• Style
  • Women
  • Huff/Post50
  • Weddings
  • HealthyLiving
  • Divorce
  • Parents
  • Sign In / Register
  • stylelist home
  • huffpost style
  • FASHION
    • Departments

      Fashion News Fashion Features Fashion Trends Designers Models Accessories
      In The Market For Intern Diaries Step Into My Office Object of My Affection Stylelist Network Stories

      Featured

      Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt? Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt?
      Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds
      Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images
  • BEAUTY
    • Departments

      Beauty Basics Beauty News Beauty Features Beauty Trends Uptown Downtown Makeup Healthy Beautiful You
      Skin & Body Fragrance Nails Facetime The Unexpected Icon

      Featured

      Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping
      PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks
      Is It Normal To Break Out After A Facial? Is It Normal To Break Out After A Facial?
  • HAIR
    • Departments

      Hair Trends Hair How To

      Featured

      The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key
      Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President
      Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated? Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated?
  • CELEBRITY
    • Departments

      Style Evolution Look Of The Day Uptown|Downtown A Look Back

      Featured

      How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College
      PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks
      PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup
  • CULTURE
    • Departments

      Art & Design Film Music Books & Magazines

      Featured

      How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper? How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper?
      5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without 5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without
      PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style
  • FASHION WEEK
    • Departments

      Fashion Week Spring 2012 Fashion Week Fall 2012

      Featured

      Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines
      Prada's Take On Ombre Prada's Take On Ombre
      The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine
  • VIDEO
  • STYLELIST NETWORK

Do you dress your age?

by Anne Metz (Subscribe to Anne Metz's posts)
Posted Oct 24th 2006 at 5:08PM  
132 Comments
Share
Retail experts have recently coined a new phrase that refers to the buying habits of some women in their 40s and 50s. They call it "10 years younger syndrome". This term describes the tendency of well-off women over the age of 40 to dress exactly like women ten years their junior. It has become commonplace for mothers and daughters to shop in the same store -- a thought that I would have never entertained back when I was a teenager.

I hesitate to say that this means that older women simply aren't "dressing their age" -- I think they are. It's just that the term "age-appropriate" doesn't make that much sense anymore. In an time when 20-year-olds are wearing couture (the Olsen twins) and 45-year-olds are wearing low riders (Elle MacPherson), it seems silly to draw those distinctions in the first place.
Read All Comments
Filed under: Fashion, Best of the Season, Denim, Designers & Brands
Tags: age-appropriate, casual wear, CasualWear, fashion, trends
Share

Style Around the Web

ImaxTree

ImaxTree

  • Make Up Tips For Girls With Glasses - Refinery29
  • How Celebs Work Red Into Their Wardrobe - FabSugar
  • Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions - The Daily Beast
  • Deodorants that Actually Work - Daily Candy
  • Would You Wear Long-Sleeve Shirts As Skirts? - The Frisky
  • Tricks That Guarantee Gorgeous Hair - Daily Makeover
  • Celebs Have Us Seeing Stars - People Style Watch

Related Videos

by 5min
  • The Latest Fashionable Dresses By Frank Lyman The Latest Fashionable Dresses By Frank Lyman Play Frank Lyman started working in fashion at the age of 18 and hasn't stopped since. Check out his latest designs.
  • Learn About Fashion Faux-Pas Learn About Fashion Faux-Pas Play Sylvie shares the top 7 fashion mistakes seen around us - wearing the wrong colors, buying the wrong size, dressing out of your age group, and much more. Learn how to avoid them all and embrace your own personal style!
  • Dress Age Vs Real Age of Celebs Dress Age Vs Real Age of Celebs Play When it comes to fashion, age is of no concern to some celebrities. So, how old do the ladies dress... and how old are they really?!
  • How to Dress Age Appropriate How to Dress Age Appropriate Play Christy and Gayle show how to dress-up a basic outfit depending on your age.

READER COMMENTS

(132)Add A Comment

MJ in LA, 10-25-2006, 8:25AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
MJ in LA

GO ELLE!!!! She's got the body for it and whose fault is it that the little teeny-boppers are spending all their (daddy's) money on couture anyway? Women are supposed to dress older because the little girls want to dress their mum's age, too?

Reply »

sylvia Simpson, 10-25-2006, 8:25AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
sylvia Simpson

what is dressing your age? I certainly buy what looks good on me and dont shop with age in mind, after all I wear clothes very well.

Reply »

roshelle, 10-26-2006, 7:54AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
roshelle

the only thing i have to say is, please, PLEASE, wear clothes that are the right size. young, old, that is not what bothers me, it is seeing WAY too much of someone that is really bothersome.

Reply »

Liz, 10-26-2006, 8:19PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Liz

I'm 47 and have a twenty year old daughter.
I love to see mouths drop when I tell people how old I am!
They swear that I look like I'm in my thirties! I definitely don't go around showing bare skin, but I do have a pair of great legs! Have fun, enjoy life!

Reply »

Ada, 10-26-2006, 8:14PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Ada

it's not necesarily that these women are not "dressing their age"... it's probably that they are dressing how they feel like it and it happens to be younger... they are still younger at heart than on their cronological age. What's the problem with that?

