https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:13:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2316988 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 18:55:02 +0000 Cardiff girl 2316988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My feeling is that only the young could turn a complement into a criticism!When they get to my age they will be overjoyed if they get a genuine complement .Aren’t some of the top fashion designers in the mature bracket?l bet this young person also writes lists about what people over30/40/50 shouldn’t wear as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2316956 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 17:34:28 +0000 Jules 2316956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, that is a wise comment… but it sounds like the wisdom of age to me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2316795 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 07:43:19 +0000 Hamza Ali 2316795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I compliment others without thinking about their age.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310974 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 18:51:28 +0000 April 2310974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just told Little Mr. A about this conversation and he said something I found quite wise.&nbsp; "It's not about age.&nbsp; Anna Wintour is 73 and I'd take a compliment from her any day."</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310913 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:23:37 +0000 Gail 2310913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have complimented strangers on their outfits and have received some which I found nice.&nbsp;<br />Funny story - I got a pair of new glasses and have received many compliments on them, however an 81 year old aunt announced on several occasions she hates them on me and I look terrible wearing them. She has decidedly never been in to style and fashion and yet I find myself not reaching for this pair now after her comments lol!<br />&nbsp;One negative comment and that's the one I listen to ! What's wrong with me ?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310906 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 15:53:54 +0000 Star (Lise) 2310906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gosh I never thought that youngsters would not like a compliment.&nbsp; Maybe because I don't have kids.&nbsp; &nbsp;That said I only compliment my close friend and SIL.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310903 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 15:41:45 +0000 Zaeobi 2310903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread, thanks for the discussion! I'll admit that I used to compliment people more back home (even though Brits aren't exactly known for polite small talk with strangers lol) but out here I don't really anymore - regardless of age. Partially because of the language barrier but also because I sometimes find folk staring, even without striking up conversation with them first. It would be nice to get compliments from others (&amp; give them!) but the last 2 times I received comments here were actually from men (commenting on my red trousers looking 'festive' around Xmas time, etc). Not sure what I should make of that lol... </p> <p>@roberta<br /> Guilty as charged lol, sorry! If I ever get round to uploading my real-life Finds, half of them will likely be 'from a random market stall in Singapore' </p> <p>@DonnaF<br /> I didn't even think of the family dynamic there - it feels almost like a rite of passage for most daughters to hate whatever their mother's personal style is (not really hatred but just not wishing to emulate it - like @helena said, to develop their own style instead). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310787 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 01:50:39 +0000 Echo 2310787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what an interesting thing. I guess it never occurred to me how someone might take a "compliment" as the opposite of how it was intended. That said, I rarely if ever comment on random strangers.</p> <p>I am 52 and I work in a k-12 public school building. All coworkers compliment one another and no one seems to take it the wrong way, regardless of age (early 20s to almost 70). Likewise, you can compliment a child up through about 5th grade and they will smile ear-to-ear for the rest of the day. But I never, EVER comment on the sartorial choices of middle school or high school students. They are so emotionally volatile that it isn't worth the trouble.</p> <p>I am definitely a shoe person, though, and my room is across from a Middle School study hall room. When I am outdoors sometimes for a recess and have changed into boots, coworkers tell me that middle school girls have snuck into my room to try on my shoes. I am not offended, and they clearly must not think I have "grandma" style. I decidedly do not dress like a teenager, but all bets are off when it comes to shoes (except no stilettos. I just can't wear a very high heel, and I don't even find them visually appealing anymore). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310762 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:22:04 +0000 DonnaF 2310762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ten days ago my 29 yo DD contacted me asking for a picture or link to my kitty shirt (Find below) because she'd seen someone with a similar shirt and became obsessed. Said we could have mother/daughter shirts, lol. Who knew? But mostly she wouldn't wear anything I wear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310749 Mon, 27 Feb 2023 23:12:49 +0000 Ginger 2310749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to notice what other people are wearing, and over the years I've tried to make more of an effort to offer compliments when the situation is right. Being in the South, it has never seemed a strange or forward thing to do, like striking up a conversation with a cashier. I'm just quiet so I didn't do it so much. I like receiving compliments myself, so when I find I'm admiring something internally, I express it if I can.