https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 18 May 2026 15:42:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809263 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 05:37:31 +0000 krishnidoux 809263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Suz, that is really helpful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809239 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 04:26:09 +0000 Suz 809239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix, count me as another who admires your ruffles and thinks them not in the least "cute." (But who is also feeling a bit uneasy about a certain cloche with a flower on it that she owns...blushing...) </p> <p>Krish, I just found this on that other site; it might be more helpful in finding the broad category: <a href="http://seasonalcolor.yuku.com/topic/42/THE-YINYANG-CONCEPT#.UOeq36Vh538" rel="nofollow">http://seasonalcolor.yuku.com/.....Oeq36Vh538</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809197 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 03:24:02 +0000 Vix 809197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, once you "accept" that women can do no right in their choices it's terribly fun to tick people off by being wrong. </p> <p>Though I still grouse that Tomboy Style [young girl imitating boy style or unisex kid style] is almost always considered cooler than Girlie Style.</p> <p>And wow, this thread has taken many an entertaining turn, ha! </p> <p>Thank you for raising the spectre of Baby Jane, Claudia. I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight. ;)</p> <p><strong>Claudia, Goldenpig, Dstalksalot and Krishnidoux -- </strong>Thanks for the kind words re my ruffles etc. I try to keep an eye on things because one minute it's ladylike this that or the other and the next it's...the below.</p> <p><strong>Dstalksalot --</strong> I'm so glad you loved photo 2. That's a custom jersey dress I had made up recently and I was waffling over an oversized lapel for the neckline and something more drapey. The dressmaker came up with the ranunculus-like neckline and I had to go for it (even if it is a little Georgia O'Keefe-y!).</p> <p>I don't post a ton of WIW shots on YLF -- and they're all headless -- but they should turn up in a search if needed. It might be easier to check out this blog post with an overview of my style complete with lots of photos and deep links here:</p> <p><a href="http://buildingacolorfullife.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/towards-a-closet-with-more-method-than-madness-or-making-the-most-of-my-style-personas/" rel="nofollow">http://buildingacolorfullife.w.....-personas/</a> </p> <p><strong>Elisabeth -- </strong>I was so, so lucky to take my vacation in Vancouver this summer. I stayed in a rental condo and had an AMAZING week with stunning weather. My camera was constantly in hand. That shot is from Stanley Park . Didn't get up to Burnaby, but did do the Grouse Grind. [Ok, that part of the trip was less amazing!] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809174 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 02:17:30 +0000 Suz 809174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kibbe's terminology is super confusing. Sometimes it's hard to know how to answer correctly. It can also be difficult to be objective about ourselves. I had to do the test a bunch of time (looking in the mirror and comparing my image to some of his archetypal celebrities -- on that site you can find them, e.g. Liza Minelli is one of the gamine types, Jackie Kennedy is Dramatic Classic, etc.) Not that I look exactly like the celeb of my category (to say the least) but somehow, looking at the samples helped me "get" what he was really asking in some of those questions. </p> <p>Anyway, I did the test a bunch of times over a few weeks, and eventually started getting a consistent picture (even if I answered specific questions a bit differently over time.) It might help to do that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809153 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:30:46 +0000 lyn* 809153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know too much about people dressing "cute" when they are older, but I just wanted to share that I recently had a very elegant older patient (I think she was in her 80's) who wore a burgundy tailored blazer, black pencil skirt, pumps and a frilly/lacy blouse. I would have thought she looked "adorable" or "polished" but the same type of a look on someone who was younger might have been "cute" - I guess there is a negative connotation to mutton dressed as lamb, but I think older ladies can have the same look in an appropriate way.</p> <p>Now, wearing a t-shirt with a "cute" cartoon on it is totally different - I feel somedays I can't get away with my cartoon t-shirts anymore. *sigh* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809148 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:26:25 +0000 Janet 809148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this has been an interesting enough beach reading thread that I had to log in.