https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:59:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1823283 Thu, 13 Jul 2017 00:37:18 +0000 old chic 1823283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At 68, I am still working on ageless style. i want to wear something striking -- no matter what age it is associated with -- as long as it suits my body type. I have no fear of looking like mutton dressed as lamb. I just regret all those years I "dressed for success" when I could have been following my heart. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1823194 Wed, 12 Jul 2017 20:55:17 +0000 Anonymous 1823194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm only 2 years away from retirement, but don't see myself wearing polyester pants and no-iron polos. I look hideous in any type of polo shirt, and don't get me started on polyester pants. I much prefer my jeans.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1823189 Wed, 12 Jul 2017 20:46:10 +0000 JuniperGreen 1823189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echoing La Padestrienne's sentiments! &nbsp;The marketPLACE is changing along with the market itself. &nbsp;This offers some good possibilities for savvy shoppers who can vote with their dollars... and the businesses who care to listen to them and avoid the ridiculous ageism and size-ism. &nbsp;</p> <p>And of course there's the bottom line - it's pretty foolish for companies to be ignoring the preferences and requests of eager consumers!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1823109 Wed, 12 Jul 2017 17:09:36 +0000 LaPed 1823109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting articles, thanks. I have a feeling style may just be becoming more generation-less as the way it's marketed and sold evolves. When retail was mall-based, everything was designed to be very niche -- the teen stores (F21, Claire's, Charlotte Russe), the "grown up" stores (J Crew, BR) the "boring grown up" stores (Eddie Bauer, LL Bean), the "old people" stores (Blair, uh, Northern Reflections? Sears?) -- those distinctions seem to be breaking down. Online shopping means no more embarrassment over whether someone will "catch" you shopping at a store that's outside your target demographic. And we wonder my the kids are all wearing Birkenstocks and Tevas and mom jeans -- the "middle age" look...&nbsp;</p> <p>The baby boomer generation (my parents) are in their 60s, early 70s, and they don't dress anything like their parents did at 60/70. I don't see the Boomers around me wearing polyester slacks and no-iron polos, which is what my grandparents were wearing 20 years ago. They're in jeans, or course, and band tees, and artsy handmade sweaters, and lots of gear, etc. Of course, their parents were already retired or thinking about it, and most of the 60-somethings I know are still working. So maybe that's a factor. Age 40-50, to me (a 31 year old), feels like just getting started, certainly not over any hills. I mean, apparently you can't run for Pres 'til you're in your 60s, so it seems our whole conception of peaks and primes is shifting.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1823107 Wed, 12 Jul 2017 17:05:16 +0000 MsMary 1823107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heh. They lost me when they dissed the Rotary Club!</p> <p>Signed,</p> <p>President-Elect who met her fabulous husband at the Rotary Club </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1823103 Wed, 12 Jul 2017 16:32:38 +0000 texstyle 1823103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rachylou - I was thinking, and this is getting off topic of course - if you live in poverty on 100K in California or another high paying/high cost of living state, you at least can rest in knowing&nbsp; you will receive a high SS wage in the future, right? (best 35 years of income used for SS wages) I always wonder about that - wouldn't it be best to live in a very high earning state for at least half of your money making years, then move to a lower cost of living state when you retire and still collect the higher benefits? Seems like it should be adjusted for where you live in retirement but I don't think it is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1822899 Tue, 11 Jul 2017 23:02:07 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1822899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting this.</p> <p>I'll comment more later, but for now will just say that part of why I don't want to wear dowdy clothes is that they make it very difficult to be as active as I'd like to be. I had enough restrictions placed on me when I was growing up, related to being ladylike and keeping my clothes clean and nice. I'm certainly not going to do that to myself now!<br /> In response to the comment that this isn't the first generation to think this way--I'm not so sure. My mom played tennis when it was popular in the 70s, but was glad when that faded. Exercise for her has generally been a pain, not something pleasurable. How much of that is her and how much is generational? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1822253 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 21:46:52 +0000 The Cat 1822253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bumping. I think Shevia's link to the inspiring 91 years old gymnast deserves more attention. What an amazing lady! Thanks for sharing, Shevia. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1821963 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 03:16:16 +0000 Jaime 1821963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many excellent points. Money can buy the appearance of youth but this 91 year old gymnast clip that's bopping around is awesome.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlzJbVTPF1w">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlzJbVTPF1w</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1821961 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 03:10:55 +0000 rachylou 1821961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Spellcheck messes up 'neoteny' a lot. Watch out for that, lol.</p> <p>Here in Northern California, we are all frankly living on the edge. All ages, all circumstances. $100k - an executive salary - is poverty. I frankly don't encourage young people to wait for security, like I was encouraged. There isn't any. I think they should just get going and let the chips fall. And maybe they can work the marriage tax break in their favour... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1821936 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 01:36:51 +0000 Jenni NZ 1821936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Rachy. I did Google it, see I spelt it incorrectly. It is an awesome word. And yes, if we have hard-earned wisdom let's be willing to share it rather than pretend we never grew up! But then it is kind of worrying how many of today's younger people have trouble leaving home because of the cost of living independently ( high rents, house prices). I'm pleased my 2 girls did both leave about 21/22 but they both have to rent at this stage, no hope of a house purchase. Of course I realise that's the case for millions of people but in NZ renting is quite insecure, not like in Europe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1821933 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 01:25:09 +0000 rachylou 1821933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Neoteny is the retention of juvenile features by adults. It's like the difference between dogs and wolves (which are now considered the same species). Cute in dogs, not that cute in people, IMO. One of my fave words, after 'Jesuitical' </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style/page/2#post-1821931 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 01:19:21 +0000 Jenni NZ 1821931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Many thoughts... With Smittie, Ryce, Gaylene in theirs. I read your other link too Janet which was interesting and not so self- congratulatory. Those of you who live in the US may be somewhat skewed in comparison with parts of the world like NZ and Australia. We in NZ have to travel to enlarge horizons beyond our own tiny country when we don't have an enormous one like the US to travel in. So what we call our "OE" ( overseas experience) has been an accepted rite of passage for young women as well as men for many decades. The OE is becoming a bit less of a concept now travel is relatively cheaper and easier- it was so far to go and so expensive going for a year or more used to be common. We marry later here, average age of first marriage for women now 28. I was 25 ( 30 years ago) and did not feel that was late.<br /> While I understand the recent articles about a lack of stuff to buy in one's 40s and 50s eg shared in Link Love in the past month or two, I am also with Ryce in that I find more to buy than my budget, closet space and now ethical principles will allow. As for people surprised that your husband "lets you" do stuff Janet- did Doc Brown's Delorean time machine travel from the Dark Ages?- or at least from pre WW1?<br /> And Rachy, you are so educated that I will have to Google Dictionary "neotony"- what the heck is that? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821882 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 20:00:00 +0000 Gaylene 1821882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I think you hit on it in your reference to the huge generational shift in women's lives in the 40s to the 80s. It seems incredible now I was considered an "older mother" by my doctor when I had my son at the ripe old age of 25. </p> <p>But, getting back to ageless style, I've always felt dressing well had more to do with the woman wearing the clothes than with what is available in the stores. My mother and her best friend--the two women who most influenced me while growing up--both maintained full-time careers in the 50s and 60s in addition to being wives and mothers. Even living in a small town with limited shopping opportunities, they managed to look incredible. My friends and I wore our bell-bottomed jeans, fitted sweaters, and mini-skirts with the insolence of smooth-skinned, shiny-haired youth, but those two put us in our place when they put on their perfectly accessorized, perfectly fitted sheath dresses and tailored suits. That's why the association of age and dowdiness always seems so odd to me. As teenagers, my friends and I WANTED to become adult women so we could look like my mother and her friend. </p> <p>I think that impression of how adult women can have amazing style has stuck with me through the years. Good health, energy, and a young appearance has given me an advantage in a society which values a youthful appearance, but, thanks to my mum and her friend, I never felt "looking young" was a style goal as much as a lucky toss of the dice. Reading the article made me wonder if those "perennials" aren't in for an unpleasant shock in a few years when sharing a wardrobe and yoga-loving lifestyle with their daughters isn't as easy as it is now. I'm kind of grateful for the impact that adult style had on me as a teenage and to have witnessed those adjusting, tweaking, tailoring, and styling tricks my mum and her friend used to transform the potentially dowdy offerings of a small town woman's clothing shop. Their style was a product of their hands and knowledge, not of their retail options. It gives me hope for dressing myself as I look forward to my seventh decade. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821880 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 18:41:07 +0000 Suz 1821880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed the article but I also echo everything <b>Smittie</b> and <b>Ryce</b> said! Fun thread. I love when we get into these discussions. Now I am going to look at your other link.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821872 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 17:44:08 +0000 rachylou 1821872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok wait. I have to tell a story: My mom is pre-baby boom. She complains to this day about her 'stupid college roommate' who hid in their room on Fridays with the lights off when she (the roommate) didn't have a date. My mom cracks me up with her scathing. But gosh, those were the days. She also says girls were told to go home and practice their knitting. What a thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821857 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 15:56:47 +0000 Anonymous 1821857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>P.S.&nbsp; I enjoyed the article, and thought it was amusing, and the kind of article obviously written to attract revenue.&nbsp; It seems like every generation wants to pat themselves on the back and tell themselves they're the best thing ever invented.&nbsp; That's okay with me if you want to strut your stuff, but don't just focus on superficial qualities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821826 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 13:36:46 +0000 Janet 1821826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BC, true. My mom was worried about being an "old maid" because she didn't marry until she was almost 24! I didn't marry until I was almost 38, and mom never pressured me to marry or have children -- she was very supportive of my choices to pursue work and wait for the right relationship before making that commitment. I think that reflects the very generational shift you mention. From the 40s to the 80s, a lot of attitudes changed. Nonetheless, there was resistance. My dad had reservations about my mom returning to work, even part-time, once I was in school. But she persisted and not only volunteered but eventually went back to office work and took night classes, all of which was a very good thing, because dad passed away when he was 65 and mom 63. She was independent enough and had solid enough work skills and history that she could support herself financially (along with dad's pension and SS) without dipping into their savings much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821815 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 11:55:00 +0000 Anonymous 1821815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was growing up, a lot of girls were expected to get married and have children. Those who went to college were there to get an Mrs. degree, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821809 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 11:28:32 +0000 Janet 1821809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And Rachy, I agree with you! I'm glad I grew up when I did! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821808 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 11:27:21 +0000 Janet 1821808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course, Gaylene. And lest we forget, there are still plenty of women who fit that description of being "worn down" by a life of hard work and under-appreciation even today, who are single parents or are simply stuck in low-income situations, for whom thinking about style and fulfilling leisure activities is a joke. As the saying goes, these are first world "problems." But growing up, I was exposed to a lot of people on a wide socioeconomic spectrum, and I don't remember the middle-aged women who had the means doing a lot of the things that more women do today. Attitudes of staying home were deeply entrenched. I was simply saying that, in general, there is more freedom now for women to acceptably pursue their interests, whether they be fashion, travel, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821785 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 07:58:26 +0000 rachylou 1821785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well yes. Just so Gaylene. I remember a lot of women, when I was a little girl, wanting / fighting to get away from that kind of existence. Finally going to college at 40. Admonishing us little ones to not get married before 30. To get a life first. I rather think there are quite a few women out there wanting to say, 'hey look, mom, we did it!'</p> <p>What peeves me is the neoteny. Getting worn down early is no fun, but neither is being infantile forever. I'm glad I'm not young today. It's like there are no 'old people' who think they're old enough to look out for your young stupid self (!)