Wow , I saw a lady today.....

You can bet that the stylish lady had spent a lot of money on those clothes.

Never underestimate the power of expensive, "ordinary" clothes.

I bought a bottle green beret in the Monsoon sale. DH came across it the other day still with its (very cheap) price tag on, and wondered why I haven’t worn it yet. All I can say is it didn’t look too mad when I tried it on in the store....

Would some tech savvy,stylish people post some photos please of outfits and ideas ?

If only there were some sort of style guides for us older ladies. If you look on the internet they hold up Joanna Lumley and Helen Mirren, etc. as examples, but we don't have their confidence (or their money)! Where is someone to show us the way?

I'm 5'9" and a size 11 (!) up from an 8 which was too thin.
I naturally gravitate to greys, creams etc but occasionally go mad and buy something as bright as possible.
This year I got a boiled wool coat in burnt orange and everyone loves it so followed it with a dress in teal and a floaty scarf to wear with it in clashing colours of teal, turquoise, orange, red and fuschia and navy.
Plan to wear the lot to go out on Christmas Day with navy tights and patent ankle boots.
By the way, my hair is shoulder length, highlighted and I'm 74

There are so many style ideas for older ladies on the internet, one is advanced style. One common denominator is lipstick, usually red. I haven’t tried that, I but never go out without make up and dread the day when I might decide a nice, grey, short back and sides would be very practical. Complete with beige anorak and no make up. My mum wore orange lipstick and Creme Puff until she died at 94, can’t let her down!

Me again! Just remembered my bright red wool coat which I had hidden away in the cupboard - must get it out and wear it! Ha! You will never see me in beige!

I wear a lot of pinks and reds, stripes, dots, plains, anything. I feel brighter in those colours, I look much older in greys and particularly browns so I don't wear them. I'm 71 and a size 12/14.

Sounds great. She obviously has the confidence to carry it off. Me?I'm stuck in dark trousers and grey tops. Occasionally I may see something bright which I'd love to wear, buy it, get it home and never wear it.

There are some great comments/opinions here - at the end of the day it is all about CONFIDENCE - and attitude too. I always try to look my best, but have never had a great deal of confidence, no matter how many compliments I may receive. I would like to think I was a cross between Goldie Hawn, for her looks, especially her smile and hair and Helen Mirren for her attitude and style. I had given up wearing a bikini until that famous photo of Helen in hers! She gave me the confidence to start wearing them again! Happy Christmas to you all - and wear whatever makes you feel good!

I'm seldom without a hat. Usually cap style but push the boat out sometimes on a Sunday and certainly for weddings. The number of people who say 'I don't suit hats/feel self conscious/wish I had your courage' is amazing. Why? My reason is practical. It keeps my head warm. Actually think I've caused a weakness in that my head feels decidedly cold without one. With regards to Maw's 'sensible', my Mum used to say 'be colour bright. The weather takes care of dull and drab'. So true.

Nobody has said there is anything wrong with any size. I was trying to provide a visual image .please do not be rude to me mabon.you are not the only one facing challenges.

I do think it so often comes down to colour and being adventurous.
I have recently replaced a duffle coat and went for navy. Nowt wrong with that but I could have had bright deep raspberry or gold but I found myself thinking which would be more sensible and practical. [

My sister is 78 and always wears a beret in the winter, she also wears a stylish scarf and a Burberry coat. She does not look at all mad or frumpish but she does have a blonde bob rather than long grey hair. I, on the other hand, look like a bag lady even in the most expensive clothes.

There are some great videos on YouTube showing mature ladies how to wear colour, how to wear a scarf, and how to wear makeup. The differences between before and after are amazing and well worth seeing. Some foundation, lipstick and mascara never goes amiss.

What's wrong with being size 18ish. I am flabbergasted that anyone could write a comment like that, who do you think you are?

Like you, I struggle with style. I see someone and think wow. But me, just never seem to get it right.

I always appreciate style and particularly colour co-ordination. I think I've managed chic in my day but elegance has confounded me because of a huge lack of inches. I'm became happily resigned when my husband said he was glad because, had I been taller, I wouldn't have looked at him. He was short but wonderful with it.

I always look messy, can't seem to do chic or even smart casual. Even though I get my hair done every 6 weeks it always looks messy and I can never seem to get clothes that look good on me. Also I've never really got the hang of putting make up on properly. Guess I never will now!

What I picked up on here is the grey hair...reading through the comments, it does bother me that the general consensus is that grey hair = short hair. I went white when in my 20s, and after a few years of colouring, gave up. I love the colour of my hair, and it is often commented on. I don't dress like a grey-haired lady (I'm 65) and never have done, so people are often surprised at my age. I have had my hair long and short over the years, and as long as its in good nick, there's no issue. People need to get over it...

I had bright blue in my hair last year needed cheering up. I loved it ,so back to my pixey cut couple of weeks ago so next week having hair painted a rich blue , because I want .

There was a lady at the bus stop a while ago. She was tall and slim. She had her hair done, lovely make up, was wearing black patent shoes with little heels, a love check suit and a black beret. There was an elderly chap moaning and groaning about his aches and pains. He announced 'I'm 80.' This lady smiled and said 'oh are you? I'm 90'. She was amazing.

I am a beige,baggy,batty. Miss A shopping in slippers? It'll be Asda in pyjamas next.

Bloomin heck you must drive well and brake smoothly merlotgran. I once drove off and saw my handbag sailing through the air off the roof through the rear mirror...

MissA

I once drove to the village shop in my slippers. As if that wasn't bad enough when I got out I spotted a half full mug of tea still balanced on the roof of the car.

Well, it is flat on the fens.