https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:33:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2268155 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 03:06:41 +0000 Jaime 2268155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Helena</b> you are a sweetheart and you are so right, we are not obliged to wear what anyone wants but ourselves.<br /><b>Mary Beth</b> What an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing. Anonymous role models also sometimes inspire me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2268106 Mon, 20 Jun 2022 17:48:17 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2268106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jaime, we have never met in person, but I think you have a very playful energy that reads clearly in your photos.&nbsp; &nbsp;I believe that, regardless of age, or whatever you think is happening with your arms, you're always going to give an impression of youthful exuberance.</p> <p>My youngest sister and I went to Cocoa Beach last month.&nbsp; &nbsp;She turns 40 next year, and I am 51.&nbsp; We marvelled at a woman sitting nearby, by herself.&nbsp; &nbsp;We couldn't guess her age, but she had to be at least sixty.&nbsp; &nbsp;Tanned, toned physique, black one-piece swimsuit, and long silver-gilt hair.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her face showed her life and wisdom and experience, with no signs of any 'work'.&nbsp;</p> <p>But it wasn't her looks that we marvelled at (although her hair was gorgeous).&nbsp; It was her attitude.&nbsp; &nbsp;She exuded this sort of warrior spirit, like she didn't have any f*cks to give about how she looked, whether she was too heavy or too thin, too old, not dressed sexy enough for the beach.&nbsp; &nbsp;She was by herself there, and completely comfortable with it.&nbsp; She's not there to please anyone else, she's there to please herself.&nbsp; &nbsp;We watched her get in the water, and later, we watched her stroll back to her single chair.&nbsp; She looked like a mermaid, and <u>we were in awe</u>.&nbsp; &nbsp;We were deciding how to approach her and strike up a conversation, because, how does one approach a rockstar?&nbsp; &nbsp;Does one?&nbsp; But alas, she was already packing up and leaving.</p> <p>My sis and I have frequently talked about this woman since.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sis and I are always on ourselves about our appearances - weight, hair, makeup, sometimes feeling invisible, sometimes feeling uncomfortably conspicuous.&nbsp; &nbsp;A month later, we are still marvelling how clearly this woman's confident attitude shone through, and how much we want to have that same sort of mindset.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2268100 Mon, 20 Jun 2022 17:18:34 +0000 Helena 2268100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jaime, first of all, let me pick my jaw up off the floor from outfit 1. These are all terrific but that one is extra special for sure ... So beautiful.</p> <p>Your arms are amazing ... But I agree with Angie, it's whatever YOU are comfortable with. You are not obliged to cover up, nor are you obliged to 'get over it'. I've gone through this with bathing suits, which people have said I should wear a two piece and I'm like nope nope nope. Those days are done for the moment. I don't really care what anyone else's assessment of my stomach is; I feel uncomfortable so that's that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267946 Sun, 19 Jun 2022 00:58:35 +0000 Jaime 2267946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you nemosmom! This thread has been so therapeutic for me and, I hope, some others.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267871 Sat, 18 Jun 2022 14:30:57 +0000 nemosmom 2267871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am incredibly late to this thread, but wanted to tell you that you look amazing in all of these (the tonal in #1 is particularly great). </p> <p>And, yes you are not alone with feeling self-conscious. I every week I notice som little niggle that gets me down to a degree. And finding the confidence to shake off negativity about what I wear or how I look is a struggle sometimes. </p> <p>You look radiant! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267648 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 01:47:40 +0000 Jaime 2267648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Aquamarine</b> - Great anecdote and you have my aspirational attitude!<br /><b>Milano Ozan</b> - Thank you! I wonder what - and where -is that energy .<br /><b>Staysfit</b> - Thank you for your thoughts. I am on a perennial self-improvement project (inside and out) and do get why things you *think* you can control are harder to accept than things that are clearly not in our control. But, really, some parts of aging, including our metabolism and how I body responds to a healthy lifestyle, aren't actually controllable by ordinary means. It is hard to draw the line.<br /><b>Zaeobi</b> - I hear you - but there is a point (which you are not nearly at yet) where the focus has to be improving our spirit, our outlook, and our wisdom more than our physical selves. Regardless I continue to work to get stronger and especially improve my balance - and my style! . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267554 Thu, 16 Jun 2022 12:27:56 +0000 Zaeobi 2267554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's been interesting reading everyone's responses - I'm sorry for those of you who have received critical comments that have stuck with you. Even though I'm much younger, most of that criticism came from my own parents than friends etc, so I know how that can hurt. But as @carla mentioned, that's more a reflection of them than me - I just didn't know it at the time. </p> <p>Personally, I don't find it helpful to think of my body as being the 'best' it will *ever* be right now - because a) that encourages a negative outlook for the future (i.e. the only way forward is *down* from here on out) but also b) it isn't necessarily true (sure, we are all more likely to encounter health issues as we age, but I also feel we have more options these days than in the past). For example, covering up to avoid skin cancer comes from research that's been done on that in the first place. Another example - I never used to be active much in school but I started to swim a few days a week lately. I'm glad I didn't resign myself to the idea that I'd never be able to 'improve' compared to my early 20s body - my body might not be as firm anymore as it was then, but I do feel more secure in it now! </p> <p>I don't have much advice to give other than the outside will ideally reflect the outside - e.g. @Jaime you look like you're positively glowing in that first lilac outfit When we feel self-conscious about ourselves, others tend to pick up on that too (even if subconsciously). Except for the people @Carla mentioned who project their own self-consciousness onto others - they can't be helped in that way </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267549 Thu, 16 Jun 2022 11:13:20 +0000 Staysfit 2267549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have enjoyed reading this thread! &nbsp;Jaime, of course we are our own worst critic. &nbsp;I see only lovely arms in your pictures, and each outfit is beautiful. Nevertheless, I can relate to the self consciousness, self appraisal and self criticism at play as we age and/or as our body changes in some way. This is not an either or situation for me. &nbsp;In some ways I embrace aging. &nbsp;I love my gray hair. &nbsp;I love the laugh lines around my eyes. I tolerate and appreciate the softness of my jaw and sagging of my neck as inevitable and also familial. Somehow the aging of a face brings out character and personality, it adds warmth. As I think about this, I realize that I have an easier time accepting things about my body over which I have no control. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have always had thick muscular thighs. With weight gain they are even larger. While pregnant I developed varicose veins in my legs. &nbsp;Strangely, even though other people said things to me about my muscular and vein-y legs, I have never cared. I am happy wearing shorts or even skirts that show my legs. &nbsp;I could not change my legs and the best experience in my life has been having and raising my children. &nbsp;I continue to wear a bikini. I’m sure I gained comfort while working many years as a lifeguard, swim and boating instructor. &nbsp;I saw many bodies young and old, and grew fairly comfortable with mine. &nbsp;I admit that I now wear sun protection clothing on the beach unless I’m swimming…. long sleeves and legs because of history of skin damage from the sun, not for modesty. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>However, weight gain from either menopause or Covid has caused me to feel unhappy.&nbsp;Things do not fit well. I have gained weight everywhere but more so on my legs. &nbsp; My clothes are either too snug at current sizes or too large when I size up. &nbsp;I do not like tight waist bands. &nbsp;I do not like things snug across my shoulder or chest and I do not like to feel like my legs are encased like sausages. I also do not want to cross into an unhealthy weight range. &nbsp;Maintaining my physical fitness and health is a priority because I have some chronic illnesses that will benefit from this and I do not need to add to the list.</p> <p></div><div>I find myself wishing for my former body rather than accepting the body I have at present. &nbsp;It’s a very different mindset than with my aging face or with my varicose veins. I retain some hope (or delusion) that this is a situation over which I have some control. I think this causes more preoccupation. &nbsp;Diet or ramping up my already active lifestyle may somehow allow for it to improve….or maybe not…. &nbsp;:-)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267540 Thu, 16 Jun 2022 09:41:48 +0000 Milano Ozan 2267540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The colorful dress looks amazing on you. I think it suits you, and represent your energy!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267526 Thu, 16 Jun 2022 02:58:55 +0000 Aquamarine 2267526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ll never forget Diane Sawyer (American TV journalist) once saying, as she jiggled the undersides of her upper arms, “Meet my grandmother.” I was much younger then and didn’t *quite* get it at the time, but sure do now.</p> <p>I definitely have some crepey skin on my arms, which was kind of shocking when I first noticed it, but meh, who cares? I do work out and focus on how that makes me feel (strong) and less on how I look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267518 Thu, 16 Jun 2022 02:08:32 +0000 Jaime 2267518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know it really is sort of complicated. Because we are not obliged to show our skin, and for modesty's sake many people do not, with many different interpretations of modesty. And we certainly should feel comfortable in the heat and otherwise, but in some societies the heat means loose covering and never direct exposure. So I am definitely on team do what I want regardless of age - I guess I am just not sure what I want!