When I was growing up in the 1970s, I would not have given much thought to fashion for the over-50s and what I might wear if I had the good fortune to live to see such obscene decrepitude. But if I had, I would have imagined wearing what my late grandmother called “slacks” (elasticated-waist trousers), long-line ribbed cardigans with large ornate buttons and comfortable shoes from Clarks.
My grandma, Vera – who was 52 when I was born – liked to be what she termed “smart”, but definitely conformed to standards of what was “acceptable” at the time. She bought most of her clothing from charity shops or Marks & Spencer. The charity shop dream was to find secondhand items from Jaeger, Windsmoor, Planet or – the holy grail – Dannimac.
