At 49 I hate thinking that I would be aging out of fashion options. I don't think it's so much an age thing as a style thing....

You may also have bought the Docs out of pure nostalgia, not because you really wanted to wear them again.

Hmmm, I am just realizing I was probably too old for DM's the first go 'round. But I did love them.

I have afterthoughts!

I do find myself skipping over things I like because they are too young, and I hate it! Like those cute intarsia sweaters with whimsical characters or words. I love them, but just can't go there. There was this one Autumn Cashmere sweater I LOVED, was so ME. It was grey and had a big lime "POW" written across the front in superhero font (whatever that is???) I loved the whimsy of it, but just could not do that at 49 years old! Or could I? I do love a bit of humor in my life....

And every time I try to wear converses I feel like a dork! So why do I keep trying to do it?

Thistle, I think for the Docs, what you do is find a suitable substitute if this is really part of your fashion persona. A more refined type of combat boot with a bit more polish, less aggression. I bet they are out there. Let us know what you find!

See, isn't it funny how it's not an age thing, it's a personal comfort and style thing. I never wore Cons when I was young, but I bought a couple of pairs on a great sale the year before last, after seeing a bunch of ladies here rocking them, and they feel very *casual me*! They are my go-to shoes for my most casual days. I have to say I kinda feel cute in them -- well, as cute as a 48yo should feel, I suppose. But I've never worn the classic Docs, and likely never will. I don't know why they never spoke to me, even though I admire them on others. I do have a strong rock'n'roll component in my style, but it just seems to go in a different direction -- I crave a little sleeker and sexier footwear.

I totally hear you. I loved my docs back in the day. And I admire them on many older women who *can* totally pull them off. But I have no desire to go back there. I've also developed poison eye for Birks (or even NAOTs with the same type of brown suede sole). But for some reason, will probably die wearing my Cons
I think for me - although I always tried on these "alternative" looks - punk, hippy etc - I have come to realize (and it's very difficult to admit it!) that they just don't suit me. I am pretty mainstream, even a little preppy. I don't even feel "right" in moto, rocker, or studded styles which are pretty much mainstream right now! I admire them on others but feel they are too "tough" on me. I can't carry their weight, somehow.
I do not see you incorporating docs into your style either, Thistle. I think you made the right choice.

Oh, I agree with the others . You have not gotten old, you have evolved, your life has changed, your tastes have changed. That is wonderful.

And I love what Karey said.

The truth is, for me at least, I was a lot more forgiving with what I wore when I was younger. There many things that didn't not function properly for my like or that didn't look good on me but I just didn't care like I do now. : )