Why do Women spend less on fashion as they age?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Basic CBO.

At a certain point, even if you're attractive for your age, you're no longer the main focus in any environment you're in. People are looking at the 17-35, maybe 40 year olds, not the 50+ year olds. I can totally see how putting a ton of money and effort into your appearance in your 20s and 30s is beneficial and makes sense, but at 50? Why bother? Which isn't to say you totally throw in the towel but the benefits to devoting a good chunk of time and budget to things like having the latest clothes just isn't there anymore. There's no longer much of a payoff.

This is exactly the opposite of the world that I live in. I work in a profession that is 80% female, and the 50+ women (and ESPECIALLY the 60+ women) are the movers and shakers and the ones with power. About 3/4 of my bosses have been women over 50. They are the ones that people are looking TO (not looking at, fwiw) and listening to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basic CBO.

At a certain point, even if you're attractive for your age, you're no longer the main focus in any environment you're in. People are looking at the 17-35, maybe 40 year olds, not the 50+ year olds. I can totally see how putting a ton of money and effort into your appearance in your 20s and 30s is beneficial and makes sense, but at 50? Why bother? Which isn't to say you totally throw in the towel but the benefits to devoting a good chunk of time and budget to things like having the latest clothes just isn't there anymore. There's no longer much of a payoff.

This is exactly the opposite of the world that I live in. I work in a profession that is 80% female, and the 50+ women (and ESPECIALLY the 60+ women) are the movers and shakers and the ones with power. About 3/4 of my bosses have been women over 50. They are the ones that people are looking TO (not looking at, fwiw) and listening to.

That has nothing to do with their looks though. I'm not saying women over 50 are dead useless. I'm saying they are no longer the ones exhibiting peak attractiveness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basic CBO.

At a certain point, even if you're attractive for your age, you're no longer the main focus in any environment you're in. People are looking at the 17-35, maybe 40 year olds, not the 50+ year olds. I can totally see how putting a ton of money and effort into your appearance in your 20s and 30s is beneficial and makes sense, but at 50? Why bother? Which isn't to say you totally throw in the towel but the benefits to devoting a good chunk of time and budget to things like having the latest clothes just isn't there anymore. There's no longer much of a payoff.

This is exactly the opposite of the world that I live in. I work in a profession that is 80% female, and the 50+ women (and ESPECIALLY the 60+ women) are the movers and shakers and the ones with power. About 3/4 of my bosses have been women over 50. They are the ones that people are looking TO (not looking at, fwiw) and listening to.

That has nothing to do with their looks though. I'm not saying women over 50 are dead useless. I'm saying they are no longer the ones exhibiting peak attractiveness.

And if that is true, it should be changed. Why can't a 50+ woman be considered attractive. It used to be that if you weren't married by 25, you were a spinster with no hope. Nobody believes that anymore. Time for things to change.

[Anonymous]

Because I WAH and now all my free time is spent on the sidelines of my kids' soccer games and driving weeknight carpool.

I go out less and we entertain nearby or at home more.

Most of my $ for clothes is spent in my gym attire since I workout everyday and that's what I'm in most of the time.

[Anonymous]

I'm 54 and still make an effort on my appearance, but I have no illusions that I can compete with a 30 year old. I do it to feel better about me.

I will say that as I've aged my approach to looking good has changed. I buy more expensive, timeless pieces of clothing and accessories but fewer of them. I spend more on maintaining my nails, hair and complexion but have simplified my makeup somewhat. I'd say I still spend a lot on fashion and my looks, but the emphasis is more on quality than quantity.

[Anonymous]

Because I'm tired. Fashion is an industry dominated by thin white gay males. I just don't want to play the game anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not all women are reaching the height of their household income in their mid-40s. This is also an age when a lot couples start to divorce and divorced women in general have lower HHI than married.

Mid-40s and up is also when parents start having to pay for college (or private high schools if they haven't done private elementary & middle school) and that takes a chunk out of HHI.

And then there's the wisdom factor. The older you get the more you realize what is important in life. Maybe women would prefer to spend money on other things, like traveling. Or fixing up their homes. Maybe they already have a lot of nice classic pieces in their wardrobes that don't need replacing.

Or maybe they just look at the current ugly fashion offerings and think $%^&*(&^ this.

+1000. I still love beautiful clothes and look great (I might add), but have one kid in private high school and another in college with no financial aid. Even though we have high HHI, it's killing us. No money for Manolos.

[Anonymous]

Because I am more sure of my style, and don't bother buying impulse purchases. I can also afford more quality clothes and shoes, which last longer. I don't need more jewelry.

[Anonymous]

I am 44 and no way am I at the apex of my fashion spending. As other's mentioned, shopping is a chore and quality is so low. I have a kitchen renovation, summer camps, and my wine stash to suck up my cash.

[Anonymous]

When I had the body i couldn't afford it - now that i have the $$ I no longer have that hot size 8 body - and at a certain point who cares. I really love buying second hand clothes now - being more creative with style. Also not into labels.

[Anonymous]

Most of the money I used to spend on hair and clothes goes to my kid and house instead. Something had to give.

Also, there's not as much payoff in the dressing room. It's just not exciting to look at my butt in jeans.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because they realize it's a waste of money.

+100 other things in life to value

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 54 and still make an effort on my appearance, but I have no illusions that I can compete with a 30 year old. I do it to feel better about me.

I will say that as I've aged my approach to looking good has changed. I buy more expensive, timeless pieces of clothing and accessories but fewer of them. I spend more on maintaining my nails, hair and complexion but have simplified my makeup somewhat. I'd say I still spend a lot on fashion and my looks, but the emphasis is more on quality than quantity.

51 year old woman here. Ditto the above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because they realize it's a waste of money.

+1000! Also, with fashion trends, she's probably already gone through whatever trend at least twice in her life. She realizes that it's all bullshit. Clean clothes that fit are the way to go.

Agree completely! People who are slaves to fashion are suckers.

[Anonymous]

Why spend a lot on lipstick if it can't make the pig look better?