Jeans on Irish women over 40?
 

I posted previously on this subject and received both fashion advice and attacks on my patriotism.

What I am trying to find out, however, is not what is comfortable or what would look good on me, but whether you see many Irish women over 40 in jeans.

I'm not trying to repudiate my citizenship, nor am I looking for advice. I'm a seasoned traveler, and I try to dress in a manner that will not offend the locals. That's it. If you've been to Ireland lately, and you noticed what the local women were wearing, please pass that information along. Thank you.

Hi Leslie,
We visited Ireland last year. From what I saw , the women were not very elegant. Dublin seems to be a city of yonge people - so jeans are most likely fine ( if you find them comfortable).

Wow is right!

Yes, I belive that some women over 40 that are Irish citzens wear jeans in Ireland. I am certain that you won't offend the Irish by wearing denim. As pointed out on your other nearly identical post, there are different styles of jeans and "over 40" is rather ambiguous. I will say that when seeing an Irish woman wearing jeans, I might have offended them more by asking "Excuse me, are you over 40?" You know, 40 is the new 29 and 3 months.

Sorry that you felt attacked before, though I didn't read it that way. Most people assume that when people come to a forum that generally is used for travel advise and ask a fashion question, that frequently they are looking for advise. I understand that you are a seasoned traveler, but perhaps not as seasoned on travel forums. The responses were certainly not out of line and by no means unusually harsh. Sorry if you were not able to get the information that you needed.

Bill

Fashions in Ireland are as varied as anywhere in the US. The rule of thumb for over 40s is to be wearing pants ;)

When I think of what women over 40 in Ireland were wearing, I think of what the women working in the shops wear. Usually a solid top and many times fitted and untucked...sometimes with jeans, often with slacks.

I think it is the tops that make Americans stand out more than the pants. Sweatshirts...especially ones with scenes and embroidery...are not common in Ireland.

Visit http://www.dunnesstores.ie and see what they are promoting for their spring collection....which just happens to feature a model who is definitely over 40 (it wouldn't be unusual for any of those tops to be 'dressed down' with jeans in Ireland).

With all due respect, why would you offend a local by wearing jeans? Unless you look ridiculous in them. Go look in a double full length mirror and then decide for yourself. How can people on a forum do this for you?

LOL I thought this question meant- Should an Irish Woman wear jeans?

Since Leslie in Va has de-registered her screen name, I don't know if she will be around to read this- but- I met a beautiful Irish lady just the other day, at Whole Foods in Portland Oregon.
She was wearing a lovely scarf, Burberry coat and jeans. I am pretty sure she was over 40.

So if you look like her in jeans, I say, go for it ((F))

We were in Ireland in June and I am 40.I did take notice of what the other women had on.

When I was cold and had on a sweater and jacket they had on tank tops.

I had on jeans and so did they.

They had on very little jewelry.

No nail polish,did see toes polished.

Very little makeup.

No logos on anything.

The one thing that was the most different was how tiny the women are.I am 5'10 and a size 8,and I felt huge not just tall but BIG.

Author: nbujic
Date: 01/08/2007, 04:27 pm
Hi Leslie,
We visited Ireland last year. From what I saw , the women were not very elegant~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

:(.. Thanks for that

leslie,

In your previous psot you were rather specific in saying that you, " would prefer not to be instantly recognizable as an American...!"

That's quite a bit different than not wanting to offend anyone with your dress.

You'll find that when you go to Europe that Americans are not the only people wearing jeans as I would hope someone has pointed out by now.

"Author: nbujic
Date: 01/08/2007, 04:27 pm
Hi Leslie,
We visited Ireland last year. From what I saw , the women were not very elegant~~~~~~~~~"

Actually, I am always impressed by the fashion of the women in Ireland. My relatives are very fashion conscious and buy their clothes from the expensive little boutiques as opposed to the Dunnes stores type. I went to a fashion show with them last year. I usually shop in Dunnes or Penny's because of the price. But then I am from "casual" Southern California.

my apologizes to all elegant women of Ireland and their relatives.
All I can say is that walking around Dublin and other places most people seemed very casually dressed.
On the other hand, they may have been American women over 40 in jeans!

Leslie,
I was in Ireland in July. Lots of women who looked like the same age as myself(over 40) were in jeans. In fact women of all ages were dressed just like the women in the states. Be comfortable if jeans is that for you wear them. But this is coming from a women who will wear shorts (oh, yes the dreaded shorts) and yes even my cute little nikes! We were in the 80+ weather and I wanted to be comfortable. My name is Leslie also. Go and be comfortable.

Sorry, youz is all is wrong!

You obviously haven’t heard of the recent and far-reaching fatwa issued by the DFF (Department of Fashion Fastidiousness).

My sisters have informed me that, in an effort to ensure that the population shake off the tag of “not being very fashionable”, the Irish government have made it a criminal offence for any woman over the age of 40 to wear jeans, tracksuits, shorts, white running shoes, Birkenstock sandals (with or without socks), certain colours (pink, purple, yellow being the primary culprits), anything in velour (any shape, any size, any colour).

It is important to know that visitors are NOT exempt from this fatwa, as a recent vote in Dail Eireann has put into effect a plan to ensure only the most fashionable of visitors are allowed into the country; returning Diaspora is SO last decade!

A special task force, the FFP (Fashion Fastidiousness Police), patrol the major cities on a regular basis and often make unexpected forays into the countryside to apprehend unsuspecting tourists attending musical sessions. While tourists are generally let off with a caution on the first offence and provided with the address of the nearest Brown Thomas store, serial offenders are often given a custodial sentence, similar to the locals.

Visitors considered serial offenders and local first-time offenders are interned in special camps where they will not be seen by tourists (Darndale, Corduff, Tallaght – if a tourist ever happened on these areas, they are unlikely to get out alive).

Those that show genuine remorse during internment are given the opportunity to attend “Boot Camp” in Paris. Well, that is actually a misnomer; it is actually “Stiletto Camp” – yes, cruelty beyond belief! Women are forced to wear four-inch Chanel sling-backs (one size too small), carrying 50 Kg bags of shopping, while being forced-marched over some of the toughest terrain in Paris: the cobble-stones of the Isle and the Marais; the sandy, uneven pathways of the Jardin des Tuileries; the ultimate – the climb up the steps to the Sacre Coeur.

Embassies world-wide have been alerted to the new laws and have provided the new Irish travel attire requirements to only the BEST retailers. Americans should consult their locals SAKs, Canadians Holts.

Glad to be of Help.

Best regards … Ger

Ger- You must have a degree in writing! Loved it! As I said before, I am 75yrs. old, live in southern Cal. and wear my jeans all the time (top out, 'tho! Wear the darn jeans whenever and don't fret. Go and enjoy!!

ger, you tell your sisters to mail me any Lainey Keogh that I might like.

I love it! It's our dirty little secret. ;-)

That is so funny! I thought there would have to be some with those crepes stands all over the place.

check the cartoon on what to wear. I posted these last years but we have alot of new women posters who will enjoy them

Hilarious Mimi :)

This is too funny. God help me I am thinking about the Paul Costolloe remark he made slagging off irish Women and their fashion sense. Well let some of us fill you in! Help me here Lucy and Cailin (As Ger has too!)

I am forty in a few months (Still Twenty seven my head and pass for early thirties. My going-out outfit is Jeans with a bootcut or slight flare nice heeled boots a fitted top and a blazer/jacket etc with a scarf or pashmina and long earrings. I have about 30 scarfs and pashminas from Travelling in Asia and Indian jewellery I pick up along the way. I Buy makeup in Brown Thomas but I don't shop there for clothes. I don't care where it comes from so long as its good value and looks good as I cannot afford a designer wardrobe. I have bought fab funky jackets, macs and coats in Penny's, Lovely stuff in Arnotts, on occasion Dunnes but the fit does not suit me and any place you can imagine. We dress up to go out for dinner and my Irish Partner always surprised in the summer to see americans in a restaurant in Shorts and sweatshirts. He thinks they are scruffy. Its just different in different parts of the U.S. the same as it is in different countries.

Irish women are far from shabby. Maybe we are a bit well fed these days but not shabby. If you were in Temple bar or near Trinity you were probably looking at under 25's or granny's.

Everyone I know over 40 except for my elderly aunties has a pair of jeans. Wear them its more similar to the U.S. here than you realise. We do dress a bit nicer though hen going for a meal I think.

Oh and the Nail varnish comment. A manicure will cost you approx 30 euro upwards. I do it myself or get one on an occasion like attending a wedding and treat myself to the works when I am abroad like in NY or India where it is a fraction of the cost. Hair salons are mobbed at weekends and so are the few nailbars and beauticians.

I hope we look more scrubbed up next visit :-) Wear those Jeans!

well, I'm only in my early 30s, but don't plan to stop wearing jeans when I hit 40! I think the standards of dress can vary hugely - but I think this is worldwide! You will see some Irish women that don't dress well or aren't well groomed, but you should see plenty that are.

I tend to pick up clothes anywhere and everywhere - I have a weakness for designer shoes and spend ridiculous amounts of money on shoes, bags and clothes in Brown Thomas, but at the same time I'll quite happily pick up a bargain in Topshop.

Going out to a pub I would generally wear, like Siobhan, jeans and a nice top with a pair of heels and nice accessories. Going out for dinner I would usually wear a dress or skirt. It all depends on the occasion.

As for my nails - always filed neatly and polished! And I wear jewellery on a daily basis (earrings, rings, watch, necklace and bracelet) but nothing OTT.

And I reckon if you were in Temple Bar or Trinity you were looking at tourists ;)

Hmmm...I'm just a guy smiling a little about this conversation. Surely this isn't an "Irish question" is it? The larger issue is whether any woman over 40 should wear jeans. The answer of course is highly subjective and best considered from the rear! Do men get a vote?

ozarksbill

In reply to Ozarksbill: I think any reference to age should be lost from this discussion. I agree with your your suggestion that it is down to the individual case -- the combined variables of particular woman and the jeans she is considering wearing. On men voting: a man should have a vote to use in relation to his partner, and she would be wise to give it weight.

The real fashion sin among Irish women is not unwise decisions on jeans, but really bad decisions on low-slung trousers.

I used to buy my mother, who was in her 80's, pants in lightweight jean material with an elastic waistband. She would wear a shirt and long sweater with them and tennis shoes for stability. The jeans were not tight and fit well and she looked so cute, slim and trim and comfortable until the day she passed away.

It is how you wear clothes, how they fit, how you coordinate them that counts, not age.

Padraig:
"On men voting: a man should have a vote to use in relation to his partner, and she would be wise to give it weight."

Agreed. But what man in his right mind will answer truthfully when asked "Does this make my butt look big?" :D

janeygirl: I would, except that I never have reason to (and it's not just because Irishwomen generally don't use the word "butt").

What did you think I meant by it being wise for a woman to give *weight* to a man's opinion?

What is an attractive appearance be it man or woman? A few years ago as a retirement job I worked in Dillards men's department. Truly what is attractive to one may not be to another, be it trousers or ties.

But "seriously" regarding a man honestly expressing an opinion of his wife's pants or dress (or hair design) it may depend on whether he does the cooking! (-: Butt, I don't want this discussion to get any heavier!

ozarksbill

I'm safe. I do the cooking.

Any man who is afraid to tell his wife that her butt looks big should be able to find other ways of expressing his view -- it is easy to say that the cut of the garment is not good, that it does not hang well, or whatever. If he is slightly less of a coward, he can say that the garment is a bit tight.

Since I'm nearly 40, and lived in Ireland and am married to a native, I can safely say that yes, plenty of women over 40 in Ireland wear jeans, and quite successfully. My husband's aunt is nearing 70, and she still wears her jeans. Much easier than a skirt when she rides her bike into town for the shopping.

Agree with Siobhan. Irish women ar far, from shabby.

Bill

I think that Irish women are every bit as diverse in their attire as women in every other country.

And I wish people would remove the phrase "rule of thumb" from their vernacular. It dates back to a time where law stated men could hit their wives with any object that was no thicker than their thumbs.

Ladies- no more "rules of thumb" please.

%%-

I am really enjoying this thread! I think you boys are SO brave joining in. :)

In defense of Irish Woman: I have three sisters that live in Dublin and they are FAR from shabby. None would every leave the house, even down to the local shop for a bottle of milk, unless they were appropriately dressed, “coiffured” and “made-up” – lippie and mascara at the very least.

Middle-class Dublin women, of ANY age, are as well dressed, well-groomed (the most important factor in being glamorous – good haircut & colour, good/minimal make-up) and as fashion conscious as their equivalents in Paris, Rome, London, Madrid. Chanel has had a boutique in Dublin (in BT’s) for several years – ‘nough said!

