September 24, 2009
retro chic
Jean Seberg, circa 1961
I have a haircut scheduled sometime soon; this is the cut I’m hoping for. And yes, it’s very much like what I have now, but more texturized across the front, I think.
For someone with so little hair, I certainly manage to overthink it, you know?
I’m constantly pulling photos of great short haircuts, because it can be almost impossible to explain a cut to a stylist exactly, particularly if she speaks Stylist and you speak Girl Who Overthinks Her Short Hair. They’re not compatible languages, sadly.
Recently, I’ve noticed that the cuts I’m the most drawn to are all the hair styles of women in their 20s. I am not a woman in my 20s, unless you want to argue that I’m in my second round of 20s, which is a stretch. So then I start to think that maybe Jean Seberg’s 1961 hair (she was 23 in this photo) isn’t the best choice. Maybe I should look for older women with cool short hair.
But other than Jamie Lee Curtis, there aren’t any, and while I really like Jamie Lee’s hair, I like Jean’s hair better.
Last night I bought a pair of boyfriend jeans, which has nothing to do with hair but which also made me think about being 40 (ok, 41, be particular about it) and looking to The Kids for fashion inspiration. Is there an age limit on boyfriend jeans? I really hope not because my god are they ever comfortable.
But the bigger question, I think, is this: How do you know what it takes to look your age? Do you feel like you look your age? What should your age look like? I’m 40 (FINE, FORTY ONE, WHATEVER) but I don’t necessarily feel 40 (ONE). I feel like me. Then again, what’s forty (one) supposed to feel like? When I was 20 I thought it would feel like being dead; now that I’m forty (one) it feels like being busy and being satisfied and being successful. And then I find myself buying a pair of jeans that most likely were intended for someone half my age and I think, am I over reaching? Will I look like one of those women who tries regain her lost youth by dressing like a girl?
Because really, what I love about the boyfriend jeans and the pixie cut is how easy they are. I’m a grown up, but I’m still lazy. Go me.
Maybe this is my midlife crisis. Because I can’t explain my obsession with low maintenance hair and pre-distressed jeans in any other way.
Weigh in on the boyfriend jean — yay or nay?
Posted by Susan @ 10:14 pm • pretty things
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September 24th, 2009 at 10:49 pm, Julie Says:
I say yes to the boyfriend jeans. Love the haircut in the photo. You should go for it. If you don’t like the cut it will grow out quickly. I have the same questions with “age appropriate”. Saw a cute top at a store this week and was horrified when I realized it had coordinating elastic waist pants to go with it. When I see all the young girls in J Crew I wonder if I’m too old. Thank goodness for on-line shopping! Go for the haircut.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:55 pm, Tracey Says:
Yea to the boyfriend jeans
I think we can wear whatever jeans we darn well feel like, even when we’re 60+ 
Jeans in particular, I feel are for everyone, ageless if you will. Pair it with the appropriate top and it’s all good. I love the haircut and think it will be fabulous on you! I also say, go for it! The only suggestion I have for you is….go for a slightly darker, stronger eyebrow (like the gal in the photo!) and for evening, do you ever do a nice eyeliner a la Sophia Loren, but softened with shadow so the line is not so harsh? I really think that combined with the eyebrow, your eyes will POP! Take photos!! LOL
September 24th, 2009 at 11:56 pm, Tracey Says:
p.s. keep the lips neutral if you play up those eyes! Sexy!
September 25th, 2009 at 12:21 am, Kaleigha Says:
You should post a photo of the jeans!
September 25th, 2009 at 5:22 am, hollygee Says:
On the other end of the spectrum, women with short hair who are a LOT older than you:
http://www.mi6.co.uk/sections/articles/bond_21_report_march05.php3
http://www.thewrap.com/files/alg_peter_paul_mary.jpg
Yeah, I know, leukemia, but the hair is good.
http://www.beautifulhairstyles.com/short/very/annielennox.html
September 25th, 2009 at 6:09 am, Ann Says:
Oh lord, these are questions I struggle with daily. This is the stuff of life, you know? I’m still searching for the perfect short haircut. Jeans? meh. I need to lose more than a few pounds but I dream of the perfect pair. I am constantly wondering if I’m dressing my age or should be dressing my age (Susan you hit the nail on the head). 49 for 2 more days….what the hell am I supposed to do with my wardrobe then? Buy old-lady clothes? Ack.
