I used to live in a house with a majestic staircase. One Sunday afternoon, I was bounding up the steps clad in a pair of ripped cut-off jeans and an embroidered top. I’d been out all afternoon – cheering on one of my sons at a soccer game, picking up a prescription at the drugstore and browsing a bit at the mall.
As I neared the top of the stairs, I found my husband staring down 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.
“See,” I shot back, “this is why I need a daughter. A feisty critical 15 year-old daughter would have pointed this out months ago – sparing me the public humiliation of appearing in something so unflattering today.”
I haughtily swept past him, marching to our bedroom and slamming the door.
That was over 30 years ago. And I never have worn thigh high cut-offs since.
But now I am confronted with a new dilemma: ripped blue jeans.
I’m almost 72 years-old. Do I dare wear them?
Part of me says: “They’re so cool.”
Part of me says: “Iris, really? It’s enough already. Your 13-year-old granddaughter would be horrified to find you dressing like her!”
So I took a very unscientific, but highly enlightening, poll on my Facebook page asking this question:
Okay friends: like some feedback – out of curiosity, at what age would you stop wearing those trendy jeans with rips in the things 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. Even if your office has causal Fridays, usually they aren’t allowed.
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 and for the record they are a size 16 and I look and 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 separate our generations, for sure.
Let’s just say they weren’t intended for our generation. That would cover the subject.
I’m done!
It’s time!
I will always wear whatever I feel comfortable in until I no longer feel comfortable in that style. Wear what makes you both comfortable and happy.
Hmmmm… I have shorts like that.
If you have to ask….
I see ALL ages wearing them. On some…they look great…on others …not so much.
I don’t wear them.
I don’t like them.
As long as it bothers my dad, I’ll wear them!
If and whenever you want.
Cher still wears them.
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. Ha Ha. But true, they are not my style. I think the age to stop it is when you feel “cheap” in them instead of old. The only rule I have is to “never look cheap.” No one will tell me how to dress at any age. Because dressing up is a part of joy and style – not age.
Conclusion?
Rest In Peace for ripped jeans? Hell no!
I’m heading to the mall to try on my first pair of jeans with rips. And gauge how I feel: silly or empowered? Then I’ll either whip out my credit card or walk away empty handed. Wanna come?
Keep Preserving Your Bloom,
Iris Ruth Pastor
PS: Hand-clapping to all voicing their point of view on my FB post.