Reply »

Joanie, 10-26-2006, 8:20PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Joanie

I agree with Roshelle........who needs to see the fat hanging over the jeans, wonder if any of them own mirrors !!!!!!!! YUK !!!!!!!!!!

Reply »

cecilia, 10-26-2006, 8:27PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
cecilia

age is no longer a number- and never should be- we are as young as how we take care of ourselves and good genes- wear what you please if it looks good on you who cares about numbers!

Reply »

Lynne, 10-26-2006, 8:24PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Lynne

I for one am sick of women dressing like little children. The crop tops that show way too much skin...I don't want to see your fat rolls....the Hello kitty t-shirts and other babyish items icons, I mean come on it's cute on a 4 year old, pathetic on a 40 year old. Where clothes that fit your shape and hide your faults.

Reply »

Karen, 10-26-2006, 8:26PM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
Karen

Come on. Did you really expect Elle MacPherson to start wearing "comfort waist" polyester-rayon pants, boxy blouses and seasonal applique sweaters?

Reply »

Diane, 10-26-2006, 8:25PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Diane

HELLO? My mother wore the same styles of clothes in her 40's and 50's that SHE wore as a teenager and early 20's. My generation started shorty shirts, halters, jeans and tanks, thank you very much.....

Reply »

Rohan, 10-26-2006, 8:47PM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
Rohan

I agree with Roshelle 100%:
"young, old, that is not what bothers me, it is seeing WAY too much of someone that is really bothersome."
What the heck is "age appropriate"? We should all wear whatever makes us look & feel good. But, please no "rolls" and "muffin tops" busting out of 2 sizes too small cropped tops and "plumber crack" jeans!And, for the love of God, NO thongs on display! That's just plain dumb & ugly on anyone, be they 15, 30 or 55 years old.

Reply »

Maureen, 10-27-2006, 11:33AM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
Maureen

It is not that we are dressing inappropriately. It is that you go into most stores and, they do not make clothes appropriate for our age.
I have looked and, looked for jeans that are not low rise. Or looked for tops that are not low cut. What about people are age? What about styles that are classic or, classy for us? Things are designed with younger people in mind.
There is nothing wrong with wearing some of the clothes, if you can wear them, look good and, are comfortable doing so. People say I look like younger than I am all the time. I just don't like low cut tops or, bottoms.

Reply »

Sami, 10-26-2006, 8:35PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Sami

I'm am 48 with a daughter in her mid-20s. I look very young for my age. People mistake me for my daughter's sister. However, I think that women of a certain age should be age appropriate regardless of what your face can get away with. I gave up mini-skirts. And I won't wear trends like bubble skirts and super low rise jeans. Sure, I can wear them but should I? What's wrong with a classy pencil skirt just at the knee? By the same token, I don't think that my daughter should wear skirts up to her crotch. That's for a 19-year-old. Also, I'd like to make the point that dressing your age doesn't mean old and unstylish! In my estimation the best thing is to dress in a timeless, classic way with a tight, toned body. THAT will take off 10 years at least!

Reply »

Richelle Lashuay, 10-26-2006, 8:34PM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
Richelle Lashuay

I am going to be 50, and I still wear jeans and fun cloths that fit me and cover the excess... I dont show my belly fat... must be doing something right... the guys still look. :)

Reply »

Vicky, 10-26-2006, 8:38PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Vicky

Wear younger styles ONLY if you look good in them. No one should be wearing polyester or elastic waist pants! There are plenty of choices now, so any age or size should be able to dress well. I am a 61 year old woman who wears a size 6 and if I ever have to dress like a senior you can just place me in the coffin!!!

Reply »

Liz, 10-26-2006, 8:39PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Liz

I love wearing couture and I love wearing low rider jeans. I work very hard EVERY DAY to keep my body toned and in shape. Cardio, weights and pilates. I absolutely love fashion and like trends, but I have the wisdom to know where I feel comfortable and what is truly hip and in good taste. I am 51 and know my boundaries. No matter what I wear, I always choose a great pair of shoes and handbag. My sister is a bit older than me and dresses like a stuffed shirt dowager - never want that to happen to me! My clothes help compliment who I am, not define what I am.

Reply »

Becca, 10-27-2006, 9:09AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Becca

Sorry Diane - you are incorrect in believing your generation first thought up the current fashion. Am 55 and have already seen the halters, espadrilles, open toe shoes, low waisted jeans, hobo bags - I could go on and on. Been there, saw it and wore it. These are all repeats of what has already been fashionable once in my life. And the things (at least some of them) that I liked then, I am wearing again this 2nd time around.

Reply »

carole, 10-26-2006, 8:40PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
carole

I still am a size 5 and do not run around with my stomach hanging out except at home:) I am over 50 and still wear in style clothes, fitted jeans and nice suits, lots of shoes. my nieces and friends who are much younger wear the same clothes. pretty much.
women really need to look in the mirror before they leave the house.
carole

Reply »

Vicky, 10-26-2006, 8:41PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Vicky

Wear younger styles ONLY if you look good in them. No one should be wearing polyester or elastic waist pants! There are plenty of choices now, so any age or size should be able to dress well. I am a 61 year old woman who wears a size 6 and if I ever have to dress like a senior you can just place me in the coffin!!!

Reply »

Sami, 10-26-2006, 8:45PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Sami

I agree, Liz. I think it's about knowing your boundaries. If I just had to expose my midriff, it would be a sliver. Do I have the abs to show 12 inches? Yes, actually I do. But I'm not going to look ridiculous!

Reply »

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 20 Comments
 
ADD A COMMENT
  • NEW USER
  • RETURNING USERS
  • AOL/AIM USERS

Got something to say? Say it!

Simply enter your name and e-mail address, and you'll receive an email confirming your comment and issuing you a password. Use that password, and you're good to go.

If you already have an AOL/AIM screenname, log in under the other tabs.

Happy commenting, and keep it classy.

Members enter your username and password.

Enter your AOL or AIM screenname and password.

ADVERTISEMENT

STAY IN THE LOOP!

Most Popular

 
 
PHOTOS: We 'Turn Back Time' On Cher's Wild Style
Like

275

Stars and Their Moms
Like

44

Kim Looks Elegant & 12 Other Best-Dressed Stars This Week
Like

10

How I Paid Off $27,000 in Credit Card Debt in Two Years
Like

152

After 37 Years, 'Neighbors From Hell' May Finally Face Eviction
Like

37

Gaga Gets What She Wants & 10 Other Worst-Dressed Celebs This Week
Like

25

17 of the Riskiest Moves in Music History: The Brave, Crazy and Inspirational
Like

91

D.C. Bartender Stabbed While Walking Patron Home Faces Staggering Medical Bill
Like

15

Vanessa Williams' Poolside Glamour
Like

0

Just Missed Millions: People Who Left Early Jobs At Billion-Dollar Companies
Like

86

Stay-At-Home Mom Fights New Credit Card Rule
Like

465

Look Like A '60s Sex Symbol
Like

7

Kolmanskop: Namibia's Eerie Ghost Town
Like

7

Rihanna Twitter Pictures: See the Singer's Most Shocking Social Media Photo Shares
Like

63

Look Of The Day: Diane Kruger Laces Up For Cannes
Like

6

Kiss Aero goodbye: Latest Windows 8 build reveals minimalistic desktop UI (update)
Like

653

Carole Lombard's Elegant Evening Look
Like

24

Look Of The Day: Ashlee Takes A Big Risk
Like

1

Wearing Two Necklaces Instead Of One? And Other Ways To Make A Statement
Like

22

Hot on Facebook

 
 
Office Chic: 6 Work Wardrobe Must-Haves
PHOTOS: We 'Turn Back Time' On Cher's Wild Style
Why I Slept Like This For 7 Days
87 Reasons To Put Down The Straightening Iron This Summer
POLL: Which Katherine Heigl Look Do You Like Best?
Perfect Warm Weather Outfit

MORE ON Stylelist

Kips Bay Show House
Design Destinations Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2012 Pictures
Uses For Vintage Items
Design Check Out These Ideas For Clever Home Decor
Platesglasses_300
Know-How Throw An Easy Outdoor Cocktail Party (Without Stressing Out)
Weekend Diys
DIY Weekend DIY Ideas: 8 Ways To Fix Up Your Home In 2 Days Or Less (PHOTOS)
Houserealestate02
Gardening and Landscapes How To Landscape On A Budget
Owl Purse
DIY STYLE Hot On Pinterest: The DIY Owl Purse That Everyone Is Talking About

SITES WE LOVE

Chanel Face Tattoos: The Kaiser Will Sell Temporary "Beauty Marks"

Nothing's Perfect...But The Madewell Fall Looks Come Pretty Close

Meloncat Hair & Spice Girl Platforms: The Unexpected Chanel Cruise Collection

PHOTOS: See The Red Carpet Glam Of The 2012 Billboard Music Awards

Soyon An: American Idol: What They Wore, 5/9/12 (Top 4)

PHOTOS: Thank Goodness For Double-Sided Tape...

Chic-o-Pedics: Twenty Comfortable Sandals

Sheikha Mozah Blue Us Away

Charlotte Casiraghi Models So Her Horses Can Go to Dubai

Far Off Places: Donna Karan New York Leaf Printed Jacket and Skirt

Genius In A Bottle: Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum

What’s The ‘Drille?: Soludos x Mara Hoffman Collection

Sugar Shout Out: Get Bikini-Ready Abs in 10 Minutes

Billboard Music Awards 2012: Who Wore What

The Gorgeous Gowns, Jewels, and All-Out Glamour at Cannes - See Every Look Now

Mozart Meets the Future

‘Don Giovanni’ on Steroids

If Zuck Cleaned Up

EVEN MORE ON Stylelist

Stylelist Network
Inspiration
Celebrity
Projects
Celebrity Homes
Beauty
Home Design
Beauty Basics
Hair Highlights
Home Products
 
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trademarks
  • Advertise
  • About Our Ads
  • Get AOL
 
 
© 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved