image: Twee As Fuck
This morning I found this question on my formspring:
"When will your style 'grow up'? I find it very twee for someone in her thirties?"
I've had a few of those recently and even though I know where and who it comes from, I thought I'd answer this as it raises an important question about age appropriated style.
My answer on there was just "I suppose that's down to your own preconceptions about what people should wear at what age. I am totally fine with dressing like I do, even though I am 31."
My opinion is that there is no such thing as age appropriate. What matters is to dress according to who you are and what you love. Style is about freedom and knowing yourself (that includes both your thoughts and your body shape). Style isn't about age. The only thing age changes is the way we carry our clothes. What I wear now doesn't look the same on me as it did when I was 20. The vibe is different because I am different.
The one constant is that the way I dress has pretty much always reflected the way I think and what makes me happy.
I feel that I have reached a level of confidence I didn't have when I was younger and I am loving the freedom it gives me. I don't have an eccentric style, but what I wear suits me and makes me feel pretty/happy. To me, that's what matters. I don't aim to please others, I don't aim to follow trends or to conform (or non-conform for that matter). I am free. Are you?
I wrote about this before, so if you are so enclined, go and read this.
I realised after tweeting about this that a lot of you had an opinion about this, so please feel free to say what you think below.
Your stlye is unique to YOU, whether you are 20, 30 or 40. You work it! I can't believe someone would make a comment like that to you. You look good, you have great taste, that's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteI am 27 and I am probably not age appropriate at all, but who cares? I don't see the point of making this kind of comment on someone's fashion blog. If you don't like their style, go and watch someone else!
ReplyDeletePrecisely the twee-ness is what I love in Mademoiselle Robot, I wouldn't like it any other way!
I'm 33. I used to wear all kinds of crazy things, mainly sourced from charity and vintage shops. I've modified what I wear quite a lot in recent years, not because of age, but because as I get older I want to wear more classic, better made things.
ReplyDeleteI'm also wondering whether I dress more conservatively because I work in an office, now. Even though it is a creative office. If I wore whatever I wanted to work I'd probably get teased by the boys here.
I went to a press event a few weeks ago and did feel as though I was dressed like a middle aged woman (there was a lot of yoot there), so am making a conscious effort to loosen up a bit!
First of all, I have to say that life must be pretty dull for all the people trolling on your formspring if that's how they get their kicks. I will never understand people who do that- it's laughable.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I am only 23 so I don't really know if 'age appropriate' applies to me as I can kind of wear whatever I want and nobody bats an eyelid, however, I do know that will never change my style or how I express myself so that it is more palatable to others.
I think your style is impeccable and fun and a good reflection of your personality. If you could please remain twee as fuck that would be gosh darn awesome for your many followers who are actually not jealous cows.
I ditched some things as I got older (I'm 40). So no no's for me are heavy make up, candy pink, slogan t shirts or anything with a cartoon on, super high platforms and super short hotpants are out. I think slavishly trend following is out as you get older, but individualism is definately in. I really know myself and my style, now. I'm not ever going to wear a beige zip up jacket.
ReplyDeleteWhat is age appropriateness these days when it comes to clothes? The 40-odd woman on my train this morning wearing a sequinned trench wasn't age appropriate in my opinion, but then that's exactly what it is - my opinion. And you know what, I had a lot of respect for her as even though I didn't like what she was wearing, she was wearing it. She looked happy and confident and what more can you ask for?
ReplyDeleteI've struggled with this a little bit recently (i.e. am I still allowed to wear miniskirts now I'm pregnant?) but have concluded that as long as I'm comfortable, confident and happy in what I'm wearing then nothing else matters.
I wouldn't necessarily wear the outfits you wear as there are aspects of them I just couldn't carry off, or maybe I don't like bits of them. But that's OK, because you always look happy, stylish and you carry off the outfits well. And that's why it's called 'personal' style, right?
Even if the diplomatic language is french i'll answer in english to be sure to be understanding by everyone. ;p
ReplyDeleteSo what? Is it written in a book? "You pasts 30 : wear that!" For me, fashion is the "constant" art of transition. Interesting words, isn't it? It means : as you get older little by little, you change (i hope you do) the same. There's always a lead in your life. Yes, your mind change, your body too but if your style is in perfect harmony with what you are in totally, why do you want to change? to look like everybody? THE norm?
