Many years ago, I lived in a house with a majestic staircase. One Sunday afternoon, I was bounding down the steps clad in a pair of ripped cut-off jeans and an embroidered top.
As I neared the bottom of the stairs, I found my husband staring at me with a thoughtful expression. “You know, Iris,” he said with a regretful tone, “I think it’s time to retire the short-shorts.”
I was mortified. I glanced down ay my thighs. A little more dimpled? A little plumper? A little less firm? Perhaps.
I never have worn thigh high cut-offs since.
Looking back, I was about 40 years old at that juncture. Now, I am way past 40. In fact, now, I have three daughters-in-law who are past 40 too and all three of them are still wearing cut-off jean shorts.
And guess what? They look great in them.
I’m not making the same mistake twice: retiring something I love to wear just “because.”
So now a new dilemma presents itself: ripped blue jeans.
Next year, I will be 80. Do I dare still wear them?
Part of me says: “They’re so cool.”
Part of me says: “Iris, really? It’s enough already. Your teen-age granddaughters would be horrified to find you dressing like them!”
So I took a very unscientific, but highly enlightening, poll asking this question:
Okay friends: I’d like some feedback. Out of curiosity, at what age would you stop wearing those trendy jeans with rips in the thighs and calf area?
In two days, I amassed almost 60 comments.
Here’s a sampling:
I would never start.
Seven years old.
Stop at age 12.
I agree – they are just so tacky!
I’m thinking 30’s.
I never wore them and I’m 36. Never found them practical.
I’m 38 and still rock them! Not planning on stopping any time soon – I think if you feel good – who cares?! People will ALWAYS find something negative to say – with or without ripped jeans on.
I’m 50 and I wear them.
I’m 53 and wear them. Age is just a number – if you are happy who cares?
I stopped last year at age 70.
Age 85.
Never wear them – at any age – trendy is not necessarily attractive.
As long as you want and feel good in them!
Still wearing them.
A loooong time ago I stopped.
And some additional commentary:
Who needs more places to bulge?
Wear what you like and have fun doing it.
Just got a pair with pearls and rips size 16 and I feel FAB in them.
Don’t let anyone define you.
Baby boomers can wear anything they want.
I say if you can, rock it. Wear it.
I would wear them for as long as they are available in my size.
They weren’t intended for our generation.
I’m done!
It’s time!
I will always wear whatever I feel comfortable in until I no longer feel comfortable in that style.
If you have to ask….
I see ALL ages wearing them. On some…they look great…on others …not so much.
As long as it bothers my dad, I’ll wear them!
If and whenever you want.
I still wear mine and so does my hubby (his, not mine!)
Never wore them. Couldn’t rationalize spending money on clothes that look like rags.
I’m too klutzy to wear them. I would constantly be getting hung up on stuff.
At my age…I’m smarter… then wearing torn jeans in the summer!
Until you stop feeling good in them. I have a pair, albeit, with very small discreet tears so my wrinkly skin doesn’t opt through. I’ve seen women (even) older than me looking great in them
LOL. I’m wearing mine now. Age is just a number.
I never wore them at any age.
I think the age to stop it is when you feel “cheap” in them instead of old.
How do I feel? I’m not going to let anyone tell me how to dress at any age. Because dressing up is a part of joy and style – not age.
I’ve already willingly and thoughtfully given up bikinis, miniskirts, crop tops, high heels, sleeveless tops and low-cut tops. How much more has to go before all I have left are beige cardigans and mid-calf tweed skirts?
Conclusion?
Rest In Peace for ripped jeans? Hell no!
I’m heading to the mall to buy a few more pairs.
What else am I doing to defy my age?
I’m growing my hair extra-long. I’m combining my ripped jeans with red lipstick, brightly colored nails, big hoop earrings, sequins and glitter. Join me as I am growing older, bolder and continually…
What have you supposedly “aged out of” that you absolutely refuse to give-up as the years and decades roll by? I’d like to know.
Keep Preserving Your Bloom and Keep Kickin’ Ass,
Iris Ruth Pastor
