Q: I have read a number of articles recently that insist women over 40 should not wear capri pants. Where is this coming from? What is it about the style that is not conducive to someone that age and what are the alternatives? I just turned 50, and although I don't believe I look my age (you probably hear that one all the time!), I have always been conscious of dressing age appropriately! Your thoughts will be appreciated.

-- Diane Lyons, Penn Hills

A: The articles you read are merely someone's personal preference. If you're looking for a more favorable opinion, you've found one here.

Where is the naysaying coming from? My guess is, from people who don't appreciate the agelessness of capris. Or those who may feel they are too old to wear them and want to spoil the party for everybody else.

When I consider some of the women in their 60s and much older who I've seen wearing capris, I can't think of a single reason why the cropped, summer-friendly trousers should be retired at any age. Capris can be worn by women of any age; they just need to be accessorized right and in a color and cut that are complementary.

Petite and tall women can wear capris. Women size 0 to 26 and everywhere in between can easily find styles that help them look comfortable, casual and chic. And when it comes to age, the capri is the great equalizer.

So, go for it. Get yourself several pairs in solid neutrals and colored prints and wear them with twinsets or cropped shirts, with a strand of pearls or stacked bangle bracelets, with flip-flops or slides with kitten heels.

And toss those articles in the trash.