Too Old to Wear Overalls?

There are very, very few things that I will tell you with absolute certainty you are too old to wear. Overalls are one of them.

I'm not sure where my intense hatred of overalls originates from, but suffice it to say that I really, truly can't stand seeing a grown woman in overalls. Especially anyone over 40.

Of course there's a big if. If you are gardening or farming or some other sort of dirty work, then overalls are more than perfectly acceptable

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way women starting thinking overalls made them look all earthy-cute or something. I very unscientifically date the problem back to Demi Moore in "Ghost" when she wore overalls for pottery making.

So let's review: Overalls for workwear = ok.  Overalls as fashion=not ok. And remember, that even if you're wearing overalls while plowing a field, it's still never cool to go total farmgirl with pigtails (which are another look you are too old to wear.)

Why am I obsessing over overalls now? Well, it seems some designers want to bring them back as casual wear, and it could lead to some shopping confusion for midlifers.

Ralph Lauren, who is known for co-opting uniquely American looks like prairie chic and country club style, said in the program notes for his fashion show, "I am inspired by the character of the worker, the farmer, the cowboy, the pioneer women of the prairies living authentically through challenging times."

Well, I'm all for meeting challenges head on and I do admire the pioneer spirit. But I definitely wouldn't suggest you don a bonnet or start hunting for squirrels to grill over an open campfire.  So while "living authentically"  is an admirable goal, overalls are still a fashion don't. So, to answer the burning question: Yes, you are too old to wear overalls. Even if Ralph Lauren makes them.