topic Re: Dressing your age? in Beauty

Dressing your age?

chiclet — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:18:27 GMT

I know everyone will say wear what makes you happy and I agree with that. I was in a waiting room and a lady had thick long blond hair (really pretty) and walking shorts with high heeled booties. It was a cute outfit. However, the wearer was very very very tanned and wrinkled and probably in 70s. She was a good weight but the skin on the legs and arms was old skin. She looked like she was trying so hard to hang on to being young that it almost made me sad. I saw another lady when we were eating out in a mini skirt and heels and very low cut top who was also up there in age. I am 71 and I try to wear clothes that are modern but not show any more of the old skin than I have to. I want to look up to date and like I have not given up but I know it is not the clothes that will make me look young. Getting old is very hard both physically and mentally. Of course the alternative is not good either.

Re: Dressing your age?

nyc1 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:27:34 GMT

@chiclet Totally agree. Wear what makes you happy but use some common sense. LOOK IN THE MIRROR!!! I know our view may be different, but an unbiased review of what we look like is important. Embrase it, have fun with who you are and how you want to dress, but an occassional reality check is critical.

Re: Dressing your age?

meallen616 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:25:19 GMT

I am 71 also and have seen some sights! I agree with you, I wear what I think is proper for my age.

Re: Dressing your age?

Desertdi — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:37:03 GMT

Re: Dressing your age?

Sooner — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:42:03 GMT

A big goal of mine is not to look or act like an old fool. I have no problem with my age or looking my age. But hope to still look like I have some sense.

Re: Dressing your age?

Harpa — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:45:51 GMT

It's all subjective, I suppose. But ah, the common sense part! (@nyc1)

Most of the time I give a fleeting [personal] assessment on what people wear, their hair style, how they are made up.

For the depositions from the law firm I worked at a long time ago, it was important that the lawyer begin with a physical description of the claimants down to what they wore. (The firm represented an important company.)

Everything's been so relaxed, that I wonder how much applies today. (Remember when ladies always wore hat & gloves?)

I can be more observant, though of my college students. I'm usually too busy thinking about what needs to be accomplished that day.

Re: Dressing your age?

Dusty1 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:46:29 GMT

They are hurting no one. They are probably well aware that they look "old" but they are dressing the way that they feel is the most attractive.

Dressing like you described at any age is trying too hard to get attention, to me & makes me sad.

I really dislike the term "given up". Given up trying to please other people? I gave up a long time ago.

What does it mean to give up? To quit trying? Men generally (Of course some do.) don't wear makeup, color their hair, wear provacative clothing, etc. So did they never try?

I dress really simply & for my comfort. If I offend someone with my choices I don't mean to.

Re: Dressing your age?

kaydee50 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:46:45 GMT

And I look at all these young people with their tattooes and wonder what they will look like when they're old--LOL!!!

Re: Dressing your age?

amyb — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:39:24 GMT

@chiclet Understand all the points you make.

I'm all over the place in things I like, from some trendy/whimsical romantic looks to classics. I think I do have a clear vision for myself of what looks cute on a tween or twenty-something, but is no longer appropriate for me. If I see a trend, I think I know how to style it for my age. Some things I know, are no longer an option, even if in shape, just look silly and sad on a woman my age, or at least on me...super mini shorts, cut off mini denim skirts, super "cute" young trends, to me are pretty obvious.

I'm in my 60's, petite, in shape, thankfully, no wrinkled arms, pretty good legs still...not bragging just giving the "picture"... I still wear youthful looks just in a "grown up" way.

I do "check" myself, as I know being petite, and having a "romantic" style...I can sometimes choose "too cute" for maybe my age...so I do give thought to it. But romantic, is a look that suits my style and look, I feel, even at this age. Lol...I think of my dear mom who had such style her whole life to 91...she'd say to me, "You're 40, 50 or 60 now...you have to dress more sophisticated!" Good fabrics, great fit, grown up style, even when it's with an artistic flair.

