conceived purchase to begin with.

As for stuff being too out of style for Goodwill, I think that's up to the buyer. Maybe you'll help set the next hipster retro-fashion trend! Or worst case, they throw it into the cloth-baler for bulk re-sale, and the material eventually gets reused/recycled.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on August 24, 2017, 09:36:12 AM
Just wait a little bit longer and they will be fashionable again!

If it were me, I'd probably keep the basics/neutral pieces. I wouldn't keep anything that is obviously outdated and would cause unnecessary attention or obviously worn/faded.

Some of them are definitely fashionable again but putting them on felt a bit like mutton dressing up as lamb :)

@Playing with Fire UK - I actually find that most outerwear is pretty timeless! My winter coat is 11 years old and I still get compliments on it every year and I have a denim jacket that is almost 20 years old that is also in regular rotation.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: I'm a red panda on August 24, 2017, 09:38:15 AM
If you don't wear it anymore, get rid of it.  If you still wear it, and it is still in good condition- keep it.

My oldest shirt is from 1991.  I still like it, it still fits.  My oldest shoes are from 1996. I still like them, they still fit.

I won't get rid of them just because they are old.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: GuitarStv on August 24, 2017, 09:39:55 AM
Age ain't nothin' but a number.  I wear clothes until they wear out.

My rule is an exacting one.

Work attire:  Must be free of stains, holes, and threadbare patches.

Home attire:  Must be largely free of stains, with holes making up less than 10% of total clothed area.

Exercise/lawn clothing:  Must fully cover genital area, and total area of material lost to holes must be less than 50% of total area of total clothed area.

Garage rags:  Clothing that fails the exercise/lawn clothing test.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Playing with Fire UK on August 24, 2017, 09:47:19 AM
Work attire:  Must be free of stains, holes, and threadbare patches.

The OP probably needs categories for working at home and work meetings. This standard seems far too exacting for working at home unless you have visitors to your home for work.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: GuitarStv on August 24, 2017, 09:50:12 AM
Work attire:  Must be free of stains, holes, and threadbare patches.

The OP probably needs categories for working at home and work meetings. This standard seems far too exacting for working at home unless you have visitors to your home for work.

When working from home there's really only a need to wear clothing that is visible on your webcamera when doing group chats.  I'd suggest being naked except for a golf shirt (note - golf shirt must be clean from the naval up).
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Playing with Fire UK on August 24, 2017, 09:56:35 AM
Work attire:  Must be free of stains, holes, and threadbare patches.

The OP probably needs categories for working at home and work meetings. This standard seems far too exacting for working at home unless you have visitors to your home for work.

When working from home there's really only a need to wear clothing that is visible on your webcamera when doing group chats.  I'd suggest being naked except for a golf shirt (note - golf shirt must be clean from the naval up).

After making sure that there isn't a mirror behind you of course.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: ketchup on August 24, 2017, 09:58:00 AM
I've always wondered if we have this warped sense of how often we should buy clothes because as children you're always having to buy new clothes due to growing.

When we stop growing, we've already got decades of forced habit of buying new clothes so we don't consider that things should still fit.
It's funny, I kind of had the opposite problem.  Once I hit high school, my mom would encourage me to buy new clothes, and I didn't care enough to (I'd rather wear last year's clothes, even if they don't quite fit).  So any new clothes I had then were ones she bought for me.  Then I moved out and buying clothes wasn't even a thing I ever thought about at all (because it wasn't before; it was "forced upon me").  I bought almost no clothes for about four years. 

Around that point, I had outrun the lifecycle of socks/underwear/shoes (the first shock of noticing that clothes do actually wear out without me outgrowing them, like you said), so I replenished that, donated a bunch of unused or old clothes, and embraced the minimalism.  I've spent maybe $50 (probably less) since at thrift stores on clothes.  My mom usually buys me a shirt for Christmas each year, and that's about my pace of wearing out shirts these days (most though are still 5-6 years old), so I'll buy a pair of pants every two years or so and that's about it now.  But it takes a lot for the prospect of buying clothes to even surface in my brain.  And when it does, I smack it down pretty quickly (I don't enjoy buying clothes, leaving aside the cost entirely).

But to actually address the topic of the thread: I wear them until they wear out or I think they look stupid.  Maybe 5% of clothes I've gotten rid of fit into that second category.  I don't take age into account.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Mr. Green on August 24, 2017, 10:33:44 AM
If it's a piece I love wearing I wear it until it falls apart.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: GuitarStv on August 24, 2017, 10:54:46 AM
Work attire:  Must be free of stains, holes, and threadbare patches.

The OP probably needs categories for working at home and work meetings. This standard seems far too exacting for working at home unless you have visitors to your home for work.

When working from home there's really only a need to wear clothing that is visible on your webcamera when doing group chats.  I'd suggest being naked except for a golf shirt (note - golf shirt must be clean from the naval up).

After making sure that there isn't a mirror behind you of course.

I guess it depends on how much you want that raise . . .





If it's a piece I love wearing I wear it until it falls apart.

Why on Earth would you ever own a piece of clothing you don't love?
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: asauer on August 24, 2017, 10:57:03 AM
Unfortunately- we are judged on how we look and if we are to have influence with clients/ committees we do have to look at least well groomed and up-to-date.  I'm female, so I have probably experienced more judgement in this area than men do. (given you mentioned the Delia's catalog I assume you're female too).  Yes, I say ditch the Delia's. 
Here's what I've done- I hope it helps you:
1. Buy a few button up casual oxford-ish shirts in classic colors (I have white, blue and light red)
2. Buy a few pairs of flat front, well fitting pants (I have khaki, navy and chocolate brown)
3. One blazer ( I have navy)

The classics last so much longer no matter the style and you still feel put together.  Most of these can also be found at Goodwill or other Thrift.  I actually score my three pair of professional pants at Goodwill and they were Brooks Brothers!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Optimiser on August 24, 2017, 11:02:16 AM
I still have some clothes that I acquired in high school. I get rid of clothes when they wear out or I don't like them anymore. I try to only buy them when I really need something.

Getting rid of something just because it is old seems silly. I guess if something is really out style I'd stop wearing it to work, but I try to buy stuff that isn't going to go out of style very quickly. This is probably an easier thing for men to do.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: GuitarStv on August 24, 2017, 11:13:17 AM
Style is determined by how good looking you are, and your confidence while wearing something - not what you wear.  Take any teen heart-throb.  Dress him up in a woman's blouse and black lipstick and get him to strut around confidently.  This will be a new style.  Sound silly?  Look at past styles: skinny jeans, baggy jeans, jeans hanging off your ass, incredibly ripped jeans, jeans that are pre-worn out looking  . . . all silly, all popular styles just of a single type of pants since I've been in highschool.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Playing with Fire UK on August 24, 2017, 11:18:16 AM
... I guess if something is really out style I'd stop wearing it to work, but I try to buy stuff that isn't going to go out of style very quickly. This is probably an easier thing for men to do.

Yes, men's clothes tend to be less fashionable and more classic styling, whereas women's clothes (even those marketed as 'work wear') tend to be more fashionable and less classic styling (also, frequently much less hard wearing, even at the same store).
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: GenXbiker on August 24, 2017, 11:20:43 AM
I have one of those wrinkle shirts that were a thing several years back, but I never wore mine.  I think it still has the tags.  Does anyone wear those anymore?
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on August 24, 2017, 11:41:48 AM
Unfortunately- we are judged on how we look and if we are to have influence with clients/ committees we do have to look at least well groomed and up-to-date.  I'm female, so I have probably experienced more judgement in this area than men do. (given you mentioned the Delia's catalog I assume you're female too).  Yes, I say ditch the Delia's. 
Here's what I've done- I hope it helps you:
1. Buy a few button up casual oxford-ish shirts in classic colors (I have white, blue and light red)
2. Buy a few pairs of flat front, well fitting pants (I have khaki, navy and chocolate brown)
3. One blazer ( I have navy)

The classics last so much longer no matter the style and you still feel put together.  Most of these can also be found at Goodwill or other Thrift.  I actually score my three pair of professional pants at Goodwill and they were Brooks Brothers!

I like this! And I suppose I need to be more positive about what I have since it sounds like my work wardrobe is bigger than yours and I only go into the office for a few days every other month or so.

My current work wardrobe is:
3 pairs of work slacks - 1 black wide leg (2002-ish from Banana), 1 black cigarette pants (2010-ish), 1 pair olive green skinny pants (2 years old)
2 sweaters - 1 black turtle neck (old- also from banana), 1 v neck maroon tunic (2 years old)
5 button up/blouses (chambray, white, navy blue, navy and red pattern and a black and white stripe (the last two are from Delias and probably 20 years old)
2 summer dresses (black and black and white stripe - new this summer)
1 black cardigan (2000)
2 blazers - 1 red (2011) and 1 black (mid-aughts and looking aged)

I really thought that was enough for my occasional work trips but the last two times I went in to the office different women commented on how I always wear the same things. It made me very self conscious and in the past few weeks I've turned a very critical eye towards my closet.

My work "wardrobe" is my most extensive. Casual clothes include 3 pairs of jeans, 6 t-shirts, and a few flannel button downs and a hoodie for the winter (as well as the work sweaters).

Related to GuitarStv's comment "Style is determined by how good looking you are, and your confidence while wearing something " - I would definitely believe that I'm not projecting confidence in what I wear but my face wouldn't curdle milk or anything so maybe i just need to make sure people are looking at my face :)
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Optimiser on August 24, 2017, 11:53:18 AM
the last two times I went in to the office different women commented on how I always wear the same things. It made me very self conscious and in the past few weeks I've turned a very critical eye towards my closet.

That is super rude. I can't believe someone would say something like that to you.

I have about 8 shirts, 5 pairs of pants and 1 pair of shoes that I wear to work. I work 5 days a week, so I wear the same things all the time.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: solon on August 24, 2017, 11:59:02 AM
I think that if you're over 70 years old, clothing is optional. You've earned the right at that point!

I Early Clothing-Fired. I was completed clothing free by age 34. You could too if you just focused on what's important.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: ketchup on August 24, 2017, 12:00:55 PM
the last two times I went in to the office different women commented on how I always wear the same things. It made me very self conscious and in the past few weeks I've turned a very critical eye towards my closet.

That is super rude. I can't believe someone would say something like that to you.

I have about 8 shirts, 5 pairs of pants and 1 pair of shoes that I wear to work. I work 5 days a week, so I wear the same things all the time.
Yeah, seriously, what the fuck.  I'm in a similar boat (couple extra shirts, couple fewer pairs of pants) in terms of work-wear variety.  My shirt I wore to my first interview here six years ago is still in my rotation.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on August 24, 2017, 12:01:39 PM
the last two times I went in to the office different women commented on how I always wear the same things. It made me very self conscious and in the past few weeks I've turned a very critical eye towards my closet.

That is super rude. I can't believe someone would say something like that to you.

I have about 8 shirts, 5 pairs of pants and 1 pair of shoes that I wear to work. I work 5 days a week, so I wear the same things all the time.

FWIW - I don't think they were trying to be rude - more like making chit-chat commentary. One girl was like "Wow -I think you were wearing that cardigan when I had my internship interview here and that was almost 10 years ago." For being a black cardigan it has a distinctive trim on the sleeves so I guess one might notice those things. Also several of the younger women I work with are very on-trend and very into clothes so clothes talk is one of the ways they interact - but all of the sudden it made me very AWARE.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: afuera on August 24, 2017, 12:02:22 PM
I think that if you're over 70 years old, clothing is optional. You've earned the right at that point!

+1! This is where my train of thought went when I read the title :).
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Free Spirit on August 24, 2017, 12:03:08 PM
Not long ago I was feeling the same way as you so what I did was google "classic wardrobe staples" and filled any missing pieces with timeless versions. Whenever I feel bored with my wardrobe I scour flea markets and thrift stores for fun accessories to brighten things up a bit or to take my classics into the next season. Invest in quality pieces that never go out of style and spend pennies on things like costume jewelry and scarves to make it fresh.

As for the snarky comments, I would have replied with something like, I love a classic look, it makes me feel great. Thanks for noticing!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on August 24, 2017, 12:03:18 PM
I think that if you're over 70 years old, clothing is optional. You've earned the right at that point!

+1! This is where my train of thought went when I read the title :).
Ha - honestly I struggled with wording my subject when I wrote it and definitely did not realize it would come out sounding that way :)
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: jim555 on August 24, 2017, 12:07:11 PM
You mean I can't wear my Member's Only jacket any more?  I know it will come back in style some day.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Optimiser on August 24, 2017, 12:13:11 PM
You mean I can't wear my Member's Only jacket any more?  I know it will come back in style some day.

