Dear Twenty-Somethings: Don’t Dictate My Style

Adult human female anatomy diagram chartAt home insemination

I’ve officially crossed into my 40s, surrounded by a whirlwind of teenagers. Frankly, I’m exhausted by the barrage of unsolicited advice from those who barely remember their first crush, let alone what it means to truly navigate adulthood.

Recently, I stumbled upon yet another one of those condescending slideshows titled “Things Women Should Avoid After 30.” One of the ridiculous suggestions? Ditch the big hoop earrings. My immediate thought? To give the screen a defiant gesture.

Really? Who decided that I’m “too old” for hoop earrings? I’ve cherished them my entire life. Just recently, I treated myself to a stunning pair of large silver hoops that dangle to my shoulders. My spirit is untamed, reminiscent of a carefree gypsy adorned in hoops and bangles. And yet, here comes some woman-child dictating what I should or shouldn’t wear based on some arbitrary age guideline. Absolutely not.

It’s precisely because I’ve reached this age that I’ve stopped caring about societal norms dictating my choices in fashion or self-expression. I got my first tattoo at 40, and this year I embraced a bold teal hair color. You know what? I feel incredible. My beloved Doc Martens boots remain a staple in my wardrobe, and I challenge any online kid, likely younger than some of my oldest clothing, to tell me they’re inappropriate.

You know what women shouldn’t do after turning 30? They shouldn’t impose limitations on one another. They shouldn’t accept the harmful narratives pushed by others. They should never stifle their true selves to conform to outdated norms. They certainly shouldn’t allow inexperienced strangers to dictate their choices.

How can we inspire our daughters to break barriers and pursue their dreams if we succumb to the whims of internet toddlers telling us we can’t wear hoop earrings past our 30th birthday? No way. I refuse to adhere to your narrow definitions of how a woman over 30 should present herself. I’ve always resisted peer pressure, and that feeling only intensifies as I age.

Now, let me make this clear: you’re too young to tell me how to live my life. Survive the trials of adulthood, and then you can set your own rules. Meanwhile, I’ll continue to wear whatever makes me happy, whether it’s a knee-length skirt or my trusty Converse sneakers. And just for the record, the most enthusiastic compliments I receive about my teal hair come from women under 30. Even they see through the nonsense.

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In summary, age should never dictate how we express ourselves. We must stand firm against societal pressures and embrace our individuality, no matter what age we are.