One night last week, I was skimming web pages when I stopped cold at an article entitled “Dress Your Age.”
Dress your age, in this day and age? Are we still defining and maligning who can wear what based on the year of their birth? Apparently so. Take a gander at Google on this particular topic. Everyone has something to say. But I think the guidelines are simple: attire should be respectful of occasion and profession.
Otherwise? Keep your nose out of my drawers, your eyes off my birth certificate, and your opinions to yourself!
Do first impressions count? Do we judge based on appearance? Of course. But aren’t we entitled to dress for public (and private) consumption according to mood, personal style, and regardless of age – or for that matter, body type?
Our own worst critics
Like most women, I’m my own worst critic when it comes to my assets and liabilities. Naturally, I dress to accentuate the positives, and minimize the “also-rans.”
That’s what we do in life; we play up advantages and downplay challenges.
Curiosity, curiosity
I will admit I’m curious. Ladies – do you dress for a man, for other women, or for yourselves?
And gentlemen, what about you? Who do you dress for? Or is it the last thing you think about before heading out the door? One uniform for work (with variations), and another for play?
The sexy underthing
Would you wear the gorgeous corset above – assuming you could afford it, and it was comfortable?
I would, without hesitation. I’d wear beautiful lingerie and feel divine, totally at home – regardless of my age, my non-size-two status, or any other factor. Doesn’t every woman deserve to feel good about herself – attractive, sexy, and confident?
The good, the bad, and the you-know-what
Some of us admire our favorite celebs, as displayed in magazines, on television, film and other media. We’re impressed, distressed or pressed to look a certain way. We emulate their style, picture ourselves in their fashion choices. But in the real world, we balance those desires with a sizable dose of practicality (budget and lifestyle), as over time, we shape our personal style.
We also secretly enjoy those pictures snapped when public figures don’t look their best; they look like us!
Check out Gwyneth, caught by the paparazzi, and looking just fine as a “regular person.” And here she is, decked out and glammed up, in this fabulous magazine spread and elegant gown.
Lifestyle pronouncements
When I hear “Dress Your Age” – in any context – I can’t help but get hot under the collar. Who says we must act a certain way at 20-something or 40-something? And then dress the part? And when it comes to 50+, it appears we’re just one giant, homogeneous disappearing group to be bagged up and tossed over the counter!
Did anyone notice the First Lady was photographed wearing shorts to the Grand Canyon? Bravo to Michelle Obama - for a display of normalcy despite life in the media fishbowl. I suspect she’s a woman who knows and owns her style in all its changing modes, any time and anywhere.
The “Mom” factor in fashion
What else insinuates itself into our self-limiting selection of styles? The Mom factor.
You know – the subtle (and not so subtle) messaging that motherhood exempts us from wishing to incite a smidgen of sexual interest, much less ignite a wildfire. Who says pregnancy and postpartum can’t be hot (and I don’t mean hormonally), even if there’s a little more of us to love?
My preference – the smart and smoldering, ever elegant kind of hot… perfectly fitted lingerie and “foundation” garments. In other words – beautiful underthings to look and feel great!
Rules shmules
Mini-skirt at the office? Bad news, at any age. Ripped jeans at a formal party? Of course not. It’s common sense.
And remember those stunning mature women with their luscious locks – Susan Sarandon, Sonia Braga – and their confidence in how they look and who they are?
Ye of the fashion police – let us be ourselves! In a world with too many rules as it is, I say wear what you love, whether it’s a flowing white dress (that would make any woman feel dreamy), or a sultry bit of lace and luxury.
Screw the “shoulds.” Just do you.
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If you think my writing is casual, my dress style: ultra casual.
I dont wear pajamas out, but jeans & funny t-shirts all the time.
I need an excuse to buy some new threads and wear them out.
“Wear them out” – good one!
You just reminded me, what did i do with my new bed linens???
Thanks doll face
My daughter has a heart attack when I wear plaid shorts. She says they are for fraternity boys and high school students. Ha! I wear them anyway. Me, and the grandpas who don’t want to golf in long pants.
Plaid’s no fad, it’s cool and timeless
You’re her dad, your shorts are crimeless
Tell your daughter: Turn away!
My snazzy shorts are here to stay!
You gotta love it when our kids reach the age when everything we do / say / wear embarrasses them. Except if requests for food, vehicles, or money are pending. You could also tell her it’s 70s retro chic…
The only thing I have ever asked of my daughter was to tell me when I looked stupid (e.g. wore clothing inappropriate for my age). She may correct me from time to time but most of the time she thinks I look good.
Personally I am so happy that women don’t have to wear those baggy long sleeves dresses and chunky black tie shoes when they turn 50 like they did 60 years ago.
And Michelle Obama should be able to wear what she wants to wear on her vacation…even a bikini if she wants to.