<br /><b>Carla</b> - You are a fabulous role model and I love your attitude.<br /><b>Angie</b> - Thank you, you are wise (and would be a wonderful shoe neighbor)! Interesting about your clients too.<br /><b></b><b>RobinF</b><b></b> - Yes! I feel the same about grey hair too!<br /><b>Suz</b> - I would boycott that salon too. Young people can be so clueless !<br />Yes, I am also very moody about the whole thing, that is my hallmark!<br /><b>kkards</b> Hmm, bathing suits don't cover up size or shape but they do cover stretch marks (reference to myself obviously). I guess the question is whether there is any need to show them.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267459 Wed, 15 Jun 2022 16:45:39 +0000 kkards 2267459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i'm very late to this thread. and just want to start by saying, i think we all need to wear what makes us comfortable, inside and outside. that being said, the only part of my body that i actually feel that i want to cover up is my tummy, ie tankini's instead of bikinis, but even as i type that i realize that is kind of silly because a tankini isn't really cover anything up.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267453 Wed, 15 Jun 2022 16:22:28 +0000 Suz 2267453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am very late here, but I want to say that I love every one of those outfits, adore your hair and your spunky smile, and think your arms look fantastic! What a gorgeous dress. The pattern is magic.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like <b>Sal</b>, my feelings about age-related changes seem to follow my mood. Some days I'm not at all bothered by lines, wrinkles, spots, sagging, etc. -- and other days I see every change. Luckily, comments about what women over a certain age "should" or "shouldn't" wear tend to bounce off me. It's a slight rebellious streak, I suspect. Just watch me. (But <b>Jenni</b>, that is a horrid thing for a store keeper to say and I can relate -- a few years ago I was getting a pedicure and the person doing it kept frowning at my toenail, which has developed some light ridges with age --&nbsp; &nbsp;she made some nasty comment about it that kept me away from that salon for evermore!)</p> <p>I've always been a bit self-conscious about showing my legs. And showing a lot of skin, period -- at the beach, like <b>Bijou</b>, for example. But like <b>Carla</b>, I'm mostly on Team Get On with It and I enjoy living an active life, so in hot weather that includes shorts, sleeveless tops, and whatever else feels most comfortable.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267422 Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:35:42 +0000 RobinF 2267422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like all these outfits, especially the first! Such a great color on you and love the pink with tan.</p> <p>Regarding being self-critical, there has been so much wisdom already stated that I don't have a lot to add. I have always been modest and self conscious but do wear shorts and sleeveless tops. I don't wear fitted tops though and I have a wide waist so try to cover that up. I guess I can't cover everything so have to pick my battles - hah! I would love to see the world normalize and even celebrate aging instead of it all being about youth. I admit that was one of my goals with letting my hair go its natural color. Maybe us 50-60 ish ladies can do that with sleeveless tops! My mom wore sleeveless tops until her death last year at 80 years old. I didn't think much about it one way or the other at the time but now I think she was in the "get over it" camp - good for her! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267421 Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:21:41 +0000 Angie 2267421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, sweet<b> Jaime</b>, I see exactly the same fabulous arms - and legs!&nbsp;</p> <p>If we were neighbours - we could share a footwear capsule </p> <p>One more thought. Just because we can expose skin, doesn't mean that we should or have to. We have the right to expose and conceal as we wish. Whatever makes us physically and emotionally comfortable is good!</p> <p>As far as my clientele goes - who span a range of ages and body types - 90% are happy to wear sleeveless and bare their arms.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267367 Wed, 15 Jun 2022 04:08:30 +0000 Carla 2267367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The gym is my happy place and I work out hard, and a lot - however, at 60+, my skin suit isn’t as snug as it once was (nor am I as&nbsp;<i></i>fast or as strong.) Regardless of looseness affecting my upper arms, flanks, and tummy, I wear sleeveless tops, shorts, and bikinis. &nbsp;Even though I have bunions I wear colourful varnish and sandals that reveal my toes. &nbsp;My teeth aren’t perfect, and I’ve got lines and wrinkles, but I like to smile. &nbsp;I haven’t got&nbsp;<i>perfect&nbsp;</i>health, but I wouldn’t want to be any age other than what I am now, nor have any other body. &nbsp; Put me on team ‘get on with life.’</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>I got the usual teasing all red-heads receive, but only my mother comments critically on my appearance. &nbsp;In&nbsp;retrospect I realize it’s&nbsp;more about her than it is about me, though I do feel low for a while when it happens. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The things I&nbsp;<i>don’t&nbsp;</i>wear that might be age related have more to do with comfort (no high heels, heavy bags) and safety (platforms, maxi dresses = tripping hazards &nbsp;).