How will current middle-aged style age?

[Anonymous]

In previous generations, it was common for people to just kind of continue to maintain the style they had in middle age or slightly before middle age -- the style they wear when their kids are young. When I was growing up in the 80s, my grandma still put her head in curlers at night, still wore "Sunday dresses" on Sunday, still wore penny loafers and pantyhose and housecoats, even though none of those things were in fashion in the 80s. Now, my own mom dresses pretty similarly to the way she did when I was growing up -- sportswear separates, lots of shorts and jeans, hair in a practical bob (her hair is actually updated, she wore an 80s mullet of sorts, but it's still a very 80s cut, what she would have called a "page boy" back in the day).

So how will the way women in their 30s/40s/50s dress today age 20 years from now? Will there be grandmas running around wearing leggings, tall socks, and athletic sneakers? Sling bags and belt bags worn as sling bags? Floral midi dresses? What about makeup -- still lots of strong lip colors? Will the glass skin people continue to try and do that? What about the women who do contouring or heavy fake eyelashes -- will they do that at 80?

I also am curious what it will be like when all the octogenarians' favorite music is Taylor Swift, hip hop, and indie rock.

[Anonymous]

People hold on to fashion/hair/makeup from the era they felt most beautiful. Celebrities update their look; it’s part of their business.

[Anonymous]

My style has evolved over the years, so I don't know where I'm going to end up, OP. Right now I'm in a cottagecore phase, which can slide straight into Grandmacore, no problem

[Anonymous]

I take a senior exercise class with women aged 55 - 85. I love that some of them get into "Brick House" and other music from the 70's and they are clearly in their upper 60's/70's. Some of the ladies wear Hokas and On clouds and cute work out gear, of course some of the ladies need make-overs but they sure make an effort at working out.
I think once new styles, materials in shoes, clothing or purses come out people who are into fashion will embrace it at any age. I'm pushing 60 and love anything that is cute, lightweight and comfortable. I'm always scouring the internet for an updated look.

[Anonymous]

Same and I'm in my mid 60's. What is a stronger emphasis now, versus then, is comfort. No more 4" heels for me! Hello to Lululemon and simple dresses, with sneakers or 1-2" sandals.

My old matte foundation and strong lips look is now aging on me.
Switched to dewey tinted sunscreen, blush tint and natural lips.

[Anonymous]

When I was younger and growing up in the DC suburbs, I’d call my style preppy day/slutty club night. In my 20s I moved to SF and was a full on hipster - black, stripes, thrift, tight jeans. In my 30s I got more into mommy mode and just wore was was comfortable. Now in my 40s I’m aiming for business casual professional millennial - seems to be so far comfortable, neat, semi-casual, feminine but not sexy and age appropriate but still me (I still have long hair).

[Anonymous]

Fashion has melted together.

There's no 50s motorcycle Johnny or Ritch Cunningham look, early 60s MIB look, late 60s-mid 70s hippie look, late 70s early 80s disco look, 80s early 90s big hair skinny mom jeans look, or 90s early 2000s hip hugger flared pants casual look. They all merged.

People now could be wearing a little of any combo above all at once.

[Anonymous]

My style is much more formal as I've aged. I used to wear whatever was comfortable. Now I wear what's comfortable and stylish, but on the conservative side. I wear more jewelry than I did when I was younger, better shoes and bags. Better clothes overall. I love dressing up, and as I get older, I realize that my days are numbered, so I may as well wear what I want to wear.

[Anonymous]

Aren’t slacks and jeans and blouses and cashmere sweaters timeless? Why should you change what you wear?

[Anonymous]

I think more of us will wear whatever is comfortable for us.

I used to like heels and cute flats, now my knees are shot and I have to wear more supportive shoes, Birkenstocks, athletic shoes with dresses, etc...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fashion has melted together.

There's no 50s motorcycle Johnny or Ritch Cunningham look, early 60s MIB look, late 60s-mid 70s hippie look, late 70s early 80s disco look, 80s early 90s big hair skinny mom jeans look, or 90s early 2000s hip hugger flared pants casual look. They all merged.

People now could be wearing a little of any combo above all at once.

Very true!

[Anonymous]

I think comfort becomes more important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Aren’t slacks and jeans and blouses and cashmere sweaters timeless? Why should you change what you wear?

I own zero blouses or cashmere sweaters or slacks. I will be buried in jeans, a baggy t-shirt and sneakers.