I had a friend in his 20's buy a new one last year, so I think you're good.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: bobechs on August 24, 2017, 12:53:46 PM
You mean I can't wear my Member's Only jacket any more?  I know it will come back in style some day.

You can wear it all you want.  Just face up it: you aren't a Member anymore.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: VoteCthulu on August 24, 2017, 01:10:49 PM
Fashion is just another part of consumerist brainwashing, what logical sense dies it make to throw away perfectly good clothes in order to buy new cloths that we expect to use for only 10% (or less) of its usable life?

Granted, some fashions are absurd and should never have been worn even when they were fashionable, so feel free to throw those away, but if you liked how it looked 20 years ago and it's still good I say keep wearing it until it wears out.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: partgypsy on August 24, 2017, 01:36:38 PM
Clothes are cheap. You can get a whole new wardrobe at a thrift store fir $50. Or new clothes for 100, 200. Don't tell me that over a year spending $200 on clothes is just too much of a budget buster. My friends regularly throw swaps, where one trades clothes (free!). I am awash in clothes.

My issue, is my favorite shirt or shorts gets a stain or obvious hole in it, and I'm of the age, I'm not a teenager, I need to let it go, because don't want to look like a slob who is unaware their clothes has stains.
 
And I'm also at the point in my life, while I am not a clothes horse, I want to feel good about the way I look. In that my clothes fit, are not obviously worn, stained, and yes, out of date (no high-waisted super pleated khakis, even if they are clean and neat). There is no reason to wear ugly clothes, unless you WANT to for some kind of point.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on August 24, 2017, 01:57:31 PM
Unfortunately- we are judged on how we look and if we are to have influence with clients/ committees we do have to look at least well groomed and up-to-date.  I'm female, so I have probably experienced more judgement in this area than men do. (given you mentioned the Delia's catalog I assume you're female too).  Yes, I say ditch the Delia's. 
Here's what I've done- I hope it helps you:
1. Buy a few button up casual oxford-ish shirts in classic colors (I have white, blue and light red)
2. Buy a few pairs of flat front, well fitting pants (I have khaki, navy and chocolate brown)
3. One blazer ( I have navy)

The classics last so much longer no matter the style and you still feel put together.  Most of these can also be found at Goodwill or other Thrift.  I actually score my three pair of professional pants at Goodwill and they were Brooks Brothers!

I like this! And I suppose I need to be more positive about what I have since it sounds like my work wardrobe is bigger than yours and I only go into the office for a few days every other month or so.

My current work wardrobe is:
3 pairs of work slacks - 1 black wide leg (2002-ish from Banana), 1 black cigarette pants (2010-ish), 1 pair olive green skinny pants (2 years old)
2 sweaters - 1 black turtle neck (old- also from banana), 1 v neck maroon tunic (2 years old)
5 button up/blouses (chambray, white, navy blue, navy and red pattern and a black and white stripe (the last two are from Delias and probably 20 years old)
2 summer dresses (black and black and white stripe - new this summer)
1 black cardigan (2000)
2 blazers - 1 red (2011) and 1 black (mid-aughts and looking aged)

I really thought that was enough for my occasional work trips but the last two times I went in to the office different women commented on how I always wear the same things. It made me very self conscious and in the past few weeks I've turned a very critical eye towards my closet.

My work "wardrobe" is my most extensive. Casual clothes include 3 pairs of jeans, 6 t-shirts, and a few flannel button downs and a hoodie for the winter (as well as the work sweaters).

Related to GuitarStv's comment "Style is determined by how good looking you are, and your confidence while wearing something " - I would definitely believe that I'm not projecting confidence in what I wear but my face wouldn't curdle milk or anything so maybe i just need to make sure people are looking at my face :)

Reading your wardrobe description, I worry the pieces you're picking *in general* won't age well. I think a shift to basic patterns, natural materials, and traditional office cuts is in order. Stick to classic neutrals like navy, brown, or black for pants and stay away from colors that trends like olive. Stay away from cuts that trend, like wide leg or cigarette pants. Stick to a trouser, and it might look like you're not a fashionista, but you also won't look dated. Similarly, patterns in tops don't age well generally. Stick to classic cuts in classic solid colors, and stay away from things that trend like chambray.

Personally, I *do* see there being a minimum cutoff for looking put together for success in a traditional office setting. But you can generally thrift these things, and if chosen *correctly* they will age well. (People don't wear down their work clothes generally if they're in an office setting, it's not like buying used scrubs that tend to be wrecked when donated, haha).

Anyway, all that to say- yes, it sounds like some of your pieces could do with replacement, but replace them more carefully than you have. Strive to look confident and competent, not stylish.

ETA: reminded me of this thread, I found it very useful/educational, hope you do as well: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/spin-off-creating-a-minimalistcapsule-wardrobe-most-recent-update-page-15/ (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/spin-off-creating-a-minimalistcapsule-wardrobe-most-recent-update-page-15/)
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: TVRodriguez on August 24, 2017, 01:59:19 PM
The oldest pair of professional (office work) pants that I own (and still wear to work) are charcoal grey, from Old Navy, and were bought in the year 2000.  I think my mom may have bought them for me for my birthday that year.  They are so plain that they never were in--or out--of style.

The only work suit I still have is the first suit I ever got--I bought it in 1995 for my first job interview after college.  It's a wool skirt suit, from a store that is out of business, and it is classic.  I've gotten compliments on it fairly recently--well, sometime in the last five years, which is recent enough for me.  I had several other skirt suits, but I hardly ever wear suits anymore, even to go to court, so I just kept the one.

I prefer to wear dresses to work most days.  Simpler to don one item than to deal with matching multiple items.  Plus they're more comfortable after a yummy lunch.  Goodwill has a nice selection of once-expensive dresses that I can buy for $5 or $7.  I have probably close to 20 dresses that I rotate for work.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: EricL on August 24, 2017, 02:16:21 PM
Your clothing is too old if:

1. You wear it like it's made of crystal because the fabric may rip under stress - like aggressive standing

2. The food stains make you a walking Rorschach test or walking Pollack painting

3. The police cite you for indecent exposure or co workers cite you for sexual harassment

4. You look like you're perpetually going to some nostalgia themed costume party (Hammer Time!)

5. The clothing styles are considered fatally uncool and will not be fashionable again in your lifetime

6. For cold/wet weather clothing, you need to wear back up clothes to do the job the original clothes used to do

7. The homeless give YOU spare change

But even if the above are true about your clothes, you can still wear them around the house.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: shelivesthedream on August 24, 2017, 02:45:20 PM
I like clothes a lot. I read Vogue. last week a total stranger approached me in a museum to ask me where I got my amazing shoes. The week before the receptionist at work told me how fabulous my dress was. I care what I look like.

Total clothes I have acquired this year:
One scarf (new. large thin cotton, didn't have one like it)
Two white shirts (new. finally found some that aren't see-through! Planning to buy more when on sale.)
One skirt (made out of fabric someone gave me)

Um... That's it! I'm planning to buy a new pair of jeans because my current ones have a hole and a paint smear (they are smart dark jeans, so can be downgraded to house wear but I do need a new pair for 'out'). It's been an unusually profligate year in that I've bought a lot of new clothing. Usually I shop eBay and say yes to people giving me stuff. Clothing is never too old just because it's old.

Want to look good? Fill any major gaps (only own one shirt? Keep wearing the same jumper?), buy maybe three new things to jazz life up a bit (maybe new if they're plain and basic, from eBay if it's something a bit fun), hang dry your clothes and iron everything. Oh, and browse Pinterest (search project 333 to get you started on new combos).

[By the way... Those shoes the stranger loved? Four years old (my second-newest pair), she won't be able to buy any herself! That dress? My mother wore it to work BEFORE SHE WAS PREGNANT WITH ME. Good clothes are good clothes, no matter how old.)
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Stubblestache on August 24, 2017, 02:56:21 PM
As long as it looks presentable, idgaf how old it is. I've got shirts that I've had longer than I've been married
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Mr. Green on August 24, 2017, 03:04:15 PM
If it's a piece I love wearing I wear it until it falls apart.

Why on Earth would you ever own a piece of clothing you don't love?
When I was working I had clothes I didn't love to death but they had a job to do. Now that I'm not, I can't tell you the last time I put on long pants or a long sleeve shirt.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: With This Herring on August 24, 2017, 04:15:30 PM
How long is too long to hold on to clothes?

No.  :)

I have clothes that are older than I am.  I have never purchased stylish clothes, so as long as clothes are still in good shape, I keep wearing them.  I buy clothes on an as-needed basis, used when possible.

I've always wondered if we have this warped sense of how often we should buy clothes because as children you're always having to buy new clothes due to growing.

When we stop growing, we've already got decades of forced habit of buying new clothes so we don't consider that things should still fit.

YES!  I hate shopping (and sometimes there aren't enough hand-me-downs), so it was such a relief to stop growing.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: kite on August 24, 2017, 04:36:08 PM
I've got t-shirts and a sweatshirt from the 80s.
If you look at a picture of designer Carolina Herrera, you can't tell the era by her clothes.  Her white shirt and full skirts are both stylish and timeless.  Once a genuine style is found, there is no need to dress any other way. 
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Kaybee on August 24, 2017, 04:38:28 PM
I really thought that was enough for my occasional work trips but the last two times I went in to the office different women commented on how I always wear the same things. It made me very self conscious and in the past few weeks I've turned a very critical eye towards my closet.

Those women and that type of comment make me so angry!!!  Your work wardrobe sounds ok (I'd have to see it to see if things LOOKED dated) but honestly, the next time you get a comment about wearing the same thing, reply in the sweetest voice that you've been able to *curate* your clothing into a "Parisian wardrobe" (which is actually just a minimalist wardrobe but throwing the fashionably-equivalent term makes it sound fancier, lol) and that you love how freeing the experience has been.  I work in uniform but my wardrobe for days off (covering formal events through to days spent camping) is deliberately small but extremely versatile.  Those women equate style with owning a lot of clothes and that is not the case at all!! 

*throws hands in air in disgust at your colleagues*
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: solon on August 24, 2017, 04:40:35 PM
I just tried to Google "timeless styles for men". What I got was a ridiculous orgy of fanciness, unbecoming a mustachian.

Since I can't trust Google for this, does anyone here have any ideas for things men can wear that don't become outdated?
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: jeninco on August 24, 2017, 04:43:40 PM
To answer your question, it's "too old" if it's torn, stained, or stretched out of shape. Or if you feel somehow "less presentable" wearing it (unless you want to wear it for working out, or gardening). Or it it somehow doesn't fulfill it's purpose (I'm looking at you, stretched-out jog bra!)

I've said this elsewhere, but I sorted through my entire wardrobe a while ago and folded almost everything remaining kondo-style. Now what I have fits in a dresser and a small closet, and I can see everything at a glance. Everything is my style (not that of some random internet-type) and I feel presentable enough for a weeks worth of biking around town and trying to look and act like an adult. (Plus, there are some work clothes for travel, but I work at home mostly.)

I know, I should be able to volunteer in school in my circa-1988 era "Monster Trucks on Wheels" T-shirt and be taken seriously, but it takes no more effort to wear a solid black V-neck and then I look like a reasonable adult. It also shows that I am taking what I'm doing seriously and with enough respect to try to model reasonable adult attire and behavior.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: calimom on August 24, 2017, 04:59:34 PM
I just tried to Google "timeless styles for men". What I got was a ridiculous orgy of fanciness, unbecoming a mustachian.

Since I can't trust Google for this, does anyone here have any ideas for things men can wear that don't become outdated?

Blue jeans, black jeans, khaki pants. White tee shirts, black tee shirts, gray tee shirts. Polo shirts seem to have some staying power, and a few of those to mix it up. Button down shirts in checks and colors work. Banana Republic makes nice ones - good sourced from outlets or better yet, gently used. A decent blazer or two is not a bad idea, just depends on your work/social life. There aren't a lot of occasions for men to wear a suit in our more casual times, but it's handy to have when you need it. V-neck or crew neck sweaters for cooler weather; khaki or plaid shorts for summer. I'd say most of this list is pretty timeless. Jack Kerouac wore white tees and khakis!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Free Spirit on August 24, 2017, 05:02:19 PM
I just tried to Google "timeless styles for men". What I got was a ridiculous orgy of fanciness, unbecoming a mustachian.

Since I can't trust Google for this, does anyone here have any ideas for things men can wear that don't become outdated?

