Reply #20: I read a long time ago that some old doyenne of fashion (can't recall her

[Peregrine Took]

name right now - it might have been Coco Chanel) said the best look for women to adopt as they age is one of an adolescent girl - be as slim, athletic as you can.

While we can't all be slim like young girls, we can still exercise as much as is safely possible for us, and dress in comfortable, chic athletic clothes is a great, youthful look. For example, I like to wear knit pants, even with elastic waist, and, yet, want to avoid the old lady "double knit" look. The solution is exercisewear pants such as New Balance made of spandex and cotton. Also, I got a pair of Liz Claiborne slimming black lycra pants - the latter you could definitely wear out to a play with a nice pair of black flats and a trendy jacket or long top.

For every day, I go with either yoga pants, nice zip up hoodies and tee shirts. When I worked I even wore my knit pants to work with jackets or long sleeve tees and vests.

As far as the hair - for me, long hair on most over 50's that I've seen rarely works. Chin length is great as its not real short but just looks right and you can do a lot with it - behind the ears, fluffed up, swept back, you name it.

For shoes I say, running shoes and sox for everyday, dressy flats for work going out. I hate heels.

Bottom line - you can wear exercise/running pants and tee's but they have to be on the more sophisticated side.