The Working Closet
with Susan Wagner
The Working Closet is your source for the best of what's hip and fresh in fashion and beauty. Susan Wagner keeps you up-to-date on trends and offers tips and tricks for making everything in your closet truly work for you.
You can also catch Susan over at Working Closet.
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Wednesday’s post on shorts after 40 generated some interesting discussion, about age and style and what counts as appropriate. Several of you declared ultimatums: Pam warned against the bandage dress, for one, and someone else (sorry!) cautioned against flowered headbands. And then there’s the gray area of rompers — I say no to the romper if you’re over 10, but not everyone agrees.
Which brings me to a larger question: Do you have a Do Not Wear list? Are there things that you just will not put on your body, no matter what your age or size or how cute they look on someone else? Or are you game for anything?
Here are my Do Not Wear pieces.
Oh Gwyneth. Why???.
1. Jumpsuit. Yeah, that is not happening. Ever. I’m not wearing anything that requires me to undress to pee. Forget it. (See also: Romper.)
2. Strapless. I love a summery strapless dress, but it just does not work for me. Something about the combination of my wee tiny head and my wee tiny shoulders make me look … Off. Wrong. Weird. So not the look I’m going for. Ever.
3. Thongs. We’ve discussed this before. No.
4. Cutoffs. I love the idea of denim cutoffs, but I cannot make them work for me. And yet, every summer I think, “Ooh that would be cute!” And I try and it isn’t. So I’m making it a personal style rule — no cutoffs. Ever.
5. Printed maxi dress. I see them on other girls and think, “Cuuuuute!” But I cannot pull this off, for whatever reason. Frankly, I’ve got too much else going on to spend time figuring out why, so I’m just saying a blanket no to printed maxis in my closet. It’s that easy.
Your turn! Share in the comments. Inquiring minds want to know.
Photo via Zimbio.com.
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My husband and I were just talking about this last week when I turned 35 and he took me shopping. Not that I was trying on anything inappropriate, but that certain things were not ok when you turned certain ages. I’ve been enjoying the discussions happening here on the topic!
On my Do Not Wear(EVER) list:
1. Maxi Dresses. I am 5′2″ tall. They are not a good look on me…and this comes from petite girl who wears 5″ heels to work every day…even with the wedges, not cute. I just look…frumpy.
2. Flats. I don’t wear them because I am so short, and because my fifth graders are taller than me…and because I love the way I look and feel in high heels….and I HATE the way I feel in flats. Despite my shoe fetish:) and the plethora of cute flats out there, I just don’t do it. My sneakers are the only exception…and those are only for working out.
3. Knee Length Shorts/Knee length capris. No. Just…no. They look frumpy. Did I mention my inseam is 28″? If it’s warm enough to wear shorts, I’m wearing shorts, not half pants. (and I don’t wear bootie shorts, either.)
4. Suits. As in the matchy matchy type. Even from Banana or J.Crew. They don’t fit my lifestyle. I have blazers, and i have fabulous dress pants. I mix and match. And if I need to be seriously dressed for my professional life, I wear a dress. But never, ever have I required one. Not even on Job interviews.
5. Thongs. They just aren’t comfortable, and I think I saw too many girls wearing them whale tail style, which just made me ( and still does!) cringe. Gah!
cherylp | June 1st, 2012 at 3:08 pm
My Do Not Wear List:
1) Capris. Nope, not flattering on pretty much anyone ever.
2) Rompers, jumpsuits, any type of adult onesie.
3) Denim shorts and cut offs-I wore these when I was in high school, not my best years in terms of good judgment.
4) Clothing with any writing emblazoned on them. Unless I’m working out, then I’ll wear race shirts, etc. My body is not a billboard.
5) Leggings. Leggings are not pants. Amen
I was anti-maxi dresses until last summer. Now I LOVE them.
elz | June 6th, 2012 at 6:09 am
Love maxi dresses - but my 5′8″ frame makes them easier perhaps.
My do not wear list -
1. regular capris - I have great calves, not so thighs - fine to cut off @ knee but I look cut in half any lower
2. Overalls - I don’t do anything dealing with dirt so that is just posing! Besides - not always the greatest look on the busty.
3. Heels over 2″. I have one pair of boots with a 2.5 - they look great on…as long as I don’t have to walk. I literally fall, often, in them.
4. Leggings - except for working out.
5. Cut off anything. Didn’t even like them when I was younger
6. Showing midriff. This includes two piece swimsuits. Because I’m over 30 and don’t have 6-pack abs.
Mich | June 6th, 2012 at 11:07 am
I really love your posts
jessica | June 7th, 2012 at 12:35 am
I agree with the leggings!
My top 5 do not wear list
1. Capri’s, I’m short and stubby they don’t look right.
2. Capri, ankles, knee length pants or shorts with cuffs, my husband was not convinced until he busted out laughing when he convinced me to try on a pair.
3. Big billowy shirts, they just make me look bigger and more billowy. I have to have fitted, tapered, a little loose shirts. Moo-moo shirts only look good on super skinny people.
4. Blacks and neutrals from head to toe. I need color baby especially on top which brings me to #5.
5. Light colored bottoms. I stick with dark colors on the bottom and color on top.
ACL | June 7th, 2012 at 8:15 am
Same as other posts plus:
- pants that have writing on the bum. i really don’t need to draw attention to that area.
- skirts above the knee. looks cute on some. not so much on my thunder thigs!
- bikini. those days are long gone. slimming one piece, please!
- maternity clothes post-partum. this doesn’t apply to me so much any more as i’m done having kids (my youngest is 5 months). i’ll wear yoga pants and elastic waist skirts all the live long day but lord help me if i have to put those massively uncomfortable maternity pants back on my body!
- strapless anything. after breastfeeing three kids “the girls” just can’t hold up on their own.
Kristi | June 11th, 2012 at 11:41 am
Too much cleavage in business situations. I don’t care how liberated and “cool” everyone is. It doesn’t look professional and no one is going to listen when they’re too busy looking.
OK professional for a handful of professions including the oldest but the best policy is to keep your boobies pretty much covered.
Judy Murdoch | June 19th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
No no to thongs, jumpsuit and rompers. Just don’t feel wearing them.
classycareergirl | June 27th, 2012 at 2:32 am
I love the idea of denim cutoffs, but I cannot make them work for me. And yet, every summer I think, “Ooh that would be cute!” And I try and it isn’t. So I’m making it a personal style rule — no cutoffs. Ever.
tresor paris | July 1st, 2012 at 2:29 am
The post and comments made me laugh and also worry a little bit…at 40 I thought capris were a better choice than shorts. Hmmm. Maybe it’s time for that full length mirror? And I have to add sleeveless shirts to the list of not for the office! Perhaps not off limits for everyone, but honestly, look at your arms - are they really fit for public perusal??
Malisa | July 10th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Hahaha oh, jumpers… just… weird. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a jumper look good on somebody.
I love leggings though! And printed maxi dresses… hmmm :-/
Shirley Stark | July 26th, 2012 at 11:03 am