About the arms situation...I truly feel....in the dog days of summer...even when my arms go...I'm wearing sleeveless! As long as the top is age appropriate and doesn't show anything "hanging" with too big arm holes etc...it doesn't bother me at all to see an older woman with her arms out. It's summer...feel cool, is how I feel. No one expects her to look 20 at this point, so what it's an older arm. Obviously, if it makes anyone uncomfortable, as I know it does with many women (I sold women's clothing for a while...sleeveless was a hard "NO" for many) then "you do you."

Re: Dressing your age?

amyb — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:50:33 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:

Love it.

Re: Dressing your age?

QVCkitty1 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:02:08 GMT

This question makes me uncomfortable. I have my comfort level, but I'm reluctant to tell others how to dress.

Re: Dressing your age?

teganslaw — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:08:53 GMT

I'm in my 60's and realize that wearing mini skirts and low cut tops would no longer work. I wear v neck, but nothing too low. The same goes with heavy makeup. Natural looks so much better. Makeup is good, but one needs to enhance, not pile it on.

Maybe some mature women can get away with younger clothes, but many look like they are trying too hard. It takes away from what they want to accomplish.

Re: Dressing your age?

Imaoldhippie — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:29:14 GMT

Those ladies you saw wear what makes them happy and feel good. The most likely do not give a rip what anyone thinks. More power to them.

Wear what you like and feel comfortable and good in.

Re: Dressing your age?

blueroses47 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:32:37 GMT

This is something I've thought about on some level from a really young age....maybe even in my twenties. I remember thinking, "is it acceptable to have really long hair after age 30?'

Well, fast forward 50 or so years, and I find myself dressing fairly youthfully. I don't show as much skin, no upper arms or low cut things, no short skirts. But in terms of the style of garments, I often pick out things I would have chosen in my twenties or thirties. I try to tone it down, but you know, you like what you like. I just try to keep from looking like

Baby Jane, and I think I don't go overboard.

But what does it really matter? Last year I had cataract surgery and waiting for the procedure with me were two older ladies, I felt they were well into their seventies, or maybe even 80's. They were sisters, one had accompanied the other for her surgery. They looked OLD. However, they were dressed in really young looking clothes, flowing florals, strappy shoes, their hair was dyed, I think, and in shoulder length bobs, although their hair was "wispy".

Somehow, though, they came across as so, so charming. They had southern accents, and were devoted to each other, and the young outfits and styles didn't look foolish. It looked more charming. They were like fading southern belles, but I didn't find it foolish or sad. It was more uplifting for some odd reason.

So, the bottom line is really wear what you like, be an individual. It's not that important in the grand scheme of life.

Re: Dressing your age?

Sooner — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:35:17 GMT

I have stated here many times and firmly believe that for most people, yes there are always exceptions, how you dress tells others who you think you are and how they want you to perceive them.

It is a basic understood function of living beings. Animals "dress" to send messages and they are well understood by others. Lions have manes for a reason; peacocks that tail for a reason. I believe at some basic level visual messages are part of who we are.

Think about when you go to the doctor. How he or she might be dressed could affect how you take the advice. Ok. Think, then laugh with me!

Re: Dressing your age?

SilleeMee — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:44:01 GMT

Look for low-lighting environments,wear some shear fabric on sleeves/decolletage/legs and yes tatts can cover a lot the aging skin. I don't recommend tatts but I've seen older women have them to cover wrinkly skin. I'd rather have the wrinkly skin TYVM.

Re: Dressing your age?

Kabella — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:45:31 GMT

So your saying that seniors need to cover their arms with long sleeves & legs with long pants. Its summertime, I just hope more women up in age would stop covering their bodies. That women in the dressing rocks on!

Re: Dressing your age?

Shanus — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:49:39 GMT

The "dyed hair looking younger "is making me feel more angry than clothing choices. We've been there done that many times here.

Re: Dressing your age?

Janey2 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:54:40 GMT

I cannot stand old, orange peel, wrinkled skin. Yes I have it so I make sure it is covered. When I see a woman of a certain age in shorts and sleeveless tops I always think how attractive she would be if she were a little more covered up. Yeah yeah I know the drill " wear what you like, wear what makes you comfortable" but sometimes you have to think about being age appropriate for where you are going.

Re: Dressing your age?

Kabella — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:58:12 GMT

@Shanus Yup! Its a personal choice, all is good.