September 25th, 2009 at 6:44 am, Susannah Says:
the haircut is darling (but what you have now is, too) and TOTALLY FINE for 40 something. In fact, it’s much better than long hair, I think. Jeans, YES!
I love reading your blog. Thank you!
September 25th, 2009 at 6:56 am, Kristie Says:
well, I’m 43 and dress like I’m 60, so you probably don’t want my opinion.
For me its not about age, but about size. Simply put, I’m not little enough to get away with younger clothes …. (not unless I want people to laugh and point in public)
September 25th, 2009 at 7:05 am, Shannon Says:
I think about this all the time! I’m 38, but spend all my time with preschoolers (OK, fine, one preschooler and one kindergartner), which means not that I try to dress like I’m three, but that casual clothes work best for my lifestyle, and guess what? Casual clothes don’t always look very grown-up. And then when I do (rarely) go shopping to try something new and nice, I’m always wondering if it’s actually meant for a 20 year old. Hard!
September 25th, 2009 at 7:28 am, Terri Says:
I LOVE the hair. It seems very you. I like the boyfriend jean that I see, but will it work for someone (like me) who is curvy and quite-un pixie like? I’m kind of the anti-pixie.
September 25th, 2009 at 7:42 am, Rebecca Says:
I love your hair and I think the jeans will be perfect for you.
My favorite line in this post is that you feel satisfied and successful. That really is what it’s all about!
September 25th, 2009 at 7:57 am, Julie Says:
I’d love to explore more about the dressing-your-age question. Being 50 (okay, 51) in a college town, and with a relatively young child (younger mommies) is a conundrum!
September 25th, 2009 at 9:50 am, Cass Says:
Good question. I struggle with this all the time. I’m 38 and feel that if I do too much with my hair, make-up or clothes that I look like I am trying too hard. And the dreaded “cougar” word comes into my head. Strangely, when I had super short hair I felt like I could get away with more. “Look she’s not trying too hard because her hair isn’t big and long.” Now that my hair is long, although not that big, it seems harder…
September 25th, 2009 at 10:13 am, Lisa V Says:
I love the short hair. Though I like more bangs for myself (short forehead). I also agree that women need to really watch that their eyebrows haven’t disappeared as they age. I’m seeing how mine really require some color that they didn’t a few years ago. Thicker does my the eyes pop.
Six months ago I cut my hair this short. I’m thinking of growing it out now though. I love the ease, I kind of feel young and kicky. But I HATE that I have to have it cut every four weeks for it to look good. Also hate that it makes color more complicated. I’ve been highlighting it blonde for 20 years. It can look choppy when it’s short, and I hate my dark nape. I either have to go to single color (which I don’t like as much as highlights) or grow it out.
Oh, and yes on boyfriend jeans, the only jeans that are no are the superskinnies I think. No matter how thin you are, you look like you’re trying to hard unless you’re under drinking age.
September 25th, 2009 at 10:34 am, Jenny Says:
I’m not yet 30, so I’m weighing in at the other end of the spectrum. I say as long as it’s not too tight or too short, go for it. The whole age-appropriate/ judgment thing is mostly a myth, and young(-ish) women like me love to see well-dressed women that don’t give in to old-lady clothes too early!
Ditto on your short hair - it suits you perfectly, and hairstyles don’t have to have an “age”
September 25th, 2009 at 10:57 am, Paulla Says:
Yay on the jeans AND the hair. I’m 42 and LOVING it. I have better hair and body than I did at 30 and way more confidence. That’s what it’s all about. You don’t look like a teen or a wannabe - just a hip gal who could be any age and who LIKES herself. That’s key.
September 25th, 2009 at 11:03 am, Laura Says:
GO for the JEANS and GO for the HAIR!
It’s all about how you feel and these things make you feel great! Life is to short to worry about it!
September 25th, 2009 at 11:25 am, Javamom Says:
What’s a boyfriend jean? Or boyfriend jeans? Huh?
September 25th, 2009 at 11:33 am, Lauren Says:
I think comfort that fits your style is great at any age. And confidence, that’s what lets you pull it off. Although I’m probably a candidate for a makeover show as I’m 33 and occasionally still wear pigtails. Anyone want to turn me in? I’d love a free haircut and some new clothes
September 25th, 2009 at 11:46 am, Laura F Says:
Love the hair. As for the jeans, I’d need to see a picture of you in them. (I have a feeling you look great in them). It’s not the style that matters, it’s how YOU look in the style that counts. Some women at 41 look ridiculous in younger styles, some look perfectly natural. I think the thinner you are (and you are THIN) the younger the styles you can get away with.
September 25th, 2009 at 11:49 am, blackbird Says:
How’s this for old: I don’t know what boyfriend jeans are.
On the other hand: I had that haircut last year and it was a little harsh for my angular older-than-you face, but I think it will suit you.
There are very subtle differences in very short haircuts that only WE and a good stylist can see.
I wear whatever jeans look good on me, and watch carefully to see what my kids friends are wearing SO I DON’T LOOK LIKE ONE OF THEM.
September 25th, 2009 at 1:24 pm, Lar Says:
Oh, don’t I struggle with this whole age-appropriate thing! All the fashion magazines seem to be aimed at 25-year-olds, and I am . . . not 25. I’m 38, actually, and wish that I could tell which trends work on me and which are best left for the under-30 crowd.
Lucky magazine, are you listening? How about a fashion mag for the rest of us!
September 25th, 2009 at 1:26 pm, JoAnn Says:
Totally Yay!! I am 42 so I competely get what you are saying!!!
September 25th, 2009 at 1:40 pm, NotCarol Says:
Last christmas we went south (Indiana, Chicago) to meet my boyfriend’s family. He is in his forties and his siblings/spouses are too. I was particularly concerned with dressing the part so as not to appear to be the teenager that they naturally assume that I am (I had just turned 27 and my daughter was almost three). I spent weeks looking for just the right cardigans and just the right turtlenecks and just the right pair of not to tight jeans. Oh my god and the purse. And the perfect clothes for my kid.
When arrived at the house in Indiana for dinner the first night, my (soon to be sister in law) was wearing leopard print this and super tight jeans that and had huge rockstar hair because she and her kids (who are teenagers) and their friends (there were never fewer than fifteen teenagers in that house the whole time I was there) had spent the afternoon rocking out to their new Wii Rockband and she was the lead singer. They were awesome and I had totally over thought the entire affair.
She always had way hipper jeans than me. I wanted her to take me shopping.
I don’t think age has much to do with anything when it comes to fashion anymore. Honestly, I think barring mid-drift revealing wear, which shouldn’t have ever been popular with teens, let alone adults…ew. That so long as you dress appropriately for your body type the rest is just personality.
The same goes for hair, except, and this is a personal bias, I don’t think long hair is particularly professional or practical on anyone over the age of 22. Who has the damn time?
I heart the haircut…totally suits you.
Also, I think I might heart the boyfriend jeans…they might suit me…
September 25th, 2009 at 3:26 pm, The Coffee Lady Says:
the jeans: I think my issue is more my hips than my age. By definition boyfriend jeans are not made for the hourglass figure.
the cut: I think you look great with it. Like the earlier poster, I’m a bit of an anti-pixie too
September 25th, 2009 at 3:39 pm, Amy Says:
I agree with the above commenter. My hips don’t lie….
But to the overall theme of this post: I am 35 and the mother of 6 1/2 teenagers/young adults and I don’t feel a day older than…..well, whenever.
I often wonder when am I supposed to ‘act my age’ and what does that mean?
September 25th, 2009 at 5:30 pm, Carrie Says:
The hair is great, the jeans are comfortable, what more could you want?
I am more than 40 (one) and teach third grade. The little 8 year olds come in with cool sneakers and I ask if they come in my size. I see the hairstyles and wonder if I could pull them off. I notice I wear a lot of pink. YOU? You’re fine. ME? I take fashion cues from kids 40 years younger than I am. I am the one who is off base here and needs to grow up (fashion-wise).
