Having recently entered into my third decade, I have been surprised by the little Hello Kitty alarm clock sounding off in my head as I routinely gravitate toward the cute, the over the top hearts, the unicorn hoodie and wonder, seriously, am I too old to wear this stuff? Even if Vogue says women over 25 shouldn’t wear anything above the knee, in my heart of hearts I believe we women should wear whatever we want whenever we want (assuming we wear it right haha). That said, I am slightly terrified of becoming one of those women who just stopped adjusting her wardrobe and is stuck in baby-tees and LEI jeans because that is what was cool when she was in high school. I don’t think I am at any serious risk for this, but let’s face it, I have a thing for knee socks and petticoats. And I am thirty.
If you are similarly afflicted with a penchant for glitter, red patent leather Mary Janes, and remember when inflatable furniture was cool, here are a few style tips I am working on as I feel this all out- it’s definitely a work in progress.
- Tone down those pink tights with the red glitter hearts by wearing something basic (and black), preferably long-sleeved and to the knee.
- Instead of wearing the triple heart barrettes, consider a statement ring. I found a big, plastic white heart ring that does just the trick.
- Don’t interpret the whole Strawberry Shortcake and ponies thing quite so literally. Look for the barest of details - a bit of lace here, a velvet ribbon trim there is less…it’s severe while still hearkening back to your Jem and the Hologram roots.
- Man up - offsetting a really feminine piece with something bold and masculine like a pair of wide legged trousers or a blazer turns girly into almost unintentionally seductive. almost.
I really love this Lolita bunny t-shirt because I think it accomplishes the cute while still being completely wearable by women of many ages. Paired with the super cute (couldn’t resist) Siwy jeans, I could wear this on the weekend like hearts and bunnies are no big thing. What do you think?
This is a great post, Crosby! I’m moving to NYC next week and haven’t had much time for style inspiration hunting, let alone shopping. Very cute, but edgy chic at the same time!