What does it mean to “dress out of age”: the opinion of a stylist

When we see a person dressed in an unusual way on the street, it evokes a whole range of feelings, from surprise to irritation, from censure to admiration. Especially when it comes to a man or woman of mature age. In our realities, ten years ago, sneakers on adults were puzzling. “He didn’t dress for his age!” – such reproaches can be heard even now, and it is not always obvious what exactly revolts people in one way or another.

Is there any age norm today when it comes to clothing? Or are we too susceptible to the influence of stereotypes that should have been abandoned long ago? We talked with stylist, fashion historian Zhannat Idrisova about what it means to dress out of age and whether this phrase is relevant at all in the XNUMXst century.

What the story says

Was clothing traditionally divided into those that are suitable only for the young, and those that should be chosen by mature people? “There are few special studies on this subject,” the expert admits. – Fashion historians mostly focus on describing larger limitations, for example, in connection with status. Since the Middle Ages, decrees have been issued in European countries prohibiting this or that clothing for the lower and middle classes.

But experts nevertheless mention age gradation. We know, for example, that in the middle of the 70th century a clear division of colors by age was established. Older ladies wore purple, blue, dark green, dark red, black clothes. For young ladies, pink, blue and white were intended. In the XNUMXs of the same century, when many new types of fabrics appeared, including light ones, toilets made of denser materials, such as poplin and velvet, were recommended for mature ladies.

As a hint at the age division along the length (it takes place in the 70s of the XNUMXth century), we can regard an excerpt from Leo Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina: her satin coats – Dolly in a long one, Natalie in a half-length one, and Kitty in a completely short one, so that her stately legs in tight red stockings were in full view. Let me remind you that Dolly is the eldest of the Shcherbatsky sisters, Kitty is the youngest.”

With ladies’ fashion, it’s more or less clear. Are there any rules for males? “Men didn’t have strict regulations in this regard,” Zhannat Idrisova explains. “The difference in clothing was mainly due to the financial situation: the wealthy could afford, accordingly, a suit made of better material.”

But what about our mothers and grandmothers – did they have to change their style of clothing, or in the last century they were simply not up to it? “The XNUMXth century has changed a lot with its turbulent and tragic events, in clothing too: some boundaries have blurred,” the stylist explains. “Nevertheless, part of the previous installations worked. It was firmly fixed in the public mind: an old lady should not show excessive flamboyance and fashion, otherwise she will be punished with censure.

Times change

The XNUMXst century has made fashion accessible: in almost every city there are large malls offering a huge selection of clothes, shoes and accessories for every taste. And the giants of the industry offer customers super-actual things at low prices, which allows you to regularly update your wardrobe without spending a lot of money. Among this abundance, how can an adult, and not a young lover of Instagram trends, find something that will fit and make the image fashionable, but not make it absurd?

“We live in a golden time with a conditional slogan for mature people: “I can afford everything fashionable”! Zhannat Idrisova says. — Trends meet consumers: oversized, low heels, a large selection of trends for each season. Ladies of the so-called “silver” age can go to ordinary stores and buy whatever their heart desires.

If we do not rely on our own age when choosing clothes, what guidelines should we choose?

“Now, as far as I know, most stylists – including myself – have a broad outlook, and the expression “clothes out of age” is not in their lexicon. My opinion: this phrase is hopelessly outdated, – explains the stylist. – Professionals operate with the concepts of “beautiful / ugly” and “appropriate / inappropriate.” If the body, say, at 60 years old is flawless, which means it has passed the first part of this simple test, then we move on to the second. A lot of nudity on the beach is good and right. But at a meeting with grandchildren, at work – how appropriate is this?

Let me remind you: one of the brightest age icons of style, Iris Apfel, always looks amazing and at 99 is the title of an oversized fashionable teenager. But in the pictures you can’t see her with bare arms or legs.”

About myself and destiny

“We eat for our own pleasure, we dress for the pleasure of others,” said Benjamin Franklin, an American politician, diplomat and writer. This statement can be disputed. However, hardly anyone will deny that the clothes we choose carry a certain message for others and to some extent reflect our inner world, our desires. And so do our experiences.

“Inappropriate clothing on people of elegant age suggests that they are younger. But, probably, few people want to make just such an impression on others, – says Zhannat Idrisova. – True, there is another category of clothing buyers: those who have decided that since youth seems to have passed, you can give up on yourself. The clothes of these people only add years to them! Their images are dominated by boring colors and out-of-fashion silhouettes, lacking the right accents and accessories. Others fall into the trap of buying things that are stylistically reminiscent of their youth. But such wardrobe items do not look fashionable and fresh, but nostalgic, and not in the best sense of the word.

What can a professional offer today to an adult client who wants to keep up with fashion?

“I repeat, today the trends are moving towards mature people. Of course, there are also limitations. If you go through the trends of 2019, then I definitely will not advise an adult client with impressive forms to experiment with bike shorts or bustiers. Or put on a mesh sweater over a bra: in the latter case, certain allusions arise, in most cases not coloring even the young.

But if you choose a tight top for the same jacket instead of a bra, this is already an application for elegance. Jeans – yes, but without a strong fit, and for everyone, including young ones. Things made of shiny fabric of complex texture – it is possible, but it is desirable to “keep” them away from the face. It is better to turn on such a “scanner” every time at the mirror in the fitting room of the store, and at the mirror in general.”

Of course, there are no uniform fashion rules. There are no “no”, “no” and “should be mandatory”. Moreover, if you are confident in yourself and care little what others or stylists say or think, no one forbids you to dress the way you like.

“In general, I believe that everyone is free to wear what they want, but at the same time it is worth taking responsibility for their appearance,” Zhannat Idrisova explains. – That is, do not be surprised if people around you do not react to you as we would like. If at any age you come to the bank to apply for a loan, wearing a wetsuit (this is just one of the trendiest novelties of the season) and get rejected, you think: “How so ?!” But like this”.

A little passion never hurts

Many of us want to feel desirable and sexy, and if this feeling is present, neither the features of the figure nor the number in the passport can interfere with it. But clothes can both help and spoil the impression. It is worth remembering that style elements that are suitable for a 20-year-old girl who has decided to turn all eyes on herself should be interpreted a little differently if you are older.

“Sexuality in the image is good almost always. Another thing is that people of different ages have different sexuality, and therefore it should be presented accordingly, the stylist notes. – Youth relies on the tone of the skin and muscles, harmony – signs of fertility, if you like. And maturity wins if it focuses on intelligence, taste, self-knowledge. And believe me, it’s no less sexy! According to many men, they can be driven crazy by an older woman dressed in an interesting, exciting way – for example, in a blouse that is not completely transparent, but is equipped with inserts, details made of translucent fabric.

Is it possible for ladies of the age to wear extreme mini, shorts, high-heeled shoes decorated with rhinestones? “Of course, you can – if the figure allows it,” says Zhannat Idrisova. – But closer to 60, in my opinion, this is not for everyone, unless, of course, we are talking about celebrities who invest a lot of money in keeping in shape, because their professional success depends on their appearance.

Mini still loves the young more with their ease and naivety. How can “adults” adjust their favorite length? You can wear a miniskirt over a shirt dress: for this now they don’t incinerate with a sidelong glance. And the image will be fashionable, and the skirt on the hips looks perfect. And I recommend wearing sandals with rhinestones only at a social ball, in combination with a minimalist dress. And let everyone turn pale – from white envy, of course!