I got old - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

I got old

Thistle

Veteran

So, when I learned Doc Martins were fashionable again, I raced out to Zappos and ordered a pair. They arrived in all their glory, taking me back to high school and college. I had two pairs back then, and I gave them to my younger sister when I graduated from college and started work at Ernst & Young (a very large, very conservative public accounting firm. Women weren't even allowed to wear pants suits my first year there.).

I tried the docs on with dresses, trousers, jeans, and I just couldn't get them to work for the new me. I loved them with skirts and flannels back in the day. But that is just not today as I try to manage a career, toddler and husband.

I returned them, which is also a big step for me. Rather than keeping them and trying to make them work, I accept I am different. I am older. And my style has changed.

So I am totally living vicariously through those of you UWP that can pull them off!

Dressing

35 replies

Latest reply was from Isabel

Anonymous

Good for you! Maybe when your daughter is grown, you'll be the granny rocking the Docs

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

FWIW they did not work for me either
it is pretty powerfull to regonize your ow limitations and work up to your strengths!

shedev

Veteran

Thistle- your style is more sophisticated and feminine but not old. Just different.

Anonymous

I don't think it is about your age. Your style is more ladylike, that's why they might not jive anymore.

kellygirl

Veteran

Not old, Thistle. Your style has just evolved!

JAileen

Veteran

I've seen your picture - if you're old, then I'm Methuselah! Interesting to know you worked for E&Y. I did too, but back when it was AY (and collectively they were known as the Big Eight). Boy, was it ever conservative. I wore skirt suits, blouses with ties, and pumps. I remember rolling up my blouse sleeves once and my supervisor asking me who told me I could do that!

I don't think it's a question of your getting old, but rather that your style has evolved, and is more sophisticated. And that particular wardrobe item didn't evolve with you.

AviaMariah

Veteran

Your title cracked me up. I keep wanting to get Docs too... but I'm afraid they would probably remain unworn by me also. Too few casual days for me. Do they make docs for kids? Maybe your DD should wear some!

Greyscale

Veteran

My lifestyle means I can still dress approximately how I did in college without feeling self-conscious. Still, these days I only wear my classic Docs as workboots on weekends. Once in a while they'll come out to pair with boyfriend jeans and a nice silk blouse.

I missed the hardcore Docs look, though, so I found a way to work it into my daily wardrobe with these wonderful sandals that are so my style. They match some of the trends from the past few years - chunky soles, wide straps - but still look like Docs. I get a lot of compliments on them from fashion-forward people who are startled they're Docs. So, keep an eye on the newer Docs - maybe you'll find something refined enough to fit your current look, but with that nice reminder of your past.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/514536326147284431/

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Love this post. Our stye evolves and that is all there is to it. I am glad you didn't let the shoes boss you around!

Parsley

Veteran

Oh, puh-LEEZE, Thistle!
It's not about old, they just don't suit your current style, you youngster, you!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

What Zap said. It's not age, it's that your style is different now.

I don't do the traditional Docs either, even though my style *could* mesh with them. I don't think my age has anything to do with it -- I just crave something a bit less stompy and more refined these days.

amiable

Veteran

Way to go for recognizing that your style has moved beyond these!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I still have mine, but haven't actually worn them for ages. Maybe once since I turned 40. I may have to see about styling them up next year when I get back to snow country. For now I'm happy to hold on to them and see if I can make them work at a later date.

Alassë

Veteran

Good job returning what doesn't work with your style!

deb

Veteran

Not old, it is fashion growth.

deb

Veteran

Not old, it is fashion growth.

Astrid

Veteran

I agree with the others, to me they just don't mesh with your style. It's definitely not a case of being too old!

ClaraT

Veteran

I used to love my docs. Now they make me feel like frankenstein, so I, too, give them a pass. Onwards and upwards Your title did give me a laugh, tho.

Lyn D.

Veteran

You may be a 'Veteran' here- but that just means stylish and Fab

Deborah

Veteran

Great that you recognise that these don't fit your style "now". You may revisit them again some time.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

No DM's just got old, they were sold at the weekend and are no longer a British family run business

I think your style has evolved away from this look but it's not a bad thing, in fact embracing change can be very empowering (except in the event of the aforementioned sale) .

Emily

Veteran

I'm with you, thistle - as a teenager I always wanted a pair of tall laced boots. Now that I can afford them, though, they just wouldn't work for me. I will join you in admiring the look on all the fab UWPs

unfrumped

Veteran

Great style focus!
While I agree that it isn't best characterized as being "old", there is some truth to the concept that, because time doesn't go backward, any evolution of style will occur in an "older" you, or me.

For me, the real fun and kicker is that, since I'm relatively new to thinking about style "evolution", I should anticipate, and make, at least some changes every year or every few years. I think at first one may just focus on changing one's style to get it "right", but then I've realized that I'm changing how I go about changing it!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You crack me up.

Style preferences change, and being aware of that is key. Onto the next pair of boots. xo

Day Vies

Veteran

Agreeing with Shedev. You have changed the Docs have not. Your style preferences to me are a lot more refined than the RATE style Docs call for. Rae could pull them of with out a blink.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Funny baby If you are old I'm prehistoric.

Anonymous

So funny. You feel old and I don't feel old enough for Doc Martins. I'm planning to incorporate them into my style when they are needed to support my ankles and legs.

catgirl

Veteran

Heh. It happens. I outgrew my Cons, just as everyone else grew into them. Doesn't make you old at all!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I feel exactly the same! I loved my DMs to pieces, litterally, way back in the eighties/nineties, but now, they just don't work for my style. I'm enjoying seeing them on my three tennage daughters instead, and many others. We are not old (most certainly not you!) but our styles are more ladylike, like Zap said.

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