<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jaime, I think&nbsp;you are beautiful regardless of how you dress, and your creative way with clothing hints at an exuberant personality. &nbsp;I wouldn’t want to see that self expression hindered by any kind of (self) censorship. &nbsp;Wear the sleeveless tops!</div><div><br /></div><div>…and FWIW, I wore shorts&nbsp;<i>and&nbsp;</i>a sleeveless top today!</div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267363 Wed, 15 Jun 2022 01:29:49 +0000 Jaime 2267363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, there is so much wisdom and kindness on this thread, I am really touched and grateful to be in the company of you all!<br /><b>Janet</b> Me too! I was nodding along with everything, although my issues as a teenager were slightly different (I developed early and did not fit conventional beauty standards at all). My chin has been the bane of my existence since I was 8. Sigh. But yes, this is as good as it gets, and I am not going to do whatever it takes to change my physical self at this point. Thus the psychological route!<br /><b>ChristelJ</b>&nbsp;Yes, I am also taking inspiration from the ladies I see every day. And I am striving to be one of them along with you!<br /><b>Bijou</b> - Yes! I also find the so called "invisibility" of middle aged women a feature not a bug! But working as basically a shopkeeper sort of undoes that unfortunately.<br /><b>Lana</b> Cheers! That is the mission I want to be on also. This thread is definitely steeling me up for it too!<br /><b>catherine</b> - I completely relate to what you wrote. We are smart enough to understand the garbage that made us self conscious, but that does not automatically repair the damage, does it?<br /><b>LJP</b> - I hear you! The thing is that strength wise I am satisfied with my arms, and I am grateful that they still work quite well. I am a very routine oriented person and I don't see any reason to change my routine to accommodate my own psychological programming flaws, if that makes sense. Rather I want to reprogram them. But it is not so easy to give myself the same kindness I would give someone else.&nbsp;<br /><b>Irina</b> - I hope you are healing well. My mid-section has been off the table since at least the birth of my twins, but I don't really care about that. I haven't worn a bikini since pre-puberty. My arms however are a newer concern and I resent it!<br /><b>Xtabay</b> - Thank you. I am much more involved in my own viewing of myself than what anyone else thinks, unfortunately, as I am a harsh self- critic.&nbsp;<br /><b>Peri</b> - Yes, that was me a few years ago, my arms were never flawless, but it is the special added touches of time that have made me question myself. But it is also as hot as Hades here.<br /><b>Minaminu</b> - Definitely. Confidence or healthy disregard for one's appearance. I am working on it!<br /><b>doggeh lover</b> - My maternal grandmother once remarked about some women in shorts (luckily not 5 year old me) something unkind and it is has stuck with me since then. My paternal grandfather made an unkind comment about another of my body parts and as you see I remember it too. I am so sorry you had to deal with that from your own Dad. I can&nbsp; not erase that unfortunately but do offer an enormous cyber hug.<br /><b>Cardiff girl</b> - Yes, excellent point. Don't we all look back at our younger selves and think that?</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267335 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 18:00:22 +0000 Cardiff girl 2267335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Omg doggeh lover that’s abit harsh!Parents need to be abit mindful of what they say don’t they.l am sure l wasn’t a perfect parent but l was always mindful never to say anything negative about my daughters weight,shape etc ….l have a friend whose dad told her that she had inherited rugby players thighs and she’s never forgotten that either!<br />As for &nbsp;dealing with whether or not to show ageing bits,l have no judgement on people who do and in fact when l go to Europe and see all ages in bikinis on the beach l feel immensely cheered up because that’s how it should be but l was brought up by a hypercritical parent ,of themselves,of me ,and of everyone around them and their criticisms were always appearance based so l find it very difficult not to be self critical as l learnt it young!l know that when l am feeling positive,happy and busy l am alot easier on my self than when l am feeling low,bored or unhappy.Then flaws are magnified.<div>I am reasonably happy with my arms but am starting to cover my legs up a lot more as l have quite bad veins which l am conscious of.However l always try to keep in mind that today is the best l am ever going to look again and that in 10years time l will look back and think what was l worried about.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267334 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 17:25:27 +0000 doggeh lover 2267334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was 10, I walked into a room wearing shorts, just an average pair. My Dad just STARED at my legs and said "I never realized how short your thighs are, you look almost deformed". 51 yrs later, still remember that and I've never worn another pair. Some things really stay with you a lifetime..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections/page/2#post-2267330 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:44:59 +0000 Minaminu 2267330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Last weekend I ticked one off my bucket list and went swimming to a ladies pond, I was amazed to see so many confident ladies of any age who were just getting along with their favourite hobby.&nbsp; What struck me was that the body confident were "ladies of a certain age".</p> <p>So I guess covering the arms can also be seen as a question of confidence -&nbsp;I'd still cover my upper arms just because it's not hot enough here :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections#post-2267327 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:41:21 +0000 Peri 2267327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 62 and just starting to be a little less pleased about my arms. Before this age and this past two years weight gain they were not sculpted, but in my mind just fine. I felt perfectly okay wearing sleeveless.<br />&nbsp;<br />Now? I wear sleeveless anyway! I care more about comfort in this insane heat and humidity than I do about what anyone else thinks. I wish I could say I'm making a feminist statement, because I absolutely believe that, but bottom line it's about survival.&nbsp;</p> <p>Years ago I quit wearing tank style tops, and this was before any of the above changes. I just wasn't comfortable being that bare in public. But the type of top that covers shoulders and sides and just doesn't have sleeves, like yours above, bring it on! Maybe someone won't like it, haters gonna hate, but I really don't care.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections#post-2267323 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:07:54 +0000 Anonymous 2267323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thoughts here, plenty to think about. &nbsp;And Jaime, you look fit and fabulous in all your looks, my compliments! &nbsp;I guess for me, dressing is mostly about my comfort level. &nbsp;If there's an area that I'm not comfortable exposing, I cover it up. &nbsp;Knees and arms usually get covered, because I'm self-conscious about them. &nbsp;Other areas, while certainly not the peak of perfection, I'm okay with showing. &nbsp;I wish I wouldn't be self-conscious about these things, because I don't really think most people are really paying much attention or care at all, but again, it has to do with my personal comfort level. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections#post-2267322 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:49:36 +0000 Irina 2267322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your arms look fab to me. <br />I'm self-conscious about my mid section, I stopped wearing a bikini about 5 years ago. I feel better in one piece now. But I'm 56, I eat healthy and physically active. And it is good enough for me. I do not want to spend time and energy to change how my body looks. I admire those who are dedicated to the idea but I was never into that kind of fitness even when I was younger. Healthy and strong are my main goals, especially now, months into recovery from a very difficult injury. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections#post-2267318 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:18:40 +0000 LJP 2267318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm treading into dangerous territory commenting here, so here it goes:<br />I hear you, and like many women , have these thoughts myself. &nbsp;Aging is not for the faint of heart, is it? &nbsp;Like you, I have worked out pretty consistently my entire life, and unless I seriously reduce my body weight &nbsp;and amp up my workouts to a whole new level, my arms are just very ordinary looking. &nbsp;Like Janet, I'm simply not willing to devote that time and energy to trying to achieve a great looking arm. &nbsp;Do I wish I DID have that time and energy and discipline? Yes, sometimes. &nbsp;I'll do sleeveless in informal/casual situations, but for anything remotely "dressed up", I'm more covered up. &nbsp;Same with legs. &nbsp;As someone said above, no one is looking at us anymore anyways &nbsp;I made some comment about my knee looking particularly puffy and swollen (osteoarthritis in one knee) and my husband's reply was " oh well, there go your modelling days ". &nbsp;LOL&nbsp;</p> <p>Your upper arms have that lovely curve around the bicep I always admire in other women . &nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>eta: just now looked at today's blog post, with that lovely sleeveless dress. &nbsp;I hold ZERO judgment toward other women and their arms, exposed or not. &nbsp;I may notice everything, because that's just the way I am, but I think comfort and styling ability and general interest in fashion are different for us all, and thus we wear what we want. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections#post-2267315 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:02:42 +0000 catherine 2267315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am, like many of you, critical of my own looks. I can remember exactly when it started, more than 50 years ago. All it took was a couple of comments from family members (and Twiggy).<br /> However, I have more recently been trying to focus on strength, health, and gratitude for what my body is still able to do. This serves as somewhat of a countermeasure.<br /> Much admiration to all of you who have successfully shed all of the body garbage that is placed upon us as women. You inspire me to do the same.<br /> Shevia, you look amazing in all of those outfits, as always. May you bare your arms with happiness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections#post-2267313 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:35:47 +0000 Lana 2267313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am self conscious about my arms because of age related flabbiness and crepey skin. Also about legs due to Lymphedema in my right leg causing swelling in the heat especially. </p> <p>Last year I didn’t show my arms and never wore dresses or skirts, but I’m on a mission to normalize regular people’s bodies and normalize aging, so this year I’m focusing on wearing more sleeveless top and showing my ankles! </p> <p>Btw, your arms are gorgeous— nice shape and defined pretty muscles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections#post-2267311 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:24:39 +0000 Bijou 2267311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jaime, you look great in all of these. </p> <p>I get self conscious going to the beach in my bathers. I don't like being that level of undressed in public and never have to be honest. I just remember that no-one is looking at me, especially with the current bikini fashion of showing underboob and very high-cut and almost g-string bottoms, those young girls attract all the attention as I quickly strip off my beach cover-up and run into the water. Middle aged women often complain that they are invisible, personally I find it a blessing, especially when at the beach! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections#post-2267310 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:09:24 +0000 ChristelJ 2267310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for this thread. It's so helpful to see open discussions about aging concerns. First, you look utterly fab as always, and my fave is the blue top look!<br /> I have struggled with accepting my arms for my entire adult life. When I was younger and firmer I thought they were too big, and hid them. Now that they are saggy, I am on team "get over it". I live in a hot place where ladies bare as much as they want to, no matter the age. I must give credit to the women in my region who set that liberating example for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections#post-2267309 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 13:58:00 +0000 Janet 2267309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jaime, I think you look fantastic in sleeveless, but I 100% understand the feelings!</p> <p>I don’t have lovely toned limbs at all. I’m self-conscious of the crepey skin and cellulite and flab, on arms and thighs. I also dislike my sagging aging jawline, and the lines on the lower half of my face — somehow lines around the eyes don’t bother me as much. But I’ve always been self-conscious of my appearance, even when I was a young girl who got mocked for having curly hair and pale freckly skin in an era when those things were highly unfashionable. Growing into a body with wide hips and big thighs didn’t help. Even when I was skinny, I had boobs and hips and thighs! LOL Now I’m less self-conscious of those things but more so of the skin issues and hallmarks of aging. But who are we trying to impress? We are what we are. I’m not going to diet and exercise my body into some shape that requires that much work just for an aesthetic ideal. I’m going to continue to be physically active with things I enjoy, and also have the cake or the wine or the fries from time to time. Life is too short! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/selfie-variety-pack-sleeveless-top-reflections#post-2267305 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 13:41:52 +0000 Jaime 2267305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you everyone, I appreciate all your thoughtful posts so much! I see I am not alone.<br /><b>Sal</b> It depends on my mood also. I am somewhat modest, but this isn't about modesty, and it isn't even really about other people. It is about how I want to present myself. I am still figuring it out, clearly.<br /><b>slim cat </b>- Please let's not even get into jawlines - but that has been a lifelong issue for me.<br /><b></b><b>Stag</b><b></b> - I hear you, but there are some aspects of aging bodies that are simply not amenable to change (or maybe only through surgery). I work out consistently and I am satisfied with my fitness level. But no amount of planks, push ups, weights, yoga etc. is going to change the lumps, bumps and skin texture.&nbsp;<br /><b>Jenni</b> - I am outraged with you about that horrible SA. Sadly, these are the things that stick aren't they? It is also perfectly acceptable and expected for women to go sleeveless here and they do. I am trying to adjust myself into your attitude, frankly.<br /><b>Joy</b> - It's funny, I have no problem not wearing mini skirts but I am conflicted about sleeves, not sure why.<br /><b>Star</b> - Generally I do prefer light cotton than the feeling of the sun beating down on my skin, but sometimes I want to wear sleeveless too.<br /><b>suntiger</b> - Ha! I agree with 1,2 and 3. But no to 4. As I said to Stag, the things I am focusing on have nothing to do with fitness level.<br /><b>indigoprint</b> - Yes, that is exactly how I feel. Trust me, that photo does not show the whole picture.<br /><b>Anchie</b> - Thank you and interesting point. I have a style preference for longer shorts and skirts and have no conflict about not wearing mini-skirts, but actually do like wearing sleeveless tops - or used to. Definitely not wearing bikinis on the beach!</p> <p><b>Angie</b> - *Blushing*, thank you Angie, but the arms you once saw aren't quite the same after menopause and several years. Still strong but distinctly older looking. I am with you about the sun beating down on my skin, but sometimes I want to be an Israeli/South African lady who never gives wearing sleeveless a second thought . Thank you for your very kind encouragement! And believe me if I could duplicate those mules I'd buy a pair for both of us!</p> <p></p>