I'm not an usual vintage fashion user, don't need a consultation and i don't go on MR blog for that. I'm here for a character, MR's ideas, a personnality who give you your own fashion ideas. Or to comfort yours. It's what i call freedom.
Stereotypes are made for psychologically inflexible people.
If you don't appreciate a fashion-blog, don't go there. If you are searching for a free fashion consultation you are at the wrong address (or win a competition).
See, I am the opposite and sometimes think I dress older than my age. I don't follow any of the trends that some of my friends like and prefer classic styles. This doesn't mean I'm unfashionable or frumpy though. I dress how I like and don't care if other 21 year olds are out showing off everything, with platform shoes and leather leggings. Bleh. I think you dress wonderfully and I just hope I look as stylish as you do in 10 years time :)
ReplyDeleteAge appropriate dressing? Bloody hell, we're not in the 1950s now. I'd hate to think what the person who asked that question would have in mind for a woman in her 30s to wear. Power suits? Maternity smocks? My problem is that, whenever I dress 'grown up', I feel that I look like my mother. This is not a problem because she dresses badly, you understand, it's just because she's in her 60s and I am (clearly) not.
ReplyDeleteWe are all young at heart these days and so I guess our style matches who we feel we really are. Unless we're all out there flashing our wobbly bits by wearing unflattering too-tight skimpies designed for teenagers, who the hell should really care?
I think only someone young AND immature would make such a comment. I'm 43 now and yes there are some things that I wouldn't wear now that I wore in my 20s but it's not because of my age as such, it's because I've changed, I may have changed with age but the age vs clothes is not the issue!
ReplyDeleteI guess I remember being that young and arrogantly thinking that everything was for young people, now I know it's not, I feel no older, but much wiser and more comfortable with me.
Whatever your age you should wear what you feel comfortable in and expresses your personality only then will you look good, I've seen 20 years olds look ridiculous wearing something for the sake of fashion that doesn't suit their body or their personality!
I'm 25 and I am only starting now to find what my style is. And it is only a start.
ReplyDeleteBefore that I was only jeans/converse/tees kind of girl. So whatever your age is, if you find your style just stick to it, it means you found yourself.
Being in my mid forties, I've thought quite a lot recently about what I 'should' be wearing at my age and I've come to the conclusion that there are no definite rules. I'm not going to suddenly wear elasticated waist nylon slacks like my mum did in her forties but neither can I get away with some of the clothes I wore in my twenties. I'll go with what suits me and what I feel reflects who I am. So MR, you wear what you want - you look great.
ReplyDeleteOh Laetitia,
ReplyDeleteWhat the eff? What are you supposed to be blooming wearing? Crocs? Great blogaroo about style and your feelings on age, style and individuality. But I really do hope they have not hurt your feelings and that you are still going to dress as always?! Tres fabulous.
Love
NB xxx
I completely agree with what you have said. Rather than age appropriate, I find that wearing something that is mood appropriate automatically makes a person look comfortable and good in an outfit. If you're wearing something demure but with a rocker attitude, that's just going to look wrong.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments and don't worry, my feelings aren't hurt at all. I suppose thats the good thing about being "older", I am too confident to let that touch me. I addressed the issue on my blog as I do think it is an interesting topic.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your support and would love to hear more of your take on "appropriate" style!
I've thought about this myself since some of the things I like are cute and possibly a little twee. I'm also a 27 yr. old who looks more like 16. I don't believe that if I adjust how I dress as I get older, it should be because of someone else's perception of how I'm supposed to dress. I'm tired of boring style advice that encourages people to look as generic as possible or to follow boring rules I don't even know the origin of or the reason for. If a person wears what suits them and makes them happy, it'll work. Age rules are dull. There's always someone who pulls off what someone else calls a "no no".
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. I'm 28 and I enjoy dressing myself in such differents styles; and people around me are always saying "When are you gonna grow up". But I do not think it necessary to show your maturity in the way you dress. The maturity shown in the various tests that life brings us, not your clothes.
ReplyDeleteI mean, I love the Japanese Lolita fashion and I think I look nice on it, so why I shouldn't stop dress like that?
Ah, I hate people who judge only by appearance.
Uh wow,
ReplyDeleteI never considered your style to be too young for your age, at all. I think your style is perfect for you!
