‘Age appropriate style’ – does it even exist?

Someone asked me recently, ‘if you didn’t know how old you were, what age would you guess you might be?’ This question got me thinking…

Some days I’m a giggly eight-year-old in pink overalls and pom-pom socks – while other days I can be a stern-faced grown-up, complete with a polished blazer and tidy hair.

But, really, we all know that the things we wear cannot determine our ages. Style is reflected by what we feel. And generally, we dress to match how we feel. Walk into your local newsagency and you’ll see magazines suggesting ‘age appropriate’ clothing for people of varying life stages. But, where do these ideas come from? Who gets to decide what’s appropriate for someone in their teens, twenties, or even eighties to wear?

If you’re 17 and prefer donning cardigans, pearls and comfy slip-ons, or if you’re 70 and want to hit the beach in a vibrant string bikini, who’s to tell you either of these not-so-typical choices are ‘inappropriate’?

If you’ve seen the stylish crew pictured on the Instagram (or in the books) of Ari Seth Cohen – the founder of Advanced Style – you’ll notice that many older people are rejecting the notion of retiring to a demure, gentler and more subdued style in their later years; instead, they’re using their attire as a form of artistic expression, and doing a might fine job of celebrating their style. (Seriously, check them out.)

In the same way that older people have been encouraged to dress in a conservative manner for a long time, there’s been a collective pressure on younger people to dress in garb that might not make them feel completely comfortable. (Think: crop tops, super short shorts and stretchy fabrics). It’s tricky too, because if your friends are your own age and dress in a similar style that doesn’t necessarily work for you, you’ll tend to feel like the odd one out.

But is this a negative thing? Heyell no!

Think about someone whose style you admire. Do you think you noticed them because they dress like everyone else? Probably not, girlfriend. So, if you’re ever having a style crisis and feeling a little ‘age inappropriate’, look to those whose style you most admire and dress precisely how you feel. You might have to wear a uniform at school, but you certainly don’t need to wear one for fun.

And if you’re ever in doubt, check out Baddie Winkle on Instagram. That woman will not be defined by age.

Photos from Baddie Winkle’s Instagram

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