Okay, this is sort of a spin-off of Megan's VS Pink Sailor Dog thread.
I am wondering about horizontal stripes which are prominent when it comes to the nautical theme, which I love.
I was semi-watching Oprah a week or so ago, and this fashion expert Tim Gunn(?)said women over 40 shouldn't wear horizontal stripes? I am not quite 40 yet (I will be in another decade), and I do suppose they make you look wider but isn't it a bit too harsh?!
What's your take on it?

I Tim Gunn!! I can't say I agree with his opinion about horizontal stripes, though. They are supposed to make you look wider, but being over 40 doesn't necessarily mean you are overweight.

Actually, I've noticed nautical stripes popping up in stores for the past few weeks -- I imagine that will be very "in" this summer.

Okay, I didn't realize that Tim Gunn is on Project Runway. Unfortunately, I don't have Bravo.
Here's the list of 6 things you shouldn't wear when you're over 40 according to him:
Never wear:
1. Horizontal stripes
2. Jackets that hit at mid-thigh
3. Pleated pants
4. Double-breasted blazers
5. Capri-length pants
6. Low-rise jeans

I think he forgot mini skirts.
I certainly get the low-rise jeans, but I don't see why no horizontal stripes.

Hmm. I'm curious about the stripes, too. Also the capri pants. I don't really see anything wrong with those, especially in the summer. I don't wear shorts out, but I'll wear capris.

Yes, what's up with capris? Are you supposed to wear either jeans or shorts in summertime?

I question this list!
Maybe he was talking about when you're dressing up or something, because this just doesn't make sense.

Hmmm, perhaps he was thinking more of more formal dress. Who knows.

I still think he's delightful. I envy his vocabulary and poise!

Hmmm . . . I don't agree with those fashion "rules" - I say a woman should wear what flatters her & what's appropriate for the occasion (wedding, soccer game, concert, etc.), no matter her age!

Well, since this thread was inspired by VS Pink stuff, I'll give an example of good horizontal stripes vs. bad horizontal stripes.

Good Horizontal Stripes
Bad Horizontal Stripes

I think once I'm 40+, I won't want to be wearing "grandmother clothes". I'll probably still want to be buying stuff from The Ltd. & VS Pink sleepwear if it's still around, I can find cute styles, & if I can fit into it. That is, if I haven't found other new fashion addictions. I also have a youthful face, so I could probably get away with it.

I agree with BBW Rawks, as long as the woman can pull it off and the outfit is appropriate for the occasion then the age doesn't really matter.

Megan,

Those were good examples.

In the Cosmo mag that I got, it showed the trend of horizontal stripes for this year and they were the wide stripes. I never liked stripes in anything, so this trend could pass me by.

I agree that people should wear what they want to wear also if they feel comfortable, but there is something to be said for being age appropriate. I think that the examples that Gunn gave for over 40 year olds are a bit of a stretch.

I think that there are some things that if you are 40 or over, you shouldn't wear. I'm sure everyone has seen somebody wearing something that screams "I am trying to look 16" but they just look ridiculous.

I remember seeing this woman who looked about 60 wearing shorts at a mall last summer that looked like butt crackers with high heels. She was oblivious or pretended to be as everyone was laughing at her and I actually felt sorry for her.

I just think an arbitrary age-cutoff date for certain fashions is silly. I will be 40 in a little over 3 years, and I still feel very young in my mind. And I don't think I *look* old-ladyish, either.

As far as short-shorts with heels, I personally don't think that is a good look for ANY age.

Thanks for the input and great points, everyone. I am not into fashion trends to be honest. I just wear whatever is timeless and classic.
Yellow seems to be another trend for this spring and summer which I am very excited about. I love yellow as an accent colour.
Metallics seem to be the trend too.

I think an age appropriate hair do makes a big difference as well.