</p> <p>As far as receiving them, I tend to get a fair amount. I've also noticed that it's almost never on a single item. People tend to notice the outfit or general effect and want to say something but sometimes don't quite know how to express it.&nbsp;I can recognize this because years ago, when doing living history, I got some comments from visitors admiring my outfit. And in this case, it was because the clothing was historically accurate. There were many others there with more eye-catching (and costumey) outfits, but these people responded to the&nbsp;<i>rightness</i> of the look without even knowing the history. I think I recognize something similar now. When someone likes my outfit, sometimes they'll say "Nice dress!" - even though it's a skirt and top and cardigan. Or more generally "I love the way you look!"&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm kind of rambling since I haven't experienced the feeling of either receiving dubious comments or feeling that I've given them! Although... There was the time a young 20-year-old or so just LOVED my SAS wedge loafers that I'd bought off ebay. I was wearing a tweed skirt and dance tights that honestly can look like compression stockings and the loafers look slightly... orthopedic to my eye. I was mostly wearing them since they were comfortable and I'd gone for a walk in them earlier. I'm still not quite sure what to think of that!<br /><i></i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310742 Mon, 27 Feb 2023 22:45:17 +0000 Roberta 2310742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny story - about 15 years ago I was looking at Docs in Nordstrom when a teen next to me tried on a pair of white sandals. Without thinking, I said, "Oh, I have those and love them!" Without a word she took the shoes off and walked away. I had totally killed her interest in them. I still laugh thinking about it.</p> <p>I pay compliments to strangers when something is really striking, and often to friends. I will occasionally ask where something was purchased, but it often turns out to be "Singapore" or "Zara five years ago."</p> <p>I love a compliment on my own outfits (as you all know)!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310520 Mon, 27 Feb 2023 02:17:42 +0000 Indigoprint 2310520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh gee, I compliment people all the time no matter their age. It never crossed my mind someone could be offended. Learn something new everyday!.<br /> I have made friends with my inquiries... I also ask if it was locally purchased as I live in a community with local businesses who appreciate the word of mouth recognition. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310486 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 23:47:25 +0000 Jonesy 2310486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is interesting! Like many others, I compliment people regardless of their age, but wouldn't ever ask someone where they got something. My 21-year old and I share a very similar style aesthetic, so we compliment each other all the time, and I pass things along to them if they are too small for me or I just don't wear them enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310480 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 23:07:27 +0000 Style Fan 2310480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I compliment others without thinking about their age.&nbsp; I wouldn't ask where they got their clothes.&nbsp; Women of all ages, including young, have complimented me on my outfits.&nbsp; I don't worry about their ages.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310388 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 13:56:17 +0000 Anonymous 2310388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I compliment people, without any thought to age, but wouldn't under any circumstance ask where they bought an item. That would be strange to me, outside of this forum.<br /> If people compliment me, I don't care about the age of the complimentor either. That said I'm generally more comfortable with compliments from women than men! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310385 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 13:44:07 +0000 Anonymous 2310385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an interesting thread! And I’ve honestly never considered that my compliment could potentially put people off of their clothing.</p> <div><br /></div><div>I do compliment people, of any age, when I see something that genuinely merits a compliment. And I also don’t mind getting a compliment from anyone, young or old, male or female. It makes my day!</div><div><br /></div><div>I would never ask where someone got something, although I might if it is someone I know well. I almost feel like it’s a probe for is it expensive (I.e., maybe you have a lot of disposable income) or not. So… is it designer or higher end, or H&amp;M? I feel like it would put people on the spot.&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes/page/2#post-2310335 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 03:49:03 +0000 Sloper 2310335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m a shy person, so when I give a compliment to a stranger in person, it means something really struck me. &nbsp;</p> <p>We’ve all been young, so I guess we’ve all had our chance to have the opinions and prejudices of youth :-). Eventually they may never get compliments at all - sigh.