Don't Tell Me What To Wear
I don’t know what it is with RantChic.com and their love of shaming. I have seen articles on what we should own, where we should shop, and what makeup we should rock. Recently, an article they published last year started circulating again. The title alone - 24 Things Women Over 30 Should Stop Wearing - had my circle of friends ready to toss tables in the name of hoop earrings and glitter shadow. Who was this “author” and where did she get off telling my age group what was or wasn't appropriate to wear? What does a 20-something know about 30-somethings (or ANY-somethings) anyhow? Clearly, she thinks that after thirty we shrivel up, lose all sense of style, and should basically not torture the public with our existence.
We took the discussion to Sweatpants & Coffee’s discussion group on Facebook. Our beloved Sweatpants Café members, my own friends, and a few of us here on staff have decided the writers at RantChic need a quick education on how wrong their list was. So, let class begin….
The No-Nos
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Graphic Tees
Really? Who doesn't own at least one graphic tee? When did these become the symbol of what young means? -
Hoop Earrings
Apparently, these are only meant for younger girls - but why? Do my ear lobes offend? Are they wrinkled? Are they too old to be flaunting themselves around with those flashy hoops? I think not. -
Glitter Eyeshadow, Blue Shadow, or Any SHADOW
You read that right. After thirty we should just toss out our shadows all together. Our old eyes don’t deserve the slightest bit of sparkle or color. Let me tell you one thing I definitely learned in my thirties: I am never going to let anyone dull my sparkle. My sparkle includes my sparkly shadows. -
Cheap Bras
We love this one: “At your age, your breasts really need more support.” They found us out, mature ladies. It’s no secret that on the day of our 30th birthday, our breasts pack it up and head off to retirement, leaving us with sad sacks of flesh and stretch marks. So, hurry up, ditch the Target bras that have outlasted all those Victoria Secret bras, and start throwing down some serious cash for better support. You wouldn't want anyone to know your breasts have left you for sunny skies and shuffleboard. How embarrassing! -
Old Sneakers
This one left me baffled. I love my old Chucks. I have several friends who rock them in all colors of the rainbow. What exactly should we be wearing? Loafers? Orthopedic shoes? House slippers? -
Leopard Print Anything
Riiight. Forgot that animal attraction is only meant for young girls and “the club.” -
Short Dresses
DUH! Our sad 30-plus limbs should not be out and about for the world to see. Put those things away! -
American Eagle Anything
No example pic, but we have it on good authority that some of our graphic tee offenders were wearing A&E jeans as well. GASP.And for serious, I quote: “Can women over 30 even fit into A&E?” Well then, guess I need to return all the goodies I just bought. Someone should really card you while you check out.
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Oversized Glasses and Sunglasses
My hater blockers only have one thing to say to this BS - Haters gonna hate hate hate…
Final thoughts:I have a few words of wisdom to pass along to the staff at Rantchic and any other judgy McJudgersons. You will learn as you get older that the petty crap you surround yourself with now is just that - petty bullshit. You will learn at some point that the key to being a confident, strong and independent woman isn’t about keeping up with the trends or rules someone else has imposed on you. It’s really about something far deeper. It’s about loving yourself, loving your life, and doing what you want. I’m sure someday, you’ll be telling me and my 40-something friends what we can’t wear. We won’t be able to hear you though. We will be too busy enjoying the life we have created for ourselves.
We invite all of you to take to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to share your love for the items on this list. Make sure you use the hashtag #SPCIdowhatIwant so we can find your pictures!