I read a weekly newsletter called “Ageist” by aging enthusiast David Stuart in my inbox. He interviews people around the world who are breaking stereotypes about aging. For example, he talks to seniors playing tennis at his 99th, running a marathon, and starting a new business at his 87th.
All of which are very interesting, but I don’t really care much for their achievements, and I have little ambition to follow that path.
Today’s ‘Ageist’ interview caught my attention. It’s not a matter of life or death, but do you worry about what to wear?
The interview was Dorrit Bøilerehauge. She is a fashion scholar, influencer, fashion model and Eiji Her Advocate. Her research area is fashion branding on social media. In recent years, she has delved into the expression of age in fashion.
She became an advocate for grown-up coolness.
Now, who doesn’t want to be mature and cool? But what is it? Many fashion magazines say that older women should avoid bright colors and bright lipsticks.
But I agree that dressing like a 16-year-old leaves a lot to be desired.
Many people would say that it doesn’t matter how old you are and what you wear.
My mother wore what we called “house dress” at the time. They were very practical and comfortable. I can’t say that they were fashionable. But it went along with the idea of women being “stay-at-home moms.”
If you haven’t noticed, things have changed! I didn’t understand why you think a woman would marry a house. Dorrit Bøilerehauge says:
When we think we understand things change and so do we. How do we want to be seen and how do we want to see ourselves?
You might want to blow these off as silly non-problems, but how you present yourself does matter. It is a form of communication. Should I try to look fun… classic, cool, sporty, bold or subtle?
Whatever we choose, we are saying something.
As seniors, we have a lot of freedom to be our true selves. So if you’re tired of the fashion dilemma and just want to be comfortable, give it a try.
But if you’re anything like me, fashion is fun and a way to express yourself.
By the way, men cannot escape this dilemma. It is said that well-dressed men are important to women, and lingerie is important to men.
So what are you telling us?
Find Connie’s book, Daily Cures: Wisdom for Healthy Aging, at www.justnowoldenough.com.