"Wardrobe basics for men" turns up a better selection for me.

Navy Blazer
Topcoat in a neutral color
A few sweaters in a quality material like merino wool
Brown wingtip loafers
Dark jeans, without holes or stains
Khakis
White cotton dress shirt
Gray wool suit

Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: GuitarStv on August 24, 2017, 05:36:27 PM
i hope to go to my grave never owning a navy blazer, grey wool suit, or pair of wingtips.  I've got some merino wool sweaters, but they're for cycling.  :P
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Free Spirit on August 24, 2017, 05:47:36 PM
i hope to go to my grave never owning a navy blazer, grey wool suit, or pair of wingtips.  I've got some merino wool sweaters, but they're for cycling.  :P

Haha! Fair enough. :p That was a general list of the items that seemed to overlap from the search, but I think those are classic items that have survived the trends. Of course ymmv. ;)
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: calimom on August 24, 2017, 05:52:45 PM
i hope to go to my grave never owning a navy blazer, grey wool suit, or pair of wingtips.  I've got some merino wool sweaters, but they're for cycling.  :P

But can we take fashion advice from a guy who advises wearing "not too stained" clothes to work? :) :) :)
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: cakie on August 24, 2017, 06:12:39 PM
If it's a piece I love wearing I wear it until it falls apart.

Why on Earth would you ever own a piece of clothing you don't love?
When I was working I had clothes I didn't love to death but they had a job to do. Now that I'm not, I can't tell you the last time I put on long pants or a long sleeve shirt.
I moved somewhere warm where I have a grubby uniform for work. My strategy for casual clothes was to keep only one of each (long sleeve shirt and long pants). Then I have something to wear if it's unusually cold or I'm traveling.

I donated half a dozen garbage bags of clothes after my first year here, once I knew how little I needed!! All my old dressy work clothes went in that pile, except 2 dresses I really like. If I ever get a desk job in the future, I can always find more at an op shop

To the OP: if you love an item, keep wearing it until it is rags. But work out what suits you and your body type, and gradually pick replacements in the future that follow this. You end up looking really good that way :)

eg. The clothing that was popular when I was in school (00s) was totally wrong for me. I'm an extreme hourglass, so I have now taught myself to embrace high-waisted everything, you'd be surprised the difference this makes!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: RoadtotheMountains on August 24, 2017, 06:17:53 PM
When your clothing is stained and has holes it's too old. Otherwise, I'd keep wearing it as long as it fits and is comfortable still.

I personally have three outfits for everyday use. It's the same outfit actually just 3 sets of it. I wear them until they're no longer serviceable. So far it's been about every 2 years. The past few times I bought Old Navy Yoga Pants and navy blue t-shirts from Walmart for $21 an outfit. This year I decided to buy what I'm told is better quality clothing costing me $40 an outfit. We will see if it's worth it or not in a few years lol.

When I worked outside the home I had 2 pairs of black slacks and 2 fitted button down shirts that were blue. I wore them every day that I taught at the university. My students never said anything, my coworkers never said a thing. Maybe it's because it was academia and people expect some of us to be weirdos.

I also own a dress. I don't wear it though. I bought it because my Dad said he understands my clothing choices but he doesn't think everyone else will if I come to his funeral in yoga pants & a t-shirt so I bought something he thinks others would approve of and it sits in my closet waiting until he has his funeral.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Pigeon on August 24, 2017, 06:30:51 PM
I think my older teens aged out of Delia's around 14, so I can understand why those might no longer be suitable.  I think the guys here don't really understand.

I'd pick up a couple of pairs of dark slacks and a pair of khakis.  A few tops, a couple of cardigans, and you're good.  Keep any eye out for clearance.  you drop the old stuff off at Goodwill or whatever, see if they have any scarves or colorful necklaces. You can mix and match and the accessories make it look like you have a lot more outfits than you actually do.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on August 24, 2017, 07:18:45 PM

Reading your wardrobe description, I worry the pieces you're picking *in general* won't age well. I think a shift to basic patterns, natural materials, and traditional office cuts is in order. Stick to classic neutrals like navy, brown, or black for pants and stay away from colors that trends like olive. Stay away from cuts that trend, like wide leg or cigarette pants. Stick to a trouser, and it might look like you're not a fashionista, but you also won't look dated. Similarly, patterns in tops don't age well generally. Stick to classic cuts in classic solid colors, and stay away from things that trend like chambray.

 . . . .

ETA: reminded me of this thread, I found it very useful/educational, hope you do as well: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/spin-off-creating-a-minimalistcapsule-wardrobe-most-recent-update-page-15/ (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/spin-off-creating-a-minimalistcapsule-wardrobe-most-recent-update-page-15/)

I actually generally agree with what you wrote above (re trousers) but darn if a straight leg trouser isn't the WORST cut on me.

Thanks for that link - it is great!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on August 24, 2017, 07:20:50 PM
I think my older teens aged out of Delia's around 14, so I can understand why those might no longer be suitable.  I think the guys here don't really understand.

I'd pick up a couple of pairs of dark slacks and a pair of khakis.  A few tops, a couple of cardigans, and you're good.  Keep any eye out for clearance.  you drop the old stuff off at Goodwill or whatever, see if they have any scarves or colorful necklaces. You can mix and match and the accessories make it look like you have a lot more outfits than you actually do.

Thanks! This is how I'm feeling. The stuff still fits but is very  . . . young and I'm just not young any more.

So this gist I'm getting is that most of the ladies feel like I might want refresh the wardrobe, a tiny bit, very carefully, frugally, and a few curated pieces at a time.

Dudes say  . . whatever!

Thanks all!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on August 24, 2017, 07:29:20 PM

Reading your wardrobe description, I worry the pieces you're picking *in general* won't age well. I think a shift to basic patterns, natural materials, and traditional office cuts is in order. Stick to classic neutrals like navy, brown, or black for pants and stay away from colors that trends like olive. Stay away from cuts that trend, like wide leg or cigarette pants. Stick to a trouser, and it might look like you're not a fashionista, but you also won't look dated. Similarly, patterns in tops don't age well generally. Stick to classic cuts in classic solid colors, and stay away from things that trend like chambray.

 . . . .

ETA: reminded me of this thread, I found it very useful/educational, hope you do as well: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/spin-off-creating-a-minimalistcapsule-wardrobe-most-recent-update-page-15/ (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/spin-off-creating-a-minimalistcapsule-wardrobe-most-recent-update-page-15/)

I actually generally agree with what you wrote above (re trousers) but darn if a straight leg trouser isn't the WORST cut on me.

Thanks for that link - it is great!

Maybe skirts and dresses would be a better fit then? A shape that flatters your body is certainly very important!

I think my older teens aged out of Delia's around 14, so I can understand why those might no longer be suitable.  I think the guys here don't really understand.

I'd pick up a couple of pairs of dark slacks and a pair of khakis.  A few tops, a couple of cardigans, and you're good.  Keep any eye out for clearance.  you drop the old stuff off at Goodwill or whatever, see if they have any scarves or colorful necklaces. You can mix and match and the accessories make it look like you have a lot more outfits than you actually do.

Thanks! This is how I'm feeling. The stuff still fits but is very  . . . young and I'm just not young any more.

So this gist I'm getting is that most of the ladies feel like I might want refresh the wardrobe, a tiny bit, very carefully, frugally, and a few curated pieces at a time.

Dudes say  . . whatever!

Thanks all!

Haha yep, seems to be the take away!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Imma on August 24, 2017, 11:42:12 PM
I think it's more difficult for a woman because, ike you experienced, in an office setting you do get judged for what you're wearing, more than men. A man has to look presentable but if he had a jacket, two pairs of trousers. 5 clean shirts and a tie, no one would ever complain. I keep a separate work wardrobe that currently consists of one pair of trousers, 6 tops and two cardigans. Occasionally I'll wear a skirt from my private wardrobe to mix it up, but as I bike to work it's not that often. Because I have so few clothes, I do notice they wear out. The biking doesn't help either. I think I buy 1 or 2 pairs of trousers every year. The top half lasts much longer, I buy maybe 1 a year and the oldest ones could well be 10 years old.

My private wardrobe is also quite small, but unlike everyone's advice, I try to stay away from the neutrals/classics. I like wearing really nice looking colourful clothes, not boring navy and beige stuff. I wear mostly dresses and I have a red dress for example, and a purple dress. For my private wardrobe, I don't look at price tags at all. I just buy what I like and then I wear them until they're literally threadbare. I don't go shopping at Chanel of course, but if you know you're going to wear an item hundreds of times, it's not a problem to pay €80 for a dress. Style, cut and quality are more important than saving a few €. That said, a lot of my clothes are from H&M because a lot of what they sell is pretty good quality. Buying new clothes has become harder for me with age (I'm 27) because I'm starting to feel too old for the typical teenage girls' stores, not petite enough to wear Zara or Mango, and I feel too young to wear sensible, mumsy brands. There seems to be a lack of stores targeted at women aged 25-40, who like a modern, fresh look but don't want to look 21.

Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: shuffler on August 25, 2017, 01:44:50 AM
How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
I'll probably be a nudist by the time I'm 70.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Ninnel on August 25, 2017, 04:24:23 AM
I think it's more difficult for a woman because, ike you experienced, in an office setting you do get judged for what you're wearing, more than men. A man has to look presentable but if he had a jacket, two pairs of trousers. 5 clean shirts and a tie, no one would ever complain. I keep a separate work wardrobe that currently consists of one pair of trousers, 6 tops and two cardigans. Occasionally I'll wear a skirt from my private wardrobe to mix it up, but as I bike to work it's not that often. Because I have so few clothes, I do notice they wear out. The biking doesn't help either. I think I buy 1 or 2 pairs of trousers every year. The top half lasts much longer, I buy maybe 1 a year and the oldest ones could well be 10 years old.

My private wardrobe is also quite small, but unlike everyone's advice, I try to stay away from the neutrals/classics. I like wearing really nice looking colourful clothes, not boring navy and beige stuff. I wear mostly dresses and I have a red dress for example, and a purple dress. For my private wardrobe, I don't look at price tags at all. I just buy what I like and then I wear them until they're literally threadbare. I don't go shopping at Chanel of course, but if you know you're going to wear an item hundreds of times, it's not a problem to pay €80 for a dress. Style, cut and quality are more important than saving a few €. That said, a lot of my clothes are from H&M because a lot of what they sell is pretty good quality. Buying new clothes has become harder for me with age (I'm 27) because I'm starting to feel too old for the typical teenage girls' stores, not petite enough to wear Zara or Mango, and I feel too young to wear sensible, mumsy brands. There seems to be a lack of stores targeted at women aged 25-40, who like a modern, fresh look but don't want to look 21.

Very good written! I with love to go to stores for aged 27-40. I am 37 and I don't know how to wear right :( I have only three blouses and two pencil skirts for my work like #11 here http://inkprofy.com/pencil-skirt-outfits/ it seems to me that I am too old for skirts. I will buy new clothes only if old clothes became unsuitable.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on August 25, 2017, 07:12:16 AM

My private wardrobe is also quite small, but unlike everyone's advice, I try to stay away from the neutrals/classics. I like wearing really nice looking colourful clothes, not boring navy and beige stuff. I wear mostly dresses and I have a red dress for example, and a purple dress. For my private wardrobe, I don't look at price tags at all. I just buy what I like and then I wear them until they're literally threadbare. I don't go shopping at Chanel of course, but if you know you're going to wear an item hundreds of times, it's not a problem to pay €80 for a dress. Style, cut and quality are more important than saving a few €. That said, a lot of my clothes are from H&M because a lot of what they sell is pretty good quality. Buying new clothes has become harder for me with age (I'm 27) because I'm starting to feel too old for the typical teenage girls' stores, not petite enough to wear Zara or Mango, and I feel too young to wear sensible, mumsy brands. There seems to be a lack of stores targeted at women aged 25-40, who like a modern, fresh look but don't want to look 21.

Your style sounds similar to mine (before I stopped thinking of my "style"). And I definitely agree about the issue for women between 25-40. Curious, since it looks like you are in the UK - do you ever shop at Boden (or is too old?)? I've been eyeing their website for a couple of years but can't make myself pull the trigger on anything. Their dresses seem to be very classic cuts though and I'm totally drawn to their stuff.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: TomTX on August 25, 2017, 08:03:52 AM
I have things in my closet from the late 90's and early aughts and I am starting to think that these are not viable wardrobe options to choose from anymore - right? No one in their mid 30's should be wearing anything from the Delia's catalog :)


I have tshirts and shorts from the 1980s that I still wear.  I have a jacket from my Dad that's older than I am.