</p> <p>I've never been "cute" -- at least not since before puberty. I grew to 5'7" and gained womanly curves from age 13-14 that made me look *older* than my age (which had certain advantages while in my teens, but those evaporate quickly, right when one turns 21 ;-). I wonder if my natural style inclination was always to avoid the "cute" because it just didn't play well with my body type. My personality is also not *cute* -- I laugh but I'm not giggly, have a sense of humor but I'm not particularly silly, I have a deeper than average voice for a woman, etc. I had a job once in which a boss encouraged me to be "bubbly" -- I am sooooo not bubbly! And "cute" and "bubbly" fall into the same territory for me. Even as a child, I never loved details like hearts or bows. </p> <p>However. I do sometimes wear graphic tees, funky hats, etc., and my husband tells me I look "cute" when I wear my Cons. But I feel like a little whimsy goes a very, very long way for me. As I approach 50, that will probably be even more true. </p> <p>Bottom line, I think most of what qualifies as "cute" is best left to the very young, or maybe the very old. But a lot depends on body type and personality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809138 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:06:09 +0000 Anonymous 809138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah, Krish, I did it too and got 7 a and 6 b and 3 c. No idea what to make of that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809137 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:05:02 +0000 krishnidoux 809137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I just did the Kibbe test <a href="http://seasonalcolor.yuku.com/topic/37/DAVID-KIBBE-S-METAMORPHOSIS-EXAMPLE-TEST#.UOdq6W_BGnZ" rel="nofollow">http://seasonalcolor.yuku.com/.....Odq6W_BGnZ</a> and am so confused! I go 6 a's and 5 b's. My style is not mentioned. A is dramatic while B is natural. How can one be dramatic natural??? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809134 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:01:10 +0000 Claudia 809134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All I know, and I can write it with absolute certainty: I could NEVER take the public scrutiny and uncensored commentary based on one's physical appearance that being a celebrity or public figure entails -- especially as a female, of any age or at any level of attractiveness or unattractiveness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809121 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 00:51:03 +0000 Aziraphale 809121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you, Caro. You bring up some very good points. There's a certain amount of "you can't win" going on for aging women. But I don't think women (scratch that, I mean *people*) who age naturally are subject to ridicule in the way that we ridicule those who muck around with their faces. Certainly people in the media spotlight who "let their weight go" are ridiculed, and that makes me sad and angry, but those who simply look older aren't. Are they? Maybe I'm missing something.</p> <p>Mind you, in Cher's case, I think she's OK with a bit of ridicule, or at least notoriety, because look at some of the stuff she's said, done and worn. She does seem like quite a nice woman, actually, but there's no question she has a basketful of psychological issues, and unfortunately she's had enough money to take them out on her face -- which of course makes it all very public. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809112 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 00:40:19 +0000 krishnidoux 809112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, I agree that "cute" should not be dismissed, and far from me to do so, but I just felt that while this was a look that worked for me before, as of late, it has started to work... against me. I still like the look on others. But am shocked at the realization that it is now something to be avoided!</p> <p>Goldenpig, I had your problem all my life! I have always been mistaken for much younger than my age, I was asked for id buying alcohol (here the legal age is 18) well into my late thirties. And then it changed. Very suddenly! But it's not all that bad, actually, I'm glad I am not mistaken for what I am not all the time, and finally given the respect I deserve. Because a lot of being mistaken for a youth meant being treated more like a child, and I hated that!</p> <p>You always look so sophisticated and polished on your WIW's. I love your wardrobe, including the whimsical, unique accessories, which I don't view as aging cuteness at all. Thank you for your thread, most interesting!</p> <p>Alaskagirl, that is one smart observation. Yes, as a petite woman with a round face, it's true that on me RATE tends to look too cute and not forward enough. So I guess the answer would be to minimize accessories if you don't want to cute factor?</p> <p>Deborah, good point. It is very difficult to define "cute". My bad for attempting a gross list!</p> <p>Teri and Rute, that is smart.</p> <p>Suz, thanks for the precision and the links! Going to try it out myself now! I had totally missed that on the forum. </p> <p>Vix, what an amazing style you've got! And you illustrate what Deborah was point out: that my attempt at a list was a mistake. You do ruffles with such refinement. I love your long skirt. With the boots. And the ring! You pull it off so gracefully. I am inspired.