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310329 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 03:40:37 +0000 Jaime 2310329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. I am not really one to initiate (or welcome) conversations with strangers so I don't generally compliment strangers of any age. That said, I have received some compliments that have made my day. I do compliment my 18 year old daughters frequently and sincerely. They compliment me too, with a 'that looks good on you'. (As in don't offer it to me, I don't want it.)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310328 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 03:10:37 +0000 Jenni NZ 2310328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t think I compliment very young women. If I do it would be extremely occasional. I did compliment a group of 3 teenage girls once who all came into the consultation together, but I think it was more along the lines of “You all look so fantastic in your jeans”.<br /> (They were kind of all dressed the same but all gorgeous!)<br /> Otherwise it tends to be women of at a guess 30+ and I don’t ask where they got something, particularly since I am not trying to add to my wardrobe much.<br /> I think I will just keep doing what I do. I enjoy compliments given by any age to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310324 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 00:55:09 +0000 Suz 2310324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is fascinating! I have to say, it had <b>never</b> occurred to me that a sincere compliment might turn the wearer (any wearer, of any age) off the item or outfit!&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess you can tell from that -- I give compliments to people of all ages. Now that I think of it, I probably offer them more often to people who are 40 or older...at least if we are talking about strangers. </p> <p>Also, I definitely take <b>Helena's</b> point. It's a teenager's job to differentiate herself from her elders. And often they do it with fashion. I certainly did! Having said that, I also, always, admired older women who kept up with fashion and knew what was current and how to wear it!&nbsp;</p> <p>And I've definitely complimented my 20 something students. Last year, one of my students actually had the same pants as me (plaid J. Crew, below) and I pointed this out to her. We never wore them to class on the same day, but she didn't stop wearing them just because I also wear them.</p> <p>My kid is 23 and regularly asks me for sartorial advice or thoughts. And my students also compliment me on my outfits.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like giving and getting compliments. I get them from people of all ages—I think more often from. younger people than older people. Like Janet, I'd say people tend to focus on a few things, in my case, my haircut/ hair colour, my footwear, my bag (even though I'm not much of a bag person), or the outfit as a whole. Obviously, statement items attract more attention, so those plaid pants get a ton of comments. I'm always super grateful for all the nice words, and have never felt put off, even if I don't care for the complimenter's style or self-presentation.&nbsp;</p> <p>As an artist, I know that very often our taste is better than our ability to produce the effect we'd like. That probably applies to outfit creation, too. </p> <p>So maybe that rather boringly dressed person who says she loves my plaid pants is really saying: <i>I'd like to add more vibrancy and fun to my own closet; you're giving me an idea how. </i>Or maybe she's saying, <i>Gosh, those look great on you. Not my personal style, but I love them on you,</i> i.e maybe I'm opening her mind, reducing her poison eye, and that's what she's really telling me.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's all good.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310320 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 23:19:36 +0000 Peri 2310320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I compliment people I know of any age. But now that I'm thinking about it, I have never and would never compliment someone younger that I didn't know. Odd and not reasoned out, it just wouldn't occur to me. If I had to pin it down I would say I'd be too intimidated to so, and would assume they didn't want or need any validation from me. And yet I would easily compliment someone around my age, maybe because I know how scarce those compliments can be!</p> <p>Now, the very mean part of me wants to start complimenting younger women and girls just as payback. They sure do make us doubt ourselves and our clothing choices on the daily with the endless lists of what you shouldn't be allowed to do over fill-in-the-blank age!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310319 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 22:30:11 +0000 Barbara Diane 2310319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I occasionally complement someone on their clothes and it’s usually well received. However usually the person is not significantly younger. Yesterday I noticed what several young women in the restroom were wearing but didn’t say anything. Not sure if it was the age difference or the location </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310318 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 22:17:22 +0000 Sally 2310318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a secondary school teacher and I remember an interesting discussion I had with some girls once some years ago.&nbsp; They were talking about an older teacher who I am guessing was in her 60s.&nbsp; She used to wear skinny jeans all the time and a v necked top.&nbsp; These girls told me that they were horrified to find she was wearing the same shoes as they had recently purchased.&nbsp; They also said she shouldn't be dressing like that at her age but I thought she looked great and found the situation funny.