Ask Caryn – January 2012

Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Sharon Tyler.

Can over 50s wear knee high Boots?

I have read that knee high boots should not be worn by those over 50. I’m well into my 60s! So I reluctantly returned the pair I had bought. I’m not looking to be thought of as trying to mimic styles that are best left to those much younger. And I do see that you have included knee highs in your capsule wardrobe pieces. Is the under 50 rule to wear the knee high boots no longer applicable? I would describe my own stle of dress as causal chic. Did I make a mistake in returning my previous purchase?

Nelda

Hi Nelda

Who makes these rules then?

Lets have tools not rules!

I was sorry to hear your felt you needed to return the boots you liked. Personally I don’t use rules. If something suits your shape and your look and you like it then unless it is wildly inappropriate I think you should be able to trust your own judgement. Our free body shape ebooks give out lots of tools to use but never rules.

Knee high boots in my opinion are a classic style and can compliment any age and any look. Over the knee boots ride higher up the leg and have been seen to be more fashion forward in past seasons, as for an age limit on wearing them…I’m not subscribing to that and I wouldn’t use someone’s age as a barometer of whether they can wear something or not!

This is a very interesting letter because it shows me the power that fashion industry types have and a flippant remark made in a brief article has disproportionate influence. In my free Ageless Style e-book. I talk about fashion journalism and why it is not always useful or credible tool. Different Journalists have different opinions and many are very young.

There are still plenty of knee high boots in the stores now…these will end just under your knee. There are also still plenty of over the knee boots around and this style is still popular when worn over fitted jeans.

Best wishes

How to style a pair of berry-coloured leggings?

Hi,

I was wondering if u could help me? I’ve recently brought a lovely pair of red berry colour pair of leggings from Wallis but not sure how to wear them as they are not my usual colour. Any tips on how to style them?

To go with it but not necessary together I Also brought a think green teal colour cable cardigan but not sure what to wear it with. Any ideas?

Your help would be much appreciated

Kind regards

Julia

Hello Julia

Teal and berry tones make a great colour combination – try styling with some black accents such as ankle boots and a cape. Leggings work best with tops in different fabrics, textures and density so your chunkier cable cardigan will work well. A light, loose chiffon or silk blouse will also work well with leggings – try layered up with a faux fur or fluffy jacket as similarly styled here by Topshop.

Your berry leggings could also be styled with a Breton top and blazer/cardigan or a simple white tee and black blazer will also look chic. Berry leggings will also work well with leopard print. You could try a chunky cardigan or jumper or just a simple black top and leopard print scarf. If you want to go for a simple top a metallic t-shirt (grey or matte grey top) or even just a simple blouse. Here are some images to give you an idea.

We hope this helps to give you some ideas and you can always of course style them with a cute printed dress or a skirt

A country style business wardrobe?

Hi there,

I am looking for some fashion advice. I am more of a country girl, I like autumn colours, leather boots, and skinny jeans. I live on a farm and run a riding stable. I also run an accounting company which means I have to look professional for my clients. I want a business wardrobe that still shows the country girl I am. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks, Katie

 

Hi Katie

Take elements of country/heritage style and mix them with tailoring and city-esqe pieces. That’s taking tweed, plaid, knits and mixing them with silk blouses, tailored trousers and chic dresses. Your first port of call should be Toast. We’ve featured them in our online recommendations this month and they’ve got some beautiful pieces with a ready-made country-meets-city style. Here are some images from their catalogue to give you some ideas.

Think about styling a tweed jacket with a pussy bow blouse and tailored trousers or go extra glam with some palazzo pants and heels are styled below by AWear. Take fabrics such as tartan in a more fashion shape such as this cape by Very to give your look a more styled edge. A riding style jacket and blouse will also look smart and chic style with skinny jeans/straight trousers and boots as seen here by Elegance.

We hope that gives you some ideas.