</p> <p>bj1111 I am reading that thread right away.</p> <p>Claudia, you made me laugh. Very good images.</p> <p>dstalksalot, I remember that sweater! I like these two outfits and do not think they look "cute" in a bad way at all. I like the shoes echoing your sweater's loop in the first one, and I find the second one actually a little rebellious with the boots. Love it!</p> <p>Tina, this is a good observation: are animal themes "cute" by nature? I don't think so. I think you can wear animal inspiration without any cuteness involved. Especially regarding the items you describe.</p> <p>Rachylou, I would love to see you in that dress! It's hard for me to imagine, unless it was worn with a bit of anti-cute mutinous vibe. But if you do long with hem ruffles on a petite, yes, you will get a somewhat too much look. Like too cute, or too feminine...<br /> You also raise a good question: how to look your age from behind? I wonder what an appropriate behind would be for a 44 yr old ?</p> <p>JAileen, it is interesting that for you, growing you natural hair colour is a way of being your age from behind. </p> <p>CocoLion, you look so good! It's true that your body is young looking, which many women want. You are so lucky. </p> <p>Cheryl, I ask myself the same question now. I will have to be precise when I use this adjective. I am sure your comments were all taken well though.</p> <p>Joy, yes! It has been happening a lot during the Holidays, mainly because of different schedules. Very frustrating I agree. You bring up an interesting point of view. Does blond hair and thin figures work against one when one ages? </p> <p>Caro, I could not agree more. So true!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809062 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 23:25:51 +0000 Caro in Oz 809062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm laughing too but part of me feels that this is an important issue; one that separates us as women.</p> <p>It seems like as we age we are dammed if we do &amp; we are dammed if we don't. </p> <p>Someone has a facelift that works &amp; the media use her as an unrealistic role model for aging women. Someone has one (or more) that doesn't work &amp; we laugh at her &amp; bemoan her lack of self-acceptance. Someone "lets herself go" &amp; she is ridiculed. Someone doesn't &amp; she is trying too hard. Someone wears cute clothes &amp; she is mutton.....it just goes on.</p> <p>Just my thoughts as a 60+ woman. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-809033 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 22:32:22 +0000 deb 809033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am laughing so hard right now!!! Betty Davis, crypt keeper, and Cher not looking human. I absolutely love this thread!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/3#post-808911 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:32:00 +0000 Anonymous 808911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've started a reply on this thread multiple times only to be interrupted. ( Does anyone else's DH point out things that they should be doing when they are on the computer?!).<br /> I've given up ruffles and tiers on skirts, shiny lip gloss and any sort of glittery makeup, short skirts, shorts that are shorter than just above the knee, racer back tops and spaghetti straps, and more as too "cute" or juvenile. I know a couple of women who look young until you see their faces. Then they look shockingly old....older than they are because of the contrast. They have teen daughters and probably shop where they do. The fact that they have youthful figures and long blond hair just intensifies their aging.<br /> Now to go back to read more replies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808899 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:04:59 +0000 cheryl 808899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, thanks for the mention. :)</p> <p>I am now wondering if when I comment on a thread that to me somone looks adorable, if they find that offensive, lol. Is cute/adorable the same thing? I totally always mean it as a compliment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808823 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:37:00 +0000 CocoLion 808823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two issues have been brought up -- cute when you are getting older, and the MDAL front-back disconnect.</p> <p>I have never done the cute look mostly because my face is angular (even though I am on the short side of average). Cute doesn't really work on me.</p> <p>However I am so guilty of the front-back disconnect because first I like trendy clothing which is associated / more socially permitted on young people. Second, I have a young body and this is a family trait -- we stay young from the neck down but our faces age due to Scottish-Irish skin. So in part, I cannot help it.</p> <p>I love what Vix said -- "if people get a shock when I turn around I do know CPR." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808785 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:05:31 +0000 JAileen 808785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do not want the disconnect between my backside and my frontside. My hair color is really nice - light brown with almost blondish highlights. It is my own color - I bought and paid for it. But at my advanced age ( really, some of you are killing me with your comments of your advanced age when I could be your mother) I have decided to go with my natural color, whatever it is now - who knows. Although I don't look really really old yet, I don't want to have this color years from now when I start to look like the crypt keeper.</p> <p>I'm also noticing I get lots of compliments from old ladies - in their 80s. I guess this means I dress too old. I am trying to add more modern elements to my wardrobe - such as unexpected color, yet avoiding too much youth. It's hard, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808754 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:44:33 +0000 Aziraphale 808754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cher never looks mutton because she no longer actually looks human. You can only inject and lift so many times before you start to resemble the aliens from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808746 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:39:53 +0000 rachylou 808746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wore this old dress yesterday. I will have to show it to y'all. It made me wonder if it was too young. It's this Little House on the Prairie kind of deal, plaid with a ruffled hem. Dark blue. It is, in fact, too old for a young person because it's rather low cut (I don't remember it being so low!). Still, I'm thinking maybe it's a *donate.*</p> <p>I do think it's the ruffled hem that's the problem, but I find it really hard to say "that's it." Because, for example, I believe a pair of spiky cat woman half boots would "age" the dress. </p> <p>Also, it's a possibility it's not that it's *too young* but that it's *too feminine.* Or maybe that's the definition of too young: All bows and flounces and frills and fuzzy kittens.</p> <p>Last but not least, I've been thinking about that feeling of horror you get when you think someone is a cute 20 from behind, and they turn around and it's the Portrait of Dorian Grey. How can you advertise the right age <em>from behind</em>? And how come Cher, who is no spring chicken, never looks like mutton in her skinnies and long hair? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808730 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:31:23 +0000 Aziraphale 808730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix -- of the pictures you posted -- is pic 3 taken up at Burnaby Mountain Park, near Simon Fraser University? I recognize it.</p> <p>Sorry for the brief hijack, Krish. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808727 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:29:39 +0000 Tina.b 808727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many interesting thoughts here, loved this discussion.</p> <p>When I quantify my style, cute is the last thing that springs to mind for me. But when I ponder individual pieces in my wardrobe there are indeed things that one would view as cute or even precious. Ugh. And that is so not me. I do juxtapose them purposely with more simple or masculine elements to tone it down though.</p> <p>Thinking about it now, all these items have a similar theme for me, animals. I have some crazy attraction to them. I posted a couple weeks ago my spider web shoes. I also have a cat print clutch, a sequined polar bear sweater, and a snail print blouse. Among others. Laughing at myself for even admitting this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808714 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:17:06 +0000 dizzys 808714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks to the individuals who commented on my plight. I am new here and have very few WIW photos....but will work on some...and double check for too cuteness. </p> <p> I greatly appreciating this topic. </p> <p>Vix....I am in love with your looks. I want to marry pics one and two. I should look at more of your clothing pics for inspiration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808668 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:31:58 +0000 bj1111 808668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>say what you like about baby jane...she had style fidelity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808664 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:28:38 +0000 goldenpig 808664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Claudia! I think Vix's looks are sophisticated and retro ladylike, I wouldn't label them as cutesy at all. I would love to dress like her. I differentiate between girlish ruffles and ladylike ruffles, for example. It's all in the placement and styling. Scary pic, Claudia!</p> <p>And then there's kitschy cute, like my Ninja Kitty shirt, or the Jason Wu cat tee that I posted in my earlier link.<br /> <a href="http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/post/wiw-59-ninja-kitty-and-dotty-at-fairyland" rel="nofollow">http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....-fairyland</a><br /> What about all those cute graphic tees? I think Rae has a few that she wears. And if you are into Japanese stuff, there is all kinds of cuteness to pick from. Does anybody else wear cute graphic tees or are they verboten at a certain age (and have I already reached that age?). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808638 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:57:55 +0000 Thistle 808638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally agreed!</p> <p>Second the great visual, Claudia! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808632 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:54:48 +0000 Suz 808632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GREAT visual, Claudia!! Whoa. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808629 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:51:13 +0000 Claudia 808629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been a great conversation.</p> <p>LOL @ Vix. </p> <p>Vix, there is "cute," and then there is "cute." The photos of your sophisticated and lady like ruffles, for example, and then Little Bo Beep ruffles. Same with headbands, there is Suri Cruise in one, and then Jackie O in a headband.</p> <p>You just know when it's all too wrong. I mean who could ever forget Bette Davis in "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" Now that's all kinds of wrong. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808628 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:48:57 +0000 bj1111 808628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i think, as with all style types, you have to own it to wear it well. cf stevie nicks.</p> <p>i read the figure flattery thread immediately before this one...i can see similarities between the two issues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808584 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:42:44 +0000 Vix 808584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Krishnidoux---</p> <p>Lots of interesting discussion on your thread!</p> <p>I'd SAY at this point (40s) I dress more womanly than girlish/cute (no one would confuse me with Zooey Deschanel or the Lolita styled folks)...</p> <p>...and I feel a lot of my clothing looks are fairly severe (see the left side of photo 3)...</p> <p>but after reading I'm so busted for having many a cute element in my closet, ha! </p> <p>And I'm ok with that -- AKA if coveting Goldenpig's orange slice purse is wrong than I don't want to be right. Besides, if people get a shock when I turn around I do know CPR.</p> <p>Since examples brought the truth home, see below for my closet confession.</p> <p>It's my love of ruffles and vintage-inspired hats that are to blame. [The hat examples have a flower or bow on the side that I'd prefer gone but can bear.] We'll see if I evolve out of them. I *have* given up eyelet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cuteness-and-age-factor/page/2#post-808577 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:36:27 +0000 Suz 808577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Krish, David Kibbe was an 80s fashion guru a few of us have talked a bit about over the past year: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/David-Kibbes-Metamorphosis-Discover-Identity/dp/0689118473" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/David-Ki.....0689118473</a></p> <p>I haven't read his book but I have done the self-test here <a href="http://seasonalcolor.yuku.com/topic/37/DAVID-KIBBE-S-METAMORPHOSIS-EXAMPLE-TEST#.UObnsaVh538" rel="nofollow">http://seasonalcolor.yuku.com/.....ObnsaVh538</a> and read some of the material and discussion on that site and a few others, including 12 Blueprints: <a href="http://12blueprints.com/the-soft-dramatic-soft-summer-part-1/" rel="nofollow">http://12blueprints.com/the-so.....er-part-1/</a> (and further) </p> <p>Sveta happened upon it last year and identified herself as a Soft Dramatic, which seems to fit. </p> <p>I did the test a bunch of times. I was expecting to come out as one of his 3 gamine types. But I didn't. Again and again I tested as what he calls a Dramatic Classic. </p> <p>From the little I know, what I like about Kibbe and think helpful is his emphasis on line, and on the relationship between facial features/ face shape/ bone structure and personal style. In another thread last night Deborah talked about style being "inherent." This would be consistent with that idea. At any rate, some elements of style may be inherent. </p> <p>Another one who does this in a different way is Carol Tuttle (Dressing Your Truth) but she is insensitive to colour and line and more aware of personal energy as expressed (to a degree) in one's features. </p> <p>It's all sort of complicated....but I wouldn't doubt that Kibbe might have some good suggestions about the KIND of detailing that might work to raise sophistication for someone who is gamine. You could figure out which category of gamine you fall into, and then go from there. Some of what he says needs to be translated into contemporary idiom because the styles he is talking about date from the 80s. You sort of have to use your imagination for that. </p>