Why does second-hand make me look like Miss Marple?
By 
In the second part of a new series, Bristol24-7′s very own Clothes Doctor sorts the classics from the rubbish, as well as revealing some tricks for ‘dressing young’
Dilemmas: Let the Clothes Doctor prescribe a solution
‘Dear Clothes Doctor,
Why, when second-hand clothes look so great on other people, do I end up looking like Miss Marple in them? Surely I’m not doomed to wear bland new stuff from Next, for the rest of my life?’
Kate, Bedminster
Dear Kate,
Bland clothes? What a terrible and entirely unnecessary thought. Of course you shouldn’t be reduced to boring the pants off yourself with… er … boring pants. There is a better way to get togged up on an autumn morning and it is, as you’ve already discovered, by embracing glamorous looks that have stood the test of time.
Wearing vintage outfits can simultaneously make you look utterly divine, turn a thousand heads and cause your heart to bust into flames of joy at dressing so brilliantly on the mega-cheap.
The secret, much as it pains my natural sense of exuberance to suggest it, is moderation. A lovely, ditsy floral blouse from ye olde seventies can look whimsically gorgeous; but wear it with a long, flowing skirt from the same era and you’ll resemble a Carpenter.
The other secret — for of secrets to vintage clothes-dressing there are millions — is quality. Silk Betty Jackson number equals chic; nylon is, and always has been, the nadir of nasty: you want to be electric, Kate, not static. Bon chance.
‘Dear Clothes Doctor,
Although I might be a granny, when I look in the mirror it is always a surprise that I am not twenty years younger. Please would you give me some tips on how to dress younger while hopefully growing older gracefully. It would also be nice to disguise my weeble shape a bit. Thank you.’
Granny F.
Dear Granny F,
Firstly, a defence of Weebles. As I recall from a distant time when I owned a fleet of these small round critters, Weebles bounce straight back up from however many knock-downs life, in the guise of a small child, throws at them. So I wouldn’t go worrying about resembling one of these stellar chappies.
But if you would prefer to enhance the lovely silhouette I’m sure you have, try and do that counter-intuitive thing called Being Brave. In other words, don’t hide behind yards of fabric — for yards of fabric is all we’ll see of you.
And this, cannily, is my attempt to address your query about ‘dressing younger’, too, because confidence is the king of youthful looks…and youthful looks care not what shape they are.
Simply wear clothes you love, to fit your actual body. Remember to beam a self-admiring spotlight on your best features – the Clothes Doctor’s own granny was rightly proud of her slim ankles and would display them at every opportunity  - and you will look and feel as splendid as your grandchildren already know you are.
‘Dear Clothes Doctor,
Can I wear trendy clothes in my home village without being laughed at?’
Sara, Withywood
Dear Sara,
Probably not — but who, precisely, is laughing? Those blokes’ blokes in oversized, sweaty football shirts? The woman pairing a holey fleece with her husband’s wellies? Yuck.
Top your own muddy boots joyously with delicate dresses and slim jackets: celebrate the beauty in well-cut, graceful clothes and you’ll have the last, hearty laugh.
If you would like your fashion dilemma answered, please write to clothesdoctor@bristol247.com. If your question is published, you’ll get £10!
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