An interesting article by Vanessa Friedman in the New York Times asks the question “What Does It Mean to Dress Your Age? Of course, we know that, as we age, our bodies change shape which means that what we wore in our 20s and 30s will not fit now that we are “grownups”.
Friedman goes on to say,
“Personally, I feel like my years have been hard won, and experience is worth wearing. Which means I have said goodbye to clothes I generally associate with my youth: hemlines above my knees (especially attached to skater and rah-rah skirts), tops that show off my belly button, ruffles, slip dresses. Anything, really, that takes me sliding down a wormhole into an era when I was a much less formed person……”
What she is saying is that dressing your age is about more than size and shape. How we dress today is a reflection of who we are now. It is about how we choose to be seen. There is a graceful stature in dressing for one’s self. For, at this point in our lives, we deserve to be here as we have weathered the trials and sadness and losses of life. At the same time, we have experienced the pleasures of love, and careers, and family and children.
I recall thinking that anyone over 30 was practically ancient. But I also remember an older woman, perhaps in her late 70s, who was lovely and elegant and made me think “I hope I can be that beautiful when I get old.” I was then 22 but I can still picture her grace and beauty and the manner in which she carried herself. The takeaway is that we dress for who we are now.
Lucy says that she is wearing longer skirts around midcalf with boots. For the longest time, she did not wear skirts in the winter primarily because she hated having to pull up tights that often snagged on chapped fingers. Remember that? Today, she finds longer skirts fun and feminine.
Wardrobe considerations for grownup women include hemline lengths which means no longer short skirts; add to this that skinny jeans do not suit older bodies; exposing breasts not appropriate; yoga pants might need to be taken off the list; shoes should not be little kitten pumps or mules; no large hand bags; and no ruffles and frills.
Long sleeves are better as are turtle necks; tucked in shirts better than baggie oversized. One could suggest that these considerations have to do with body shape and size and that certainly is a factor but it is also about being a grownup. Is it really attractive for an 80-year-old male to be seen jogging in short shorts and an Italian T-shirt? It is not a good look. Now imagine that he is appropriately attired running down the road. Better, what?
Even though Vogue and Harpers magazines are filled with young lithe 20-year-old bodies, the clothes are meant for older women who can afford them. Look at a runway fashion show where teenage models slither down the runway in a size zero. Who is in the audience? It is well-heeled grownup women. Yes, they can afford it but they have also earned the elegance stature for living life. We have always loved fashion and beautiful clothes, but we recognize that we must filter what will work on our bodies and at this age.
There are incredible sales going on right now for clothes that can be worn through April. During these dark days of winter give your closet a hard look and then take yourself shopping for some new clothes. It is too easy to “stay the course” and wear the same oversized sweater. But trust us, buying a few new things to add to your wardrobe is a real boost, especially this time of year.
Remember what you wear speaks to how the world sees you. Dress for the confident and elegant you.
Ciao
Lucy and Claudia