I just tried to Google "timeless styles for men". What I got was a ridiculous orgy of fanciness, unbecoming a mustachian.

Since I can't trust Google for this, does anyone here have any ideas for things men can wear that don't become outdated?

Tshirt and jeans has worked at least since the 1950s.

...but it's all contextual. IDGAF and wear hawaiian shirts to work some of the time.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: ducky19 on August 25, 2017, 11:19:53 AM
I saw the title to this post and thought, "you're never too old for clothing...".
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: dcheesi on August 25, 2017, 12:26:54 PM
I have things in my closet from the late 90's and early aughts and I am starting to think that these are not viable wardrobe options to choose from anymore - right? No one in their mid 30's should be wearing anything from the Delia's catalog :)


I have tshirts and shorts from the 1980s that I still wear.  I have a jacket from my Dad that's older than I am.

I just tried to Google "timeless styles for men". What I got was a ridiculous orgy of fanciness, unbecoming a mustachian.

Since I can't trust Google for this, does anyone here have any ideas for things men can wear that don't become outdated?

Tshirt and jeans has worked at least since the 1950s.

...but it's all contextual. IDGAF and wear hawaiian shirts to work some of the time.
Luckily I'm a programmer, so t-shirts and jeans (or shorts!) are the height of office fashion in my group. I like to dress it up a notch with polos, but I probably lose a few points of geek-cred in the process. If you show up in slacks and a tie, *then* people start looking at you funny (and asking where your interview is!).

It's also a tradition in our office to wear Hawaiian shirts on Fridays. I find they accessorize especially well with my red Swingline stapler ;)
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on August 25, 2017, 12:37:40 PM
I saw the title to this post and thought, "you're never too old for clothing...".

Yeah - I'm awful at subject lines!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: mm1970 on August 25, 2017, 02:07:32 PM
I wear jeans and cotton shirts to work. 

But if I had to dress nicer, I'd go with basic classic black pants.

I learned about 5-10 years ago that a slight flare at the ankle/ boot cut is most flattering.  First time I knew that.  I was in my 40s. 

So now, that's what I buy.  You'll never find me in the super tight jeans/ pants.  That's never been a good look for me.

Straight up straight cut, not so great either.  I figure it's better for the clothing to be "flattering" than "in-style"
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: shelivesthedream on August 25, 2017, 04:05:07 PM
StarBright: I like Boden. I have several shirts from there, and used to have a few dresses. It's generally good quality stitching but check fabric content carefully and they also have annoying "quirky" details on everything - like my favourite shirt's collar and cuffs are lined with this random unmatchable pinkish red. But that favourite shirt is about to be ten years old, I have worn it a LOT in that ten years, and it's only now becoming a bit unwearable.

However, I think they have an outlet and there's a lot of hardly-worn Boden available on eBay. Buying it new and full price is a bit expensive.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: tipster350 on August 25, 2017, 05:19:11 PM
Girl yes, you need to step it up a little. I googled Delia and it is not the kind of fashion you/anyone should be wearing for decades. It won't cost much to up your game just a notch. It is not going to stand in the way of you and FIRE.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: With This Herring on August 25, 2017, 05:25:38 PM
Girl yes, you need to step it up a little. I googled Delia and it is not the kind of fashion you/anyone should be wearing for decades. It won't cost much to up your game just a notch. It is not going to stand in the way of you and FIRE.

Delia clothing of a decade ago may have been a little more adult-suited than Delia's current lineup.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: ptobest on August 25, 2017, 06:06:48 PM
I remember reading something recently about Delia's trying to make a comeback, unfortunately the clothing they have now is not quite as exciting as the stuff from the 90s (like the items from here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/leonoraepstein/things-you-desperately-needed-from-the-delias-summer-96-c).

As a 30something, I would love to own some of these items of clothing! As a programmer, my work wardrobe has generally been "whatever I want to wear, as long as it's not frayed/full of holes/bits hanging out", but I can also understand wanting to get rid of things that don't fit what you need to wear on a daily basis for work if your job requires more professional wear.

Note: you can probably make some $$ selling your late 90s/early 2000's clothing on Poshmark, as the 20 year fashion cycle is starting to hit that point.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on August 25, 2017, 06:52:41 PM
I remember reading something recently about Delia's trying to make a comeback, unfortunately the clothing they have now is not quite as exciting as the stuff from the 90s (like the items from here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/leonoraepstein/things-you-desperately-needed-from-the-delias-summer-96-c).

As a 30something, I would love to own some of these items of clothing! As a programmer, my work wardrobe has generally been "whatever I want to wear, as long as it's not frayed/full of holes/bits hanging out", but I can also understand wanting to get rid of things that don't fit what you need to wear on a daily basis for work if your job requires more professional wear.

Note: you can probably make some $$ selling your late 90s/early 2000's clothing on Poshmark, as the 20 year fashion cycle is starting to hit that point.

#28 is still my platonic ideal of a summer dress. If I owned that sucker I would NEVER get rid of it.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Imma on August 26, 2017, 12:01:18 AM

My private wardrobe is also quite small, but unlike everyone's advice, I try to stay away from the neutrals/classics. I like wearing really nice looking colourful clothes, not boring navy and beige stuff. I wear mostly dresses and I have a red dress for example, and a purple dress. For my private wardrobe, I don't look at price tags at all. I just buy what I like and then I wear them until they're literally threadbare. I don't go shopping at Chanel of course, but if you know you're going to wear an item hundreds of times, it's not a problem to pay €80 for a dress. Style, cut and quality are more important than saving a few €. That said, a lot of my clothes are from H&M because a lot of what they sell is pretty good quality. Buying new clothes has become harder for me with age (I'm 27) because I'm starting to feel too old for the typical teenage girls' stores, not petite enough to wear Zara or Mango, and I feel too young to wear sensible, mumsy brands. There seems to be a lack of stores targeted at women aged 25-40, who like a modern, fresh look but don't want to look 21.

Your style sounds similar to mine (before I stopped thinking of my "style"). And I definitely agree about the issue for women between 25-40. Curious, since it looks like you are in the UK - do you ever shop at Boden (or is too old?)? I've been eyeing their website for a couple of years but can't make myself pull the trigger on anything. Their dresses seem to be very classic cuts though and I'm totally drawn to their stuff.

I'm in the Netherlands actually, so you're pretty close :)

I have looked at Boden, but I haven't bought anything yet. I can see myself buying Boden in the future though. In the Netherlands, we have a similar brand, King Louie, and I have bought that in the past. The King Louie mum is what the Boden mum is over there :D Really nice dresses, nice fit, but they're not super durable. I've had two dresses for about 1,5-2 years and they're fading now. Long enough for most people, but not long enough for me to justify the cost. A Laura Ashley skirt and dress I bought a few years ago are holding up very well, they were certainly worth the price tag (and I bought them on sale, luckily).
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: cairnstone on August 26, 2017, 09:11:46 AM
This thread reminded me of an article I read a year or so ago about the advantages of wearing the same thing to work every day, even for women.

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/features/a10441/why-i-wear-the-same-thing-to-work-everday/

Wear clothes that you like, that look good on you. As I have heard it summarized, "It is important to look good every day. It is not important to look different every day."
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: nazar on August 26, 2017, 09:34:23 AM
You mean I can't wear my Member's Only jacket any more?  I know it will come back in style some day.

DH still wears his, which I accept as long as he promises that the Zubaz are only worn for 80s theme parties.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Drifterrider on August 28, 2017, 09:22:47 AM
I never "update my wardrobe".  I replace worn items when they can no longer be worn in public without fear of arrest (or when, due to humidity, they shrink to an unwearable size).

Rules of clothing:

1.  Buy what fits, not what is on sale.
2.  Buy quality classical cut lines, they never go out of style.
Repeat as necessary.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Imma on August 28, 2017, 01:26:59 PM
I never "update my wardrobe".  I replace worn items when they can no longer be worn in public without fear of arrest (or when, due to humidity, they shrink to an unwearable size).

Rules of clothing:

1.  Buy what fits, not what is on sale.
2.  Buy quality classical cut lines, they never go out of style.
Repeat as necessary.

I find I need to update my wardrobe every now and then. When I start noticing a piece of clothing is worn out, I'll take a second look and I notice that half of what I own is past due. For some reason it always takes me a long time to notice something should be thrown out. Since I don't have that much, every now and then I have to replace a pretty big chunck of my clothes at the same time.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on August 28, 2017, 03:27:15 PM
I never "update my wardrobe".  I replace worn items when they can no longer be worn in public without fear of arrest (or when, due to humidity, they shrink to an unwearable size).

Rules of clothing:

1.  Buy what fits, not what is on sale.
2.  Buy quality classical cut lines, they never go out of style.
Repeat as necessary.

I find I need to update my wardrobe every now and then. When I start noticing a piece of clothing is worn out, I'll take a second look and I notice that half of what I own is past due. For some reason it always takes me a long time to notice something should be thrown out. Since I don't have that much, every now and then I have to replace a pretty big chunck of my clothes at the same time.

I do this too. I get blind to the subtle wear down of my clothes. Then one item will get a small hole for example, so I will get one new item to replace it. Then, that serves as a huge point of contrast where I realize *all* my clothes are super worn (thinning, stretching, pilling), and I was somehow oblivious. So I end up replacing a big swath all at once. Usually every 2-3 years for things like t shirts.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: galliver on August 28, 2017, 03:35:02 PM
I think if you're feeling socially uncomfortable in your clothing, that's as bad as feeling physically uncomfortable. Sporting a formerly trendy pattern that is now classified "butt ugly" can socially be as bad as wearing a giant coffee stain. Rips and stains are the obvious signs of wear, but fading, stretching, and pilling are more gradual and thus harder to notice. So is becoming "dated". No one is going to tell you "ugh, that cardigan/jacket/pants/etc is so last year"...it's that the overall impression you make will become "she's frumpy/sloppy" or "that outfit ages her/is unflattering" etc.  As someone pointed out, it's not too expensive to upgrade a small wardrobe a little at a time, perhaps thrifting or using discount stores or shopping good sales.

I absolutely don't follow the whims of fashion, but I do try to be up to date in professional settings; while it may not matter what people think of you while you're at home or running errands or outdoors, in some settings the impression you make matters. Your appearance directly affects people's perception of your competence, your "fit", the likelihood someone will strike up casual conversation. Appearance isn't just wardrobe, and people who are innately more pretty/handsome, or more fit, can get away with more in wardrobe, but you can't change your face (at least not frugally), and changing your fitness level is a slow road, and you have to wear clothes and move along in your career when you're on it!

By the way, in addition to fashion being more finicky (more embellishments, more variations even in simple pieces), and using thinner fabrics that wear out easier, women's fashion is difficult because women vary so much...Button down shirts are a classic but I had a lot of trouble finding one that didn't gape in the front or fit like a tent. So...sometimes we have to deviate from current trends and just wear what fits and flatters unapologetically, and call that "timeless style" ;)

Clothes that aren't top notch anymore can be downgraded to everyday or home clothes, then (sometimes) to dirty-task clothes. If they just don't fit, or your taste has changed but it's still in decent shape, giving it away or donating it keeps it out of the landfill. Perhaps someone will pull a "refashionista" on the dated piece, or just use it as raw material. Worst case, thrift stores route anything they can't sell into recycling.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: rockstache on August 28, 2017, 04:03:33 PM
I remember reading something recently about Delia's trying to make a comeback, unfortunately the clothing they have now is not quite as exciting as the stuff from the 90s (like the items from here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/leonoraepstein/things-you-desperately-needed-from-the-delias-summer-96-c).

As a 30something, I would love to own some of these items of clothing! As a programmer, my work wardrobe has generally been "whatever I want to wear, as long as it's not frayed/full of holes/bits hanging out", but I can also understand wanting to get rid of things that don't fit what you need to wear on a daily basis for work if your job requires more professional wear.

Note: you can probably make some $$ selling your late 90s/early 2000's clothing on Poshmark, as the 20 year fashion cycle is starting to hit that point.

#28 is still my platonic ideal of a summer dress. If I owned that sucker I would NEVER get rid of it.
I've seen a very similar dress to that made by Ralph Lauren and sold at Marshalls on a seasonal basis. Sometimes it goes away but it always comes back.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: rdaneel0 on August 30, 2017, 09:49:44 PM
I think when you have that gut feeling that your clothes don't feel like you anymore, age wise especially, it's probably time to get some new stuff. I am not a big shopper at all, but around my late 20s I remember getting rid of some of my teenager stuff. I just felt a little funny in it, like it didn't suit me. I don't think you have to get rid of everything, jeans are fine, shoes, basic t-shirts, outerwear, classic pieces, but super trendy stuff that's really gone out of fashion or doesn't suit your lifestyle can be tossed.

