With 'menocore' style, middle age is all the rage (2024)

Sydney Schumann carefully chose her outfit before making a presentation to her Advanced Creative Design class at St. Catherine University in St. Paul.

The Lakeville college senior wore one of her favorite ensembles — loose floral printed pants with an elasticized waistband topped with an ivory tunic and oversized blue linen blazer.

“I love the pieces and I felt amazingly comfortable,” she said.

She dressed to demonstrate the fashion trend she had researched: a newly defined style known as menocore.

Yep, menocore, as in clothes favored by fashionable menopausal — or even postmenopausal — women.

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“This look is everywhere,” Schumann said. “People might not know the menocore name or realize they’re following the trend, but a lot of us have the basics in our closets.”

Fashion has long slavishly followed youth culture, but menocore turns that around as young women emulate looks worn by their style-conscious mothers and ultrachic aunts.

The menocore phenomenon is the result of a mashup of societal issues: the #MeToo movement, feminism, body positivity and aging fashion icons.

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Old Memecore

“I would describe it as relaxed. A lot of natural fibers and drapey tops, flowing sleeves and wider-legged pants,” said assistant Prof. Kelly Gage, who teaches trend forecasting and fashion history at St. Kate’s. “It’s the backlash to the sheath dress; it doesn’t show the curves. But it’s structured, not baggy. Baggy clothes are sloppy.”

Menocore basics include long sweaters and silk cargo pocket pants, personalized with idiosyncratic accessories — funky jewelry, hats, scarves, glasses, shoes that don’t pinch.

The term was coined in July 2017 by fashion writer Harling Ross of the website Man Repeller, who describes the look as “inspired by the aesthetic of a middle-aged woman on a low-key beach vacation.” A woman who is confident enough to prioritize her own comfort.

Ross points to the classy-but-casual, chic-but-quirky style of middle-aged heroines in movies directed by Nancy Meyers. (Think Diane Keaton in 2003’s “Something’s Got to Give.”)

Comfort and values

Social media had no small role in pushing the menocore look.

Fashionistas around the world have been posting pictures of themselves with #menocore on Twitter, describing their influences as Palm Springs retiree, retired high school art teacher or middle-aged Scandinavian woman.

“Eureka. My style aesthetic has a name!” tweeted one young millennial.

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“At the eye doctor and a 60-year-old woman and I are wearing the same outfit,” tweeted another. “Welcome to #menocore fashion.”

The look seems to appeal to young women who don’t want to wait to midlife to ditch skintight styles and gravitate to what they feel good in, no Spanx required.

But Mary Meehan sees some irony in the look.

“Do they not realize that women in menopause dress a certain way because they can’t wear anything with a waist anymore?” said Meehan, a veteran trendwatcher, consumer strategist and co-founder of Minneapolis-based Panoramix Global.

While she is put off by the name, Meehan likes what it represents to the young (and youngish) women who embrace their inner Eileen Fisher.

“Fashion is always aspirational, a projection of identity,” she said. “This rejection of highly sexualized clothing is for women who are saying, ‘I’m going to dress as I please. I choose this for me.’ This is very consistent with the equality movement and an authentic way to change the discussion about women’s roles and their value.”

Ageless appeal

Almost every day, Claire Schierman wears her version of menocore. It’s also the theme of her portfolio of original designs. The St. Kate’s student recently arrived on campus clad in black and white plaid cropped pants paired with her favorite white top.

“I love the simple silhouette and the contrast — it’s both structured and flowy,” she said. “It’s fashion-forward and fun. I want to look professional, well put together, not sexy.”

Fashion merchandising major Maggie Krawczyk spent the summer working at a Northfield clothing store that didn’t define its customers by age.

“There’s a woman I worked with who’s in her 70s and wears things that I would wear — an outfit like this,” said Krawczyk, pointing to her soft gray T-shirt tucked into loosefitting linen pants with muted stripes.

“There are less rigid rules about who shops where,” added Brooke Bakken, a St. Kate’s student from Stillwater. “I’m always in my mom’s closet, taking pieces and mixing them with my stuff. She has really cute flowing tops. We rub off on each other — she’s in my closet, too.”

Bakken said she adopted the menocore look even before she’d heard the name, often pairing an oversize nubby knit sweater with dark denim skinny jeans and slip-on loafers.

“I don’t want to be noticed for showing skin,” she said. “I don’t want to be looked at in a way that’s going to make me uncomfortable.”

