https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:33:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age/page/2#post-2135154 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 02:17:25 +0000 DonnaF 2135154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me, dressing my age has come to mean dressing the body I have today and (sigh) my fussy feet. I (mostly) avoid orthopedic looking footwear as well as prints that I regard as looking "old lady". But, at age 67 I dress to please myself. We won't have in-person church services for at least the next year, so I no longer have to meet the (heightened) expectations from church folk who apparently check out what I'm wearing from week to week. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age/page/2#post-2135013 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 16:51:37 +0000 unfrumped 2135013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also liked Audrey's sessions on re-mixing things you have not been wearing. Although she also had a decluttering post saying toss anything you have not worn in a year !<br />So this will be even more relevant to me going forward as I have moved on from a former major role as a practicing physician. But since I did not have to dress in any super corporate styles, I want to see if some of my items can be repurposed in new roles and in ever advancing age !</p> <p>I have perhaps said this too many times, but my best "purges" are when I can see something just does not fit. I have to make some exceptions for items that might fit quite well over a 5# weight change, if they seem worth it--some pants fall here due to tailored fits and waistbands.<br />.<br />What is easier to see even though it is painful that I did not see it or "listen" to my inner voice, are things that are too big in the bust (have still made jacket errors here and usually due to sales goggles), or too tight in the sleeves to be comfortable, too big or too small in the shoulders--things that are harder to tailor or require too much $$ for the result. Or sweaters that are too tight--this is an iteresting line between having some different fits--tailored vs fluid--compared to out of my comfort zone fits--or sweaters that are too fluid/oversized in the wrong way.</p> <p>These edits plus a lot of re-mixing and some trial runs--even if just to the grocery store--are part of trying to figure out what I want to wear now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2135006 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 16:21:56 +0000 Zaeobi 2135006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also re: dressing in a 'womanly' vs 'girly' way, just wanted to add that our ideas of 'age appropriateness' will be very culturally &amp; situationally dependent. </p> <p>Now that I live in Hong Kong, I don't bat an eyelid at someone who wants to wear pink &amp; ruffled clothing at their desk job when they're 40+ years old, whereas back in the UK it may have been seen as 'unprofessional' (e.g. people take no issue with taking staff photos in such outfits). Similarly, there's a woman in our office that wears shorts to work - I'm not sure of her exact age but she's definitely 30+. But showing that much leg isn't frowned upon here like showing cleavage is. Whereas back home, even older women will wear lower cut tops to work without blinking an eye (@Joy mentioned sun protection - yes, even those with sun spots on their chests wear them proud!) </p> <p>Nothing 'wrong' with either approach, just wanted to highlight how all of this shapes our thoughts on 'appropiacy' </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2135005 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 16:11:56 +0000 Zaeobi 2135005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol I've always dressed more 'modest' than people would 'expect' from someone of my age (I use scare quotes because what is considered 'modest' anyway?) I used to think that this was the main culprit in people thinking that I'm older than I am, but it turns out that it's the whole package (e.g. the way you speak &amp; hold yourself, as others have mentioned) that sways people to consider me as more 'mature' (to the point that one random woman told 14 year old me that I 'keep myself so young' because she thought my sister was my daughter!) </p> <p>I never used to mind it but my mother would always make a point of it by comparing me to others (e.g. my sister, who is 7 years younger than me - hence the woman's comment above), which would make me very self-conscious about trying out many trends in my teenage years, which is difficult to do when also keeping to a strict modesty code (ironically enforced by my parents). </p> <p>My answer was therefore to try less covered up outfits when I grew up &amp; moved away. But I always felt a little awkward in them; even without my mother's input, they just didn't feel like 'me'. Which is why I started turning to the internet to try &amp; figure things out beyond simply trends; I had my colours &amp; style diagnosis 'done' last year, which has been eye opening. Whilst I don't look good in the very stark lines of traditional business clothing, I also look too 'try hard' in most 90s grunge looks &amp; outright 'sloppy' in the 70s or 2000s boho styles, but very 'twee' in overly frilly looks. A lot of it has to do with my natural features (that don't change so much over time) - I have a softer face but I'm not a 'lush' type of hourglass like Kibbe's romantic body type (I'm still trying to get my head around those categories but I think I'm more like a Soft Classic). So I'm still feeling my way around my style but I think I've finally started listening to my need for a more covered look (just because I feel more comfortable that way) but also my preference for