-A former die-hard delia's girl
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on September 13, 2017, 07:58:24 AM
I think when you have that gut feeling that your clothes don't feel like you anymore, age wise especially, it's probably time to get some new stuff. I am not a big shopper at all, but around my late 20s I remember getting rid of some of my teenager stuff. I just felt a little funny in it, like it didn't suit me. I don't think you have to get rid of everything, jeans are fine, shoes, basic t-shirts, outerwear, classic pieces, but super trendy stuff that's really gone out of fashion or doesn't suit your lifestyle can be tossed.

-A former die-hard delia's girl

rdaneel - You've hit the nail on the head exactly. Most of my wardrobe is from my 20s and I'm in my mid 30s now.

Thanks to the all the advice from this thread I've looked over my clothes and donated the oldest things. I traded my mom one of the trendier items (chambray shirt for one of her more classic blue button downs) and made a list of the things I'm looking for.

After doing some analysis I realized part of my "work clothes" problem is that I meet with two very different types of customers: gov contractor types and cool creative types. I've been trying to split the difference in my very occasional clothes purchases and I've been going about it all wrong.

New uniform for creatives: blazers (need a new black one, will keep existing red one), random t-shirts (but well fitted, not sloppy), jeans that I have and am on the look out for leopard print slides/sneakers (I actually think a subtle leopard print is the ultimate neutral). Also I have a few really neat vintage pieces that just live in nice storage bags in my closet - will be breaking em out and working them into my "creatives" wardrobe.

Gov Contracting (will also overlap with church/nice volunteering) - This is mostly my existing stuff - black pants, button downs, can reuse blazers here, need a new black cardigan.

So I think a few new pieces will nicely augment what I have and help break out my wardrobe into two more usable categories :
Black blazer (casual, cottony fabric)
Black cardigan (still thinking about style - I'm thinking I'll be looking for something v. classic probably from Lands End or similar)
leopard print sneaks
Also- I've looked back at a decade of street style blogs and do you know what never seems to go out of fashion? Breton Stripes. Looking for one three quarter length sleeve breton stripe shirt (should work with both wardrobes).

Thanks all!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: snacky on September 13, 2017, 08:54:43 AM
I had a work mentor once advise me to never be the worst dressed/ put together person in the workplace. You don't have to be a fashionista, but don't be the schlubby one. It helps people to take you seriously if you present the right way.

I have no style whatsoever so every now and then I have a stylish friend take me shopping. Stylish people, in my experience, enjoy helping out hopeless cases like me. Do you have a friend who looks like they know what they're doing when they pick clothes?
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: cj25 on September 13, 2017, 08:58:30 AM
A coworker of mine recently wore a beautiful top.  When I commented, she said she got in 1979 when she first start working. It's in perfect condition and doesn't look out of style.  So just depends on if you wear it and how it makes you feel to wear it.  But f*ck fashion and rules.  It's body covering.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Car Jack on September 13, 2017, 09:12:32 AM
So let me think about this.

I'm wearing shoes inherited from my dad right now.  He passed away in 2007.
I bought my wallet from a ski shop owned by a friend.....in 1980.
I still have a shirt in my closet that I remember buying with a cute, blonde sister of a friend....in 1976.
I have another pair of running shoes inherited from my father sitting at home.
My sport coat, which I wear at funerals and pretty much nothing else was bought for me by my grandmother around 1985 when I graduated from college.
I do also have a fancy cashmere suit coat that I had custom made while on a business trip in Hong Kong in 1991.

I absolutely HATE shopping.  But we expect a windfall to hit my checking account any day now for $56,352.  I kept sending my wife pictures of cars all week.  Alfa Gulia, Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R.  Last night, I told her what I'm going to splurge on.  A pair of jeans and new pair of nice shoes (nice meaning that they're not skateboard shoes from 10 years ago).  The rest will be split between Redneck Bank, Ally and ETFs at TDAmeritrade and Schwab.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on September 13, 2017, 09:28:32 AM
So the funny thing is is that I actually used to be rather stylish. I spent some time working as a personal shopper at high end department store and was once even photographed by Scott Schumann for The Sartorialist (more than a decade ago when the site was just starting out so it doesn't have the same cache it does now) but once I  dedicated myself to environmentalism and frugality I told myself that my love of clothing and style was consumerist crap.

This post has been sort of interesting for me - like starting to exercise a long atrophied muscle. I started asking it from a very mustachian place - ie. Is it ever okay to throw away old clothes when they fit and have no holes in them? I was looking for permission to go with my gut feeling.

But a couple pages into the thread I've come around to: I do love clothes and I could probably tell you exactly my personal style in about 10 seconds. I know exactly what I want - I just don't feel "mustachian" about what I want. Interesting.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: PhilB on September 13, 2017, 11:07:30 AM
I'm delighted to report that I have discovered the secret of eternal life for clothing.  When a garment becomes so worn that I reluctantly decide to stop wearing it, it goes to the back of the closet and I start wearing a better condition specimen.  Some months / years later current specimen is on its last legs so I look in wardrobe and find the old garment - which now is actually in better nick than the one I'm wearing so I swap them over.  Repeat as necessary.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: shelivesthedream on September 13, 2017, 11:39:54 AM
I don't want to start some massive hoo ha, but it is harder for women to keep wearing the same small amount of clothing forever. Sorry, men, it just is. We do not have the option of just wearing any old suit to something remotely formal and doing OK, nor do we have the option of ye olde chinos and button down to anything else. Not saying you suddenly have to be all antimustachian about it, but the options for women's clothing are so much wider that it's harder to get right. There are very few women's outfits that are just generically appropriate for everything.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: PhilB on September 13, 2017, 11:44:40 AM
I don't want to start some massive hoo ha, but it is harder for women to keep wearing the same small amount of clothing forever. Sorry, men, it just is. We do not have the option of just wearing any old suit to something remotely formal and doing OK, nor do we have the option of ye olde chinos and button down to anything else. Not saying you suddenly have to be all antimustachian about it, but the options for women's clothing are so much wider that it's harder to get right. There are very few women's outfits that are just generically appropriate for everything.
The interesting thing is that the great majority of men probably won't even notice your carefully judged outfit.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: fluffmuffin on September 13, 2017, 12:14:05 PM
I don't want to start some massive hoo ha, but it is harder for women to keep wearing the same small amount of clothing forever. Sorry, men, it just is. We do not have the option of just wearing any old suit to something remotely formal and doing OK, nor do we have the option of ye olde chinos and button down to anything else. Not saying you suddenly have to be all antimustachian about it, but the options for women's clothing are so much wider that it's harder to get right. There are very few women's outfits that are just generically appropriate for everything.

Totally agreed. What can men wear to work, funerals, weddings, and cocktail parties? A tasteful, dark suit. A woman can wear the same thing to 2/4, maybe, but not 4/4 without looking tone-deaf.

So the funny thing is is that I actually used to be rather stylish. I spent some time working as a personal shopper at high end department store and was once even photographed by Scott Schumann for The Sartorialist (more than a decade ago when the site was just starting out so it doesn't have the same cache it does now) but once I  dedicated myself to environmentalism and frugality I told myself that my love of clothing and style was consumerist crap.

This post has been sort of interesting for me - like starting to exercise a long atrophied muscle. I started asking it from a very mustachian place - ie. Is it ever okay to throw away old clothes when they fit and have no holes in them? I was looking for permission to go with my gut feeling.

But a couple pages into the thread I've come around to: I do love clothes and I could probably tell you exactly my personal style in about 10 seconds. I know exactly what I want - I just don't feel "mustachian" about what I want. Interesting.

You can love clothes and still be mustachian about it! Or I don't want to be part of this club anymore :) I don't think it's about still wearing dresses from Delia's when you're 35 (yeah, those need to go)--it's figuring out how to get what you want and need in a frugal, environmentally-responsible way. Unless I need something really specific, I do most of my shopping at mid-range or higher-end consignment stores. I don't have the mental energy to deal with thrift stores these days, but consignment shops are still going to be cheaper than retail, more environmentally sound because you aren't causing more clothing to be produced, and already curated a bit. I'd also suggest The Real Real for more specific items like your leopard-print shoes.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: pachnik on September 13, 2017, 12:27:11 PM
I really thought that was enough for my occasional work trips but the last two times I went in to the office different women commented on how I always wear the same things. It made me very self conscious and in the past few weeks I've turned a very critical eye towards my closet.

Those women and that type of comment make me so angry!!!  Your work wardrobe sounds ok (I'd have to see it to see if things LOOKED dated) but honestly, the next time you get a comment about wearing the same thing, reply in the sweetest voice that you've been able to *curate* your clothing into a "Parisian wardrobe" (which is actually just a minimalist wardrobe but throwing the fashionably-equivalent term makes it sound fancier, lol) and that you love how freeing the experience has been.  I work in uniform but my wardrobe for days off (covering formal events through to days spent camping) is deliberately small but extremely versatile.  Those women equate style with owning a lot of clothes and that is not the case at all!! 

*throws hands in air in disgust at your colleagues*

I remember someone at my old job said to me that the difference between me and her was that she had a huge wardrobe and I had $$$ in the bank.  I consider that a compliment!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: ketchup on September 13, 2017, 12:52:21 PM
I don't want to start some massive hoo ha, but it is harder for women to keep wearing the same small amount of clothing forever. Sorry, men, it just is. We do not have the option of just wearing any old suit to something remotely formal and doing OK, nor do we have the option of ye olde chinos and button down to anything else. Not saying you suddenly have to be all antimustachian about it, but the options for women's clothing are so much wider that it's harder to get right. There are very few women's outfits that are just generically appropriate for everything.
The interesting thing is that the great majority of men probably won't even notice your carefully judged outfit.
Agreed.  26 year old dude here, and I can't tell you what anyone I interacted with yesterday was wearing (including my girlfriend, and we live together).  Or today, actually.  I might remember or notice if it's something goofy or distinct, but that's definitely not my default.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on September 13, 2017, 12:59:58 PM
I don't want to start some massive hoo ha, but it is harder for women to keep wearing the same small amount of clothing forever. Sorry, men, it just is. We do not have the option of just wearing any old suit to something remotely formal and doing OK, nor do we have the option of ye olde chinos and button down to anything else. Not saying you suddenly have to be all antimustachian about it, but the options for women's clothing are so much wider that it's harder to get right. There are very few women's outfits that are just generically appropriate for everything.
The interesting thing is that the great majority of men probably won't even notice your carefully judged outfit.
Agreed.  26 year old dude here, and I can't tell you what anyone I interacted with yesterday was wearing (including my girlfriend, and we live together).  Or today, actually.  I might remember or notice if it's something goofy or distinct, but that's definitely not my default.

Sort of makes me think of this:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/11/17/tv-host-same-suit-sexism/19161031/

ALso- I'm sure it varies by industry but the creative types I work with definitely notice clothes. I once had an art director notice and correctly identify the make of my purse.

The engineers I work with probably would not notice.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: galliver on September 13, 2017, 01:04:52 PM
I don't want to start some massive hoo ha, but it is harder for women to keep wearing the same small amount of clothing forever. Sorry, men, it just is. We do not have the option of just wearing any old suit to something remotely formal and doing OK, nor do we have the option of ye olde chinos and button down to anything else. Not saying you suddenly have to be all antimustachian about it, but the options for women's clothing are so much wider that it's harder to get right. There are very few women's outfits that are just generically appropriate for everything.
The interesting thing is that the great majority of men probably won't even notice your carefully judged outfit.
They won't notice/appreciate/comment on individual elements...But that doesn't mean they don't notice. And most definitely notice a poorly thought out outfit inappropriate to an important occasion. They'll never acknowledge it's the outfit; they'll call it poise, or maturity, or professionalism. They'll say they "prefer a woman without makeup" but tell an actual woman without makeup she looks unwell. Most men will make a million judgments based on a woman's looks but will never admit it's the outfit...Even the ones who claim they give zero f*cks.

