It's the last day of 2013 and I'm digging into two issues = age appropriate dressing, and fighting fat talk, part two. First, let's talk about age!
When I turned 30 this summer, I expected to wake up and look totally different. I know it sounds silly, but 30 is hailed as such a milestone, I was convinced that something monumental must take place on that day. I’ve heard hundreds of comments along these lines over the years – some directed at me personally and others in general:
“At 30 you shouldn’t shop at Forever 21, American Eagle or (insert store here) anymore.”
“At 30 you should never wear mini skirts or shorts above the knee.”
“You are way too old to be wearing that (because you’re 30).”
Thirty might be a defining moment in our culture, but (not surprisingly) I felt exactly the same on July 30th as I did the day before. I've since realized more and more that a woman is so much more than a number. Defining someone's style by their age denies the woman as a whole – what makes her unique, and the individual aspects that she represents. Thirty, or forty, or even eighty, does not the look the same for everyone, both literally (their bodies) and when it comes to style, and that’s more than okay. These differences are a thing to be celebrated, and I think it’s unfortunate when we place age limitations on ourselves and on others. I highly recommend "Fabulous Fashionistas," a documentary about amazingly stylish women in their 70’s and 80’s that break all kinds of stereotypes.
So where does “age appropriate” dressing come in, then? I'm not denying that age is a factor for style, I'm just not sure it's the only factor, or even an important one. I think body type, lifestyle, climate and position (from CEO to full-time mom) have a much greater impact on style than any number on a birth certificate.
At 30, I’m two sizes smaller than I was in high school and in a lot better shape. I’m unmarried, no children, living in Florida, running a company from home and what I’m wearing is my resume. How 30 wound up looking doesn’t match any of my stereotypes or expectations. I thought I would be married, have 3 kids, own a house, my career wouldn’t happen until 10-20 years from now, and that my body would look totally different. It has been a valuable lesson in how untrue age stereotypes can be – when placed on ourselves and on others. My style may not be changing in an abrupt I'm-30-now-so-everything-above-the-knee-must go, but there's definitely a slow, gradual change. Mostly based on the factors I mentioned though - my job, my lifestyle, body type. I don't think I've ever thought "I'm too old to wear this" but I have felt like I've outgrown certain styles from time to time. I looked back at some old style posts:
