My theory about how women are treated as they age, being told how to dress amongst many other things , is that it leads us to a reduced form of ourselves. "Wear simple and plain clothes, hide your sexuality, don't be bold, take up less space, become invisible". Just as we are becoming more experienced, confident and self assured in many different areas of our lives we are diminished. Even writing this I'm fighting off the eurge to change my phrasing to something less angry and throw away all my crop tops.
@@sonorasgirl I'm 35 too and only after turning 30 I was self-confident enough to wear crop tops! Frankly I also think that my body looks better in my 30s than in my 20s because I respect it more and so I'm taking better care of it.
Why would you want to change your style! You're one of the most stylish people I've ever met!! If you stopped dressing the way you do, that would be a tragedy
To quote an excellent pinterest quote I haven't been able to trace back to it's speaker (I am sorry, I am sorry): "I don't know how to act my age, I have never been this age before" ;)
To add to that a quote from the incorrigible Regina Spektor: Today you're younger than you're ever going to be. Savor the time you have, don't get caught up on what you should or shouldn't wear, dress however you want to!
In my thirties, I started dressing as a witchy Ms. Frizzle covered in moons, stars, and rainbows, and honestly I love my aesthetic. Life is too short to wear anything other than clothes that fill you with joy! ✨
I've just heard that aesthetic is known as Whimsy Goth, I love it too! If you search Whimsy Goth there are some good videos on its origins plus fun thrifted outfit inspiration. I aspire to a life like in the film Practical Magic including that amazing greenhouse they have.
I have bit of a tin-foil-brain theory that I've been feeling out every now and then, about "dressing your age" and about how it relates to *drumroll please* capitalism (maybe fascism, a bit, but mostly capitalism). I'm spitting this out before I get too far into your video to see if there's any alignment. "Dressing your age" essentially means "dressing with a more limited colour palette" and "wearing more fitted clothing". I think it partially has to do with the assumption that as we age, we only get more conservative. "Dressing one's age" is essentially, and I can't believe I'm going to use this term unironically, a virtue signal. It assumes that our bodies aren't going to change; that we have given up the adventurism of our youth, settled down and put on the uniform that comes with being An Adult. That we are reliable, and unchanging and therefore better workers. (see also: why professional dress codes are mostly bullshit).That we are will be wealthy enough to maintain a clean collection of crisp white shirts. There's such a focus on the "aesthetic" of being a certain age, and we're frowned at for not looking the part, because we are visual reminders that there are possibilities beyond the one we're told is the best or only way: to be good little workers, conform to our assigned social role, wear our uniform, make profit for the shareholders, pay our rent, have children who will also become good little workers, rinse and repeat.
also: disagreement i do love white tshirts and sneakers (they get dirty, thats the point), BUT yeah coming from Berlin, can't stress enough: tote bags sucks,, also don't care how "women" are supposed to wear handbags or these huge over the shoulder fancy leather bag things - anything worn over the shoulder a) doesn't allow driving bike b) fucks up your back esp if you tend to wear it always on the same shoulder. Team backpack all the way
I actually have a 180 opinion on white. For me is one of the most sustainable colors there is. I live in the tropics and in here we need to wash our clothes after every single use, because we sweat quite a bit and clothes really do be stinking after that. I can get 30 wears out a white shirt. I can use heavy stain removers on it. I can take a brush to it. And yeah... it nay not as crisp after all that wear and tear. But if I did that to a color piece, it would just look faded and patchy after 6-10 wears. As for white sneakers... them getting a bit dirty is part of the charm :') Dark close toe shoes are a nightmare under the sun :')
I'm 25 and only recently felt 'aged out' of fashion - it was the y2k trend that is haunting every tiktok and shop window I walk past. I feel that as I get older I'm caring significantly less about trends and hankering for statement pieces I've always found cool (ie those suits with the fluffy cuffs on the sleeves/trousers)
omg me too! I have Pinterest boards that reflect certain aesthetics that I like to see on other people, however when it comes to the way I dress (as a fellow 29 yr old) I too hate the y2k trends that are coming back with a vengeance. I can't get behind skirts that end just below the pockets and girls younger than me wearing lingerie slip dresses without anything under them...I mean if that makes them feel confident and sexy, go for it! do whatever makes you happy. BUT...I'm trying to stay true to what makes me feel confident and sexy too, albeit slightly more reserved...and staying true to who I am and what I want to convey through my personal style. and disclaimer: I don't have anything against girls who wear the y2k style, the ones I have seen really pull it off. I'm just saying that you won't catch me dead in a 12" skirt or low-rise jeans haha
This is 2 years late but I think this really speaks to how modern fashion trends try to appeal to as young of a demographic as possible...ideally people in their late teens to early 20's. Fashion in the past targeted women with more confidence and spending power, so ideally women from their 30s to their 50s. Clothes also used to be made to last so it made sense to target women who had already figured out their personal style and had the means to purchase it. It's wild that you can feel "aged out" of fashion at such a young age but unfortunately I can understand what you mean as someone who turned 31 this year.
Some clothes you just need to wear or it will otherwise wear you. In a good note, if the color and the cut of the clothes suit you and you WEAR it people will bat their eyes, repeatedly, beacuse you will look so well.
As someone who looks like 18 but is actually 26 and wants to become a teacher, I still want there to be clothes, that are associated with "looking like an adult". Because I've actually been asked by a 14-y/o wether I was a new student when I wore skinny jeans and a printed t-shirt. But right now I'm still in uni so I just wear whatever I feel comfortable in 🤷♀
I have the same “issue”, I’m 32 and work at the local high school. I’m 100% for dressing the way you want, but I do find that the students take me more seriously when I’m not dressed exactly like them - it’s like a “fine line” 🙈
I was a teaching assistant and the yard duties at the middle school stopped me because I wasnt lined up for class (like I was a student). I was thinking "how old are you? I am 27, these 10 year olds could be my kid!"
You might be a gamine geometry body type like me. There’s definitely clothes, but also hope! Last two yrs less and less people have been mistaking me for a teenager. It still happens A LOT, but less than before. I am 31.5 now
As a grad student, I'm in the opposite boat. I love it when the younger professors dress casual just like students -- it makes them relatable and makes me want to take their classes more seriously because I can imagine myself in their position.
I don't think it's half in the clothes and half in the attitude. I held a teaching position for a while and pranced around the school with an apologetically pink hellokitty tote bag from secondary school (bc it was the only one that fit all the stuff I needed for class) wearing casual clothes like boyfriend jeans and loosely fitting blouses and none thought I wasn't a teacher there. :D I suppose the key is just looking like you SHOULD be there and the rest will take care of itself. And kudos for wanting to be a teacher. Good luck!
It was great to hear your thoughts on this Leena! I recently became a parent and am determinedly pushing back against what I perceive to be societie's expectation that I start to dress differently! The yaks are out and proud! Why should people with children not dress like children's tv presenters, ey!? (btw I keep my white t shirt white with vinegar soaks and sunshine bleaching, it has worked for many years so far! )
This is so helpful and relatable, thank you! Also, incidentally, ‘lost on the way to the renaissance faire’ is absolutely the style I am aging into in my 30s 😂😂😂
I dressed to meet my family at a renaissance fair this past fall but before that, I stopped into Starbucks at which EVERYONE stared at me and looked me up and down probably thinking "this girl has lost her mind" hahaha I just smiled whenever someone did a double take and promptly started laughing at myself and the ridiculousness of the situation once I had reached my car.
I just turned forty and (since covid) able to work from home 95% of the time. My wardrobe has changed with professional requirements and age. Magazine/vlog articles re: dressing your age serve to sell ad space and more clothing and I think we should all disregard them. However, the impression I want, or am required, to make on people has changed over time. As has my own physical appearance. And so, my choice in clothing has changed. I think it's always a good idea to examine the dressing "rules" we've learned and decide if they help or hinder us. We discard what doesn't work for us over time, little by little, and I think that's a big reason why you see such cool older women who have their own styles that as a younger woman I didn't feel ready for. "When I'm her age, I'll wear that..." I've recently decided that 40 is that age for me and have gone back and reclaimed some outfits I'd previously thought were too juvenile or I hadn't had the guts to just wear - without an excuse or reason. My current favorite outfit is brown lace up ankle boots and an olive green jumpsuit with a small scarf tied around my neck. I look so fucking cool and have so much fun in it. I wasn't surprised I got comments on it but was surprised at how positive and admiring they were. Including a young woman who wished she could wear something like that. And I got to be like the older ladies who told me, "You can, and you'll look great when you do."
I love this energy 😍😍😍 I’m still confused about what makes me feel best without falling into diet culture mentality of making myself shrink if that makes sense. Congrats on finding what you love to wear that makes you feel most yourself 😁
I honestly think changing how you dress when you get older should just reflect how you actually want to dress. I think it's about finding yourself, your personal style, the pieces or outfits that "speak to you" and that you feel good about owning and keeping in good condition, instead of what others think you should look like. That's going to mean something different for everyone. I grew up a tomboy and in my late teens and early twenties I tried to follow what society was telling me and dress more feminine. I played around with makeup, fitted clothes, accentuating my cleavage, etc. I always fell back on the jeans and t-shirt looks that I grew up with when I wanted to be comfy. Now that I'm 30, and for a few years now, I've embraced my masculine style. The femme clothes don't feel like "me" anymore. I still fall back on the jeans and t-shirts, but I'm trying to branch out and play around with style a bit more. I'm still learning and searching and trying to break out of my comfort zone, but I'm doing it in a way that feels right to me and not in a way that society tells me I need to dress. Thanks for the great video as always Leena, and the great food for thought. :)
My mom was always v unapologetic about what she wore when I was growing up. She had me very young but even as she got older she always went out of her way to incorporate things she loved even if they were considered ‘too young’ for her. I didn’t appreciate it at the time and honestly I definitely had a case of teenage embarrassment. But looking back now I am so so thankful that she always led by example, and showed me that I can look however I want. She always showed me that no matter how old you are, always stay true to what you love even if others don’t get it. She would always say “they don’t have to get it” 💘 I always think about this when I hear the stupid articles/ people telling us what we should or shouldn’t wear
Since you mentioned Iris Apfel under fashion inspirations, I wonder if you might like the last outfit better with multiple necklaces. Some chunky and/or layered necklaces would give that cardigan a very "eccentric art teacher" look. (Which, as I get older, is a vibe I definitely find myself leaning into more.)
My goal in life has always been to become an eccentric old lady wafting around in tunics and floaty, colourful clothes, and I figured I shouldn’t wait until I’m old to embrace the chaos
As a nearly 40, better quality shoes and better quality/more meaningful jewelry are probably the only sartorial concessions I've made to aging. And that, I feel, is more about lessons lived and learned than conscripted, ageist "rules". Like you, I also had the "I have boobs oh well" moment and am much less modest and concerned about just how much cleavage I show on a daily basis than I was in my teens and 20s. The "Oh, I guess boobs" moment was as revolutionary and freeing for me as the "Oh, I guess I have curly hair and my hair will never not be curly and I should stop fighting this" moment in my late teens. Growing up, if you're doing it right, is just a process of learning what you do vs do not give a fuck about. It's funny that there are still entities, organizations, bodies of work, etc. trying to convince aging women that they should care more, not less about The Rules and How They Are Seen.
I think the best thing about nearing 30 is you’ve had lots of practice at dressing yourself and are much more tuned in to what you like best. I’m dressing more like myself now than I ever did at 21. I think we’re all hoping our style will just grow with us as we get older. Decisions fuelled by insecurity are never going to be good.
I turned 40 last year. and now i have a hankering for vampy metallic lipsticks, dark green velvet and while I like beige, my kind of neutral is berry colours and leopard and houndstooth print. My local second hand shop is my favourite haunt, especially since I've lost some weight (by quitting sugar) and enjoy seeing myself in different styles now. F*ck all that unsolicited advice from the fashion/beauty industry. Life is short. Wear what you like!
The key to capes like the velvet one is to channel your inner drama teacher from high school musical. I take a lot of outfit inspiration from here when trying to wear my capes 😂
I turned 30 this year and I’m reverting backwards and embracing my goth/emo teen days and just care a lot less. I even found a pair of pink vans with bats on from when I was 13 at my parents and so they are now back in my wardrobe 😂
I think it can make sense to reassess if things still feel like the vibe you want to give off once in a while and try things that are considered "appropriate" for your age if they feel good to you. one thing I'm starting to notice as I'm trying more "grown up" looks though is, it also makes a lot of difference who is wearing the items. I often still get taken for being a teenager even though I'm in my late twenties, even if I wear what I consider to be more "age appropriate" items (maybe that wouldn't happen with really formal/conservative looks, but that's just not me). but people who are considered to look "right" for their gender and age (and for that matter conventionally attractiveness also plays a part in this) can wear a shirt and jeans and still look grown up and appropriate.
I am 31 and i still get confused for a teenager sometimes so I know exactly what you mean. My personality and body type are just not for the classic -classic dressing. And that’s alright. I loom like I’m wearing my grandma’s clothes when I wear monochrome- while some people dress like they’re in the 40s and look amazing I 100% agree with you on capitalism!!! This idea that once we’re we should drop our style and buy all new stuff, that’s peak consumerism
Honestly having strangers ask you for things feels like a big compliment imo... Looking "mumsy" or giving off friendly vibes in the way you dress is such a nice thing to aspire to. I'm pretty shy so looking approachable helps me to not have to put myself out there to have a nice chat with someone (and having people compliment a fun part of an outfit is a great conversation starter)
The ozone layer is actually recovering! We stopped using CFCs in fridges and other stuff a few decades ago and we're now starting to see improvements in the ozone layer!
I think that "dressing your age" is a myth and it's becoming more and more outdated as people's biographies (in terms of education, work, family or relationship concepts etc.) vary much more than say 50 years ago. If someone believes in "dressing their age" then it seems logical to me, that in their mind there should be something like "dressing like a heterosexual" - nobody expects the same things from every heterosexual. Same for 30-year-olds. Also on a more personal note: within the last five years I developed a personal style that I'm actually quite happy with, but as I started to work out more the last year and in different ways than before, I noticed that my body had changed and that I would very much like to try new and different things to what I'm usually wearing. So I'm very much in favour of evolving your personal style and trying out new and different things! Just trying to forget (and finding it hard) that people might expect certain looks from me in different situations.
My recent wardrobe progression has been moving to only natural fibers, because all the unnatural ones make me either smelly at best, or outright itchy at worst. Also, I've been embracing wearing more masculine chic clothing. I want to look like a dapper gent.
I thought the outfits were indeed a massive success! I really liked the velvet jacket, and I personally think that it worked best with no jewelry. The silhouette was similar to an oversized blouse unbuttoned which I have seen represented a lot this summer and it looked fashionable, but the color and the draping of velvet is even better than a blouse and it's perfectly able to carry the outfit
I was always taught that backpacks are the worst for getting robbed - they can't be pried from your arms that easily, but it is much easier to just open or slash it open without you even noticing.
If I saw someone, “dressed as a toddler when she is clearly knocking on the door of fourth with a Smirnoff ice in her bag”, I’d hope we could be friends. ❤ you and @AlyssaBeltempo have taught me so much about sustainable genuine dressing!
As for this ridiculous Vogue list, I’m breathing on 40 and absolutely dress like a grownup and dont do hardly any of this nonsense. I dont wear white or black (I look awful in white tees and a lbd), and buy almost everything else on this list that I WANT second hand. Joy and comfort are essential components of any clothing item and so I have a lot of button downs, corduroys, sweaters, and fun jackets.
I love the idea of re-evaluating your wardrobe to see what serves you and what doesn't, what's comfortable physically and mentally , and what you're using to hide parts of yourself you've been told you should or you feel as though you should. I've been struggling with clothes that make me feel comfortable and show what I would like to reflect to the world, and what I'm still using to hide or diminish my body in the societally acceptable narrative. Nice to see others are doing the complicated un-picking exercise every so often as well, thanks for the video!
Leather is very sustainable, especially if you buy it second hand. It is a byproduct of the meat industry and is biodegradable at the end of its life, unlike 'vegan leather' (read: plastic). What type of fiber clothing is made out of is also super important for sustainability questions.
I prefer a tote (structured and with zippers obviously!) over a rucksack when I'm in crowds... I've never been robbed before and I live in a bigger but not gigantic city, so that might play into it but I feel much more comfortable when I can sort of grab where the zipper is or when I can just sort of press my arm up against my side where my bag is to clutch it lol, with a rucksack I get anxious because it's behind me! People could be doing who knows what to it and I don't notice because it is on my back. For practicality and not killing my shoulder(s), absolutely, but in crowds I do see the appeal of tote-style work bags
My 30’s fashion advice: wear clothes that make you feel happy. For me that’s colourful dungarees, generally many colours and fun prints. Also loose fitting and optimum comfort
Maybe there’s a feeling as you age, as you mature, that you’re dressing less for others’ attention, and so for some people, that might translate to more comfortable clothing, less ostentatious clothing. But to each their own! As you feel more comfortable with yourself, that might just as well mean even brighter colors, even more exciting clothing choices! Anything should be fair game.
I'm now in my late 20s and looking back at my wardrobe choices basically 11 years old onwards the idea of "dressing my age" was the strongest parameter for choosing my clothing that it truly does make me sad. When I was a preteen/teen I wanted to dress in a way that made me look older and more "mature" and in line with my other older friends. And then when I was 18-24 I was focused on dressing how I thought uni students were supposed to look. Then after that was caught up with how I thought I should be dressing to look like a functioning adult moving through careers. It hasn't really been until very recently that I started dressing based on what I like and what I feel most comfortable in. Often that's in outfits that are very stereotypically juvenile and I'm finally learning that's totally okay and I am absolutely allowed to wear whatever I like. Thought admittedly somewhat relieved to see that other people are having the same thoughts. Everyone else in my life seem to be going through the vogue-type lists almost instinctively and while that's totally up to them and great if that's what they want, can't help but feel a little alone not vibing with it.
I still wear a white t-shirt which I got when i was 14 or 15 and I'm now 24 approaching 25, its been demoted to a more casual top as its got a couple of small holes in it but I still wear it at least twice a month. White shoes and trousers will always be a no for me :)
I get so inspirerad by your joy and creativity when it comes to creating and upholding a sustainable wardrobe! You’ve literally helped me get the confidence to wear all the “unflattering”, big, and colourful shirts I want to. At the same time I’m definitely struggling with over-sexualising my own body though, as I’ve gotten some curves the last five years and have noticed that tight and/or “revealing” clothes that just felt playful before, now get read as something different. Not sure how to feel comfortable in clothes like that again, to be honest.
great video as always Leena! for a moment i thought that by thirties you mean the 1930's and got excited, but the decade will also do! just want to say that a leather jacket, even not a second hand one, is more sustainable than a sequins (lets just call it micro plastic) jacket, in terms of longevity and quite possibly also production process. a well maintained leather coat (emphasis on well maintained) can last generations and generations.
I agree! I have several items of faux leather clothing and shoes from the past, and they often flake or break down. Fake leather is much less breathable and therefore much hotter than real leather and real leather items can often be repaired.
Agreed. Also since leather is a byproduct of animal agriculture it’s actually sustainable in the sense that the materials come at no extra cost to the planet. (I’d love to see the world go vegan but since that’s a long way off I think practically it makes sense not to waste the hides)
My mum is my fashion icon (she’s a “leopard print is a neutral” kind of lady), not just because she is iconic with what she wears having said ‘fuck it’ a long time ago, but she was also the one who taught me to sew my own clothes. Through the journey of costuming and sewing, we’ve been breaking down a lot of the societal expectations of clothing and our bodies including “dressing for your age”. It’s really helped me see my body and ageing in relation to fashion more objectively and less critically.
I have never been keen on the 'dressing your age' approach (I'm toddling towards 40 and you can prize my battered graphic t shirts from my cold dead hands) but I do think that I feel differently about what I'm wearing and the pandemic had a lot to do with that. I don't want to go back to dressing for work the way I used to with uncomfortable trousers or high heels, so am trying to have a smaller 'work wardrobe' that is simpler and more interchangeable - ofc the downside of this being short and round is that trousers are very hard work to find that are comfortable but that's another story. I struggle though because if I'm trying to slim down the work wardrobe anything then that isn't practical (jeans/again the trouser problem... And t shirts) doesn't get any outings at all because there isn't an "occasion". Eyy it's a difficult one It's also hard in think in even if my clothing (outside of work) hasn't changed much between my 20s and 30s many of my friends has? Had tea and cake with a former very goth friend recent and she looked lovely but more Marks and Spencer than Heavy Metal - felt a bit like I looked like I was meeting with my probation officer/social worker 😂😂
41 almost 42, I've never ever dressed for my age, I only dress in clothes that fit and that I'm comfortable in, certain trends do affect me once in a while, but for the most part I just wear what I feel like. I lived in Korea for 5 years and technically that did influence quite a bit of my "style" more than I like to admit, let's just say the Koreans have comfy clothes that look stylish down pat!!!!!, down to a science!! I'm not joking, lol. It was difficult to find my size in things that were form fitting there, but so much was oversized because, well, comfort, that I started gravitating towards that.
I am SO on board with deliberately moving away from the idea of "flattering" - when I bought my Yaks, I was initially freaked out because I thought they were too big and didn't look flattering...and then I realised they were comfy af and why would I want them smaller to make ME look smaller? So I'm getting more into big clothes that make me feel good rather than trying to cinch everything in!
Maybe it's because I am a creative arts psychotherapist and associate a great deal within this field. But all the therapists I know, mostly in late 30s,40s and 50s, but they are very creative dressers. Our conferences are a sea of Lucy and Yaks! I'm in my 30s, and my fashion improves with each year. Wearing what I want, how I want, makes me very happy.
As a 22 year old with a unique clothing style I love that you still dress with personality, it makes me feel like I dont have to give that up as I get older too
I have my now 71 year old mom as a good example how to dress in my 30s. I'm turning 30 next month and she has always just dressed exactly how she wanted and did not give a fuck about what was supposed to be appropriate for her as a mom or a woman her age. She looks great and you can feel how her clothes make her happy and I'm doing the same. Somehow my older sister who is now almost 43 has not gotten that memo and it's just sad because she has said so many times that she doesn't feel comfortable. Yet she still does it because she feels like she needs to. She also feels the need to tell me how wrong I am so I don't even want to try anymore and let her just be miserable by herself.
I liked seeing you work with loops as they are a product that I really love, I got them while I was at uni and have been telling everyone in my circle about them so I’m quite happy that more people will find out about them
completely agree that totes never made sense to me cause they just seem so easy to rob - my version is that I’m just super forgetful so I keep a tote bag full of essentials in my backpack and move it around everywhere with me so I never forget an essential
I got worried some time ago, that I accumulated a lot of clothes recently in search for my new style. My designer friend then said "but you have to try clothes to know if they work for you or not", so it calmed me down a little. I began bringing in a few local designer pieces every year and now I have a lot, because they are basically eternal, and any rotation of items happened before to replace a broken one.
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I really enjoyed this video, I actually stopped lying to myself because of your videos, the only colors I actually like are green, purple and blue, so I found friends who wanted my stuff and gave away the things that aren't those 3 colors (or black, white and gray). I also like white tops because there are several methods to lighten them, like using lemon juice, leaving them out in the sun for a couple of days, and of course some bleach but I have also accepted that will turn gray overtime and that's okay with me. I'm turning 26 next month and I'm happy I found your channel because your "things I wish I knew in my 20s" videos do help me navigate my life
I used to be obsessed with like a wine purple colour and black, and love velvet but for some reason I used to tell myself that I can't have more of that because I need to have other colours. Now I know I can just lean into my fav colours, which are browns and greens at the moment 😅
Tip for real jelwery is pawn shops: it's like no production cost and you're financially supporting someone who really needs it. I don't know how pawnshops work where you live, but at my favorite place ppl turn in things with little intent of buying it back and the shop will give them a share of what the item sells for.
I need a gif of Leena doing the finger quotes and saying "whatever the f*ck that means" because I would use it daily. Please universe, grant me this wish
I absolutely love the blue velvet jacket 😍 I think it's what's missing in my life 🤣 I always used to wear these basic t-shirt mini dresses, and it was my uniform for a while I had them in all different colours but it was actually when my weight went up that my style changed. It's not that I don't think I can wear them anymore, I could but I feel more at home in a midi dress now and love them and feel it reflects my personality better now as well. My goals for the next half of my 20's and approaching 30's is to have more earth tones in my wardrobe and for it all to effortlessly mix. Most of my clothes are handmade, and I just finished knitting my first ever jumper. But I'm in a weird phase where a lot of the new stuff I'm making doesn't quite fit with the older stuff that I want to phase out so it's going to be a few years I think before I've got my tonal earthy hobbit inspired wardrobe 🤣
i actually really like the last outfit! the cloacky thingy is 10/10 and you look great in it! and i wouldn't mind the feather necklace with it actually!
Pausing to comment: I refuse to have a white t-shirt collection 🤣 Being in my 30s and finally being honest with myself on what I actually like to wear I realized I don’t ever liked wearing a white t-shirt very much. I have white tops - a couple of blouses and a little draped sleeveless top and I think that’s enough for me in the white top department. Ok turning the video on to hear your comments… I suspect you are not a fan 😂
Literally every time I've bought a white t-shirt, I have dropped food on it within a single wear... I like how they look, but I like being able to get messy without worrying about clothes being permanently damaged :/
Ahh these "guides" do my head in, they are always based on really thin people too - I have never found a button down shirt in my life that fits me because my boobs are so much bigger than the rest of me. Same with blazers. They look awful on me! And am with you on white t-shirts - well, white anything doesn't work in reality. I am 41 and one of my primary concerns these days with clothes is whether they are comfy! And soft fabrics are the best. I stopped wearing heels a few years ago and that's been a joy. I definitely give less of a crap now about what other people think. I really enjoy your style, when I was a teenager my style icon was Claudia from the Babysitters Club books and I feel like you definitely have a lot of Claudia in your style!
I noticed the "warm Vs cool" colouring confusion and I got all excited because I'm super interested in colour analysis / colour seasons, style roots and the kibbe body types theory... Absolutely NOT as rules or limitations, but as ways of narrowing down an overwhelming amount of advertising/marketing and trends to what I ACTUALLY want and what will make me feel comfortable and myself, while complimenting my natural features. ALSO linking this with you, it made me think about how these methods can help with sustainability as you are less likely to buy things you won't wear. It's so hard to figure out yourself and I would love to afford a professional colour & style analysis, however some GOOD CONTENT in the meantime could def be you trying to do it for yourself and hearing your thoughts on the process 😸 (orrrr maybe a linkup with a youtuber?? ) What do you thinnnnk 👀
"This is like selling tickets to a first aid course and then at the end being like: but of course you could just let them die." This was such an unexpected gem of criticism and I laughed so hard.
Your content always makes me feel better and this was truly on the money. As a fellow 30-something, I’ve felt tempted to change and alter myself. This gives me the courage to be authentic and maybe even spice things up further!!! Thanks, Leena.
Can I just say that you, dearest Leena Norms, are the sole reason I got into sewing my own clothes and adding dots of colour into my wardrobe at the ripe age of 28? I binged your channel, noticed how much *fun* you had with colours, saw you putting on a lovely circle skirt, and decided: gosh darn it, I want a circle skirt and it will be yellow ochre, and I AM GOING TO MAKE IT MYSELF! So thank you for reminding me to have fun and live a little, before the corporate world got their sticky hands on me with their 'dress codes'.
That's cool sis!! Hey I wonder if you could find a way to wear fuchsia this week WHILE looking very intimidating... like you might be some kind of cool villain/assassin. Dare ya!
I turn 30 this summer, changed sizes a few times and am currently on a journey to look and feel like myself while still dressing "office appropriate", whatever that means. HLP videos on how to match your wardrobe to your lifestyle helped me a lot.
I found out you can remove the print from graphic tees really easily with an iron! So when they get chipped you can just take the graphic off. Game changer for me.
I love the velvet cardigan type thing. I think it looks awesome on its own. Very big cool-art-teacher energy, and that is the highest praise I can give an article of clothing
I'm in my early thirties and just had a baby, and recently stopped trying to dress "like a proper adult" and decided to start having fun with my look again. Dyed my hair a funky colour for the first time since my early twenties (bright blue tips) and welcomed leopard print and other supposedly over the top things back into my wardrobe. So fun and no one has batted an eye!
I keep coming back to this as i waltz up to my thirties (to my delight! I am determined to be the sort of person that emphasises my age, be like im 31 *and a half* thankyou very much). Its such a breath of fresh air- bollocks to 'classic neutrals' im waltzing in with my bejewelled button ups and close neck frock tops in a variety of wild colours. I have genuinely bought a full purple suit and an embroidered corset (all second hand) because i refuse to do anything but live my joy now. Ive survived far to much NOT to wear purple.
The velvet blue cardigan kimono (iffy description I know but that’s what it would probably be called on a clothes website) thing I absolutely love!! I have a very long burgundy one and I always feel amazing with it wafting behind me as I walk. Thanks for reminding me to dig it out! I recommend stompy boots and lots of rings, brackets and necklaces with it.
I always used to get dress your age comments all the time and now more so that I have hit 24. I have always gravitated to colors and breaking rules with patterns. I truly struggled alot my teen years with my style because of all the 'trends' and the right way to style things. Watching your channel actually really helped me as someone who is more chubby with pcos I found we have similar style and its makes you unique to not be a carbon copy of someone.
The best thing I've done in my 30's so far is dress how I want and what makes me feel good. I'm still working on not worrying about what others (mainly family honestly) will say about it and just enjoying the clothes that make me happy.
I think it should be binned. It's fun to see what people do with what they have, and it's also fun to see how someone's style evolves as they age. Especially if their favorite pieces stick around.
Re: jewellery, you don’t need to pick a side of silver or gold! I love mixed metals especially with rings. I have one ring that is silver and rose gold so it kind of works as an anchor for mixing the other rings up 💍
I gained a lotnof weight in the last years and couldn't find anything for my upcoming wedding. And this video gave me hope! Love your style and will be challenging my inner Leena when I try to find something nice to wear.
My personal mantra is that it doesn’t have to be flattening to be flattering 😁 I’ve never been what I call a fashion slave and I care even less now I’m over 50, I wear what makes me feel comfortable above all else. I live with chronic pain so clothes can be uncomfortable and even painful at times plus because I don’t get around much I feel the cold, lockdown was a breeze for me and my wardrobe but after several closet clearouts I’ve hung on to some pretty pieces just to look at and stroke occasionally 😂
My mum is approaching 60 and I have never seen her wear so much colour or funky jewelery and I absolutely love it! She just looks so much more herself when she's wearing a yellow dress with a huge pattern and her colourful wooden necklace than black and navy and the occasional pop of colour
37 here, my wardrobe has four sections Gothic which is mainly black, Vaporwave/Cyberpunk which is pinks/purples/aquas gaming hoodies all kinds of things like that, Pastel Kawaii (anything pastel lots of art and anime related stuff) and earthy/hippie/psychedelic (vintage, greens, browns, tie-dye etc.) I am autistic and ADHD and have a lot of sensory issues so my clothes are soft, very loose, breathable, airy/light because I also have dysautonomia in the form of POTS & a very bad case of heat intolerance. I do not have a single piece of denim (way over the top conservative religious aunt who wears nothing but denim kinda made that choice for me decades ago, and my sister is allergic to denim) I don't leave my house all that much and do not have a corporate job or anything like that so I don't have any super nice fancy dress clothes either. On the day to day my main default is tie-dye dresses around the house however usually my clothes are reflection of my mood/headspace. As far as jewelry goes I've either made it myself, bought it from an artist, picked it up at Ren fest, or was given it. Not a huge jewelry wearing person though, like I don't even wear my wedding ring, ever, it's been 17 years XD, last time I looked at a Vogue magazine was when I was getting married. I make it easy on myself and whenever I'm out and about I'm in black, serves a purpose in my opinion of making me look better while also turning people off who don't want to interact with a 'crazy" Gothic girl with purple hair and Skulls/Eldritch monsters on her shirt or sweater (thus shielding me from any bullshit related to my autism). Great video 🙃💜💖
As someone who is approaching 40 in just a few months, I love your take. My wardrobe has continually evolved over the decades, but its always been and will continue to be things that make me feel fun and happy. The main take away I got when I hit 30 was not to over haul my wardrobe, but to spring for quality pieces that are more sustainable when it was time to replace items.
Love this video! I saved a lot of my strange kimono/loose jacket outfits with a turtleneck underneath instead of a top. And it's so nice for winter with long sleeves. The velvet jacket is stunning and definitely deserves more wear! 💗
To quote my very blunt grandma: "if it suits the wearer bugger the starer"
Granny rulez
What an awesome grandma!
I reached my 30s and decided that I wanted to dress like an Edwardian librarian. So I did.
I love that for you! 💚
Bernadette Banner would be astoundingly proud of you
Love this!
My theory about how women are treated as they age, being told how to dress amongst many other things , is that it leads us to a reduced form of ourselves. "Wear simple and plain clothes, hide your sexuality, don't be bold, take up less space, become invisible". Just as we are becoming more experienced, confident and self assured in many different areas of our lives we are diminished. Even writing this I'm fighting off the eurge to change my phrasing to something less angry and throw away all my crop tops.
I love this!
Haha shoot girl well said! 🙌
Yuuuuus - I’m 35 and still love crop tops in the summer
@@sonorasgirl I'm 35 too and only after turning 30 I was self-confident enough to wear crop tops! Frankly I also think that my body looks better in my 30s than in my 20s because I respect it more and so I'm taking better care of it.
@@MartinPozoga same! I have just started to wear them! 😂
Why would you want to change your style! You're one of the most stylish people I've ever met!! If you stopped dressing the way you do, that would be a tragedy
To quote an excellent pinterest quote I haven't been able to trace back to it's speaker (I am sorry, I am sorry): "I don't know how to act my age, I have never been this age before" ;)
brilliant!
To add to that a quote from the incorrigible Regina Spektor: Today you're younger than you're ever going to be.
Savor the time you have, don't get caught up on what you should or shouldn't wear, dress however you want to!
@meikusje: that is a wonderful quote! Anddd een excellent youtube name haha
In my thirties, I started dressing as a witchy Ms. Frizzle covered in moons, stars, and rainbows, and honestly I love my aesthetic. Life is too short to wear anything other than clothes that fill you with joy! ✨
I've just heard that aesthetic is known as Whimsy Goth, I love it too! If you search Whimsy Goth there are some good videos on its origins plus fun thrifted outfit inspiration. I aspire to a life like in the film Practical Magic including that amazing greenhouse they have.
I have bit of a tin-foil-brain theory that I've been feeling out every now and then, about "dressing your age" and about how it relates to *drumroll please* capitalism (maybe fascism, a bit, but mostly capitalism). I'm spitting this out before I get too far into your video to see if there's any alignment.
"Dressing your age" essentially means "dressing with a more limited colour palette" and "wearing more fitted clothing". I think it partially has to do with the assumption that as we age, we only get more conservative. "Dressing one's age" is essentially, and I can't believe I'm going to use this term unironically, a virtue signal. It assumes that our bodies aren't going to change; that we have given up the adventurism of our youth, settled down and put on the uniform that comes with being An Adult. That we are reliable, and unchanging and therefore better workers. (see also: why professional dress codes are mostly bullshit).That we are will be wealthy enough to maintain a clean collection of crisp white shirts.
There's such a focus on the "aesthetic" of being a certain age, and we're frowned at for not looking the part, because we are visual reminders that there are possibilities beyond the one we're told is the best or only way: to be good little workers, conform to our assigned social role, wear our uniform, make profit for the shareholders, pay our rent, have children who will also become good little workers, rinse and repeat.
Yes. Thank you.
"Dressing you age" could just as well be "begin to feel comfortable in whatever you like to wear".
Spot on!
This is SUCH a good post! I agree with everything here!
Well said!
I haven't had my first cup of tea yet and my lil' brain already exploded by this nugget of insight.
"tote bags are for people who want to get robbed" THANK YOU, THIS IS WHAT IVE BEEN SAYING
Tote bags are for groceries not valuables 😂
"could give more of a fuck but don't wish to" 🔥🔥 girl WHAT YES that's all i wish, ultimate tagline goals
also: disagreement i do love white tshirts and sneakers (they get dirty, thats the point), BUT yeah coming from Berlin, can't stress enough: tote bags sucks,, also don't care how "women" are supposed to wear handbags or these huge over the shoulder fancy leather bag things - anything worn over the shoulder a) doesn't allow driving bike b) fucks up your back esp if you tend to wear it always on the same shoulder. Team backpack all the way
that blue-ish velvet duster with the all black outfit is my PERFECT outfit honestly
I actually have a 180 opinion on white. For me is one of the most sustainable colors there is. I live in the tropics and in here we need to wash our clothes after every single use, because we sweat quite a bit and clothes really do be stinking after that. I can get 30 wears out a white shirt. I can use heavy stain removers on it. I can take a brush to it. And yeah... it nay not as crisp after all that wear and tear. But if I did that to a color piece, it would just look faded and patchy after 6-10 wears. As for white sneakers... them getting a bit dirty is part of the charm :') Dark close toe shoes are a nightmare under the sun :')
I'm 25 and only recently felt 'aged out' of fashion - it was the y2k trend that is haunting every tiktok and shop window I walk past. I feel that as I get older I'm caring significantly less about trends and hankering for statement pieces I've always found cool (ie those suits with the fluffy cuffs on the sleeves/trousers)
Girl I totally get that, I’m 29 and I hated that style when it first came around and I hate it just as much now 😂
omg me too! I have Pinterest boards that reflect certain aesthetics that I like to see on other people, however when it comes to the way I dress (as a fellow 29 yr old) I too hate the y2k trends that are coming back with a vengeance. I can't get behind skirts that end just below the pockets and girls younger than me wearing lingerie slip dresses without anything under them...I mean if that makes them feel confident and sexy, go for it! do whatever makes you happy. BUT...I'm trying to stay true to what makes me feel confident and sexy too, albeit slightly more reserved...and staying true to who I am and what I want to convey through my personal style. and disclaimer: I don't have anything against girls who wear the y2k style, the ones I have seen really pull it off. I'm just saying that you won't catch me dead in a 12" skirt or low-rise jeans haha
This is 2 years late but I think this really speaks to how modern fashion trends try to appeal to as young of a demographic as possible...ideally people in their late teens to early 20's. Fashion in the past targeted women with more confidence and spending power, so ideally women from their 30s to their 50s. Clothes also used to be made to last so it made sense to target women who had already figured out their personal style and had the means to purchase it. It's wild that you can feel "aged out" of fashion at such a young age but unfortunately I can understand what you mean as someone who turned 31 this year.
"I have boobs, it's fine, nobody panic" is such a mood as a genderfluid person hahahaha
hahah I so agree. also I don't understand how for Lena doing up the buttons can take her closer to "mumsy" but when I do it I look so unbelievably gay
@@sorel7342 this was my exact mood this morning as I was buttoning up my... flannel shirt....... hahahaha
For anyone with blazer issues due to the tight arms: I cut the lining out of the sleeve part- it gives a surprising amount of extra room!
What a great tip! Thanks for sharing💚
I loveee the blue shiny cardigan shirt thing you can 100% wear that out without anyone batting an eyelid. I’d just wish I could be that cool
You can do it.
Some clothes you just need to wear or it will otherwise wear you. In a good note, if the color and the cut of the clothes suit you and you WEAR it people will bat their eyes, repeatedly, beacuse you will look so well.
As someone who looks like 18 but is actually 26 and wants to become a teacher, I still want there to be clothes, that are associated with "looking like an adult". Because I've actually been asked by a 14-y/o wether I was a new student when I wore skinny jeans and a printed t-shirt. But right now I'm still in uni so I just wear whatever I feel comfortable in 🤷♀
I have the same “issue”, I’m 32 and work at the local high school. I’m 100% for dressing the way you want, but I do find that the students take me more seriously when I’m not dressed exactly like them - it’s like a “fine line” 🙈
I was a teaching assistant and the yard duties at the middle school stopped me because I wasnt lined up for class (like I was a student). I was thinking "how old are you? I am 27, these 10 year olds could be my kid!"
You might be a gamine geometry body type like me. There’s definitely clothes, but also hope! Last two yrs less and less people have been mistaking me for a teenager. It still happens A LOT, but less than before. I am 31.5 now
As a grad student, I'm in the opposite boat. I love it when the younger professors dress casual just like students -- it makes them relatable and makes me want to take their classes more seriously because I can imagine myself in their position.
I don't think it's half in the clothes and half in the attitude. I held a teaching position for a while and pranced around the school with an apologetically pink hellokitty tote bag from secondary school (bc it was the only one that fit all the stuff I needed for class) wearing casual clothes like boyfriend jeans and loosely fitting blouses and none thought I wasn't a teacher there. :D I suppose the key is just looking like you SHOULD be there and the rest will take care of itself. And kudos for wanting to be a teacher. Good luck!
My like on this video is specifically for the idea of "a wardrobe that recognizes reality"
It was great to hear your thoughts on this Leena! I recently became a parent and am determinedly pushing back against what I perceive to be societie's expectation that I start to dress differently! The yaks are out and proud! Why should people with children not dress like children's tv presenters, ey!? (btw I keep my white t shirt white with vinegar soaks and sunshine bleaching, it has worked for many years so far! )
I know right?! What is parenthood if not Children's Entertainment??? Ooo thanks for the mum-tip I'll certainly give it a go!
When I became a mum I felt pressure to dress more modestly. Blergh! Makes no sense in the context of how the child came about! 😂
This is so helpful and relatable, thank you! Also, incidentally, ‘lost on the way to the renaissance faire’ is absolutely the style I am aging into in my 30s 😂😂😂
I dressed to meet my family at a renaissance fair this past fall but before that, I stopped into Starbucks at which EVERYONE stared at me and looked me up and down probably thinking "this girl has lost her mind" hahaha I just smiled whenever someone did a double take and promptly started laughing at myself and the ridiculousness of the situation once I had reached my car.
I just turned forty and (since covid) able to work from home 95% of the time. My wardrobe has changed with professional requirements and age. Magazine/vlog articles re: dressing your age serve to sell ad space and more clothing and I think we should all disregard them. However, the impression I want, or am required, to make on people has changed over time. As has my own physical appearance. And so, my choice in clothing has changed. I think it's always a good idea to examine the dressing "rules" we've learned and decide if they help or hinder us. We discard what doesn't work for us over time, little by little, and I think that's a big reason why you see such cool older women who have their own styles that as a younger woman I didn't feel ready for. "When I'm her age, I'll wear that..." I've recently decided that 40 is that age for me and have gone back and reclaimed some outfits I'd previously thought were too juvenile or I hadn't had the guts to just wear - without an excuse or reason. My current favorite outfit is brown lace up ankle boots and an olive green jumpsuit with a small scarf tied around my neck. I look so fucking cool and have so much fun in it. I wasn't surprised I got comments on it but was surprised at how positive and admiring they were. Including a young woman who wished she could wear something like that. And I got to be like the older ladies who told me, "You can, and you'll look great when you do."
I love this energy 😍😍😍 I’m still confused about what makes me feel best without falling into diet culture mentality of making myself shrink if that makes sense. Congrats on finding what you love to wear that makes you feel most yourself 😁
I genuinely felt sad when the video was over
I must say, Leena please never deprive us from your videos
Yes same! I wanted to see more outfits!
I honestly think changing how you dress when you get older should just reflect how you actually want to dress. I think it's about finding yourself, your personal style, the pieces or outfits that "speak to you" and that you feel good about owning and keeping in good condition, instead of what others think you should look like. That's going to mean something different for everyone. I grew up a tomboy and in my late teens and early twenties I tried to follow what society was telling me and dress more feminine. I played around with makeup, fitted clothes, accentuating my cleavage, etc. I always fell back on the jeans and t-shirt looks that I grew up with when I wanted to be comfy. Now that I'm 30, and for a few years now, I've embraced my masculine style. The femme clothes don't feel like "me" anymore. I still fall back on the jeans and t-shirts, but I'm trying to branch out and play around with style a bit more. I'm still learning and searching and trying to break out of my comfort zone, but I'm doing it in a way that feels right to me and not in a way that society tells me I need to dress.
Thanks for the great video as always Leena, and the great food for thought. :)
My mom was always v unapologetic about what she wore when I was growing up. She had me very young but even as she got older she always went out of her way to incorporate things she loved even if they were considered ‘too young’ for her. I didn’t appreciate it at the time and honestly I definitely had a case of teenage embarrassment. But looking back now I am so so thankful that she always led by example, and showed me that I can look however I want. She always showed me that no matter how old you are, always stay true to what you love even if others don’t get it. She would always say “they don’t have to get it” 💘
I always think about this when I hear the stupid articles/ people telling us what we should or shouldn’t wear
Since you mentioned Iris Apfel under fashion inspirations, I wonder if you might like the last outfit better with multiple necklaces. Some chunky and/or layered necklaces would give that cardigan a very "eccentric art teacher" look. (Which, as I get older, is a vibe I definitely find myself leaning into more.)
I was thinking the same thing!! I think it would look good, and very Leena!
Yes! The eccentric art teacher vibes are where it's at!
Yes I have a similar piece and I wear it with a layered necklace (one necklace that looks like many)!
My goal in life has always been to become an eccentric old lady wafting around in tunics and floaty, colourful clothes, and I figured I shouldn’t wait until I’m old to embrace the chaos
@@CiaoBellaBee "Embrace the chaos" feels like great fashion (and life?) advice!
As a nearly 40, better quality shoes and better quality/more meaningful jewelry are probably the only sartorial concessions I've made to aging. And that, I feel, is more about lessons lived and learned than conscripted, ageist "rules". Like you, I also had the "I have boobs oh well" moment and am much less modest and concerned about just how much cleavage I show on a daily basis than I was in my teens and 20s. The "Oh, I guess boobs" moment was as revolutionary and freeing for me as the "Oh, I guess I have curly hair and my hair will never not be curly and I should stop fighting this" moment in my late teens. Growing up, if you're doing it right, is just a process of learning what you do vs do not give a fuck about. It's funny that there are still entities, organizations, bodies of work, etc. trying to convince aging women that they should care more, not less about The Rules and How They Are Seen.
I think the best thing about nearing 30 is you’ve had lots of practice at dressing yourself and are much more tuned in to what you like best. I’m dressing more like myself now than I ever did at 21. I think we’re all hoping our style will just grow with us as we get older. Decisions fuelled by insecurity are never going to be good.
I turned 40 last year. and now i have a hankering for vampy metallic lipsticks, dark green velvet and while I like beige, my kind of neutral is berry colours and leopard and houndstooth print. My local second hand shop is my favourite haunt, especially since I've lost some weight (by quitting sugar) and enjoy seeing myself in different styles now. F*ck all that unsolicited advice from the fashion/beauty industry. Life is short. Wear what you like!
The key to capes like the velvet one is to channel your inner drama teacher from high school musical. I take a lot of outfit inspiration from here when trying to wear my capes 😂
I turned 30 this year and I’m reverting backwards and embracing my goth/emo teen days and just care a lot less. I even found a pair of pink vans with bats on from when I was 13 at my parents and so they are now back in my wardrobe 😂
This is so cool!
Just turned 37 needed this. I very much relate, So many clothes that i lacked the confidance to wear in my 20s
I think it can make sense to reassess if things still feel like the vibe you want to give off once in a while and try things that are considered "appropriate" for your age if they feel good to you. one thing I'm starting to notice as I'm trying more "grown up" looks though is, it also makes a lot of difference who is wearing the items. I often still get taken for being a teenager even though I'm in my late twenties, even if I wear what I consider to be more "age appropriate" items (maybe that wouldn't happen with really formal/conservative looks, but that's just not me). but people who are considered to look "right" for their gender and age (and for that matter conventionally attractiveness also plays a part in this) can wear a shirt and jeans and still look grown up and appropriate.
I am 31 and i still get confused for a teenager sometimes so I know exactly what you mean. My personality and body type are just not for the classic -classic dressing. And that’s alright. I loom like I’m wearing my grandma’s clothes when I wear monochrome- while some people dress like they’re in the 40s and look amazing
I 100% agree with you on capitalism!!! This idea that once we’re we should drop our style and buy all new stuff, that’s peak consumerism
Honestly having strangers ask you for things feels like a big compliment imo... Looking "mumsy" or giving off friendly vibes in the way you dress is such a nice thing to aspire to. I'm pretty shy so looking approachable helps me to not have to put myself out there to have a nice chat with someone (and having people compliment a fun part of an outfit is a great conversation starter)
I agree! Lena saying the worst part was that she *had* tissues, made me think: no that's the best part!
The ozone layer is actually recovering! We stopped using CFCs in fridges and other stuff a few decades ago and we're now starting to see improvements in the ozone layer!
I think that "dressing your age" is a myth and it's becoming more and more outdated as people's biographies (in terms of education, work, family or relationship concepts etc.) vary much more than say 50 years ago. If someone believes in "dressing their age" then it seems logical to me, that in their mind there should be something like "dressing like a heterosexual" - nobody expects the same things from every heterosexual. Same for 30-year-olds.
Also on a more personal note: within the last five years I developed a personal style that I'm actually quite happy with, but as I started to work out more the last year and in different ways than before, I noticed that my body had changed and that I would very much like to try new and different things to what I'm usually wearing. So I'm very much in favour of evolving your personal style and trying out new and different things! Just trying to forget (and finding it hard) that people might expect certain looks from me in different situations.
My recent wardrobe progression has been moving to only natural fibers, because all the unnatural ones make me either smelly at best, or outright itchy at worst. Also, I've been embracing wearing more masculine chic clothing. I want to look like a dapper gent.
Had never even considered that I was over sexualizing myself, but that is EXACTLY what I do and I will do it NO LONGER!! (Thanks Leena!)
I thought the outfits were indeed a massive success! I really liked the velvet jacket, and I personally think that it worked best with no jewelry. The silhouette was similar to an oversized blouse unbuttoned which I have seen represented a lot this summer and it looked fashionable, but the color and the draping of velvet is even better than a blouse and it's perfectly able to carry the outfit
I was always taught that backpacks are the worst for getting robbed - they can't be pried from your arms that easily, but it is much easier to just open or slash it open without you even noticing.
If I saw someone, “dressed as a toddler when she is clearly knocking on the door of fourth with a Smirnoff ice in her bag”, I’d hope we could be friends. ❤ you and @AlyssaBeltempo have taught me so much about sustainable genuine dressing!
As for this ridiculous Vogue list, I’m breathing on 40 and absolutely dress like a grownup and dont do hardly any of this nonsense. I dont wear white or black (I look awful in white tees and a lbd), and buy almost everything else on this list that I WANT second hand. Joy and comfort are essential components of any clothing item and so I have a lot of button downs, corduroys, sweaters, and fun jackets.
Graphic tees actually look brilliant under blazers, especially if the print colours match with the colour of the blazer. It's also comfy to boot!
I love the idea of re-evaluating your wardrobe to see what serves you and what doesn't, what's comfortable physically and mentally , and what you're using to hide parts of yourself you've been told you should or you feel as though you should. I've been struggling with clothes that make me feel comfortable and show what I would like to reflect to the world, and what I'm still using to hide or diminish my body in the societally acceptable narrative. Nice to see others are doing the complicated un-picking exercise every so often as well, thanks for the video!
Leather is very sustainable, especially if you buy it second hand. It is a byproduct of the meat industry and is biodegradable at the end of its life, unlike 'vegan leather' (read: plastic). What type of fiber clothing is made out of is also super important for sustainability questions.
