Dressing "age appropriate", what do you think?

pen2u

IMO, older women (like me) can rock younger, trendier accessories, or one item of clothing, if the rest of the outfit is more age-appropriate and our hair and make up don't date us or age us by being either terribly out of style or too youthful.

We don't have to give it all up, just use it judiciously. Wear clothes that fit well and be sure to rock the shorts and tank tops if you have a killer bod for your age (and no tell-tale spider veins or cellulite!)

And grown women shouldn't wear middle school age boy's clothes...that's just wrong. Unless you're shredding at the skate park, lol.

JellyJaks

I think you should dress to fit your personality, not your age.

QFT

skinnyjeanzbound

It's interesting to me that so many people are stating that you should only show skin if you have a fit body--even at the pool. When I went on vacation to Curacao almost everyone at the resort was either Dutch or Venezualian and it was immediately apparent that they didn't have the same body image issues we Americans have. With the exception of the 3 or 4 American women, all of the women wore 2 piece suits regardless of age or weight. Now mind you, I'm not saying they were all in string bikinis, but all wore 2-pieces, and most of the Venezualian women wore thongs regardless of their body types.

In contrast, we Americans wore maillots, tankinis, or skirted suits and "cover-ups" to and from the pool/beach. In fact, by the 3rd day or so, I quit wearing my cover up b/c I felt so out of place in it. It was very freeing to realize that no one seemed to be judging my jiggly thighs or flabby arms--the general consensus seemed to be that we were at the beach and people show skin at the beach even if it's not always pretty. I'm not saying I was ready to don a thong, but I was much more comfortable in a bathing suit among that crowd than I've ever been at an American beach.

lcoreo5

whats the difference between a mini skirt in the "teen" section and one from the "grown up" section. a mini skirt is a mini skirt. if it looks good and you feel good, wear it. fashion rules are ridiculous. obviously a grown woman shouldnt wear a mini skirt to say a job interview... but otherwise, wear what suits you at the right time.

NeuroticVirgo

I agree with those rules. Clothing stores advertise to certain age groups for a reason. And there comes a point when one can't be taken seriously when they're dressed like they're 25 but much older then 25. With that being said I believe there is also a happy medium. A lot of the time women will either dress incredibly young or too old for them. If you still got it going on I agree you should show that 100% but in clothing that is more suited for your age.

I kind of agree with this. I think after a certain point some outfits can look really tacky. I like clothes from hot topic, I still have my full plaid mini skirt & corset outfit...but I also have 9 year old "tween" who I would completely embarrass if I wore that around the house or to a school function, or really, it would look bad on me at the grocery store. But to a KORN concert or in the bedroom...well then...I think its totally appropriate at either. I kind of think that's where the line starts getting crossed...I'm seen some people (at least in their 30's if not older) walking around Safeway in the same outfit I've seen on my friends high school daughter...it just looks bad.

I think this before & after from what not to wear is a decent example.

i_love_vinegar

omg i saw that article too xD I actually commented on it and was like, "wtf!" because they were saying stuff such as "don't wear hair accessories after 25" and "don't wear anything with lace or pretty ribbons after 30" and of course, stupid bikini things and shorts thing "don't wear bikinis or shorts after 35. If you want to wear a swimsuit, wear a one piece. If you want to wear shorts, wear the soccer mom ones that go down to your knees *no offense to anyone who likes these xD*"

Gah!

I would suggest just being your own person! Obviously there are things I agree with such as "don't wear Juicy Couture tracksuits with 'juicy' written on your butt" ... but i don't think that looks good on anyone of any age...although I could care less if someone walks around with that on lol

It is your life. ^.^ I know I am only 21, but I have worn Louis Vuitton since I was 15 (maybe too young to some people), and plan to wear it forever haha. I also still wear my school uniform skirt (too old) because it is cute and comfy haha.

I personally think Gap or Old Navy paid to have that article written. :P They want us all to look like someone from their commercials :P

As for what ppl think of you dressing "younger" than your age...hmmm...if someone doesn't want to be your friend because you buy clothes from a certain store, why would you want them as a friend anyways? I can understand if your outfits are REALLY out there (like walking around in diapers, dressed like a crip/blood, or wearing lingerie in public)...but Hollister and Hot Topic are totally A-ok.

so ^.^ I hope this helps!!!

i_love_vinegar

whats the difference between a mini skirt in the "teen" section and one from the "grown up" section. a mini skirt is a mini skirt. if it looks good and you feel good, wear it. fashion rules are ridiculous. obviously a grown woman shouldnt wear a mini skirt to say a job interview... but otherwise, wear what suits you at the right time.

I totally agree with this btw. Its all a marketing gimmick. I still shop the CHILDRENS section, and have never been accused of wearing too-young clothes...because it looks just like adult clothing, just smaller (I'm short) and much cheaper. <.<

Johnnyswife

I recently came across an article on yahoo Shine regarding women dressing according to their age. It said that after 35 one shouldn't wear bikini's and miniskirts. Also, certain brands were taboo.
Now, in my case, I'm 35 and in the best shape of my life. In addition, I tend to look a bit younger than my age. I'm also a bit eccentric and so I wear Hollister and shop in Hot Topic at times (they have cool band t's sometimes).
I personally think those "rules" are bull****.
What do ya'll think?

If it looks good, wear it..unless of course your trying to rock pigtails and a babydoll dress...cause no one looks good in those.

suzycreamcheese

b0ll0cks to it. im 35 and i have bikinis and short dresses/skirts and i think i can still get away with it. one of my favourite dresses ive had since i was 16

Liquid741

Unless you look like you belong on the website peopleofwalmart.com then your good to go! My wife looks badass in a bikini and she is 40! Me not so much....

hewhoiscd

Write an article with your own fashion rules and publish it on the web. Will be just as valid as any other "rules" out there

Guinivere

I think you should dress to fit your personality, not your age.