I am 35, who still behaves like a 20something. I buy hello kitty things, go crazy with silly cute stuff! I mix & match my hair bows, minnie mouse & superhero t-shirts with “adult brands” like LV, Miu Miu.... To me, fashion is about creating your individual style, dressing for the occasion & having fun!
ReplyDeleteSince when Fashion is about dressing “your age”? Who died & made that rule? Imagine Karl Lagerfeld in our grandfather’s clothes or Vivienne Westwood in our grandmother’s clothes? hahaha! Those Country Bumpkin or Amish throlls need to grow up & loosen up! ;P xxx
I totally agree. It's all about how you feel in your clothes. There are lots of trends that I let pass me by these days but that is because I’m confident enough to know that they don’t suit me not because I think I’m too old. I feel at 30 that I have grown into myself and now I have the money to invest in some really amazing pieces. I just did a post (please don’t think this is a shameless plug because it’s not) in my bright yellow and orange Christopher Kane sweater. 5 years ago I might have worn it slouched over baggy jeans trying to look nonchalant whilst really just looking fat but now I realize I need to ground it with slimming black and tuck it in for shape. It’s a crazy sweater but I’ll never be too old for it!
ReplyDeleteah well i think you look great!
ReplyDeletedon't mind other people, just do and wear what makes you happy!
thats what its all about at the end of the day...
xx
Surely 'appropriate' should mean the things that make you happy? There's nothing that makes me smile more than Iris Apfel, having a fine old time in leather harems and owl glasses. Style's about individuality and happiness, not these bland ideas of appropriateness and outmoded rules like not wearing 'brown in town'...
ReplyDeleteMelle Robot, what is going on with you & the mean commentators? You seem to have had a run of it recently!
Sarah - I think a few people are not too happy about me being successful which would explain the relentless negative interactions. They only inspire me though so I dont mind x
ReplyDeleteLook at all those comments! Now that's LOVE. Get the hint TROLL!
ReplyDeletemy sisters will often comment about my clothes and it sometimes makes me doubt my outfits- but i like wearing bright colors, patterns, mixing and matching, big jewlery- maybe not something for everyone- but for those who do dress that way- more power to you!
ReplyDeletei love the way you dress- it's so cute! :) who wants to dress "age appropriate" that sounds so common and and boring- BLECH!
i absoultely love your style- don't change!!! ;O)
'Age appropriate'? Gah, I hate the sound of that! I hope I'm wearing Sonic Youth Tees and blitzing my roots blonde when I've got grandkids on the hip:) Well, maybe not quite but still... Your style is fantastic. Let's all just wear what makes us smile for as long as we want. Hear, hear Miss Robot!
ReplyDeleteI think you look great as you are, it's your own personal style and you can't be something you're not. Don't let anyone ever tell you other wise, they're just jealous :)
ReplyDeleteiliketweet.blogspot
x
It's funny you've mentioned this actually, because when I first saw your blog I though you were about 10 years younger than you actually are! Which I think is in part to your style and also that you seem to be aging very well. I've always been a person who looks a lot younger than I am, (well, not a lot perhaps, but when you're 19 looking more like 17 is a bit of a problem) and don't really wear clothes that help with this, such as cartoon t shirts and pinafores and brightly patterned tights. But I don't really care, because I like wearing it and I'll have plenty of time to wear more classical things when I'm older. Right now I'm enjoying being able to look a bit crazy and get away with it. However, I'm never intending to sink into boring black trousers and jeans and t-shirts; instead, I hope to be like Iris Apfel. And, despite looking young now, I know I won't be complaining about my childish features in 20 or 30 years time! I think you always look wonderful and the fact you were the sort of clothes I love gives me hope that I'll be able to dress however I want at any age.
ReplyDeleteYou're 31?!
ReplyDeleteWhat a jerk!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see people wearing different things even if they are not things that I would necessarily wear myself.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the person who sent you this question would prefer it if we lived in some dystopian future where everyone was forced to wear grey sackcloth.
Age, shmage!
ReplyDeleteThe people who's style I admire most (MR included) are those who embrace what works for them, and makes it theirs - with a twist. I dress only for me, and if anyone else likes my outfit, well that's just a bonus. Plus, it would be an insult to all of the lovely colours and shapes.
Make every day a mini adventure, with a little help from your wardrobe!
je ne comprends pas trop cette remarque...on m'a déjà dit la même chose, mais comme toi, je ne vois pas le rapport...si on écoute certaines personnes on ne devrait plus porter de rose, manger de bonbons ou regarder le nouveau walt disney ??!!! ba jsuis pas d accord.