I prefer a tote (structured and with zippers obviously!) over a rucksack when I'm in crowds... I've never been robbed before and I live in a bigger but not gigantic city, so that might play into it but I feel much more comfortable when I can sort of grab where the zipper is or when I can just sort of press my arm up against my side where my bag is to clutch it lol, with a rucksack I get anxious because it's behind me! People could be doing who knows what to it and I don't notice because it is on my back. For practicality and not killing my shoulder(s), absolutely, but in crowds I do see the appeal of tote-style work bags
My 30’s fashion advice: wear clothes that make you feel happy. For me that’s colourful dungarees, generally many colours and fun prints. Also loose fitting and optimum comfort
Maybe there’s a feeling as you age, as you mature, that you’re dressing less for others’ attention, and so for some people, that might translate to more comfortable clothing, less ostentatious clothing. But to each their own! As you feel more comfortable with yourself, that might just as well mean even brighter colors, even more exciting clothing choices! Anything should be fair game.
20:00 "And the worst part was, I actually did have tissues!" 😆❤️👍 Love how you've styled that dress btw!
LOVE the blue cardigan at the end
I'm now in my late 20s and looking back at my wardrobe choices basically 11 years old onwards the idea of "dressing my age" was the strongest parameter for choosing my clothing that it truly does make me sad.
When I was a preteen/teen I wanted to dress in a way that made me look older and more "mature" and in line with my other older friends. And then when I was 18-24 I was focused on dressing how I thought uni students were supposed to look. Then after that was caught up with how I thought I should be dressing to look like a functioning adult moving through careers.
It hasn't really been until very recently that I started dressing based on what I like and what I feel most comfortable in. Often that's in outfits that are very stereotypically juvenile and I'm finally learning that's totally okay and I am absolutely allowed to wear whatever I like.
Thought admittedly somewhat relieved to see that other people are having the same thoughts. Everyone else in my life seem to be going through the vogue-type lists almost instinctively and while that's totally up to them and great if that's what they want, can't help but feel a little alone not vibing with it.
I still wear a white t-shirt which I got when i was 14 or 15 and I'm now 24 approaching 25, its been demoted to a more casual top as its got a couple of small holes in it but I still wear it at least twice a month. White shoes and trousers will always be a no for me :)
I get so inspirerad by your joy and creativity when it comes to creating and upholding a sustainable wardrobe! You’ve literally helped me get the confidence to wear all the “unflattering”, big, and colourful shirts I want to. At the same time I’m definitely struggling with over-sexualising my own body though, as I’ve gotten some curves the last five years and have noticed that tight and/or “revealing” clothes that just felt playful before, now get read as something different. Not sure how to feel comfortable in clothes like that again, to be honest.
great video as always Leena! for a moment i thought that by thirties you mean the 1930's and got excited, but the decade will also do! just want to say that a leather jacket, even not a second hand one, is more sustainable than a sequins (lets just call it micro plastic) jacket, in terms of longevity and quite possibly also production process. a well maintained leather coat (emphasis on well maintained) can last generations and generations.
*to my understanding 😄
I agree! I have several items of faux leather clothing and shoes from the past, and they often flake or break down. Fake leather is much less breathable and therefore much hotter than real leather and real leather items can often be repaired.
Agreed. Also since leather is a byproduct of animal agriculture it’s actually sustainable in the sense that the materials come at no extra cost to the planet.
(I’d love to see the world go vegan but since that’s a long way off I think practically it makes sense not to waste the hides)
My mum is my fashion icon (she’s a “leopard print is a neutral” kind of lady), not just because she is iconic with what she wears having said ‘fuck it’ a long time ago, but she was also the one who taught me to sew my own clothes.
Through the journey of costuming and sewing, we’ve been breaking down a lot of the societal expectations of clothing and our bodies including “dressing for your age”.
It’s really helped me see my body and ageing in relation to fashion more objectively and less critically.
I have never been keen on the 'dressing your age' approach (I'm toddling towards 40 and you can prize my battered graphic t shirts from my cold dead hands) but I do think that I feel differently about what I'm wearing and the pandemic had a lot to do with that. I don't want to go back to dressing for work the way I used to with uncomfortable trousers or high heels, so am trying to have a smaller 'work wardrobe' that is simpler and more interchangeable - ofc the downside of this being short and round is that trousers are very hard work to find that are comfortable but that's another story.
I struggle though because if I'm trying to slim down the work wardrobe anything then that isn't practical (jeans/again the trouser problem... And t shirts) doesn't get any outings at all because there isn't an "occasion".
Eyy it's a difficult one
It's also hard in think in even if my clothing (outside of work) hasn't changed much between my 20s and 30s many of my friends has? Had tea and cake with a former very goth friend recent and she looked lovely but more Marks and Spencer than Heavy Metal - felt a bit like I looked like I was meeting with my probation officer/social worker 😂😂
41 almost 42, I've never ever dressed for my age, I only dress in clothes that fit and that I'm comfortable in, certain trends do affect me once in a while, but for the most part I just wear what I feel like. I lived in Korea for 5 years and technically that did influence quite a bit of my "style" more than I like to admit, let's just say the Koreans have comfy clothes that look stylish down pat!!!!!, down to a science!! I'm not joking, lol. It was difficult to find my size in things that were form fitting there, but so much was oversized because, well, comfort, that I started gravitating towards that.
Bright pants in a red or pink with the blue velour cardigan thing!
I am SO on board with deliberately moving away from the idea of "flattering" - when I bought my Yaks, I was initially freaked out because I thought they were too big and didn't look flattering...and then I realised they were comfy af and why would I want them smaller to make ME look smaller? So I'm getting more into big clothes that make me feel good rather than trying to cinch everything in!
Maybe it's because I am a creative arts psychotherapist and associate a great deal within this field. But all the therapists I know, mostly in late 30s,40s and 50s, but they are very creative dressers. Our conferences are a sea of Lucy and Yaks!
I'm in my 30s, and my fashion improves with each year. Wearing what I want, how I want, makes me very happy.
As a 22 year old with a unique clothing style I love that you still dress with personality, it makes me feel like I dont have to give that up as I get older too
I have my now 71 year old mom as a good example how to dress in my 30s. I'm turning 30 next month and she has always just dressed exactly how she wanted and did not give a fuck about what was supposed to be appropriate for her as a mom or a woman her age. She looks great and you can feel how her clothes make her happy and I'm doing the same.
Somehow my older sister who is now almost 43 has not gotten that memo and it's just sad because she has said so many times that she doesn't feel comfortable. Yet she still does it because she feels like she needs to. She also feels the need to tell me how wrong I am so I don't even want to try anymore and let her just be miserable by herself.
I liked seeing you work with loops as they are a product that I really love, I got them while I was at uni and have been telling everyone in my circle about them so I’m quite happy that more people will find out about them
completely agree that totes never made sense to me cause they just seem so easy to rob - my version is that I’m just super forgetful so I keep a tote bag full of essentials in my backpack and move it around everywhere with me so I never forget an essential
I got worried some time ago, that I accumulated a lot of clothes recently in search for my new style. My designer friend then said "but you have to try clothes to know if they work for you or not", so it calmed me down a little. I began bringing in a few local designer pieces every year and now I have a lot, because they are basically eternal, and any rotation of items happened before to replace a broken one.
I really enjoyed this video, I actually stopped lying to myself because of your videos, the only colors I actually like are green, purple and blue, so I found friends who wanted my stuff and gave away the things that aren't those 3 colors (or black, white and gray). I also like white tops because there are several methods to lighten them, like using lemon juice, leaving them out in the sun for a couple of days, and of course some bleach but I have also accepted that will turn gray overtime and that's okay with me. I'm turning 26 next month and I'm happy I found your channel because your "things I wish I knew in my 20s" videos do help me navigate my life
I used to be obsessed with like a wine purple colour and black, and love velvet but for some reason I used to tell myself that I can't have more of that because I need to have other colours. Now I know I can just lean into my fav colours, which are browns and greens at the moment 😅
Tip for real jelwery is pawn shops: it's like no production cost and you're financially supporting someone who really needs it. I don't know how pawnshops work where you live, but at my favorite place ppl turn in things with little intent of buying it back and the shop will give them a share of what the item sells for.
I need a gif of Leena doing the finger quotes and saying "whatever the f*ck that means" because I would use it daily. Please universe, grant me this wish
I absolutely love the blue velvet jacket 😍 I think it's what's missing in my life 🤣 I always used to wear these basic t-shirt mini dresses, and it was my uniform for a while I had them in all different colours but it was actually when my weight went up that my style changed. It's not that I don't think I can wear them anymore, I could but I feel more at home in a midi dress now and love them and feel it reflects my personality better now as well. My goals for the next half of my 20's and approaching 30's is to have more earth tones in my wardrobe and for it all to effortlessly mix. Most of my clothes are handmade, and I just finished knitting my first ever jumper. But I'm in a weird phase where a lot of the new stuff I'm making doesn't quite fit with the older stuff that I want to phase out so it's going to be a few years I think before I've got my tonal earthy hobbit inspired wardrobe 🤣
The second outfit was on point and very very cool . The velvet shrug would look better shortened, i agree!
i actually really like the last outfit! the cloacky thingy is 10/10 and you look great in it! and i wouldn't mind the feather necklace with it actually!