Prof. Gage has heard that more modest clothing is an unconscious reaction to the constant exposure of social media. She also said it may be loosely linked to the widely popularized Scandinavian concept of hygge. The Danish word describes a satisfying mood of coziness and contentment.

“This generation wants to be kind to themselves, not in a selfish way but to do things that are good for their well-being,” she said. “They pick clothes that make them feel cared for, that brings psychological and physical comfort and balance in their lives.”

But no matter how fashionable menocore becomes, Leslie Ramos said, she won’t be picking up drawstring pants or a waistless linen dress.

“I see the trend, but I’m not a fan,” said Ramos, 20, a Maplewood apparel design major at St. Kate’s.

At 5 feet tall, Ramos thinks she’s “too short” to pull off the look, saying billowing garments would “swallow me up.”

But that’s not the only reason she’s opting out of menocore. In her opinion, all that comfort is too much of a good thing.

“I dress up all the time; it makes me feel like I can take on the world,” she said. “I’m not productive when I feel like I’m wearing pajamas.”

Kevyn Burger is a Minneapolis-based freelance broadcaster and writer.

With 'menocore' style, middle age is all the rage (2024)

FAQs

With 'menocore' style, middle age is all the rage? ›

The term was coined in July 2017 by fashion writer Harling Ross of the website Man Repeller, who describes the look as “inspired by the aesthetic of a middle-aged woman on a low-key beach vacation.” A woman who is confident enough to prioritize her own comfort.

What is Menocore style? ›

Menocore means the more simple, the more practical the better. Perhaps 'Practicore' would have been a better neologism, one that is ageless, classless and genderless.

How to dress like a middle aged man? ›

Fashion Tips For Middle-Aged Men
  1. Keep Your Facial Hair Short.
  2. No Ankle Socks.
  3. Ditch the Baseball Cap.
  4. No Active Wear.
  5. Get a Pair of Cool Shades.
  6. Cargo Pockets are for Cargo.
  7. Step Up Your Shoes.
  8. Stay away from younger styles.
Mar 16, 2018

How should a 40 year old man dress? ›

Men's Guide to Dressing in Your 40s
  • Build a Solid Foundation. The secret to a great closet is versatility in basic pieces. ...
  • Leave the Graphic Tees in the Past. ...
  • Ignore Trends, Stick to the Classics. ...
  • Streamlined Footwear. ...
  • It's All in the Details. ...
  • Skip the Cargo Shorts. ...
  • Dress for the Season. ...
  • Don't Bare Your Chest.
Nov 1, 2022

What is a core in fashion? ›

What are fashion “Core” style aesthetics. Core style aesthetics when it comes to fashion is a concept that describes the combination of fashion and function in clothing and accessories. It is the idea that an item should not only serve a practical purpose but should also be stylish and reflect the latest fashion trends ...

What age group is Eileen Fisher for? ›

The most common age range of EILEEN FISHER employees is 20-30 years. 58% of EILEEN FISHER employees are between the ages of 20-30 years.

What is Normcore style? ›

Normcore clothes are unisex and are usually casual items such as hoodies, T-shirts, polo shirts, short-sleeved buttoned shirts, sweatpants, chinos, jeans, shorts, and sneakers; items such as suit jackets, ties, blouses, boots, and dress shoes are avoided.

What makes a man look older? ›

UV light exposure causes free radicals that damage collagen, elastin, and skin cells themselves. This leads to premature aging of the skin, with wrinkling, dark spots, and the development of skin cancers. Even short amounts of sun exposure on a daily basis add up over a lifetime,” he explains.

How does a 50 year old man dress? ›

A 50+ year old man should dress casually in slim-straight jeans or chinos, solid color tees, polos or untucked button up shirts, and tasteful outerwear (like a Harrington jacket, leather jacket or bomber). For shoes, keep it simple with leather boots, casual loafers, or plain leather or suede sneakers .

How to look classy over 40? ›

30 Tips For Women to Dress Well in Their 40's
  1. Only Have Items You Love. ...
  2. It's Ok to Splurge. ...
  3. Say No to Ripped Jeans. ...
  4. Choose High-Quality Fabrics. ...
  5. The Right Skirt Length. ...
  6. Invest in a Classic Coat. ...
  7. The Classic White Tee. ...
  8. A Well-Fitting Bra.