I'll probably never convince you that you do this; maybe you're even one of the few who truly doesn't care. But I've personally known men who will disparage the wearing of makeup and heels in one breath, and comment on how well put together and poised a lady is in the next. So please accept we know the environment in which we are operating.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: fluffmuffin on September 13, 2017, 02:00:20 PM
I don't want to start some massive hoo ha, but it is harder for women to keep wearing the same small amount of clothing forever. Sorry, men, it just is. We do not have the option of just wearing any old suit to something remotely formal and doing OK, nor do we have the option of ye olde chinos and button down to anything else. Not saying you suddenly have to be all antimustachian about it, but the options for women's clothing are so much wider that it's harder to get right. There are very few women's outfits that are just generically appropriate for everything.
The interesting thing is that the great majority of men probably won't even notice your carefully judged outfit.
They won't notice/appreciate/comment on individual elements...But that doesn't mean they don't notice. And most definitely notice a poorly thought out outfit inappropriate to an important occasion. They'll never acknowledge it's the outfit; they'll call it poise, or maturity, or professionalism. They'll say they "prefer a woman without makeup" but tell an actual woman without makeup she looks unwell. Most men will make a million judgments based on a woman's looks but will never admit it's the outfit...Even the ones who claim they give zero f*cks.

I'll probably never convince you that you do this; maybe you're even one of the few who truly doesn't care. But I've personally known men who will disparage the wearing of makeup and heels in one breath, and comment on how well put together and poised a lady is in the next. So please accept we know the environment in which we are operating.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Yesssss so much this. Preach, Galliver! Menfolk, I know you mean well, but listen to the women on this one.

I have kind of a weird perspective on all of this because I was a total DGAF tomboy/athlete in high school. I didn't wear makeup, I mostly schlumped around in track pants, whatever ratty shirt I was wearing to practice later, a sports bra, and zero fucks. Then before college I was kind of like, huh, I guess I want to learn how to put on makeup and wear not-sweatpants? And suddenly it was like I got sprinkled with magical Girl Whose Face and Body Adhere to Western Standards of Female Attractiveness--Who is Also Performing Femininity! privilege fairy dust. Same assertive, take-no-shit Fluffmuffin, just in a different package with a completely different reception by the world. Including my allegedly #woke male acquaintances.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Imma on September 13, 2017, 02:30:15 PM
So the funny thing is is that I actually used to be rather stylish. I spent some time working as a personal shopper at high end department store and was once even photographed by Scott Schumann for The Sartorialist (more than a decade ago when the site was just starting out so it doesn't have the same cache it does now) but once I  dedicated myself to environmentalism and frugality I told myself that my love of clothing and style was consumerist crap.

This post has been sort of interesting for me - like starting to exercise a long atrophied muscle. I started asking it from a very mustachian place - ie. Is it ever okay to throw away old clothes when they fit and have no holes in them? I was looking for permission to go with my gut feeling.

But a couple pages into the thread I've come around to: I do love clothes and I could probably tell you exactly my personal style in about 10 seconds. I know exactly what I want - I just don't feel "mustachian" about what I want. Interesting.

Tossing away everything you own after the end of every season and buying new is consumerist crap. Buying a few pieces of good quality that you love and will wear for eternity is mustachian.

I don't for a second believe men who say they don't care what a woman looks like. I am the only woman in a company of men - geeky men, IT-types. My coworkers happily walk around in a t-shirt they got for free at an event more than 10 years ago and some will wear it for a week straight.

Of course, they won't be able to describe my outfit and they don't know anything about fashion, style or brands. They will say they don't care about how I dress and they mean it. But if I turn up without makeup and with my hair in a ponytail, they will ask if I feel ill. I don't spend a lot of time in front of the mirror, but mascara and BB-cream make all the difference. They will say they like casual looking women who 'don't need make-up' and when I ask them what they mean they say Katie Holmes and Jennifer Aniston. They are no doubt beautiful and natural looking but not only did they win the genetic lottery, they also spend a lot of time, money and effort looking that 'natural'.

There was a time when I didn't bother that much with clothes and basically wore plain LBD's every day. Although these are supposed to be timeless, if you wear them every day you get a lot of negative comments. If you don't bother to pick out a special outfit for special occasions, people will be insulted you didn't take the time to do so. My male bosses basically wore the same suit every day, changing only minor details like the tie or the shoes. They maybe had a light suit, a blue suit and a black one for formal occasions.  They need to wear something appropriate for the occasion too but no one will be insulted they didn't pick a 'special' suit for them.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: marielle on September 13, 2017, 02:33:37 PM
I don't want to start some massive hoo ha, but it is harder for women to keep wearing the same small amount of clothing forever. Sorry, men, it just is. We do not have the option of just wearing any old suit to something remotely formal and doing OK, nor do we have the option of ye olde chinos and button down to anything else. Not saying you suddenly have to be all antimustachian about it, but the options for women's clothing are so much wider that it's harder to get right. There are very few women's outfits that are just generically appropriate for everything.
The interesting thing is that the great majority of men probably won't even notice your carefully judged outfit.
They won't notice/appreciate/comment on individual elements...But that doesn't mean they don't notice. And most definitely notice a poorly thought out outfit inappropriate to an important occasion. They'll never acknowledge it's the outfit; they'll call it poise, or maturity, or professionalism. They'll say they "prefer a woman without makeup" but tell an actual woman without makeup she looks unwell. Most men will make a million judgments based on a woman's looks but will never admit it's the outfit...Even the ones who claim they give zero f*cks.

I'll probably never convince you that you do this; maybe you're even one of the few who truly doesn't care. But I've personally known men who will disparage the wearing of makeup and heels in one breath, and comment on how well put together and poised a lady is in the next. So please accept we know the environment in which we are operating.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Agreed.

A man who isn't well put together is hardly noticed, while a woman who isn't put together in the same clothes (t-shirt, jeans) and without makeup is instantly noticed because it's out of the norm.

I probably should get my wardrobe together at some point considering I have only spaghetti straps for casual summer wear and the rest mainly t-shirts, but right now I'd rather just be lazy and buy an outfit when I actually need it and not preemptively. It's kinda nice to not have to dress up for work (plus I do occasionally get dirty).
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: solon on September 13, 2017, 02:34:30 PM
Yes, men notice good-looking women. The surprising thing is you're all acting surprised about it!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: marielle on September 14, 2017, 02:03:04 PM

I once read that if you want to look expensively dressed you should wear only colors you would find in or on a Mercedes.

So bright green? Yellow? Black with yellow stripe? All from their website.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/the-drive-staging/message-editor%2F1501608825401-mercedes-amg-gt-r-road.jpg
https://wieck-mbusa-production.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/3926590095cc23db154baebef2f4b872f520f2e6/preview-928x522.jpg
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: JLR on September 14, 2017, 06:35:19 PM
You've gotten lots of advice here that is along the lines of what I would say, so I will just leave an anecdote:

A few weeks ago a friend posted a photo of her, myself and my husband playing Monopoly one Christmas many years ago. I commented that I couldn't figure out if it was the year we were 18, 19 or 20 because I still dress like I'm 15.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: rocketpj on September 14, 2017, 06:48:50 PM
This is where being a fella is a real advantage.  Jeans or shorts, t-shirt or collar shirt.  My uniform for about 30 years now.  A few nicer things for work or weddings etc, when appropriate.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: elaine amj on September 15, 2017, 08:54:34 AM
I do my best not to be overly trendy. But I do pay some attention and won't wear something if it is clearly out of style (usually just tuck it away in my closet and wait lol). For example, I have a "classic" velvet evening dress. I have not worn it in many years and will not wear it until the style comes back in fashion. I also have some plain button down shirts that now look dated because they have a shorter cut than the current lengthier cuts. So unless I'm tucking them in, I don't wear them either.

I do have a basic dark blue cardigan that I bought over 20 years ago that has always stayed in my regular rotation. And amazingly, still looks as good as new.

I do 95% of my clothes shopping in thrift stores so I spend maybe $50 -$100/year on clothes.

I get rid of clothes when:
- they are clearly out of style
- obviously worn out
- look dreadful on me (i.e. what was I thinking?!!)
- don't fit me anymore (weight gain/loss)

I do keep a few out-of-style things hanging around because I expect they will come back in fashion some day.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Goldielocks on September 15, 2017, 09:30:57 AM
This week, DD asked me:

DD:
Mom is that a new top? I haven't seen it before.. (long sleeve t-shirt I was wearing).
Me:   Nope

a little while later:
DD:  I think that top is too small on you.
me:  (looking down)  Ha, not too small.   Then I realize.  It is a t-shirt from the era when crop tops were very "in" and only came down to the top of my jeans, (not actually cropped) so I was flashing a 1/2 inch of skin when I reached for things...  at the time, it was one of the longer options available...

So, yes, clothing can definitely get too old as styles change.   
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: jeninco on September 15, 2017, 12:01:14 PM
This week, DD asked me:

DD:
Mom is that a new top? I haven't seen it before.. (long sleeve t-shirt I was wearing).
Me:   Nope

a little while later:
DD:  I think that top is too small on you.
me:  (looking down)  Ha, not too small.   Then I realize.  It is a t-shirt from the era when crop tops were very "in" and only came down to the top of my jeans, (not actually cropped) so I was flashing a 1/2 inch of skin when I reached for things...  at the time, it was one of the longer options available...

So, yes, clothing can definitely get too old as styles change.

<snerk>
I was volunteer-teaching a math class of 5th graders (so 12 years old or so) 6 years ago, in otherwise respectable-looking long pants and a plain solid-colored V-neck T-shirt of whatever cut I was able to get in the 5-year period preceding that. That would've made me ... mid-40s or so. I reached up to write something on the top of the board, a kid asked me about whether the piercing hurt to have done, and then we talked about something besides math for the next few minutes. (I tried to steer it along the "don't do it before you have children" lines.)

There are times when longer shirts are mandatory! When you try on your clothes in front of a mirror to check that they still fit you well, remember to reach up over your head!

(Edited to fix the typo Goldilocks saw.)
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Goldielocks on September 15, 2017, 10:30:04 PM
longer shirts or shorts!?

LOL
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: marble_faun on September 15, 2017, 11:28:58 PM
I think when you have that gut feeling that your clothes don't feel like you anymore, age wise especially, it's probably time to get some new stuff. I am not a big shopper at all, but around my late 20s I remember getting rid of some of my teenager stuff. I just felt a little funny in it, like it didn't suit me. I don't think you have to get rid of everything, jeans are fine, shoes, basic t-shirts, outerwear, classic pieces, but super trendy stuff that's really gone out of fashion or doesn't suit your lifestyle can be tossed.

-A former die-hard delia's girl

I agree with this, 100%!


But mainly I'm impressed that your Delia's stuff lasted that long!  I used to save up to buy super-trendy teenager-y stuff from the catalogue -- loved my Delia's knock-off JNCO's!   Can't imagine wearing any of that now, but I was into loud clothing that became quickly dated.

(And also... there's no way I could fit into clothing I wore when I was 14-15!)
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: jeninco on September 16, 2017, 12:48:10 PM
longer shirts or shorts!?

LOL
Shirts. Damn, my fingers got ahead of my brain!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Hula Hoop on September 16, 2017, 01:23:34 PM
That story reminded me - as a tall woman, I'm so glad that longer shirts are back in.  Back in the 90s I had a lot of those moments when I bought a new tshirt and then realized that if I reached up, I'd show the world my bright white, pudgy belly. 

I agree with the other women here that, unfortunately, women are held to a higher standard when it comes to grooming in most professions/the world.  I work in a pretty male dominated office with a large social component and when we get invited to work events it often says thing like "office wear" when, in fact, women can't just go in suits - we have to wear office appropriate dresses that are also evening appropriate - which is hard to do.  Plus makeup and jewellery of course.

I feel way less pressure to keep up fashion wise now in my mid 40 though then I did when younger.  I've also noticed that a bit of 10 year old lipstick (it seems to last forever for me) a bit of drug store mascara and some spendy concealer are enough to make me look professional enough for the office.  Also, I have a million scarves, necklaces etc now (many of them inherited from my mother in law or another friend who died) that I can just wear whatever plus a necklace and look 'put together'.  Good quality ones seem to be timeless.

Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: BTDretire on September 16, 2017, 01:29:31 PM
I have a sweatshirt from 1988, but it is only for work wear now as I got an oil stain on it from a gokart chain.
That's going on 30 years.
I wonder after washing and drying if the stain could be removed?
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Goldielocks on September 16, 2017, 05:05:10 PM
longer shirts or shorts!?

LOL
Shirts. Damn, my fingers got ahead of my brain!

ah, good.  I was wondering about the piercing.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Gin1984 on September 16, 2017, 06:57:33 PM
I just got rid of a skirt from high school (I graduated in 02) because when I tried it on after giving birth I relized it now is a bit see through.  I use clothes until they are not useful to me.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: shelivesthedream on September 17, 2017, 02:56:03 AM
It's not just that women are held to a higher standard - it's also a more complicated standard. Hula Hoop, your example about "office wear" for an evening do is a perfect one. Men have one outfit (misc dark suit) that will do those two events (and many more!). Women have to have a separate outfit for each event. And then that same men's suit could also go to a wedding, whereas our office suit is not appropriate and our evening-appropriate dress is the wrong colour or style for a daytime summer wedding...

It is possible to simplify women's clothing options. You really don't need a new dress for every event. But you do need more options for the different kinds of event than men do.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Imma on September 17, 2017, 04:06:12 AM
I tried to simplify for a while about ten years ago, I'd buy only simple elegant black and grey dresses. At first I got compliments because the dresses were quite nice, but after some time people started noticing and commenting in a negative way.

I try to avoid buying too many special occasion dresses by buying one new party dress every december, nice for parties but conservative enough for weddings and work parties. Buying one new dress every year means at any one time I'll have about 5-6 dresses from previous years to choose from for every occasion while not having to buy too many party dresses (I prefer spending money on functional clothes). Because I have a few it's not a problem if I spill something on my dress during the christmas season, no emergency laundry because there's another do tomorrow (both sets of parents are divorced, lots of family to visit in a short period of time).
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Hula Hoop on September 17, 2017, 04:09:21 AM
Exactly - shelives.  Drives me nuts when my DH teases me about how many shoes I own.  He owns 2 pairs of shoes - a pair of sneakers and a pair of sandals (he's self employed) and I own about 10 pairs - most of them old and rarely worn.  But when I go to a swanky work event and I put on my light colored dress with a pair of black pumps, it looks all wrong and even he will tell me that.  I have to search in the back of the closet for a pair of light colored dress sandals that I probably wear once every 2 years.  I also have Birkenstock type sandals and sneakers for the weekend but my office is formal so I have to also own formal-ish versions of these shoes.  It really adds up when you can't just wear the same thing to every event (nice suit is fine for the office, a work event, a wedding etc. etc.) and must own numerous versions of these outfits plus shoes that match.

Imma - I probably buy fewer party dresses than one a year.  I have the one big, fancy work event every summer and then usually a wedding or two plus a few holiday parties.  It's really hard to be mustachian though with all these different levels of 'dressing up or down' expected of women.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Goldielocks on September 17, 2017, 11:13:20 AM
Exactly - shelives.  Drives me nuts when my DH teases me about how many shoes I own.  He owns 2 pairs of shoes - a pair of sneakers and a pair of sandals (he's self employed) and I own about 10 pairs - most of them old and rarely worn.  But when I go to a swanky work event and I put on my light colored dress with a pair of black pumps, it looks all wrong and even he will tell me that.  I have to search in the back of the closet for a pair of light colored dress sandals that I probably wear once every 2 years.  I also have Birkenstock type sandals and sneakers for the weekend but my office is formal so I have to also own formal-ish versions of these shoes.  It really adds up when you can't just wear the same thing to every event (nice suit is fine for the office, a work event, a wedding etc. etc.) and must own numerous versions of these outfits plus shoes that match.



I do like the thrift store for the occassional clothing, shoes.   Getting a pair of dress sandals for once every year  / two years wear for $20, and a dress a year, also for $20, really extends the wardrobe, and I only need to pay for a few items that I need for daily use, like great workshoes.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: shelivesthedream on September 17, 2017, 11:17:21 AM
Back in university when I went out a lot more, my 'system' was to own one pair of black and white heels and one pair of gold heels. I worked out my exact size in one fancy brand that does a lot of eveningwear (Monsoon) and set up a standing search on eBay for my favourite colours and under £10. I probably bought maybe twenty dresses that way across the three years - for the price of one new one! Some I resold (not usually for much, about £5, or in a job lot) and a few I still have. Back when I would put that much effort into it :) Now I just have four smart dresses that have to take me everywhere and one pair of smart shoes (flats now!). If I went to a white tie event I'd have to buy something new, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: galliver on September 17, 2017, 11:34:25 AM
I don't tend to have too many occasions to wear dresses, but I picked up several (at Ross) before going to a wedding at a resort where it sounded like there was a dress code for dinner, and I didn't want to wear the same thing every night.

I've ended up with other occasions to use most of them, but the one I find most versatile is fairly dark purple, sheath style/cut but not too tight, some ruched/drapey bits that keep it interesting, wide shoulders, stretchy synthetic fabric that stays wrinkle free. It's gone on fancy dates w/bf, it's gone to weddings, I think it could totally pull off a work day/work event combo. Probably the closest thing I've encountered to a man's suit. However, I expect if worn to repeated events with the same crowd it would still attract attention/comments on wearing the same thing, where a man's suit would not...

PS intended to share something I have found quite versatile, in case it helps someone streamline their dress wardrobe :) I suspect other non-black dark colors would work similarly well: red, blue, green. Black is of course endlessly elegant but sometimes frowned upon for weddings (as too dark/glum).
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Hula Hoop on September 17, 2017, 01:39:56 PM
I've saved a ton of money on clothing of late by basically using handmedowns and freebies.  For example, a colleague is on some huge health kick right now and lost a bunch of weight.  She gave me 6 pairs of her old pants and a few shirts.  The shirts didn't fit and two pairs of pants didn't work.  But for the other 4, I just got them tailored longer as I'm tall and they're perfect.  Same for an evening type dress. 

I also bought a bunch of really nice kids' clothes second hand at their school's semiannual second hand market.  At the end of the day, people were literally giving me dresses and shoes for my younger kid as they just wanted to get rid of them.  My kids are very well dressed and I'd say 75% of their wardrobes are second hand.

I never seem to have luck with shoes at thrift stores probably because I have big feet but I've had great luck with brooches, necklaces and scarves. 
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: rdaneel0 on September 18, 2017, 06:47:33 PM
So the funny thing is is that I actually used to be rather stylish. I spent some time working as a personal shopper at high end department store and was once even photographed by Scott Schumann for The Sartorialist (more than a decade ago when the site was just starting out so it doesn't have the same cache it does now) but once I  dedicated myself to environmentalism and frugality I told myself that my love of clothing and style was consumerist crap.

This post has been sort of interesting for me - like starting to exercise a long atrophied muscle. I started asking it from a very mustachian place - ie. Is it ever okay to throw away old clothes when they fit and have no holes in them? I was looking for permission to go with my gut feeling.

But a couple pages into the thread I've come around to: I do love clothes and I could probably tell you exactly my personal style in about 10 seconds. I know exactly what I want - I just don't feel "mustachian" about what I want. Interesting.

YES! I also used to work in the fashion world (high-end retail). I feel the same way. I could sum up my style in one sentence, and I'm very particular about fabrics, colors, proportions, etc.

I know this will sound totally insane to non-fashion oriented folks, but if I hate what I'm wearing, it's like an active hatred. I can't stand it and I can't think about anything else. I've never craved name brands for the sake of name brands, so it's not a status thing, it just bothers me. I feel the same way about poor lighting in a room or a room with a terrible color scheme/off proportions. 

Anyway, I think I've found a good MMM balance for me to feel good and not spend much on clothing. I put my money where it really counts (e.g. quality shoes last way longer than cheap payless shoes).

I think at this point my closet is:

1/4 high priced quality staples (shoes, boots, coats, layering cold-weather gear, I don't mean designer items, but I paid $160 for the leather boots I've had for the last 7 years, and $300 for a coat I will probably own for 15 years)
1/4 medium priced everyday items (skirts, jeans, lingerie, blouses, maybe $30-$50)
1/2 super cheap (trendier) items (tank tops, cami's, t-shirts,dresses, purse, wallet, workout wear, pajamas, maybe $5 to $20)

I still get the enjoyment of having enough clothing to put together new outfits, and since half of my wardrobe is super cheap (like $15 or less for an item) I can still incorporate some trends into what I wear, and paired with my nicer shoes and outerwear I think it all looks pretty good!

 
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: rdaneel0 on September 18, 2017, 06:49:34 PM
I think when you have that gut feeling that your clothes don't feel like you anymore, age wise especially, it's probably time to get some new stuff. I am not a big shopper at all, but around my late 20s I remember getting rid of some of my teenager stuff. I just felt a little funny in it, like it didn't suit me. I don't think you have to get rid of everything, jeans are fine, shoes, basic t-shirts, outerwear, classic pieces, but super trendy stuff that's really gone out of fashion or doesn't suit your lifestyle can be tossed.

-A former die-hard delia's girl

I agree with this, 100%!


But mainly I'm impressed that your Delia's stuff lasted that long!  I used to save up to buy super-trendy teenager-y stuff from the catalogue -- loved my Delia's knock-off JNCO's!   Can't imagine wearing any of that now, but I was into loud clothing that became quickly dated.

(And also... there's no way I could fit into clothing I wore when I was 14-15!)

Hahaha, omg, knock-off JNCO's!!!! I know exactly what you're talking about. Pair that with a real chunky flip flop sandal and roll some glitter in your hair, and you're out the door! #fabulous
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Optimiser on September 19, 2017, 02:05:38 PM
So the funny thing is is that I actually used to be rather stylish. I spent some time working as a personal shopper at high end department store and was once even photographed by Scott Schumann for The Sartorialist (more than a decade ago when the site was just starting out so it doesn't have the same cache it does now) but once I  dedicated myself to environmentalism and frugality I told myself that my love of clothing and style was consumerist crap.

This post has been sort of interesting for me - like starting to exercise a long atrophied muscle. I started asking it from a very mustachian place - ie. Is it ever okay to throw away old clothes when they fit and have no holes in them? I was looking for permission to go with my gut feeling.

But a couple pages into the thread I've come around to: I do love clothes and I could probably tell you exactly my personal style in about 10 seconds. I know exactly what I want - I just don't feel "mustachian" about what I want. Interesting.

YES! I also used to work in the fashion world (high-end retail). I feel the same way. I could sum up my style in one sentence, and I'm very particular about fabrics, colors, proportions, etc.

I know this will sound totally insane to non-fashion oriented folks, but if I hate what I'm wearing, it's like an active hatred. I can't stand it and I can't think about anything else. I've never craved name brands for the sake of name brands, so it's not a status thing, it just bothers me. I feel the same way about poor lighting in a room or a room with a terrible color scheme/off proportions. 

Anyway, I think I've found a good MMM balance for me to feel good and not spend much on clothing. I put my money where it really counts (e.g. quality shoes last way longer than cheap payless shoes).

I think at this point my closet is:

1/4 high priced quality staples (shoes, boots, coats, layering cold-weather gear, I don't mean designer items, but I paid $160 for the leather boots I've had for the last 7 years, and $300 for a coat I will probably own for 15 years)
1/4 medium priced everyday items (skirts, jeans, lingerie, blouses, maybe $30-$50)
1/2 super cheap (trendier) items (tank tops, cami's, t-shirts,dresses, purse, wallet, workout wear, pajamas, maybe $5 to $20)

I still get the enjoyment of having enough clothing to put together new outfits, and since half of my wardrobe is super cheap (like $15 or less for an item) I can still incorporate some trends into what I wear, and paired with my nicer shoes and outerwear I think it all looks pretty good!

 

You may benefit from a healthy dose of stoicism here. Cato the Younger is said to have deliberately worn ugly and unfashionable clothing in order to inure himself to the pointless judgement of others-- to learn to be ashamed of only what was shameful. Obviously, you wouldn't want to do this at work or somewhere that there may actually be consequences for not wearing appropriate dress.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on September 19, 2017, 02:43:25 PM

I know this will sound totally insane to non-fashion oriented folks, but if I hate what I'm wearing, it's like an active hatred. I can't stand it and I can't think about anything else. I've never craved name brands for the sake of name brands, so it's not a status thing, it just bothers me. I feel the same way about poor lighting in a room or a room with a terrible color scheme/off proportions. 
 

Whoa! yep - that sounds like me totally. The poor lighting and proportion thing especially. I have rooms in my house that I think are "perfect" - balance, color, etc. I feel actual happiness when I step into the rooms. A beautiful garden or an art museum also give me these feelings.  I think I am strongly aesthetically motivated.

I agree with the name brand thing too - I am actually less likely to buy something logo'd (well, in my pre-mustachian life - I haven't bought bought name brand anything in years:)) but am an absolute sucker for materials, textures and craftsmanship.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: StarBright on September 19, 2017, 02:50:30 PM

You may benefit from a healthy dose of stoicism here. Cato the Younger is said to have deliberately worn ugly and unfashionable clothing in order to inure himself to the pointless judgement of others-- to learn to be ashamed of only what was shameful. Obviously, you wouldn't want to do this at work or somewhere that there may actually be consequences for not wearing appropriate dress.

