Anonymous wrote:Terrible, unflattering cuts and colors and most things are poorly made (even at higher price points). Every extra dollar goes toward college savings or kids’ activities. I also just don’t care anymore.

Same here. Most clothing nowadays is cheap, disposable, fast-fashion and designed for teenagers or 20-somethings. Over the years, I’ve invested in well-made, quality items that are classic and suit my taste. Unless they wear out, I’m set. I don’t strive to keep up with “trends” or dress like a Kardashian. I have better ways to spend my time than obsessing over whether I’m fashionable or not. That seems shallow to me.

Terrible, unflattering cuts and colors and most things are poorly made (even at higher price points). Every extra dollar goes toward college savings or kids’ activities. I also just don’t care anymore.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

50-year-old woman—same. I’m much more particular about quality, fabrics, versatility, comfort, and timelessness. I buy a few pieces and wear them in different configurations. Mostly casual, but can be dressed up too. I watch my figure and take care of my skin—clothing can’t make up for letting myself go.

Don't care about impressing people.

Anonymous wrote:Because they lose their looks and give up.

Most women gain a lot of weight as they age.

Well, even if you don't gain weight, your body changes, weight shifts around, and even if it doesn't, you look stupid in trendy clothes, etc.

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

This. With age comes wisdom.

I"m 53, and am having hot flashes and am menopausal. My body has changed, and I really just need to be comfortable right now so I can face the challenges I have in my life.

Have a few older friends who are still obsessed with looking "cute" everywhere they go, but they are a minority. Usually they are very superficial, if they are obsessed with looks at all times by middle age.

While most of us want to look as good as we can, by the time we reach our mid 40s there are many more important things to consider (comfort, happiness) and a lot to do (spend money on kids or save for retirement or hobbies.)

I personally just don't care as much anymore. I still like to look cute but mostly dress for comfort because I'm chasing small kids (I'm an old mom). And my husband has always preferred me dressed casually (flats, jeans, tight fitting shirt) to the dresses and heels of my youth. So I just don't bother spending the money.

I still like new things, but when I let my 23 yo daughter try the clothes on I just want to give them to her and cry.

Anonymous wrote:

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

+1 I actually realized this before my 40's.

+1

Absolutely dumbfounded by people you think are "rich", who are really just pissing their money away, quite literally.

I’m 39 but I buy less because I finally know what works on me. I don’t need to buy 5 fails for 1 win anymore.

Because they lose their looks and give up.

Most women gain a lot of weight as they age.

Because if we've shopped well when we were younger, we now have a serious stash of well-made clothes that suit us. (Thank you vintage shearling coat!) We also know what we like vs what's "fashionable" -- so we spend our money wisely with fewer mistakes.

Not all women to my mind spend less on fashion as they age. For example, my mother recently checked BeleneChandia.com looking for a Fake Gucci. She is fond of fashion even she is 65. I suppose that it depends on a person and not from age. Wish you always stay fashionable and well dressed!

Because we have a life and don't spend all our time wandering the malls.