Updated: November 2, 2020
Originally Published: July 11, 2010
Yes, I have a penchant for online shopping. (No judgment, please—nobody gets hurt!) With coupon codes, free shipping, and those delightful boxes that mysteriously appear on my doorstep, it’s practically a dream come true for someone who’s not a fan of malls. Plus, there are thoughtful reviewers out there who share their experiences, making my shopping journey a whole lot easier.
Thanks to these fabulous reviewers, I can skip worrying about size, fabric, or whether the color will match my expectations. However, there’s a downside: these anonymous comments often reveal deeper struggles tied to aging and body image. Pull back the curtain on the digital dressing room, and the reality? Not so pretty.
Take a look at some examples from reviews on popular retail sites:
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June 26, 2015, by Fashionista45, Columbus, Ohio, Age: 45-54, Gender: Female
“I would recommend this if you like a bit of flounce. Fit: True-to-Size. When I was younger, this would have fit perfectly, but now I’ve got a few bumps here and there. While the dress has great material and is well-made, I felt a bit pumpkin-like in it. It would look lovely on someone with a vibrant personality. I just don’t think it suits me anymore. The fabric is fantastic, though!” -
May 19, 2015, by VintageQueen, SoCal, Age: Over 65, Gender: Female
“Too young for me! Fit: Fits Small. This style feels too youthful (almost 70!). The dress is cute, but it’s heavy, stiff, too short, and just too childish for my taste. What a disappointment.” -
Another example:
“I bought this top and bikini bottoms for a trip to St. Kitts. I’m definitely not Bond girl material, but I love the swimsuit (and so did my husband)! I used the size chart and bought an x-small, which fits perfectly (5’4”, 103 lbs.). The gold color is super fun! Highly recommend!” -
And one more:
“This dress has a simple yet effective design! It flatters all shapes. The fabric feels solid due to the lining but isn’t stiff or formal. My only wish is that it were 1-2 inches longer for the ‘mature crowd.’ I wear capri leggings for a more sophisticated look. I like it!”
I get it—fashion is personal. But please, let’s leave age out of the dressing room chatter. Forget the outdated rules society has imposed, like no white after Labor Day or no miniskirts after 35. Your age should not dictate your style; it’s all about what makes you feel fabulous—no excuses!
I’ve been there. At 30, I felt the sting of judgment when a family member gave my bikini a disapproving look while my niece innocently exclaimed, “I love your blue swimsuit!” At 42, I pondered cutting my hair to something “sensible” until my stylist, without prompting, declared, “I love it long!” And guess what? So did I! At almost 44, I faced the dreaded bikini question again and realized that a healthy lifestyle combined with some dedication can take you to places your 20s couldn’t.
So, next time you take a moment to write a review, remember this checklist: Keep it objective. Focus on the clothing, not on your age. And most importantly, ask yourself if the outfit flatters you, rather than the other way around.
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In summary, it’s time we shift our mindset about age and fashion. Let’s embrace what makes us feel good without the constraints of societal expectations. Remember, confidence is timeless!