Clothing holds a special place in my heart. The thrill of shopping and returning home with bags filled with outfits I adore brings me immense joy. On days when I feel uninspired or like I’m not caring for myself adequately, a trip to find new clothes revives my spirit.
Recently, while shopping at the mall with family, I informed my grandmother, mother, and aunts that I was stepping out of Macy’s to explore Forever 21. “What could you possibly need from there?” one of them inquired.
Clothes? Just looking to buy some trendy items at a clothing store. Cue the puzzled expressions.
At 31 years old, with two children and a minivan, I will continue to shop at Forever 21 until the day I’m buried in the stylish yet affordable pieces I’ve purchased from there.
In high school, my friends and I would spend hours in Forever 21, trying on the latest styles and picking out outfits for our outings. Over time, many of my friends abandoned the store, but I remained loyal.
The sign reads Forever 21, not “Be Young Until You’re 30” or “You’ve Hit a Certain Age, So Shop Elsewhere.” It boldly states Forever 21, and that’s the mantra I choose to embrace.
It strikes me as strange that societal expectations dictate that women must transition through different fashion phases as they age. Just because I’ve entered my thirties does not mean my wardrobe must do a complete overhaul. I still love crop tops, distressed jeans, maxi skirts, and graphic tees—even ones with cheeky phrases. The jewelry I choose is affordable enough that losing a piece doesn’t break my heart.
During my first pregnancy at 26, I overhauled my closet, tossing out anything I deemed inappropriate for a new mother. I traded in short skirts and low-cut tops for more conservative attire, convinced that I needed to fit a specific mold as a mom. Looking back, those thoughts seem ludicrous, but at the time, I felt it was crucial to embody a certain image.
The first six months after my son was born were marked by a disconnect from my true self. While my clothing choices contributed to this feeling, they were certainly not the sole factor. As I gradually returned to styles that made me feel comfortable and confident, I noticed a shift in my mood. The realization dawned on me that age or life changes should not dictate how I present myself to the world.
So yes, I shop at stores designed for women in their twenties because they resonate with my style. I prioritize shopping where I feel confident and happy, regardless of societal norms or opinions from family members.
At 31 years old, with two kids and a minivan, today I proudly wore patterned leggings and a t-shirt featuring Chewbacca in sunglasses. My bralette peeked out intentionally, and I felt fantastic.
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In summary, age should never restrict your fashion choices. Embrace what makes you feel confident, regardless of societal expectations, and remember that your style is uniquely yours.