The lady is back

MANILA, Philippines - Time to throw out the spikes, studs and spandex.

Looking like yesterday’s leftovers at a biker bar is so last year. Today’s trend is all about the mature woman — no, not your mom but she’ll probably appreciate this more than you can imagine. Long considered the forgotten demographic — what with retailers plying the teen and 20-something market with youthful styles — the affluent 40-and-up market has been shunned by designers for the most part, a move that’s left analysts scratching their heads.

But the latest season, with its tailored, almost-minimalist cuts, harks back to a more elegant woman — one who thinks twice about entering a dive and cares whether her coif is immaculate.

Mango’s latest collection mixes the biggest themes of the season: tailored, minimalist pansuits with some ’70s bohemian thrown in.

So it’s out with the maximalist accessories and in with the mannish trousers, sleek outerwear and belted, below-the-knee skirts.