</p> <p>Jus' sayin'... I try to do my part as an old person, but I have to admit I have to SAY I'm old - my clothes don't do it for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821777 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 04:48:44 +0000 Gaylene 1821777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe part of the reason why so many of the mothers of the "perennials" didn't run marathons in their 50s and have a lively interest in fashion in their 60s was because so many of them were worn out from spending their 20s, 30s, and 40s raising families on modest incomes--with perhaps a low-paying job as a salesclerk or waitress on the side? That kind of lifestyle doesn't leave much time or funds for gym and yoga classes, pedicures, and shopping with one's girlfriends. Getting married at 18 to a 19 year-old, with a baby on the way (remember, this was before contraceptives were readily available) definitely dampens opportunities for exploring one's personal style goals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821761 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 02:43:02 +0000 Janet 1821761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy, yes. Maybe it's partly because my parents were of an older generation than the parents of most of my peers (they were near 40 when they had me). My dad had his first heart attack when I was in the fifth grade, and I remember attending his retirement party as a teenager, so yeah, I definitely get what you're saying. </p> <p>I don't remember hearing about 50yo women in our town running marathons, or taking solo trips across the country or across the world, or being activists for political causes. I'm sure there were some, but it's more commonplace now, thank god. </p> <p>And yet, there are still people who are shocked that I travel alone and ask why my husband "lets me." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821760 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 02:31:23 +0000 rachylou 1821760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Am I only one who remembers the serious dread people, esp women, used to feel on their 30th birthday? When people dropped dead at 45 from heart attacks? When retirement was 55?</p> <p>I think all this about feeling young at 45 is a reflection of memories of that past era. I mean, my uncle was a cardiologist and he'll tell you, cardiologists really didn't do anything for people until the 1980s... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821759 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 02:30:01 +0000 Emily K 1821759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This comment is not really on point, but I stood in line behind an older lady today at the grocery and she looked so striking and fabulous that I considered every aspect of her appearance in an effort to remember and imitate when I am her age. &nbsp;First of all, she looked to be in her mid-90's, but in good health and sharp of wit. &nbsp;She was very slender and austere in physical appearance. &nbsp;She was wearing black knit pants, white long-sleeve tee with a lacy pattern woven-in, a lightweight glen-plaid swing coat in shades of medium grey, a cloud-grey straw hat with black lining under the brim, and dark grey fashion sneakers. &nbsp;Her hair was white and gathered into a low ponytail with black ribbon. &nbsp; &nbsp;So elegant! &nbsp;So uncompromising and austere! &nbsp;So French! &nbsp;I was so envious of the whole package. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821752 Sat, 08 Jul 2017 02:10:15 +0000 Aquamarine 1821752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great articles, thanks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821733 Fri, 07 Jul 2017 23:49:14 +0000 Carla 1821733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Janet, for the interesting links. Thought provoking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821731 Fri, 07 Jul 2017 23:37:14 +0000 Janet 1821731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, maybe everyone is taking that piece a little more seriously than I intended, so I'll share this link, which resonates with me much more deeply:</p> <p><a href="http://www.oiselle.com/blog/the-flyway-believe-in-getting-older" rel="nofollow">http://www.oiselle.com/blog/th.....ting-older</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-ageless-style#post-1821716 Fri, 07 Jul 2017 23:01:09 +0000 Laura G 1821716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm another one, like <b>Ryce</b>, who still finds plenty out there to choose from. Jeans and a tee, a dress, a skirt and top...I'm wearing pretty much what I've always worn. I've weeded out the 3" heels and the blatantly sexy stuff, but that's about it. I'm passing up cropped pants, cold shoulders, jeans damaged at the factory, but as I recall, at any given time there's always been stuff being sold that I wanted no part of. This is at least the second time I've been called on to step around the cropped pants display, and the first time I was part of the supposedly favored demographic.</p> <p>The problems I have finding clothes to wear are the same ones I've always had, driven by the basic body shape I've always had. I am having trouble finding comfort shoe styles I'd actually be willing to wear, but I can't blame the fashion industry for that--the things that make for comfort in a shoe just aren't the things that make for beauty.&nbsp;</p> <p>So...I dunno. Out of touch? Mutton dressed as lamb? (Rhetorical question, as I haven't posted any photos yet.)&nbsp;</p> <p> </p>