I love living in a town where women over 60 wear short skirts and long gray hair. I don't like my knees so the short skirts are gone from my wardrobe (at Reneux, if anyone's wondering). the bright primary color top with black pants is the old-person-following-style-guidelines look. White shirts look great on everyone, especially you Diane. Some of the best-looking outfits on older women are in various shades of cloudy gray.
Oh, thank you! I could write an ode to the white shirt, a fashion staple in my wardrobe! And, yes, I do think it suits everyone.
I, too, like living in a town where grey hair is so accepted. Whenever I travel, I am surprised at how different we are from the "outside" world...so few people color their hair here!! 🤣👩🦳
I’m with Lily. I remembered decades ago in Glamour magazine seeing do’s and don’ts. Dues and don’ts may be according to personal style but if you look ridiculous and people are smirking behind your back, can you really not care? I can’t. I don’t want my flaws to show I guess and there are plenty of them! Yes I admit to being very vain. I like to look at least, toy mind, as attractive. But taste is a very subjective thing and I do admire Lady Gaga!
I just think a 60and+year-old looks pretty dumb in nearly every instance when they’re 30 pounds heavier than they were in their 20s and try to dress like they’re in their 20s. It seldom works.
Diane you were one of the lucky ones that looks great at any age. I bet you were gorgeous in your 20s although I’ve never seen a picture of you and you still are gorgeous, slim, and attractively dressed. I’ve never seen you trying to dress like a 20-year-old
One more comment. I don’t dress when I visit the East Coast like I do in Taos. And I am one of those that smirks at the Texas women, some of them my friends possibly, who come here and dress like their idea of a Taoseno. Halloween every day here They don’t get that shaving your legs means you’re going to a formal party or a wedding in Taos! And you probably quit shaving out under your arms years ago. (See that’s a very snobby comment about being a Taos full time resident. )
Please see my response to Lily's comment. For me, I sort of speak out of both sides of my mouth, and I am not ashamed of it; I am just being honest. I was in the fashion industry for my entire career. I am used to evaluating fit models and mannequins to ensure samples fit perfectly and are flattering. Matching fits, silhouettes, and proportions to body types is what I do. And, I can be very judgy (in my mind) when someone dresses in a way that, to me, doesn't suit their looks or body type.
On the other hand, I follow an influencer who just turned 60. She has a model-type body, is tall, and looks amazing. You look at her and think she could wear anything. But, she is so aware of what suits her...she tells us she has shorter legs and a longer torso. She doesn't like her ankles and wears shoes that are flattering. She shares her style and outfits. She can wear bright colors, all over print coords, and designer with high street and always looks fantastic. She has over 2 million followers on FB alone. Many, many, many women do what I advised against. They copy her style without making modifications for their body types. They share photos on her page, and I admit to looking and thinking, "What in the world are they doing"? But, you know what? They are so happy and joyful. They are so confident. Should we take that away from them? It is a dilemma, which is why I want to cover this topic more in future posts. Please share with us how you have changed your style as you have aged. If you have?
I didn’t ever suggest that we should take anyone’s choices away from them! If they’re happy with it so be it, maybe they dont care that people may be aghast or would advise they dressed differently. People get to do what they want with their bodies. Some people have forgotten this. I was speaking only about my own personal choices as you probably know.
As for my own style choices I try to dress for the occasion. I seldom wear a suit in this town! But sometimes I have to. What I like to wear is what I called my Covid outfit- sweats and a T-shirt with no bra. But I must admit I’m too vain to go to Cid’s way. So I would probably put on a bra and some blue jeans. My current favorite T-shirt has a picture of a tough old cowgirl’s face that says “listen up girls, if he’s not wearing diapers you can’t change him“ even made Doug laugh.
It is something to think about and muse about and there’s so many things that distract us these days
Oh, I didn't think you were advocating to take away anyone's choice. And, you are too nice of a person to ever criticize someone or hurt their feelings. I was speaking about my own struggles with trying not to be so judgy in my mind!! :) And, my personal bias about being told what I can or can't do because I am in my 60s! Personally, I think you would rock the cowgirl tee!!! :)
Yes and no. Everyone needs a good friend to tell you when something doesn’t suit you or is not in good taste. One may feel sexy in something but it actually may be ridiculous regardless of age. What is good taste? Can everyone wear baby doll dresses or short-shorts just because they feel good in them. Just sit at an airport and see for yourself. Remember other people have to look at you. Ha!
I wonder if people who dress in a way that we may think is "too young" or unflattering genuinely feel good about their outfits. If they feel uncomfortable inside but are trying to hold on to their youth so tightly, they just don't see how they look. On the other hand, if they truly feel great about how they look and are full of confidence and joy, what then? For me, one of the points I was trying to make is the importance of developing your personal style. One that makes YOU feel great. And I don't think rules apply because it is all about how you style the items. Maybe a babydoll dress with tights, high boots, a blazer, and cool accessories works for your body type? Maybe it doesn't. I just hate these blanket rules as they apply to aging. Short shorts may be unsuitable for a twenty-five-year-old. I would love to read about how you have changed your personal style. Tips, suggestions, and shared learnings are more interesting to me than these random "rules" from self-appointed arbiters of taste. (BTW, I totally agree with you regarding people in airports....at any age. :)
Let me tell you, there is plenty of people to hate on you, so stick with the supportive ones. And the “funny” thing about it, is that these rules are always towards women…. Any way, I am 58, grew up in the 70’s, and am finally embracing my inner Hippie/Bohemian self! Yes to bell-bottom pants and flowy/flowery tops! And crazy hair colors too. My next is Violet 🙃 love you Di! 🫶🏻
I love living in a town where women over 60 wear short skirts and long gray hair. I don't like my knees so the short skirts are gone from my wardrobe (at Reneux, if anyone's wondering). the bright primary color top with black pants is the old-person-following-style-guidelines look. White shirts look great on everyone, especially you Diane. Some of the best-looking outfits on older women are in various shades of cloudy gray.
Oh, thank you! I could write an ode to the white shirt, a fashion staple in my wardrobe! And, yes, I do think it suits everyone.
I, too, like living in a town where grey hair is so accepted. Whenever I travel, I am surprised at how different we are from the "outside" world...so few people color their hair here!! 🤣👩🦳
I’m with Lily. I remembered decades ago in Glamour magazine seeing do’s and don’ts. Dues and don’ts may be according to personal style but if you look ridiculous and people are smirking behind your back, can you really not care? I can’t. I don’t want my flaws to show I guess and there are plenty of them! Yes I admit to being very vain. I like to look at least, toy mind, as attractive. But taste is a very subjective thing and I do admire Lady Gaga!
I just think a 60and+year-old looks pretty dumb in nearly every instance when they’re 30 pounds heavier than they were in their 20s and try to dress like they’re in their 20s. It seldom works.
Diane you were one of the lucky ones that looks great at any age. I bet you were gorgeous in your 20s although I’ve never seen a picture of you and you still are gorgeous, slim, and attractively dressed. I’ve never seen you trying to dress like a 20-year-old
You have great style and it’s your own
One more comment. I don’t dress when I visit the East Coast like I do in Taos. And I am one of those that smirks at the Texas women, some of them my friends possibly, who come here and dress like their idea of a Taoseno. Halloween every day here They don’t get that shaving your legs means you’re going to a formal party or a wedding in Taos! And you probably quit shaving out under your arms years ago. (See that’s a very snobby comment about being a Taos full time resident. )
Please see my response to Lily's comment. For me, I sort of speak out of both sides of my mouth, and I am not ashamed of it; I am just being honest. I was in the fashion industry for my entire career. I am used to evaluating fit models and mannequins to ensure samples fit perfectly and are flattering. Matching fits, silhouettes, and proportions to body types is what I do. And, I can be very judgy (in my mind) when someone dresses in a way that, to me, doesn't suit their looks or body type.
On the other hand, I follow an influencer who just turned 60. She has a model-type body, is tall, and looks amazing. You look at her and think she could wear anything. But, she is so aware of what suits her...she tells us she has shorter legs and a longer torso. She doesn't like her ankles and wears shoes that are flattering. She shares her style and outfits. She can wear bright colors, all over print coords, and designer with high street and always looks fantastic. She has over 2 million followers on FB alone. Many, many, many women do what I advised against. They copy her style without making modifications for their body types. They share photos on her page, and I admit to looking and thinking, "What in the world are they doing"? But, you know what? They are so happy and joyful. They are so confident. Should we take that away from them? It is a dilemma, which is why I want to cover this topic more in future posts. Please share with us how you have changed your style as you have aged. If you have?
Thanks so much for participating!
It is my new favorite garment
I didn’t ever suggest that we should take anyone’s choices away from them! If they’re happy with it so be it, maybe they dont care that people may be aghast or would advise they dressed differently. People get to do what they want with their bodies. Some people have forgotten this. I was speaking only about my own personal choices as you probably know.
As for my own style choices I try to dress for the occasion. I seldom wear a suit in this town! But sometimes I have to. What I like to wear is what I called my Covid outfit- sweats and a T-shirt with no bra. But I must admit I’m too vain to go to Cid’s way. So I would probably put on a bra and some blue jeans. My current favorite T-shirt has a picture of a tough old cowgirl’s face that says “listen up girls, if he’s not wearing diapers you can’t change him“ even made Doug laugh.
It is something to think about and muse about and there’s so many things that distract us these days
Oh, I didn't think you were advocating to take away anyone's choice. And, you are too nice of a person to ever criticize someone or hurt their feelings. I was speaking about my own struggles with trying not to be so judgy in my mind!! :) And, my personal bias about being told what I can or can't do because I am in my 60s! Personally, I think you would rock the cowgirl tee!!! :)
Ha! I wish Substack had a laughter button because this last comment cracked me up!!!
Yes and no. Everyone needs a good friend to tell you when something doesn’t suit you or is not in good taste. One may feel sexy in something but it actually may be ridiculous regardless of age. What is good taste? Can everyone wear baby doll dresses or short-shorts just because they feel good in them. Just sit at an airport and see for yourself. Remember other people have to look at you. Ha!
And, thank you so much for commenting. I am hoping more readers share their thoughts. I think this is such an interesting topic!
I wonder if people who dress in a way that we may think is "too young" or unflattering genuinely feel good about their outfits. If they feel uncomfortable inside but are trying to hold on to their youth so tightly, they just don't see how they look. On the other hand, if they truly feel great about how they look and are full of confidence and joy, what then? For me, one of the points I was trying to make is the importance of developing your personal style. One that makes YOU feel great. And I don't think rules apply because it is all about how you style the items. Maybe a babydoll dress with tights, high boots, a blazer, and cool accessories works for your body type? Maybe it doesn't. I just hate these blanket rules as they apply to aging. Short shorts may be unsuitable for a twenty-five-year-old. I would love to read about how you have changed your personal style. Tips, suggestions, and shared learnings are more interesting to me than these random "rules" from self-appointed arbiters of taste. (BTW, I totally agree with you regarding people in airports....at any age. :)
Let me tell you, there is plenty of people to hate on you, so stick with the supportive ones. And the “funny” thing about it, is that these rules are always towards women…. Any way, I am 58, grew up in the 70’s, and am finally embracing my inner Hippie/Bohemian self! Yes to bell-bottom pants and flowy/flowery tops! And crazy hair colors too. My next is Violet 🙃 love you Di! 🫶🏻