September 25th, 2009 at 7:29 pm, Lisa V Says:
Have you seen October’s Vogue with Michelle Williams on the cover and inside? Beautiful pictures of a great short haircut. Made me swoon.
September 25th, 2009 at 7:35 pm, Lisa V Says:
Link to the video at Vogue. http://www.style.com/vogue/voguediaries/2009_October_Michelle_Williams/
September 25th, 2009 at 8:28 pm, Ann Wagner Says:
Susan,
I am in total agreement with the previous post that Michelle Williams haircut would be great on you!!!
Mom
September 25th, 2009 at 10:44 pm, Caroline Says:
I think yea to the boy friend jeans! I’m also 41 (42 Oct. 18th) and still sometimes visit Wet Seal, Forever 21 and the like. Because the alternative….tummy tuck jeans.
September 26th, 2009 at 1:06 am, Kim Yamaguchi Says:
This is why I love you Susan. You think like I do, but you have actual style.
Love the haircut, I’m sure the jeans are great. I never know how to dress my age (40), what my age should dress like and to be honest, I never have. So I’m pretty sure that other than 1983 when my hair was short, burgundy, and I dressed like Duran Duran meets Adam Ant, I haven’t really ever looked age appropriate (if you can call it that). I can never figure out how to dress. *sigh*
And I just cut my hair in a combo Posh Spice/Katie Holmes bob. ‘Cos I’ve decided that I am SO through with long hair.
For today anyway LOL
September 26th, 2009 at 8:47 am, Jennifer txmomof3 Says:
Here’s my thought. I still wear the young/boyfriend/distressed jeans. BUT I buy the more expensive pair. In my 20’s and maybe even into my 30’s, I could go buy the boyfriend jeans at Gap or Old Navy. But now I have to get them at Nordstrom or some fancy boutique that just sells expensive jeans. Basically, I have to get a high-end version of those “young” jeans because I think they are made for women our age.
But keep in mind, I still wear braids when my hair is dirty so I’m not necessarily a stickler for the rules (I’m assuming there’s a rule that a woman around 40 shouldn’t be wearing anything resembling pigtails no matter what).
September 26th, 2009 at 10:12 am, Linda Says:
Another vote for the Michelle Williams haircut! It would look great on you!
September 26th, 2009 at 10:17 am, Jess Says:
You can rock any look, Susan! You’re just THAT sassy:) I totally wish I had the nerve to go that short…can’t wait to see pics!
September 26th, 2009 at 10:43 am, Jules Says:
I say yes to whatever is comfortable and makes you feel good. I’ll be 42 in a couple of months. I certainly don’t think I look my age and have been told by others that I don’t look it. But I’m with you on wondering what it looks like. Ah well.
September 26th, 2009 at 3:26 pm, hollygee Says:
Remember that Seberg’s face is heart-shaped and your’s is rectangular. You may want your hair closer from the ears down with some fullness from the ears up to soften the rectangle. Or not.
September 26th, 2009 at 4:56 pm, Molly Says:
I think about the age appropriate thing a lot (seriously), and I think the jeans and short hair are both great and totally appropriate.
I think short hair is awesome, no matter your age. Of course, I am 41 and always wear my hair very short, so I could be biased.
September 27th, 2009 at 10:40 pm, Pamela Says:
Susan, you are my favorite blogger by far. You are talented, creative, hard-working, and adventurous. And I love your style. But I have to tell you that I don’t like this haircut for you at all. I love a bang on you. And this overall style is reminiscent of Mr. Potato Head or a texturized bike helmet, I can’t decide which. But having said that, I trust your style infintely better than my own and am sure you will make the right choice. You have written before that the shorter cut makes you feel older and I really think you are on the right track there. Growing it out a tad big would not be too much work but would make you feel more feminine and younger. You are gorgeous and will remain so in whatever style you choose though.
September 27th, 2009 at 10:41 pm, Pamela Says:
mmm, I meant to type a tad “bit”, not big.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:29 pm, Sue @ My Party of 6 Says:
I haven’t checked out the boyfriend jeans yet (although I am way more likely to join that trend than the skinny jeans), but after reading this I did resolve to go back to my short pixie hair. Which I did today! I’m in hair shock, but much happier. Even if I am in my 40s.