Age Appropriate

I work in fashion. I live in New York City. I'm nobody's style icon, but most people who know me consider me to be fashionable. Some of those people might not actually like what I wear, but maybe because I work in fashion and have worked in fashion for many years they would accept the idea that I am well-dressed. But well-dressed can be held to so many different standards.

Something I've begun to consider (but have not acted upon) is dressing well for my age. I feel my age a lot more now as a new mom. And I think about it every now and again when I see friends and acquaintances from my old life as a magazine editor. They look much more pulled together and polished and in some ways alien. 

My current lifestyle makes heels, dry-clean only fabrics and well-thought out accessories feel indulgent and unnecessary. Anything tricky or cumbersome (and I'm not just counting molded neoprene and statement clutches, that description also includes things like simple jewelry my son will yank on and anything that requires a bra) is unwelcome. But pared down and "easy" has somehow morphed into sloppy fast fashion mixed with clothes from my own line. 

This point was driven home recently by the appearance of a new intern in my office. 16 year old Lilli from Los Angeles wore a hand embroidered, 1920's silk kimono to work with an ease and elegance that defied her age. I, on the other hand, wore on the same day a pair of $9.99 American Eagle denim cut-offs and flip flops.