I don’t know what it is with RantChic.com and their love of shaming. I have seen articles on what we should own, where we should shop, and what makeup we should rock. Recently, an article they published last year started circulating again. The title alone – 24 Things Women Over 30 Should Stop Wearing – had my circle of friends ready to toss tables in the name of hoop earrings and glitter shadow. Who was this “author” and where did she get off telling my age group what was or wasn’t appropriate to wear? What does a 20-something know about 30-somethings (or ANY-somethings) anyhow? Clearly, she thinks that after thirty we shrivel up, lose all sense of style, and should basically not torture the public with our existence.

Over 30 slide

We took the discussion to Sweatpants & Coffee’s discussion group on Facebook. Our beloved Sweatpants Café members, my own friends, and a few of us here on staff have decided the writers at RantChic need a quick education on how wrong their list was. So, let class begin….

The No-Nos

          • Graphic Tees

            These ladies like to express themselves graphically. TOP: Michelle Marqius, Shannon Moore, Kate McDermott, MIDDLE: Katie Seiber, Sara Mooney, Courtni George, BOTTOM: Kate Richards, Ronda Glessner, Auli’i VanBoskerck

            Really? Who doesn’t own at least one graphic tee? When did these become the symbol of what young means?

          • Hoop Earrings

            HOOP, there it is! Left to right: Lindsey Miller, Daliza Wiley, Candice Mills

            Apparently, these are only meant for younger girls – but why? Do my ear lobes offend? Are they wrinkled? Are they too old to be flaunting themselves around with those flashy hoops? I think not.

          • Glitter Eyeshadow, Blue Shadow, or Any SHADOW

            Jessica Dice Shaffer and Sylvia Tramel wear whatever the hell kind of eyeshadow they want.

            You read that right. After thirty we should just toss out our shadows all together. Our old eyes don’t deserve the slightest bit of sparkle or color. Let me tell you one thing I definitely learned in my thirties: I am never going to let anyone dull my sparkle. My sparkle includes my sparkly shadows.

          • Cheap Bras

            Katie's bra was hiding under her graphic tee. In shame.

            Katie’s cheapo bra was hiding under her graphic tee. In shame.

            We love this one: “At your age, your breasts really need more support.” They found us out, mature ladies. It’s no secret that on the day of our 30th birthday, our breasts pack it up and head off to retirement, leaving us with sad sacks of flesh and stretch marks. So, hurry up, ditch the Target bras that have outlasted all those Victoria Secret bras, and start throwing down some serious cash for better support. You wouldn’t want anyone to know your breasts have left you for sunny skies and shuffleboard. How embarrassing!

          • Old Sneakers

            Various over-age sneaker offenders.

            Various over-age sneaker offenders.

            This one left me baffled. I love my old Chucks. I have several friends who rock them in all colors of the rainbow. What exactly should we be wearing? Loafers? Orthopedic shoes? House slippers?

          • Leopard Print Anything

            Jen Violi, Kimberly Burd Henry, and Jennifer Gwinner are clearly animals when it comes to prints.

            Jen Violi, Kimberly Burd Henry, and Jennifer Gwinner are clearly animals when it comes to prints.

            Riiight. Forgot that animal attraction is only meant for young girls and “the club.”

          • Short Dresses

            Kimberly and Katie did not get the short dress memo. Tsk.

            Kimberly and Katie did not get the short dress memo. Tsk.

            DUH! Our sad 30-plus limbs should not be out and about for the world to see. Put those things away!

          • American Eagle Anything

            No example pic, but we have it on good authority that some of our graphic tee offenders were wearing A&E jeans as well. GASP.

            And for serious, I quote: “Can women over 30 even fit into A&E?” Well then, guess I need to return all the goodies I just bought. Someone should really card you while you check out.

          • Oversized Glasses and Sunglasses

            Shady characters: Misty Jackson, Michelle Marquis, Rachel Whetzel, Courtni George

            My hater blockers only have one thing to say to this BS – Haters gonna hate hate hate

Final thoughts:

I have a few words of wisdom to pass along to the staff at Rantchic and any other judgy McJudgersons. You will learn as you get older that the petty crap you surround yourself with now is just that – petty bullshit. You will learn at some point that the key to being a confident, strong and independent woman isn’t about keeping up with the trends or rules someone else has imposed on you. It’s really about something far deeper. It’s about loving yourself, loving your life, and doing what you want. I’m sure someday, you’ll be telling me and my 40-something friends what we can’t wear. We won’t be able to hear you though. We will be too busy enjoying the life we have created for ourselves.

Kathy_I do what I want

Kathy Kitzmiller, 30-something badass.

We invite all of you to take to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to share your love for the items on this list. Make sure you use the hashtag #SPCIdowhatIwant so we can find your pictures!

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