How Much is Too Much? Redefining Beauty & Style with Age
Who and when was it decided that women over 30 are considered old? These days on social media celebrities will post a selfie and some comments will praise their looks while others are quick to point out their flaws. Now imagine what it’s like for women 50 and older who are dressing and doing their makeup “out of their age group”. When did it become an issue that the older you get the less creative and bold you could be?
As we grow up we learn the ‘rules’, we face the pressures as outside influences tell us how we need look, what our bodies should look like, how clear our skin should be, what to try, and how to style it. While not all women fall for the standards, other women simply want to live a comfortable life, a life without the torture of wearing heels, wearing shareware, and having to “suck it in” during pictures.
A life of freedom and not succumbing to societal pressures — that’s what being bold is about. “Age brings an opportunity to escape the clutches of unattainable beauty standards — it’s liberating,” says Zoya Patel in her opinion piece in The Guardian.
We never stop being curious, so why wouldn't the same mindset be applied when experimenting with makeup and style as we age? More and more we’re seeing women 50 and older not “toning it down”, not conforming to what society wants them to be, not being afraid of color. It’s time to have fun!
These days as beauty and fashion trends come and go, the 80s, 90s, and Y2K styles have been popular, and the people who actually grew up during that era should also be able to participate as a form of nostalgia without being judged.
Having a community with shared experiences brings value, which is what Melanie Sandersbrought to social media with The We Do Not Care Club™, where women share expectations they’ve let go of and how it’s freed them.
Like Zoya says in her opinion piece, “Age provides a wonderful, and inevitable, opportunity to embrace this shift, if only we stop trying to surgically forestall its effect.” You can try things out and realize they may not be for you, but at least you’ve given it a try. When it comes to trying makeup and fashion, there is no right and wrong choice, choose what gives you confidence and embraces your authenticity.
Being bold in your older years does not mean you’re loud, it’s about being seen, having and leaving an impact. Only we can redefine ourselves when we want. Beauty does not fade with age, it evolves just as we do in every stage or our lives.
Bianca Mestiza is based in New York City and enjoys writing about beauty, arts and culture.