Fashion

[Desert Lily]

So, it seems to me that our value or perception of beauty has moved toward the positive a little recently. But, is it okay yet for us to have cellulite and not hide it? Is it okay yet for us to have "junk in the trunk" without having to wear, for instance, a shaper? Is it okay yet to let our upper arms show rather than wear sleeves that extend at least to our elbows if not to our bracelets? What about full calves or vericose veins? Is it okay yet to let some of the fine wrinkles we've earned show, or the gray hairs that seem to pop up? Aren't many of these attributes inherited? We may no longer shame others for physical attributes, but do we as individuals feel our own shame for what may still be seen as less than perfect to others? I was a buyer for 19 years and I appreciate line, color, movement, balance, style, etc. in fashion. But, I wonder if we need to take another look at our perspective on what's beautiful and what's not. Does it say something about us as a society?

[BadWolf]

Gee, do we have to agree as a society what we find visually appealing or not?  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  You cannot mandate what people, as a whole, find beautiful.

Accept yourself and don't be concerned about others or don't accept yourself and change what you desire.

[lavenderfields]

I'm glad the younger generation is not as self conscious about their body type/shape.  The only thing I think our society needs to improve upon relating to how we dress is showing a little more modesty in some cases.

 My mother was always critical of her own body because her mother, who was very prim and proper,  thought she should look a certain way and be a certain weight and dress a certain way.   My mother never ever said anything negative about my sisters' or my  figure but I think I learned from her and from my female peers to be critical of parts of my body that I didn't like.    Life would be so much more enjoyable if we all could focus on what's really important.  How about focusing on being loving, kind, gentle, helpful, patient, etc.?  The world would be a much better place if we all could focus  on giving to others more than we focus on our own physical imperfections. 

[LTT1]

@Desert Lily 

I do think our perception of beauty says a lot about our society.

Lots and lots

I think our acceptance of larger/more fat women society calls out that do too much but we are sedentary.

Our grandmothers so busy obtaining and preparing meals.

[ECBG]

We all age in the same direction and will have some of the signs you mention.  I prefer to "ageing gracefuly",  and not present myself in any way that I would not care to see any other woman in.

Today in the store where I work, a woman who carried all of her weight in her hips and thighs, wore a pair of tan jeans that were about to rip out of the fitting room.  They were almost transparent because they were a second skin, and showed every dimple.  

I am a professional stylist with a background in textiles, clothing construction, tailoring, and design.  There is no reason any woman can't look her best.  I help the ladies dress to look their best. 

I dress ladies from five states.

[BirkiLady]

Beauty lies within. The things you are talking about (or questioning) have been "earned" through years of a life well lived.

I enjoy the look of graying temples and don't worry about the thinning hair. Scars are part of my history and memories. Wrinkles are laugh lines and years of fun in the sun with family and friends. Swollen ankles show I've inherited fluid retention from previous generations; a diuretic helps. Odd looking lumpy growths on my wrists, shoulders, knees, etc., are parts of Lupus. That's part of my weird autoimmune system.

I've had had health problems since birth and consider myself very fortunate to reach 71, live alone in my own home and be very independent. Worrying about such trivial things seems shallow. Dressing well is important. But living a productive life, volunteering and having great family and friends is a higher priority than worrying about outer beauty.

Interesting post. Anxious to read how other's respond.    

[aroc3435]

@Desert Lily   I think globally people are moving--albeit slowly--in the direction of an increasing acceptance of differences among people in what is physically beautiful.  

Younger generations seem to have less and less fear of "the other" in people, and are embracing diversity; I find that encouraging.  They are not just looking at the surface for beauty, but are looking at other aspects of the human condition.

Diversity will win the day if the trend continues; but I don't think I will live to see its complete ascendancy in this particular lifetime.

I've always tried pretty consistently to not be a slave to fashion trends, and I am the same with my food choices and lifestyle.  Regretfully, I am far from perfect in the choices I make.

My motto, since a very young age, remains live and let live as far as possible.  Makes for a more serene journey through life.

[Shanus]

I agree with @ECBG . With so many choices of clothing and sizes, every woman should be able to dress in an attractive, appropriate for her shape, manner. Flaws can be hidden or the eye diverted and good features enhanced instead. 

Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, beauty is only skin deep, etc. Society, on the whole, is ruthless with criticism and scrutiny. I choose not to give anyone something to talk about and do my best to dress for my age and figure. Beauty has nothing to do with it.

[SeaMaiden]

I see a lot of women who do not care....if it does not bother them, go for it.  I am not that person. I will not show STUFF I hate.  I will dress to cover or disguise my “issues” the best I can. That is just me. 

it has always been OK to let it all show....but  even if they say nothing out loud,,  many people are THINKING  “OMG GROSS!”  To themselves.....

If you can deal with knowing that and it does not bother you  then let it all hang out😄

[suzyQ3]

I'm with those here who choose not to point out or dwell on flaws in the appearance of others. Besides being superficial, no one of us walks in their shoes.

And I think that once you stop doing that, you might also become kinder and and more accepting of yourself.

Of course, it's a work in progress on both fronts, at least for me.