It’s interesting how the topic of dressing appropriately for one’s age stirs up so much debate. Some women feel it’s about conformity and prefer to avoid the term altogether, while others see it as a way to feel more comfortable and presentable with a few wardrobe tweaks. I think both viewpoints have merit. Every woman should feel free to wear whatever she desires, irrespective of her age. At the same time, many, myself included, find that making some adjustments helps us look and feel better.
I wanted to hear from my three blogger friends on this matter, so I asked them to share their thoughts. For instance, Anja from Curly Traveller believes that as we age, certain styles no longer suit us, and our changing bodies prompt us to adapt. Greetje from No Fear Of Fashion thinks that our generation will change how older women are perceived, while Suzanne from Suzanne Carillo is adamant that she won’t let age dictate her fashion choices.
I find the discussion around “age-appropriate” dressing fascinating and am always curious about how women perceive these words. Below are opinions gathered from both past interviews and members of my Facebook page.
From Facebook, Lisa C aligns with Iris Apfel’s belief that what she wears is a personal choice. Linda S prefers a mix of classic and trendy styles without looking like her daughters or mother. Meanwhile, Suzanne G and others like Essbee B and Charisse T have their unique takes, emphasizing comfort, class, and suitability for various occasions.
Some interviewed shared their personal guidelines. Patti focuses on comfort and modesty, while Lisa and Camilla stress self-expression and confidence. Anja notes that while some styles might appear childish as we age, dressing young and artistic remains possible even in later years.
On the broader topic of age appropriateness, Ann feels that lifestyle is a better guide than age. Judith sees personal happiness in the mirror as the only rule that matters. Beverly believes in “good styling” over age dictates, and Jeannie mentions the importance of personal satisfaction over universal standards.
Others, like Melanie and Heather, celebrate individual choice and mood-driven style, disregarding strict rules. Catherine encourages a balance of classic and edgy styles, focusing on knowing what suits one best. Greetje sees dressing age-appropriately as personal, emphasizing cultural context and personality.
Now, it’s your turn. How do you interpret dressing for your age, and what does it signify for you?