just a little softness but in a 'womanly' rather than 'girly' way (e.g. looking for pussybow blouses rather than ruffled or frilly ones). </p> <p>So this is where vintage &amp; thrifting enters! @lyn &amp; @unfrumped mentioned being limited by retail options - I mentioned the eras above because they heavily influenced how awkward I felt getting dressed then because of how difficult it was to find my preferred styles. I often had an idea in my head but could never execute it in reality. I've moved around a lot in tiny living spaces, but I'm hoping that once I settle down I can get a proper sewing machine to just start churning out my own creations. But in the meanwhile, Hong Kong's secondhand charity shops have really stepped up their game, so I'm taking full advantage - my current goal is to get pussybow blouses, boatneck tops &amp; maxi skirts in (almost) every solid colour of the rainbow. So long as I can add in a few trendy accessories here &amp; there, I'm content! </p> <p>Sorry this is a very long ramble but I suppose what I'm trying to say is that, whilst there may indeed be changes brought about by my body &amp; environment over time, I think that once you figure out the basics of feeling more comfortable in your skin altogether, it can become easier to piece everything together later on. I like Audrey's videos (she had a very useful one on the 'pale olive' skintones, which really helped me to pinpoint why most makeup was making me look too ashy or yellow) so I largely agree with what she's saying here. But that may change as I get older &amp;, as @Joy so eloquently put it, I discover the new ways in which my body may change (I already apply suncream every day though, don't worry But I already prefer a little stomach coverage with everything starting to head south). I'm intrigued by how things may continue to change, though - hopefully for a while yet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134449 Mon, 20 Jul 2020 13:53:17 +0000 lyn67 2134449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for posting this, I think best tip she gave was making an effort for tailoring to fit ("bossing your clothes"as per Angie always says:-)) &amp; to allow ourselves (if wanted) to multiplicate a style we know is working your best without&nbsp; fearing becoming dated.&nbsp;</p> <p>For years I was "limited by retail options"(as unfrumped said it soo well) to shorter hems on skirts and&nbsp; dresses (tops, too) and&nbsp; skinny fits for pants- no wonders I am filling up my closet with midis and wide hems now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134411 Mon, 20 Jul 2020 07:13:56 +0000 rachylou 2134411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You ever wonder how people can dress like a rocker and be fabulous or people can dress like a rocker and be a crypt keeper, freaking out teens when they turn around, when they’re old? I mean, I think it’s interesting: Betsy Johnson and David Bowie are two on my best dressed list. Betsy is still going strong in her punk look and David Bowie gave it up for suits - both wise choices IMO. I feel one’s dignity needs to grow with age. It will take different things for different folks, to speak to Audrey’s point, but I feel somehow dignity is the difference in any outfit... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134384 Mon, 20 Jul 2020 01:57:12 +0000 Sal 2134384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah - yes I totally agree with you.</p> <p>Every now and then I have a pang for something that would have looked better on the 22 or 28 year old me than the 50 year old me.&nbsp; A crop top, a pair of shorter shorts, or even just a 90s style floral dress.&nbsp; But mostly I don't want to look like I did then even though my thighs were smaller and the chin was firmer........ And as I was not particularly a 90s fashion fan even in the 90s it is not hard LOL!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134382 Mon, 20 Jul 2020 01:23:08 +0000 SarahD8 2134382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really liked the video, and will confess to having spent a fair bit of time this weekend working through her back catalog. </p> <p>Runcarla, did you see her video on inspiration from Little Women???</p> <p>I certainly agree with the proposition that there is nothing that women over X age "can't" wear. That said, I do reject certain items or looks for me on the grounds of them being "too juvenile." Maybe this is my own sensitivity (I am short with a small frame, blonde hair and very large eyes -- and have historically been assumed to be younger than I am). Or maybe it is the more general sense of "this doesn't project the look I want to" that others are talking about. But it's not borne out of a sense of "rules" about what a 46 year old can or can't wear, if that makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134379 Mon, 20 Jul 2020 00:33:56 +0000 unfrumped 2134379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One thing I take as a caution when people are posting is, I don’t know where they are in their “ love” or even intentional-ism of an item or outfit. This is compounded by off- the rack fits which are often suboptimal.<br /> I’m one of the “ that dress/ skirt looks a bit short “ persons but I generally have that attitude toward young women also! For me i is mostly tied up in the lines of the dress and proportions of bodice to skirt and for some, how to sit! But not because I think someone isn’t allowed to show her knees! Since dresses can seldom be lengthened, I am sometimes wondering, do you like that tgst way on you, or are you limited by retail options?