FashBlog.com

There was a time when I thought 23 was “old”-to be that young again!

On a brighter note, there seems to be a stretching of years into what’s now considered senior citizen age-although some movies and hotels start discounts at 55. It’s partly due to the baby boomers holding tight to youthful looks and wardrobes, partly due to so many folks now being older, and partly due to improved medical diagnosing and care. Plus, we can’t forget the benefits of working out and eating wisely, something not just health fanatics are doing.

Yesterday I met a woman who is a personal trainer and is now (around 50) going for certification in water aerobics, having taught aerobics, weight training, pilates and spinning. My new friend has students in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and even one at 92! I once taught a senior’s tap class, and it was refreshing to see that so many don’t let a number stop them from living to the fullest. The image of rocking chairs is long gone. With senior marathons and Olympics, age is irrelevant if one is in good condition. It validates that if a person trains consistently and properly, they can do what a younger person can-but their path is often different. Furthermore, the older athletic doesn’t take their success or their body for granted like a younger person, and therefore, is more apt to be healthier overall. This realization has given me joy ever since I hit 40. Ironically, it was only then that I returned to a really physical lifestyle, achieving more than I ever have in my life. Since then, I have met several women in their 50’s whose bodies and physical abilities rival that of any gal in their 20’s. We have reason to celebrate this emphasis and outlook, although it may seem silly to younger people. There will come a time when an older athlete or dancer is no longer a rarity even in less enlightened circles, and that bodes well for the state of our bodies and minds; it will keep us all younger.

So, on this note, how should an older woman dress? Are there still guidelines like in the past, such as anyone over 40 should never show her upper arms, or have hair past chin-length? What about wearing skirts or shorts halfway up one’s thighs? Obviously, a lot depends on the woman’s body. One school of thought is “if you’ve got it, flaunt it” but another is that people will-and do-make comments about trying to look “half her age”. It’s really difficult, especially if a lady finds herself drawn more to the styles in the Junior department than in the Misses’ or Women’s. Some fashions, of course, would look rather silly on a woman past 50, such as a baby-doll top with puffy sleeves, or raggedy, torn jeans-but most fashions fall into a gray area. For example, little flats in today’s designs look good on feet of any age, and hoodies really aren’t just for teens. Most pants and skirts can be worn by anyone who wants to take the time to find flattering styles, and I know many older gals who can easily pull off studded belts, denim jackets and rhinestone accessories.

And what do you other baby boomers think of changing makeup once you’re older? I’m torn on this one. The experts say older gals need to soften their hair color as well as their makeup, and go easy on the eyelid color. Well, that makes sense, but really, that applies to almost anyone. It’s hard to successfully pull off stark, bold hair color unless it’s natural, and the painted face look does no one much good. I just recently returned to a paler lipstick and do feel it’s more youthful, but I’ve known countless older woman whose bright or even red shades brighten their complexion considerably. I must confess, though, that I have not changed my methods of using mascara or eyeliner, as I think they still work for me.

In bygone eras, a lady’s age determined her fashion options, from when she gave up knee socks to when she could wear black. We’re lucky we have so many options, so let’s enjoy them.