ReplyDeleteYeah.... I don't think anybody is really of the authority to criticize another person's style.
ReplyDeleteI've started to realize how boring and off-mark these critics are. You dress as you see fit - big deal! It looks good and it represents you.
Now, if you were this enfant, I'd wonder a little: http://racked.com/archives/2010/02/14/child-blogger-katie-checks-out-the-hautelook-fashion-week-lounge.php
Style does not stem from an ageist perspective. That person is obviously narrow-minded. I think the most stylish people today are the ones who do not let their age constrict how they want to dress up. Gwen Stefani, for instance.
ReplyDeleteYou rock, Letitia :)
Geeze. They won't leave you alone will they?!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder (turning 26 next month) if I'll ever stop dressing like a 12 year old. But I doubt I will. I like dressing like this.
I tried to mature my wardrobe a year or so ago and my mum, of all people, asked why I was dressing as 'fun' and 'kelsi' (my name) as usual...
So I immediately went back. A lot my insecurity with dressing twee, was gaining weight, but now I've adapted, again. And I'm happy dressing the way *I* want to dress.
Glad you're confident enough in what you wear to not let them hurt your feelings.
Kx
I think it's great that you addressed this (again), since I keep seeing it pop up on the web and have been wondering about the whole issue of "age appropriate" dressing myself. I really don't think there is a "right" or "wrong" way to dress at any given age--as long as you are happy with how you look and confident with your style and carry it with panache! I don't plan on giving up my sense of style at 30, 40, 50, etc. I see myself eventually as one of those crazy old ladies wearing all kinds of eccentric pieces because it makes me happy, darnit!
ReplyDeleteWhat a question! Why does everyone assume that growing up has to equal boring? I agree that you're more likely to find your fashion bravery when you get older. I look back at some of the things I wore as a teen etc and think of all the things I could have worn if I'd not been so scared to be me!
ReplyDeleteI've always worried about if and when my style should 'grow up'. I'm nearly 23, and finding your blog not so long ago has really inspired and reassured me that as you said, it's about who you are, not how old/young you are.
ReplyDeleteDon't change.
x
31?! You are such a babe! Twee as fuck over conservative prude, or even just tailored and 'tasteful' any day! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a snarky jealous comment for some-one to make!
ReplyDeleteGreat of you to bring this up...
I'm 30 and i know i don't dress age appropriately (if there is such a thing!) i too wear things now that i wouldn't have worn in my teens or early 20s, as you said it think it's all about confidence.
I still wrestle with myself sometimes when i wear a bow in my hair (if i'm having a particularly off-day sometimes i see bette davis in whatever happened to baby jane staring out of the mirror back at me!!), but at the end of day i like how i dress and if it makes me happy i wear it.
A few weeks ago a much younger workmate found out my age and now makes snippy comments about my attire but as another commenter said that's just her opinion, i dress to reflect my personality and how i feel, not just to follow a trend.
xxx
Brilliant post - thanks for this. It is a shame that the person who posed the original question did not provide any further information on what their perception of "age approriate" dress for a 30 something woman would be. I could guess and I think it would involve career driven wear such as power suits and LBD's for the evening. At the age of 32 I cant imagine anything more dull. I still dress like I did as a teenager but a bit more finessed and luxe, although I have had an occasion whereby I bumped into someone I knew in my teens and they couldnt believe that I was "still working the grunge look". I simply like what I like, although lateley I have caught myself thinking "is this too young for me" when planning outfits and shopping. This post and your attitude has inspired me to just go for it and forget about old and young! x
ReplyDeleteI love reading this post. I feel very similar to you. I'm 28 soon to be 29 and I feel more confident with my body now than I did in my younger years. Which is a little odd since it's not as nice as it used to be, but the important thing is that I'm more accepting of myself which gives me the freedom to be who I want to be and dress how I want to dress.
ReplyDeleteLulu Letty
I think your dress sense is fabulous. Whether or not your style is "age appropriate" is a question that should not hold back the way you express yourself. And I totally agree with what you said about being more confident as you age. I'm feeling more secure in my skin than when I was a few years ago.
ReplyDeletei can't believe that you are 31. oh well, no matter how old are you, you inspired me.
ReplyDeletelove,
(almost) 19 yearsold girl