What are the 5 levels of fashion? ›

A fashion trend's life cycle can be divided into five stages, generally speaking: introduction, rise, peak, decline, and obsolescence. The life cycles of fashion trends today have changed; technology and social media have rendered them much shorter and less predictable than in the past.

What are the 4 levels of fashion? ›

What are the four levels of the fashion industry? Primary, Secondary, Retail, and Auxiliary.

What are the three C's of fashion? ›

Don't forget the three C's the next time you're feeling frustrated by others' negativity. Confidence, comfort and color!

What do middle aged men find attractive? ›

"Faithfulness, supportiveness and reliability are therefore traits that older men feel more attracted to, as opposed to being attracted to unpredictability and adventure." This doesn't mean that men in their later years don't want to have fun, but their priorities are just different and more mature than when they are ...

Can men over 60 wear jeans? ›

Straight leg denim jeans that fit well in the waist and rear are flattering for most men over sixty. Chinos are dressier than jeans but not as formal as dress trousers; fitted chinos look better on mature men than relaxed styles.

What age is middle aged man? ›

Though the age period that defines middle age is somewhat arbitrary, differing greatly from person to person, it is generally defined as being between the ages of 40 and 60.

What age range is J Jill for? ›

Unlike many other apparel chains, J. Jill focuses on fashion-right 45+ customers and has expanded its assortment.

What age group is Talbots for? ›

Talbots is making great strides to become a cult brand for women between the ages of 45 to 65 years old and right now it is focusing on reclaiming its brand DNA and sense of style.

What age group is soft surroundings for? ›

Soft Surroundings - Philanthropy | Soft Surroundings. Many of our customers are baby boomers. And more than any other age group in the country, boomers are either living with Alzheimer's or caring for someone who is. Soft Surroundings' philosophy is all about finding ways to be good to yourself each day.

What is Bogan fashion? ›

Certain types of clothing are stereotypically associated with bogans, including flannelette shirts, blue singlets, Stubbie shorts, fluoro (abbreviated from "fluorescent") workwear, ugg boots, jeans and black leggings.

What is silent luxury? ›

While the term “quiet luxury” may be new, its principle is far from it. Quiet luxury is the antithesis of fast fashion, with a focus on thoughtful shopping and wearing true investment pieces. A juxtaposition to the logomania that was trending over the past few years, it's a more minimalist approach to dressing.

What are Boujee outfits? ›

Boujee fashion is very extravagant, over-the-top, and flashy, with huge name brands being very popular, such as Hermes, Gucci, Chanel, Armani, Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Cartier, etc.

What age are men most attractive? ›

Furthermore, a data dive by Christian Rudder, co-founder of OkCupid, has used surveys to find the male age women find attractive above all others. The result? Between 38 and 39.

What is attractive in an older man? ›

The older men are well established in their careers; they are financially more stable, and the promise of a calmer life is something no woman can say to. It might come across as shallow, but women looking to settle down often tend to go for the nice guy with a stable job and a house.

Why do I suddenly look so much older? ›

Exposure to light is a top cause of premature aging: Sun exposure causes many skin problems. Ultraviolet (UV) light and exposure to sunlight age your skin more quickly than it would age naturally. The result is called photoaging, and it's responsible for 90% of visible changes to your skin.

How to look classy at 50? ›

5 Rules of Dressing in Your 50s
  1. Embrace color. While shades of grey can come across as matronly, bright and bold color will rev up your look and perk up your skin tone. ...
  2. Free your neckline. Swap the deep plunge in favor of a universally flattering boatneck. ...
  3. Upgrade your knits. ...
  4. Play up your waistline. ...
  5. Find your fit.

What happens to a man in his 50s? ›

Some men develop depression, loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other physical and emotional symptoms when they reach their late 40s to early 50s. Other symptoms common in men this age are: mood swings and irritability.

How can I look older and more attractive? ›

How to Look Older in Pictures
  1. Don't Wear Overly Casual Clothing.
  2. Pose Professionally.
  3. Wear Fitted Clothing.
  4. Angle the Camera from Below.
  5. Make Your Makeup Look Natural.
  6. Put Effort into Your Hairstyle.
  7. Wear Darker, More Neutral Colors.

How can I look older and more sophisticated? ›

How to Make Yourself Look Older: Easy Tips
  1. Upgrade Your Professional Attire.
  2. Go For a Classic Watch.
  3. Grow Some Facial Hair.
  4. Modify Your Speaking Habits.
  5. Opt For a Classic Hairstyle.
  6. Avoid Casual Attire.
  7. Add Some Muscle To Your Frame.
  8. Upgrade Your Accessories.
Nov 3, 2020

How to dress to look younger? ›

14 Simple Tips To Dress And Look Younger Naturally
  1. Show off your best features. ...
  2. Wear well-fitting clothes. ...
  3. Go for colorful clothing. ...
  4. Add flashy layers. ...
  5. Simplify your outfits. ...
  6. Wear trendy clothing. ...
  7. Choose quality over quantity. ...
  8. Choose a girly fashion style.

What is Hmong fashion? ›

Hmong clothes were originally made from hemp. Hemp is a very important plant, and the fibers of the hemp stalk are stripped, spun into fiber threads and woven into cloth. It is then bleached and dyed into black or indigo blue.

What are the different style tribes? ›

Style Tribes: The Fashion of Subcultures explores the style, fashions and ideology of youth movements of the last 100 years, including flappers, swing kids, mods, rockers, surfers, hippies, punks, disco, hip hop, Harajuku and hipsters.

What fashion era is clueless? ›

While the movie's satirical antics certainly make the film more palatable, the '90s fashion exhibited throughout the film solidified its status as a certifiable classic. From Cher's strappy red slip dress to her infamous yellow plaid suit, the looks served in the movie demonstrated peak '90s style in all its glory.

What is an example of a style tribe? ›

Examples include punks, goths, hip-hop devotees, and ravers.

What is disrespectful in Hmong culture? ›

For traditional Hmong, making direct eye contact is considered inappropriate and rude. A person may look down or away rather than looking directly at the other person or into their eyes while talking or listening.

What is Hmong taboo? ›

In the Hmong culture, it is a taboo to marry someone. with the same last name.

What are the two types of Hmong? ›

Hmong Der (Hmoob Dawb), and Hmong Leng (Hmoob Leeg) are the terms for two of the largest groups in the United States and Southeast Asia. These subgroups are also known as the White Hmong, and Blue or Green Hmong, respectively.

What is the most secret tribe? ›

The Sentinelese are the most isolated tribe in the world, and have captured the imagination of millions. They live on their own small forested island called North Sentinel, which is approximately the size of Manhattan. They continue to resist all contact with outsiders, attacking anyone who comes near.

What are the 5 levels of tribes? ›

Here are the 5 Stages of Tribal Culture:
  • Stage 1: Life Sucks. A rare population that includes gang members and prisoners. ...
  • Stage 2: My Life Sucks. ...
  • Stage 3: I'm Great (and You're Not). ...
  • Stage 4: We're Great. ...
  • Stage 5: Life is Great.
Jul 20, 2020

What are the three types of Native American clothing? ›

Native Americans wore a variety of different types of clothes. Clothing materials greatly depended on the materials that were available in the regions in which they lived. They wore clothing such as leather leggings, cloth clothes, anuks, and moccasins.

What was Audrey Hepburn fashion? ›

Her fashion has been referred to as sophisticated, minimalist, elegant, polished, and mod. Hepburn typically chose a muted palette of black, white, beige, and pink, which emphasized the darker undertones of her eyes and hair. She "compensated" for her height by wearing ballet slippers and flat shoes.

What is inappropriate in Clueless? ›

This film isn't appropriate for young kids -- it contains drinking, drug use, and implied sex -- but teens will love it. And it might even get them to read some Jane Austen.

What outfit is Y2K? ›

Double denim, patterned mesh, velour velvet and sequins may be some prints and textures that come to mind when you think of early 2000s fashion - informally known as Y2K fashion, is back and more accessible than ever.

Is street style a style tribe? ›

However, while street style may now have entered a post-tribal phase, this is not to suggest that its importance has diminished, since fashion, in its strict, traditional sense, no longer structures and empowers most of the clothing industry.

What is a modern tribe? ›

Modern Tribe is an enterprise WordPress agency that designs and engineers each touchpoint across your digital ecosystem, from websites and applications to plugins and publishing platforms. We use systems thinking to land on the tools and processes that produce the right deliverables.

What type of society is tribe? ›

Tribal Society Meaning

Definition: A tribe is a group of people who live and work together in a shared geographical area. A tribe has a common culture, dialect, and religion. They also have a strong sense of unity. The tribe is usually headed by a chief.

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