So how long does it take to inure oneself?  I've been wearing unfashionable clothing for a long time and it still clearly makes me uncomfortable:)

Is this like when people say you eventually get used to the thermostat being low in the winter?
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: rdaneel0 on September 19, 2017, 08:33:00 PM
So the funny thing is is that I actually used to be rather stylish. I spent some time working as a personal shopper at high end department store and was once even photographed by Scott Schumann for The Sartorialist (more than a decade ago when the site was just starting out so it doesn't have the same cache it does now) but once I  dedicated myself to environmentalism and frugality I told myself that my love of clothing and style was consumerist crap.

This post has been sort of interesting for me - like starting to exercise a long atrophied muscle. I started asking it from a very mustachian place - ie. Is it ever okay to throw away old clothes when they fit and have no holes in them? I was looking for permission to go with my gut feeling.

But a couple pages into the thread I've come around to: I do love clothes and I could probably tell you exactly my personal style in about 10 seconds. I know exactly what I want - I just don't feel "mustachian" about what I want. Interesting.

YES! I also used to work in the fashion world (high-end retail). I feel the same way. I could sum up my style in one sentence, and I'm very particular about fabrics, colors, proportions, etc.

I know this will sound totally insane to non-fashion oriented folks, but if I hate what I'm wearing, it's like an active hatred. I can't stand it and I can't think about anything else. I've never craved name brands for the sake of name brands, so it's not a status thing, it just bothers me. I feel the same way about poor lighting in a room or a room with a terrible color scheme/off proportions. 

Anyway, I think I've found a good MMM balance for me to feel good and not spend much on clothing. I put my money where it really counts (e.g. quality shoes last way longer than cheap payless shoes).

I think at this point my closet is:

1/4 high priced quality staples (shoes, boots, coats, layering cold-weather gear, I don't mean designer items, but I paid $160 for the leather boots I've had for the last 7 years, and $300 for a coat I will probably own for 15 years)
1/4 medium priced everyday items (skirts, jeans, lingerie, blouses, maybe $30-$50)
1/2 super cheap (trendier) items (tank tops, cami's, t-shirts,dresses, purse, wallet, workout wear, pajamas, maybe $5 to $20)

I still get the enjoyment of having enough clothing to put together new outfits, and since half of my wardrobe is super cheap (like $15 or less for an item) I can still incorporate some trends into what I wear, and paired with my nicer shoes and outerwear I think it all looks pretty good!

 

You may benefit from a healthy dose of stoicism here. Cato the Younger is said to have deliberately worn ugly and unfashionable clothing in order to inure himself to the pointless judgement of others-- to learn to be ashamed of only what was shameful. Obviously, you wouldn't want to do this at work or somewhere that there may actually be consequences for not wearing appropriate dress.

I would agree, except for the fact that I've already found a good balance that I'm happy with.

I think you might have gotten the idea, from my post, that I'm constantly shopping or spending a huge amount on clothing, which is inaccurate but understandable based on what I posted. I last bought clothing about 8 months ago when I purchased 2 bras, a pack of socks, 2 pairs of jeans (replacing 7+ year old jeans) and one pair of comfort sandals (replacing a 5+ year old pair). I probably won't shop all this fall/winter, or the following summer, but the winter after that...I might need some new boots.

That said, I still have a great little black leather jacket, a classic trench coat, some nice stockings in different colors, a few flattering dresses, some nice work skirts, some cheap but cute blouses, two blazers, and some casual wear.

My goal isn't to cave to social pressures of beauty or status or style, it's to feel comfortable in what I'm wearing. For me, this is achievable by blending very low cost items with moderate to higher priced items that last longer.

OP, maybe we should start a thread for sharing brands?

Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: pdxmonkey on September 19, 2017, 09:01:59 PM
the last two times I went in to the office different women commented on how I always wear the same things. It made me very self conscious and in the past few weeks I've turned a very critical eye towards my closet.

That is super rude. I can't believe someone would say something like that to you.

I have about 8 shirts, 5 pairs of pants and 1 pair of shoes that I wear to work. I work 5 days a week, so I wear the same things all the time.

FWIW - I don't think they were trying to be rude - more like making chit-chat commentary. One girl was like "Wow -I think you were wearing that cardigan when I had my internship interview here and that was almost 10 years ago." For being a black cardigan it has a distinctive trim on the sleeves so I guess one might notice those things. Also several of the younger women I work with are very on-trend and very into clothes so clothes talk is one of the ways they interact - but all of the sudden it made me very AWARE.

Haven't finished reading the thread so not sure if its been suggested, but there are both men and women who wear the same thing to work every day. Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerburg are the most famous that come to mind, but I have seen articles on female executives doing the same thing. If you only buy one set of work clothes since you don't go in that often you could just say yeah I do it on purpose..so I can concentrate on the work that matters or whatever.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Larsg on September 19, 2017, 10:20:11 PM
We only replace items once they absolutely wear out - e.g. holes that cannot be repaired, thread bare, etc. If we grow out of something and the clothes are still good, we will donate them. Since my wife and I now both work from home and no longer have to travel for work, we have retired all need for the uniform (uncomfortable suites, shoes, ties, chemical goops for hair and body). We now dress down permanently. Think of the Steve Jobs Uniform - jeans and black t's - combo of short and long. That's about it for both of us, mixed in w/exercise clothes that we buy in high quality (e.g. 35$ running pants that last over 10 years or more).

We do not buy fashionable things but instead, classic, high quality, long wear neutrals that never go out of style.

We have saved thousands and no longer ponder this question. We get nervous if anyone invites us to something where we have to Dress Up other than jeans and t's as we have grown that much - for us in a good way. Mostly we opt no longer to go to those types events if our new persona won't fit. It usually means that the event is no longer a fit. Now, of course there may be outliers here like weddings, kids graduations, etc but again, we're not going to buy needless things to fit into someone else idea of what we should look like. As long as we are clean and comfortable, good enough.
Title: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: pbkmaine on September 20, 2017, 03:27:47 AM
I get a lot of pleasure from inexpensively sourcing quality clothing. I am going to a preppy wedding next summer and know there will be tons of seersucker suits with bow ties and Talbots and Lilly Pulitzer dresses. So, whenever I am in thrift stores, I go through the dresses. Last week I found a Talbots dress that fits me perfectly for $5.

Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: artistache on September 20, 2017, 04:47:02 AM
A thoughts, because we're in the same age/gender bracket, and I don't see this experience reflected in most of these comments:
Older man, specifically older white men, can get away with far older/more worn/less fashionable clothing and still command respect than basically any other demographic. If there's any area in your life in which you have to fight to be seen or listened to, you'll want to maintain a small supply of good quality basics in whatever era's cuts flatter you most. I can't dress like a teen or even a little sloppy; I'm small and young-looking and work in a male-dominated industry. I would encourage you to consider an small, thoughtful (second hand/consignment) update to your wardrobe.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: rdaneel0 on September 20, 2017, 08:15:32 AM
A thoughts, because we're in the same age/gender bracket, and I don't see this experience reflected in most of these comments:
Older man, specifically older white men, can get away with far older/more worn/less fashionable clothing and still command respect than basically any other demographic. If there's any area in your life in which you have to fight to be seen or listened to, you'll want to maintain a small supply of good quality basics in whatever era's cuts flatter you most. I can't dress like a teen or even a little sloppy; I'm small and young-looking and work in a male-dominated industry. I would encourage you to consider an small, thoughtful (second hand/consignment) update to your wardrobe.

THIS. I'm 30, female, in a male-dominated field in a major city. I'm also petite and young looking, and I get a completely different response from other professionals when I'm put together versus in jeans and a t-shirt (which my male co-workers wear all the time). I wore jeans a t-shirt to one event, and I will never do it again, I kept getting asked if I was an intern or an assistant, what my credentials were, and some people just straight up ignored me/interrupted me. In a nice blouse and a skirt, I have no problems whatsoever.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: rockstache on September 20, 2017, 09:32:24 AM

OP, maybe we should start a thread for sharing brands?

YES PLEASE!! I like very specific advice and am terrible at fashion. I would love this.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: fluffmuffin on September 20, 2017, 10:02:14 AM

OP, maybe we should start a thread for sharing brands?

YES PLEASE!! I like very specific advice and am terrible at fashion. I would love this.

Would there be interest in a buy/sell/trade clothing swap type situation?

You may benefit from a healthy dose of stoicism here. Cato the Younger is said to have deliberately worn ugly and unfashionable clothing in order to inure himself to the pointless judgement of others-- to learn to be ashamed of only what was shameful. Obviously, you wouldn't want to do this at work or somewhere that there may actually be consequences for not wearing appropriate dress.

I respect where you're coming from here, Optimiser, but there are consequences for women here that there just aren't for men. And you never know when you're going to run into someone, at least in my city. Maybe I'm just on a quick grocery run, but I go to the same store as plenty of influential people in my workplace--I don't need to be dressed like I am for work, but I need to maintain some level of personal grooming. Society also simultaneously sexualizes, commoditizes, and shames women's bodies in a way that it doesn't for men's (at least on a large scale; of course individual men may experience any and all of those things). There are also clothes I don't feel comfortable wearing--because I don't feel safe with the way people react to my body when I'm wearing them.

I don't blame you for not being aware of this and suggesting what you did, but I think just about every woman in the world intuitively knows that what may seem like "the pointless judgment of others" can have real-world ramifications.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: rdaneel0 on September 21, 2017, 02:41:49 PM

OP, maybe we should start a thread for sharing brands?

YES PLEASE!! I like very specific advice and am terrible at fashion. I would love this.

Would there be interest in a buy/sell/trade clothing swap type situation?

Yes please! I used to work with a bunch of women who were around my size and it was great, but now everyone at my workplace is older and wears a bigger size than me. I miss getting fresh clothing!

I would be into this too!!!
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: rdaneel0 on September 21, 2017, 02:50:10 PM

OP, maybe we should start a thread for sharing brands?

YES PLEASE!! I like very specific advice and am terrible at fashion. I would love this.

Would there be interest in a buy/sell/trade clothing swap type situation?

You may benefit from a healthy dose of stoicism here. Cato the Younger is said to have deliberately worn ugly and unfashionable clothing in order to inure himself to the pointless judgement of others-- to learn to be ashamed of only what was shameful. Obviously, you wouldn't want to do this at work or somewhere that there may actually be consequences for not wearing appropriate dress.

I respect where you're coming from here, Optimiser, but there are consequences for women here that there just aren't for men. And you never know when you're going to run into someone, at least in my city. Maybe I'm just on a quick grocery run, but I go to the same store as plenty of influential people in my workplace--I don't need to be dressed like I am for work, but I need to maintain some level of personal grooming. Society also simultaneously sexualizes, commoditizes, and shames women's bodies in a way that it doesn't for men's (at least on a large scale; of course individual men may experience any and all of those things). There are also clothes I don't feel comfortable wearing--because I don't feel safe with the way people react to my body when I'm wearing them.

I don't blame you for not being aware of this and suggesting what you did, but I think just about every woman in the world intuitively knows that what may seem like "the pointless judgment of others" can have real-world ramifications.

Yep, this. You don't have to wear a full face of makeup and $500 high heels, but there are real ramifications for women in terms of dress, both professionally and in terms of personal safety. It's the same reason I bring cover ups for OVER my workout clothes after I've left class. I mean, technically it's more comfortable physically without the cover ups, but it's not safe (in my experience) to walk around in yoga pants and a spaghetti strap top with no bra...I get screamed at, talked to, eye fucked, etc. so I have these dumb cover ups I cart around. But then there's the whole "women have soooo many clothes, LOL!!!" from guys, and I just want to be like, DUDE. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? If it were up to me I would wear a black tank top and black yoga pants with sneakers every single day.
Title: Re: How Old is Too Old for Clothing?
Post by: Imma on September 23, 2017, 08:38:50 AM
Monday I'm returning to work after my annual leave of two weeks, so I'm getting all my work clothes together and making sure they're cleaned and ironed where necessary. I'm also putting one of the dresses on to visit my mother today - dressing up for family is a big thing in my family. I'm sure she'd let me in the house wearing my normal 'around the house'  - outfit, but she would keep talking about it for the entire time I'm there. My family is very judgemental about my appearance - even though I think I look pretty well put together, my relatives are still pretty nasty about it. Our relationship isn't great, I don't visit them a lot, but hearing their disapproval all the time doesn't feel nice.