Being "on trend".. Why??
- Thread starter Shelby33
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Personally, I’d look for more compassion with things. I’m getting older. It's a struggle. I've exercised consistently my entire life, but my body composition has changed/is changing/will continue to change. I have so many "classic" pieces that I bought and took care of thinking I'd wear them forever and while they still fit, I'm so self-conscious wearing them because they fit differently. I still love those pieces, but I also feel like I'm just trying to hold onto my youth. I don't think that feeling is going to get better with time.
So I'm at a style crossroads. I'm mainly sticking with dresses from American Giant right now, which might or might not be better than the uniform, but it's the same thing for me. They're comfortable and I blend in, which is all I can really ask for these days from my fashion, because otherwise, I love being my age and the things that come along with it.
So I'm at a style crossroads. I'm mainly sticking with dresses from American Giant right now, which might or might not be better than the uniform, but it's the same thing for me. They're comfortable and I blend in, which is all I can really ask for these days from my fashion, because otherwise, I love being my age and the things that come along with it.
I feel we walk a fine line as we age. I don't want to dress like an old lady but I also think (hope) I know my limits. Not trying to look like I'm in my twenties or to show a lot of cleavage, etc.
As far as others, sometimes when I see a very elderly woman dressing like a young woman I get nostalgic for the old days
This also goes for things like having a lot of tatts or obvious PS like fish lips. An elderly woman with fish lips does Not look better than one with thin lips
I think we also have to separate longterm trends from short-term fashion trends from local fads.
Longterm trends are actually a good thing because they are usually dictated by the power of the consumer buying into a wearable fashion or style.
Short-term trends are usually industry / marketing driven that have attempted to coerce consumers into buying/wearing and only succeeding in tempting a few early adopters - and then having to change tack because consumers find the trend unwearable -unattractive or both.
Local fads are usually started on the street and that can either by DIYd too easily to be commercially viable or too identifiable to a sub-group or subculture that wouldn't enhance status if copied/appropriated.
I don't remember the last time I went shopping. I do remember it being a relief to move to Vermont from Boston and see that most people just wear whatever. The people I see sporting the latest trends are usually tourists.
I’ve found as I’ve grown older life changes unsettled my confidence in “my” go to style choices.
Early retirement - suddenly my work uniform (pretty formal) was redundant. The things I knew I looked good in were no longer needed or appropriate. Ive had to break the habits of 30 years and find a new wardrobe. New bags too - I don’t need a briefcase anymore (and I so loved briefcases!) or a big bag.
The menopause. I was that annoying person who could eat anything and not put on a pound. No longer. I’m overweight for the first time in my life, AND a different shape.
I grew out my natural hair colour. Some colours that used to love me now wash me out, and I’m finding new colours I can wear.
And thank you Covid, many of the shops and brands I loved for years are no longer there. It’s harder to shop.
So although I’ll never be a fan of big florals or easy care fabrics, I have sympathy with women who might want to opt for a uniform and blend in, rather than follow fashion trends. It’s ok. If they feel fine that’s all that matters.
Early retirement - suddenly my work uniform (pretty formal) was redundant. The things I knew I looked good in were no longer needed or appropriate. Ive had to break the habits of 30 years and find a new wardrobe. New bags too - I don’t need a briefcase anymore (and I so loved briefcases!) or a big bag.
The menopause. I was that annoying person who could eat anything and not put on a pound. No longer. I’m overweight for the first time in my life, AND a different shape.
I grew out my natural hair colour. Some colours that used to love me now wash me out, and I’m finding new colours I can wear.
And thank you Covid, many of the shops and brands I loved for years are no longer there. It’s harder to shop.
So although I’ll never be a fan of big florals or easy care fabrics, I have sympathy with women who might want to opt for a uniform and blend in, rather than follow fashion trends. It’s ok. If they feel fine that’s all that matters.
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Of course as we are blessed with growing older our style changes because our bodies and lifestyles change. Pre-baby bodies and lives as opposed to post baby bodies and lives. Pre-menopause bodies and lives as opposed to post menopause. I used to be able to run in 4 inch heals whilst carrying a bag that packed my entire life in it, now my knees simply refuse to tolerate anything above 2 inches. I used to need a big bag for everyday. Now I only need a big bag for the gym. I still love big bags, and I'm glad they are back in style but now I carry them for the look rather than the function. Now they are a fashion statement when they used to be a necessity.
I used to live and work in European capitals, now I live in Asia, so my fashion changed from that of a person who dressed in layers and dark colours to suit the weather and public transport, to one who wears mostly spring and summer clothing and in colours and materials of someone who drives her own car all day.
Bodies change, lifestyles change, and so does personal style along with our fashion sense, that's just life. We evolve as human beings, and we grow in every way. I just feel that it's incumbent on me to make the best of what I have at every age.
I used to live and work in European capitals, now I live in Asia, so my fashion changed from that of a person who dressed in layers and dark colours to suit the weather and public transport, to one who wears mostly spring and summer clothing and in colours and materials of someone who drives her own car all day.
Bodies change, lifestyles change, and so does personal style along with our fashion sense, that's just life. We evolve as human beings, and we grow in every way. I just feel that it's incumbent on me to make the best of what I have at every age.
💯
I don’t think being critical of items that are universally unflattering (proportion wise) is unkind.
Many* often don’t care about the criticism of others. They want to be comfortable
*including my mother when she’s “not doing anything important”
Except her t shirt says “same sh*t, different day”
ETA: plenty of popular fashionable trends are also unflattering. It’s not a personal criticism of people who buy them or like them. Everyone makes mistakes (I include myself in this). Which is why a full length mirror or action shot selfie is useful.
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I stopped looking at trends seriously. The last time I tried a trend was that burgundy or dark red/brown colors and they didn't feel like me. It felt like it was limited to fall/winter and I felt like it aged me. Never looked back or tried another trend since.
I know what colors I can wear and pretty much stick to them. Once in a while I'll try something I know isn't my color. Never works out.
The best tip I ever got was: never wear the current trend colors
But most of the time I don't like them anyway, unless grey is in fashion
But most of the time I don't like them anyway, unless grey is in fashion