Well put!

While I will *never* be able to wear a bikini or short skirt (too many surgeries/too much loose skin), no one is going to tell me that I'm "too old" to wear my Gryffindor t-shirt or my skull and crossbones earrings. Yes, I also shop at Hollister... and yes, I love to wear shirts with oddball sayings or graphics on them -- GIR, anyone? -- but these things are what make me the unique ME that I am.

And while we're at it, I'd like to give a giant MYOB to those who tell me that 42 year old women need to cut their hair into a more "mature" style...

I have hair down to my bottom and I get the "aren't you a bit old for long flowing hair" I'm 38 but most people think I'm 28.
I think that if you are honest about what works with your body-shape and there aren't ugly bulges and underwear flashing; go for it and express your personality. I've seen ladies in their eighties with long hair in a plait or in a French bun. Really sophisticated. But I've also seen girls that don't appear to own a mirror and could do with a helping hand! Being an object of ridicule isnt very cool. I'm sure we've all seen them in shopping malls. But I would never presume to tell them what to wear - it's none of my business and I would hate to hurt anyones feelings. I do compliment strangers if I think they look great tho. :-)

hotstuff76

everyone should wear what they feel comfy in n feck everyones opinion x

ladylu11

I'm 44 and my closet has so many different kinds of clothing. When I try something on I know if it's too young for me or not, I don't need an "expert" to tell me what the mirror is saying loud and clear.

livnlite

I am of the mindset that you should wear what ever makes YOU feel good, and comfortable...but, when it comes to popular opinion ... that's a different thing entirely.

I've seen many 'mature' women wear very short skirts and look amazing. Then, I've seen very young women wear short skirts and well, I'm think'n maybe they shouldn't have. I don't think it's JUST about age . Body structure and class have a lot to do with it.

Much the same as some women can wear spandex or shortie tops .. and some who do .. well, again .. perhaps shouldn't ...at least not in public. I guess it comes down to what a person prefers .. How they feel or how the rest of the world feels about it.

Some women like to dress in a manner that they percieve as 'sexy' ... It may not BE sexy to everyone, but, then again, who am I to say? As long as they are not on the walmartians photo hall of fame, we will deal with it.

TheMaidOfAstolat

I plan on wearing whatever looks good on me as I age. I plan on it being tasteful however. It's one thing to wear a mini that's almost to the crotch and another that's only an inch above the knees. Even though I'm 26 I still dress fairly 'matronly'...I had my daughter at 18...so I don't show my stomach. I do love showing off my legs and I'm proud of them. I wear a high cut one-piece swimsuit and it looks wonderful. It's all about being comfortable in your own skin....if a lady in their 80's wears a two piece I sure as heck am not going to knock it...just because I don't have the guts to do so. Remember...wear what you love and if it looks trashy or shanky...you'll get looks and then you can tone it down a bit. Lol.

Mad_Dog_Muscle

I think that is just ignorant to say woman after 35 should not wear bikinis or short skirts. If you have the body and/or confidence to wear certain things then go for it. I admit I dont want to see a 300 lb man or woman in a teeny bikini / speedo on the beach, but HEY, I dont have to look either. Knock yourself out!
As for specific clothing brands, beit Hollister, or other brands, I dont have issue with that. I buy clothes because I like them, not because I am worried about the name brand may be seen as age appropriate. Now, the way I wear my clothes is different. I am not going to wear my jeans so large that they hang around my knees on purpose so my boxer shorts are hanging out for the world to see and a shirt half tucked in and half out. THAT I will leave for the teenagers / early 20s. I dont like the look, and think it looks tacky as hell, but remember what it was like when we were that age. I am sure we wore things that people our age now didnt agree with either. Remember, the 80s were a terrible fashion era!

billsica

You don't need to be wearing those bikini's and mini skirts. You can look just as attractive with showing off some ankle (not to much) from under your home spun dress. Also at the beach, don't worry, just cover up, and wear a large hat or babushka.
Spaghetti straps. HAH, not a chance, maybe a shawl after you get done cooking the spaghetti. -Sincerely, the internet fashion police

Here to help illustrate:

Rae6503

There are certain women that you do look at and think they are trying to dress like a teenager, but what you described wouldn't be that. And while i think they might look a little silly, they are free to do whatever they want and truefully I don't care much.

paintitblack

I think you should dress figure appropriate rather than age. If you're 35 but it better shape than you were when you were 25, then why not where the same sort of stuff?

I do agree there is kind of a limit on these things, though! Sometimes it can look incredibly tacky. I think being tasteful and a good fit are the main things that matter.

CoachMaritova

You're only as you feel.

ItsMeLori

You dress how you feel you can dress. I wore a bikini and mini skirts until mid 40's. My head tells me as I age now, not to wear that stuff. I like to dress cute, and wear low rise jeans but stay away from tiny bopper clothes now

orleansmith

Just thought I would share ... my great grandmother (b 1909) sometime in the early 70s I believe. Sure, this was at a gathering with her group for a luau, but I have no idea where these "rules" come from!

Tangerine302

I like bikinis and don't think I've ever own a one piece. It's not a matter of trying to dress younger it's what you are used to. Besides how would you get your stomach tanned? ha

I've also seen 19-20 year olds who might look better in a one piece.

catshark209

I wore my Hollister plaid shirt yesterday and today I'm wearing stuff from Forever 21. I have worked hard for this body and I'm gonna show it! Of course I'm not over the top crazy, I wear one trendy/young piece and the rest is "age appropriate".