&nbsp; &nbsp;I might say someone looks nice but I would never ask someone where they bought something, usually because while I like something, I am not interested where they got it.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310315 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 21:28:00 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2310315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like when people compliment my outfits. No matter what age. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310308 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 20:39:35 +0000 judy 2310308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think as an older person it was just something we grew up doing in the Northeast USA.&nbsp; Everyone had something to say about everything and what one was wearing was no exception.&nbsp; But it can be a fairly invasive habit, even the little remarks I might say like "Great bag, or shoes, or I like your whole outfit".&nbsp; Though I appreciate a compliment from another woman about my attire, I have learned from experience that it sometimes makes people uncomfortable.&nbsp; And talking to strangers is not something done here as much in the PNW.&nbsp; I have experienced this exact thing you're posting about, complimenting someone very young in my gentrified city neighborhood and getting that "oh if this old lady likes my clothes, I'm really not as cool as I thought" look.&nbsp; BUT if one of my young adult sons was with me, it was well received!&nbsp; They gave me credibility :).&nbsp; Also, I live in the country now and the young women here have actually complimented me a couple of times on my clothes or bags, and so it's made me feel more comfortable if and when I'm moved to do that too.&nbsp; Maybe it was just a city vibe...? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310295 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 18:49:37 +0000 Jules 2310295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm I think I might comment on something I know to be trendy due to my kids’ style, so not an item they’d be in doubt about. And/or, I will say you look nice or pretty or that’s nice lipstick. I more likely compliment specific items on women my own age. I think my comments generally land based on reactions, but I’m not around a lot of younger people at work. There is one young Gen Z woman who reminds me pretty specifically of my daughter - we don’t interact but given the general ‘why the eff do I have to come to this office full of middle aged people’ vibe I get from her (and I don’t blame her, the back to the office policy doesn’t make a lot of sense for people who don’t know anyone in the building), I’d be unlikely to compliment her for the reasons you mention! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310283 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 17:44:05 +0000 Irina 2310283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I honestly didn’t think of that. Most of my coworkers are younger and I compilent them and others sometimes. Mine are more like “great shoes “ or “what a lovely color” variety. I also compliment strangers in a same way. I got compliments, too. I don’t recall getting them from teenagers or much older people, though. It’s funny but every time I wear my summer Marimekko dress, I get a compliment from someone. It became a joke in our family. Like when I wore it in Florida and it was the only time I didn’t get any :)&nbsp;<br />OK, now I remember - when I was in my late 30s, my middle aged coworker complimented my shoes and said they look comfortable. I don’t think I wore those shoes to the office again. “Comfortable “ should not be the first word to come to one’s mind when looking on my shoes. I want to feel comfortable and not necessarily look comfortable, IYKWIM.<br />So, I think it is not only about age but also about what is said.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310279 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 17:04:06 +0000 April 2310279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting.&nbsp; I have just one more year of being "in my 50s" and I do compliment younger women's outfits but they're always people I know and it's an artsy fashionable crowd so they often dress memorably.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Recently a young mom with a stroller stopped me in town to say she loved what I was wearing.&nbsp; I was thrilled.&nbsp; "Thank you for telling me!"&nbsp; I realize that's the opposite situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I have one friend in her 70s who, when she compliments something I'm wearing, always means she finds it conventionally figure-flattering and preferably curve-enhancing.&nbsp; I'm a touch suspicious of those compliments, but I just thank her.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I also ignore her when she criticizes an outfit for hiding my figure.&nbsp; Many sentences begin with, "If I had your body..." to which I reply, "then you could walk with crutches!"&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310271 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 15:43:27 +0000 Angie 2310271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My thoughts are most similar to&nbsp;<b>Tanya's.<br /></b><br />Simply put, the age or style of the person complimenting my outfit, look, or item does no affect me at all! I say thank you, and that's that :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complimenting-younger-womens-clothes#post-2310265 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 15:28:00 +0000 phoebe 2310265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm actually more likely to compliment something I would not wear myself, because the novelty is part of the appeal.&nbsp;</p> <p>Honestly, I think impromptu complimenting of strangers has gone somewhat out of style, due to a convergence of I am not sure exactly which social movements, masking and the use of phones</p> </p>