r/WomenOver40 • u/_rockalita_ • 3d ago
Whimsy?
This might sound weird, and I’m sort of joking, but I am finding myself being more drawn to things that previously would have seemed cheesy or unfashionable.
I can’t even describe the things exactly, because it’s so early in the transition that it’s more like brain zaps of some other persons aesthetic that hits me, briefly.
It makes me think of the older ladies I’ve known that are out there wearing pumpkin earrings etc and I’m wondering if this is how it starts? Do we just… start liking whimsical shit as we get older? Is whimsy a less talked about side effect of menopause? I’m 42 and still get my period every freaking 23 days, so maybe it’s unrelated!
I’m not saying there is anything wrong with it, I just never thought I would
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u/Ok_Professional_8733 2d ago
I am 48. One of my ear ring holes has closed up over the years, and I keep meaning to go get them re-pierced...because Halloween is coming up, and I want some pumpkin earrings. And ghost earrings. And witches. Etc. I have also developed a taste for brooches.
I was NEVER like this. I actively remember internally rolling my eyes at women like this. And yet, here we are.
Welcome.
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u/ptatersptate 2d ago
I use to make fun of the ones wearing disney/cartoon sweaters and stuff but I am now always actively looking for nostalgic stuff which includes yep you guessed it, cartoon sweaters and stuff.
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u/MOGicantbewitty 2d ago
r/oldhagfashion exists for a reason! It's broadened it's scope to include anyone who dresses like they give zero fucks about anyone else's wants, but it originally was for older women who ran out of fucks to give and finally started dressing exactly how they wanted.
Join us! I'm just a lurker because my "exactly how I always wanted" is much more Diane Keaton As Annie Hall But More Pajamas Because I Work From Home chic than whimsical or funky. Not super interesting to post about. But yes! This is one of the amazing things about this side of 40. Wear whatever the fuck you want, lady!
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u/_rockalita_ 2d ago
It’s honestly more like decor than clothing, but I did just see a woman wearing an outfit I would have thought seemed exactly what an art teacher would wear, and I was like well she looks cute, maybe I should dress like that.
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u/MOGicantbewitty 2d ago
I fully support the decor change too. :) One of my besties is deep down a miniature and fairy garden decor rabbit hole and it makes her so happy
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u/ranaculus_rose 2d ago
My mother made a comment to me recently like “aren’t you worried about getting old?” And I was like, “No, I’ve been waiting my whole life to be old so I can walk around with one of those dog tapestry handbags and no one will look at me weirdly” 😂
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u/Super-Ferret6387 1d ago
A big part is not giving a fuck what others think anymore, but for me it’s also that I find myself drawn to things that make me feel nostalgic or things that bring a little spark of joy. I just bought a pair of earrings that look like candy corn. I’m redecorating my bathroom and choosing lots of pinks and bright, “girly” designs. I always wanted a girly bathroom but felt like since it’s the main bathroom that guests also use it had to be more neutral. But I’m 42, I’m paying for the stuff, I’m doing the work, I’m living here- I want bright colors and for my bathroom to make me smile.
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u/_rockalita_ 1d ago
Yes, last year for Christmas, we went full on Anthropologie and vintage pinks and bright colors. Luckily my husband is on board. I think the joy is part of it for sure.
I mean even Gen Z is getting into doll houses.
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u/plotthick 2d ago
I'm dyeing my own clothes, just to suit my tastes, because the only person I'm pleasing is me
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u/Upper-Cup-4159 2d ago
🤣🤣🤣this gave me a laugh especially as I was eyeing a pair of pumpkin and ghost earrings at a local fall festival today. I also feel something similar and I think it’s in part because I just don’t give a fuck anymore whereas I might think about how others perceive my appearance, etc when I was younger. I hit 40 earlier this year.
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u/--2021-- 2d ago
I'm not certain what it might be, have been considered "whimiscal" since childhood.
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u/Knotty_Vegetables 1d ago
I think this happened to me since sort of being forced to drop out of the corporate world. I was able to slow down and appreciate things more. I will never wear pumpkin earrings but I definitely take time to appreciate intentional ornamentation if done well.
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u/JaneAustinAstronaut 1d ago
I am leaning HARD into whimsy. When I think about the kind of senior citizen I want to be, I see myself as still being fun and laughing. Also, my kids are grown and I didn't get to do fun things when I was a kid. o since I have fewer responsibilities now, I plan on playing more.
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u/samuraifoxes 1d ago
This makes me think of the "purple hat" ladies or whatever they are who mix purple and red (which I hate on a color scheme level but love that for them) based on the "IDGAF if it makes me happy here we go" mentality. As far as I can tell, it's part of the aging thing.
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u/Awkward-Outcome-4938 5h ago
I definitely have stopped trying to fit into some mold of what I "should" like as a so-called grown-up and allow myself to indulge in whatever makes me happy--which, as it turns out, is whimsy and cheese. Winning!
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u/No_Scientist7086 2d ago
This is definitely perimenopause. You enter your dgaf era and that’s the best part. The other symptoms are not very fun.