Dress Your Age?
What is that supposed to mean? I dress how I like, I wear what I want to. We should choose clothes that make us happy, that make us feel good and that suit our personal style and the occasion. Clothes that are eco-friendly is very important to me.
Health is more important than age and more important than what we wear. I’m another year older and another year closer to where I’m going. Another year of memories made and another year of breaking fashion rules.
With every year I gain more confidence and break silly rules. I’ve read so much ridiculous advice since I started blogging, for example: women over 40 shouldn’t wear shorts or mini skirts because our knees are ugly.
My daughter Jean wrote an excellent article Youth, Body Image and Aging. Here are ten of the forbidden things we shouldn’t wear after a certain age according to the list somebody made up. BTW I’ve broken all those rules.
- Bikini, 47
- Mini skirt, 35
- Stilettos, 51
- Knee high boots, 47
- Leggings, 45
- Swimsuit, 61
- Tight vest, 44
- See-through chiffon blouse, 40
- Long hair, 53
- Ponytail, 51
Here’s me at 66 breaking three rules and lovin’ it:
- knee-high boots
- leggings
- long hair
What matters to me, no matter our age, is to buy ethical and cruelty-free clothes. People should have good working conditions and animals should not suffer for fashion.
Which fashion rules have you broken?
fashion with compassion 
Had so much fun reading this. I turned 60 last November and never listened to those “forbidden” stuff for us girls with seasoned faces and bodies. I am from Switzerland and also got told that at 40 you have to cut your hair … and don’t wear anything that draws attention to you. Well, I have broken every single rule .. sporting long hair right now and as for showing my knees … ? They “breath” a lot during the hot California summers, smile! We still live and rock it.
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Thanks so much Christina! Glad you enjoyed reading this and we both will continue to break silly fashion rules. Knees need to “breathe” ha ha!! 🙂
❤️carmen
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You look fantastic , keep on breaking the rules. who put those rules together? A man? I have broken them too, specially with leggings. The funniest is swimsuit with 61…. how are we supposed to swim after 61…. probably naked….
Well, like you I like to wear what I like and feels comfortable whatever the rules. 🙂
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Not sure who they are but they are not going to dictate what I wear. I’m so in agreement with you about comfort Ute. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
❤ carmen
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Totally agree with you Carmen, by the way I love your style ! I remember you had a pair of brown wide wale corduroy leggings that your paired with boots , and you looked amazing ! Maybe, you still have these leggings ?
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WOW!!! What a great memory you have! Yes, I still have them and wear them. Thank you so much for your visit and kind words!
❤ carmen
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Yes, I remember these brown corduroys because I found them so gorgeous ! Please do not hesitate to share some photos when you wear them, I love them !
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Definitely agree, who come up with these rules? Who made them an authority? Like you, I will wear what makes me look good. I decide that and my husband says, “honey, you look great.” I nod my head and say thank you 😊
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Indeed, those are the sweetest words to hear from your husband and what the fashion police think doesn’t matter.
❤ carmen
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He is the best 😃
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I have to admit that I’m glad I don’t live back in the day when these rules were so important. Even though I read them even now—it’s really quite laughable. Why in the heck, does some whipper snapper think they have the right to tell me what should or shouldn’t be on my body!!
Lately I think they write these just to get a rise out of people. However, I do know women who still abide and judge by these—it’s too bad!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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Quite right Jodie, these rules are laughable. Like you say, it’s too bad some women tend to judge by these and are critical of other women who wear things they don’t approve of. I certainly don’t think every woman looks good in their choice of clothing, but it’s a matter of taste and we don’t all have the same taste in clothing, home decor, art etc. I often catch myself thinking “who would wear this?” when I see something I don’t like on a clothes rack in a store.
My moto: If it doesn’t hurt anyone/anything, it’s fine.
Thanks for stopping by!
❤ carmen
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Dear Carmen, it is evident that the rules are to be broken. Although in reality, what rules do they serve in a modern and open society, in a society that has overcome the rigidity of the most conservative aesthetic norms? And, of course, in your case any limitation is nonsense, because your body and your personality endure any audacity or any originality. Your image is pure balance, elegance and beauty, always and with everything. Not one of the rules you list is going to be able to you … ever! There is no one who is healthier, more attractive and more wonderful than you! By the way, I love the look of today, the jacket, the cap, the boots … another wonderful example of simplicity, balance and elegance. And, obviously, I share your last sentence in full, we also agree on this!
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Thank you so much dear Josep-Maria! I appreciate your thoughts on this topic. I am a rebel when it comes to what some people want to dictate to others of what to wear. The fashion industry also dictates to a certain extent what we wear. Of course, this is done for profit, they continuously change styles so we will buy more and our “old clothes” become out-of-fashion and obsolete.
I’m glad you like the simplicity of my outfit. The little cap is thrifted and just happens to match my coat! As you can see, it is not only fashionable but very necessary to keep warm on these cold February days. Since these photos were taken, we’ve had a wonderful thaw, with temperatures above freezing, so the rain has washed the snow away! But there will be more, winter is not over yet.
Our love for eco-fashion and fair-trade is something we have shared from the beginning. When you posted the horrific story about the tragedy in Bangladesh 5 years ago, it made me painfully aware of the need for safe working conditions for employees. I do not want to support such industries who exploit their workers or abuse animals and don’t care about the environment.
Fashion with compassion is our message!
❤ carmen
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Great post! I didn’t even know yet, dear Carmen, that there are such constricting rules…
I am glad you don’t follow them and wear clothes as you like! 🌞
Liebe Morgengrüße vom Lu
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Thank you dear Lu! I don’t think there are such rules for men.
Liebe Grüße,
❤ carmen
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Agree with everything you said. Have a great night Carmen. You look marvelous.
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Thanks so much Andrew!
Have a great day!
❤ carmen
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Thanks. You too
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