Pausing to comment: I refuse to have a white t-shirt collection 🤣 Being in my 30s and finally being honest with myself on what I actually like to wear I realized I don’t ever liked wearing a white t-shirt very much. I have white tops - a couple of blouses and a little draped sleeveless top and I think that’s enough for me in the white top department.
Ok turning the video on to hear your comments… I suspect you are not a fan 😂
Literally every time I've bought a white t-shirt, I have dropped food on it within a single wear... I like how they look, but I like being able to get messy without worrying about clothes being permanently damaged :/
Ahh these "guides" do my head in, they are always based on really thin people too - I have never found a button down shirt in my life that fits me because my boobs are so much bigger than the rest of me. Same with blazers. They look awful on me! And am with you on white t-shirts - well, white anything doesn't work in reality.
I am 41 and one of my primary concerns these days with clothes is whether they are comfy! And soft fabrics are the best. I stopped wearing heels a few years ago and that's been a joy. I definitely give less of a crap now about what other people think.
I really enjoy your style, when I was a teenager my style icon was Claudia from the Babysitters Club books and I feel like you definitely have a lot of Claudia in your style!
I noticed the "warm Vs cool" colouring confusion and I got all excited because I'm super interested in colour analysis / colour seasons, style roots and the kibbe body types theory... Absolutely NOT as rules or limitations, but as ways of narrowing down an overwhelming amount of advertising/marketing and trends to what I ACTUALLY want and what will make me feel comfortable and myself, while complimenting my natural features.
ALSO linking this with you, it made me think about how these methods can help with sustainability as you are less likely to buy things you won't wear.
It's so hard to figure out yourself and I would love to afford a professional colour & style analysis, however some GOOD CONTENT in the meantime could def be you trying to do it for yourself and hearing your thoughts on the process 😸 (orrrr maybe a linkup with a youtuber?? )
What do you thinnnnk 👀
"This is like selling tickets to a first aid course and then at the end being like: but of course you could just let them die." This was such an unexpected gem of criticism and I laughed so hard.
Your content always makes me feel better and this was truly on the money. As a fellow 30-something, I’ve felt tempted to change and alter myself. This gives me the courage to be authentic and maybe even spice things up further!!! Thanks, Leena.
Can I just say that you, dearest Leena Norms, are the sole reason I got into sewing my own clothes and adding dots of colour into my wardrobe at the ripe age of 28? I binged your channel, noticed how much *fun* you had with colours, saw you putting on a lovely circle skirt, and decided: gosh darn it, I want a circle skirt and it will be yellow ochre, and I AM GOING TO MAKE IT MYSELF! So thank you for reminding me to have fun and live a little, before the corporate world got their sticky hands on me with their 'dress codes'.
That's cool sis!!
Hey I wonder if you could find a way to wear fuchsia this week WHILE looking very intimidating... like you might be some kind of cool villain/assassin. Dare ya!
I turn 30 this summer, changed sizes a few times and am currently on a journey to look and feel like myself while still dressing "office appropriate", whatever that means.
HLP videos on how to match your wardrobe to your lifestyle helped me a lot.
I found out you can remove the print from graphic tees really easily with an iron! So when they get chipped you can just take the graphic off. Game changer for me.
outfit 3 is the perfect art teacher fit .. i love
the blue and purple wrap dress look incredible on you!
I love the velvet cardigan type thing. I think it looks awesome on its own. Very big cool-art-teacher energy, and that is the highest praise I can give an article of clothing
I'm in my early thirties and just had a baby, and recently stopped trying to dress "like a proper adult" and decided to start having fun with my look again.
Dyed my hair a funky colour for the first time since my early twenties (bright blue tips) and welcomed leopard print and other supposedly over the top things back into my wardrobe.
So fun and no one has batted an eye!
I keep coming back to this as i waltz up to my thirties (to my delight! I am determined to be the sort of person that emphasises my age, be like im 31 *and a half* thankyou very much). Its such a breath of fresh air- bollocks to 'classic neutrals' im waltzing in with my bejewelled button ups and close neck frock tops in a variety of wild colours. I have genuinely bought a full purple suit and an embroidered corset (all second hand) because i refuse to do anything but live my joy now. Ive survived far to much NOT to wear purple.
The velvet blue cardigan kimono (iffy description I know but that’s what it would probably be called on a clothes website) thing I absolutely love!! I have a very long burgundy one and I always feel amazing with it wafting behind me as I walk. Thanks for reminding me to dig it out!
I recommend stompy boots and lots of rings, brackets and necklaces with it.
I actually loved the blue velvet thingin the last outfit. That looked amazing😍
I always used to get dress your age comments all the time and now more so that I have hit 24. I have always gravitated to colors and breaking rules with patterns. I truly struggled alot my teen years with my style because of all the 'trends' and the right way to style things. Watching your channel actually really helped me as someone who is more chubby with pcos I found we have similar style and its makes you unique to not be a carbon copy of someone.
The blue thing from outfit 3 is incredible. Wear it as an add on to any outfit. I know it would be that for me.
That last outfit is so flattering on you. I want to buy a robe(?) or cardigan that looks like that :)
The best thing I've done in my 30's so far is dress how I want and what makes me feel good. I'm still working on not worrying about what others (mainly family honestly) will say about it and just enjoying the clothes that make me happy.
I’m obsessed with the blue cardigan and the outfit you paired-feels very art teacher chic to me
I think it should be binned. It's fun to see what people do with what they have, and it's also fun to see how someone's style evolves as they age. Especially if their favorite pieces stick around.
Re: jewellery, you don’t need to pick a side of silver or gold! I love mixed metals especially with rings. I have one ring that is silver and rose gold so it kind of works as an anchor for mixing the other rings up 💍
I gained a lotnof weight in the last years and couldn't find anything for my upcoming wedding. And this video gave me hope! Love your style and will be challenging my inner Leena when I try to find something nice to wear.
My personal mantra is that it doesn’t have to be flattening to be flattering 😁 I’ve never been what I call a fashion slave and I care even less now I’m over 50, I wear what makes me feel comfortable above all else.
I live with chronic pain so clothes can be uncomfortable and even painful at times plus because I don’t get around much I feel the cold, lockdown was a breeze for me and my wardrobe but after several closet clearouts I’ve hung on to some pretty pieces just to look at and stroke occasionally 😂
My mum is approaching 60 and I have never seen her wear so much colour or funky jewelery and I absolutely love it! She just looks so much more herself when she's wearing a yellow dress with a huge pattern and her colourful wooden necklace than black and navy and the occasional pop of colour
The third outfit gives big Ms Garbas vibes, like the drama teacher from High School Musical, I love it
The demin almost jumpsuit, feel like a cool statement necklace would look great too.
37 here, my wardrobe has four sections Gothic which is mainly black, Vaporwave/Cyberpunk which is pinks/purples/aquas gaming hoodies all kinds of things like that, Pastel Kawaii (anything pastel lots of art and anime related stuff) and earthy/hippie/psychedelic (vintage, greens, browns, tie-dye etc.)
I am autistic and ADHD and have a lot of sensory issues so my clothes are soft, very loose, breathable, airy/light because I also have dysautonomia in the form of POTS & a very bad case of heat intolerance. I do not have a single piece of denim (way over the top conservative religious aunt who wears nothing but denim kinda made that choice for me decades ago, and my sister is allergic to denim) I don't leave my house all that much and do not have a corporate job or anything like that so I don't have any super nice fancy dress clothes either. On the day to day my main default is tie-dye dresses around the house however usually my clothes are reflection of my mood/headspace.
As far as jewelry goes I've either made it myself, bought it from an artist, picked it up at Ren fest, or was given it. Not a huge jewelry wearing person though, like I don't even wear my wedding ring, ever, it's been 17 years XD, last time I looked at a Vogue magazine was when I was getting married.
I make it easy on myself and whenever I'm out and about I'm in black, serves a purpose in my opinion of making me look better while also turning people off who don't want to interact with a 'crazy" Gothic girl with purple hair and Skulls/Eldritch monsters on her shirt or sweater (thus shielding me from any bullshit related to my autism).
Great video 🙃💜💖
I'm 37 and I wear jeans dungarees all the time, even to work (I work in a bank). I stopped giving a f*** long time ago. Just wearing whatever I want.
I love the shawl-thingy you were wearing toward the end. Fab!
As someone who is approaching 40 in just a few months, I love your take. My wardrobe has continually evolved over the decades, but its always been and will continue to be things that make me feel fun and happy. The main take away I got when I hit 30 was not to over haul my wardrobe, but to spring for quality pieces that are more sustainable when it was time to replace items.
Love this video! I saved a lot of my strange kimono/loose jacket outfits with a turtleneck underneath instead of a top. And it's so nice for winter with long sleeves. The velvet jacket is stunning and definitely deserves more wear! 💗