<br /> The same for different preferences on how tight one’s pants fit— huge variation in preferences and what is shown here and accepted. So very hard for me to tell where is the line between showing universal acceptance , “it’s all good” vs is the poster really counting on someone to say, “when I see that, I think this— though YMMV“.<br /> I am sure that applies to my posts as well- and the of course the difficulty of having photography that can really show details.<br /> I am always grateful for the tact shown on YLF and things like, you might try a size up, down. Or, I like this version better than that. And probably when people can actually articulate a type of look, vibe, impression they are trying to achieve- like the style monikers, or specifics of the occasion- then “ helpers” can say if that fits their idea of what that would look like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134378 Mon, 20 Jul 2020 00:08:43 +0000 Carla 2134378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IF you visit her site, and read her ‘articles’ she does feature shorts (and dresses/skirts of varying lengths) in both articles about her current wardrobe and aspirational/future shopping acquisitions. &nbsp;By her own admission, she is in her early 30’s. &nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>Janet, you are quite right about ‘situation appropriate’ being the question that many of us ponder when we post an outfit with a question like ‘does this look right?’ &nbsp;Most of the time when I get dressed, I’m secure enough to dress to please myself. &nbsp;Every now and then I experiment with a new silhouette or trend, or have to prep for a new experience. &nbsp;That is where I rely on the hive mind of YLF for advice and guidance. &nbsp;It’s like having a good shopping buddy for a second opinion.</p> <p>Thanks again, TG, for the link to the article. &nbsp;I quite enjoyed viewing some more of the YouTube videos by this vlogger.&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134368 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 21:38:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2134368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, thanks! I should’ve watched the pix more carefully. I am so bad at videos! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134367 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 21:15:11 +0000 Anonymous 2134367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t ever recall reading comments that related to age inappropriate- ness here either. </p> <p>And yes , FI , I assume that too . </p> <p>This being a fashion forum , I think opinions are delivered with fashion and personal style in mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134366 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 20:55:42 +0000 Janet 2134366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>She is charming, and makes good points.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lisa, I agree. I usually think of dressing not so much as "age-appropriate" but "situation-appropriate." I think there is a way for everyone to wear the things they love that takes into account the image they wish to convey, for the occasion at hand. The devil is in the details. Since we seem to have come to a discussion about skirt lengths in this thread, I noted that there were a couple of photos in that video of women wearing short skirts with very sophisticated supporting acts. Their looks as a whole conveyed chic without being super-serious or conservative. The details of fit, fabrication, and all the other styling components of the outfit, along with hair and makeup, tell the story. &nbsp;</p> <p>I don't remember anyone on this forum ever telling anyone they can't wear something because of their age. Even some years back when I was trying on stuff in fitting rooms, experimenting with some styles that were better left to others, I only remember the most tactful of suggestions.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134362 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 19:55:58 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2134362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>lisa p, I assume most of us want to project different things in different contexts, with different audiences. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134358 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 19:52:52 +0000 unfrumped 2134358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What fun! Yes not necessarily earth- shattering, but refreshing and nicely presented. Also I tend to “ hear” even similar things differently if hearing at different times of life, or after a particular situation, even mood. That’s one reason why I like reading any and all wardrobe edit posts, because sometimes something will just resonate on that day.<br /> So her post interested me today not because of the age concept, but just a style perspective thing , when I feel like I might be getting past some of the initial pandemic muddle, not wanting to think much about wardrobe or editing or style persona. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134347 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:43:00 +0000 Anonymous 2134347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my mind , there’s a very big difference between “ am I too young /old to be wearing this ?” and , “ does this project image I want? ” . Anyone can wear anything they like , period . Without context however , one may not appear to be dressing well for one’s age . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134346 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 16:44:17 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2134346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Phoebe, I didn’t mean to say I thought those should be her thing. The pix she shows are of many different people. From what she says, it seems as though she would agree with me wearing them, even though people on this site say I’m too old </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134342 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 15:18:55 +0000 Anonymous 2134342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>She's changed some of the components of her style over time but the tone is the same, and I fully expect that she will continue to successfully adapt. It's true that shorts or short skirts don't seem to be her thing but that can be a lifelong cultural preference too.</p> <p>I like the clarity with which she expresses her opinions.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134330 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 14:27:36 +0000 Anonymous 2134330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed the video and another of hers about wearing colors (actually neutrals) together. What she does not yet understand about getting older is that your body dictates what you can and can’t wear to a point. I hope she is wearing lots of sun screen/ block on her neck and chest because the day will come when she will no longer like how she looks in those sweetheart necklines. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134327 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 13:51:32 +0000 Helena 2134327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi all, Lisa, yes she is young! I find her quite thoughtful though in her opinions; there's definitely some "old soul" energy to her vs other young influencers. I especially love her take on how the your style becomes more internally and experientially driven over time ... Vs "this is how you can wear 20 something style when you're 48" type of thinking.</p> <p>Rachy isn't she lovely? She does a YouTube and style blog; she does some great classics and trendier pieces in a very classic way. I think her website is called Audrey à la mode. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134325 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 13:36:18 +0000 Flytigress 2134325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish Calm would hire her to read bedtime stories.&nbsp; Her voice is so soothing.&nbsp; She is an opera singer and she shares tips in one video about how to have a more attractive speaking voice.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJsgL5vmtqw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJsgL5vmtqw</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134312 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 08:50:17 +0000 Jenni NZ 2134312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice video. Good thinking which I pretty much already follow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134308 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 07:09:37 +0000 rachylou 2134308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Who is she? She’s super cute and a creative thinker. Lovely ideas. I like the one about pieces collected and kept over a time - because they are relevant to you - and bringing them out for a spin, in terms of dressing your age. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134293 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 02:59:27 +0000 Jaime 2134293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love her calming voice.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134288 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 01:42:40 +0000 Bijou 2134288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting. I really enjoyed this and loved the examples Audrey showed of women with their signature styles that were anything but boring.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134284 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 00:43:47 +0000 Mainelady 2134284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, TG. &nbsp;Her tips are helpful and good reminders to dress in ways that make us individual and happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134268 Sat, 18 Jul 2020 22:26:52 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2134268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I post pix to YLF of myself in shorts or skirts that are above the knee, there are generally a few people saying that they are too short. They often want to emphasize that my legs are not the problem, which doesn’t leave much else that could be,‘other than my age. It would be nice if people got away from that rigidity. </p> <p>ETA Tips from the video:<br /> No specific age-related rules<br /> Wear things accumulated over your life &amp; travels.<br /> Get things tailored so they fit well.<br /> Figure out what styles &amp; colors work for you, then fill your closet with them. </p> <p>I didn’t keep my eyes on the screen the whole time (I’m terrible at watching tv/videos) but although she mentions shorts once, what I mostly saw were dresses, skirts, and some pants, with a lot of heels around 3”, and occasional sneakers. I don’t recall any knees. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134254 Sat, 18 Jul 2020 20:53:30 +0000 Sal 2134254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw this too! Great overview.</p> <p>I know myself that looks that used to work don’t any more - and ideally I keep the same core style but gradually adapt. We have to adapt anyway as clothes wear out and availability changes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134247 Sat, 18 Jul 2020 20:15:02 +0000 Style Fan 2134247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, TG.&nbsp; I enjoy Audrey's channel.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/great-take-on-dress-your-age#post-2134244 Sat, 18 Jul 2020 20:02:11 +0000 Carla 2134244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>❤️. Thanks TG! </p>