Regarding wearing jeans and being fashionable: IMHO its all to do with body shape, not age: I never looked fabulous in jeans, as I have a long body, short legs and Irish arse (butt). When I was a size 6 or 8, I could pass, but stopped wearing jeans when I got to a size 10. I have always looked better in skirts and dresses. My younger sister has the perfect “jean” body – she has NO body, her legs spring from her shoulder blades (she has the legs of a 6ft person), has a small butt, and although we are the same height and weight, SHE looks like a Goddess in jeans (BI#*H), while I look like a builder’s apprentice.

IMHO, dressing for your shape and weight is important and dressing for your age even more so – there is nothing worse than mutton dressed as lamb. Dressing for one’s age is where the wealthy Parisian woman excels, probably because being middle-aged or older is not a mortal sin in France, probably because Chanel looks wonderful at any age and any weight.

Men: Do men get a vote? Dangerous territory, particularly when dealing with Irish women. Our genetic inheritance is the VLA (Very Large Arse). Even at our skinniest, most Irish women will carry this excess baggage. The correct answer to the question from the better half ‘Does my butt/arse look big in this?” is ALWAYS: “NO, you look wonderful”. Anyway, men should understand that while GIRLS dress for men’s approval WOMEN do NOT; they dress for other women’s approval or, if they are really confident, for themselves.

Then, of course, there is the “Like I give a damn what you think” approach to dressing, which is also entirely OK. Be comfortable, be yourself, wear what you want, don’t wear make-up, don’t be fashionable. If you are that type at home, then why would you bother trying to be someone else when you travel? Regardless of where you go, you will find plenty of locals at your destination, even in Paris, that agree with you.

Regards Ger

My advice: Wear what you darn well please as long as it will not get you detained by the police. I have yet to see the money of a clothed tourist turned down.

Ever since I say next to a man at a French cafe who was dressed in trousers and an undershirt and sockless sandals, I have ceased to worry. He was French, I might add. He also talked to himself.

But that did not prevent him from being served!!

Some hoity toity restaurants might have a dress code, but I usually cannot afford them in the UK and Ireland.
$150 dollars per person for dinner is a little out of my price range.

In London, however, that £7 pizza for one sounds cheap until you realize it is $14.00, plus a tip unless you are a dedicated cheapskate.

Dublin is not much cheaper, if at all.

Loved this post and have to put in my two cents...
When I'm travelling I find it best to try and minimize what I need to pack. I find jeans are extremely versitile since they go with almost any top/sweater and I find them extremely comfortable. Tops and accessories can dress up a jean look too...its not always being dressed down. If you normally wear them here don't hesitate wearing them there.

By the way, I'm mid 40s and still get noticed by men when I'm wearing my jeans (young men included)!

By the way, the OP is gone, vanished in the wind or perhaps dancing through the streets of Dublin, her nationality totally unnoticed.

Oh Chloe, I simply must respond...in a frivolous way of course. When you say that in your 40s you still get noticed by men when you wear jeans. Hmmm...is this good or bad! I know, you gals are aware of nature's endowment such as is noted by OReilly in paragraphs 4 & 6.

On the serious side, my wife now wears jeans and slacks most of the time, especially traveling. Makes sense to be comfortable no matter what nature has endowed you with. Even in church, when once she would always wear skirt she now feels free to be comfortable.

ozarksbill

Wojazz3: I just loved getting to read all the responses as a break from me trying to figure out itinerary/distance/must see spots/hotels/B&Bs. This thread was a lovely diversion for me...just couldnt resist adding a comment for whoever wants a break too.
Ozarksbill: Responding frivolously to your frivolous response in a frivolous way of course: Noticed in a very good way :)

Well yes, the OP is long gone, but for some reason I feel compelled to share with all of you that I wore jeans in Ireland and yes, I'm over 40. I was 46 when we were there last year and thought I looked just swell :) And if you ask my husband, he's wise enough to agree.

But then I do the cooking.

Chloe2...you're right, you do look real good...and I'm an oldster! I just took another glance (without you noticing).

Regarding Ireland, many will not notice what you are wearing since they have had one too many pints, the bar is dimly lit, and everyone is enjoying the trad music. Oh to be strolling along the Liffey! Or anywhere else. As it is we are camping for days in a motel because of an ice storm!

ozarksbill