Serious Question Time – At What Age Do You Have to Stop???
March 19, 2015Anyways…..so this post came to me because I have been pinning so many Spring/Summer inspirations and I kept on finding a common theme…….I am really into that boho/festival/hippie chick look right now.
So I’m at Target the other day and I pick up this little crochet number and I try it on.
I mean how cute right? Wouldn’t it look amazing with a long maxi skirt and fun headband for music concerts when it’s scorching hot out??? Maybe I’ll even like throw a peace sign out during a photo opt because wouldn’t that be all fabulous and blogger like of me? I then proceed to literally have a 15 minute conversation with myself in the dressing room. Not because I am slightly crazy and like to have internal conversations with my alter ego because I honestly feel like this is a valid question. Are you ready for it?
After I have now hit the age of over 30 can I legitimately wear a shirt that shows my stomach?
I mean…..I have some shirts/pics from the good ole University of Florida days that I wish I could bury where I am rocking the stomach bearing shirts. Case in point. Oh yes you are seeing that white blonde hair correctly you don’t need to adjust your screens. Tell me you had those side lace up tie pants from Express? I was obsessed with those! They were also so great for that extra freshman poundage that was added on from way too many pokey stix and pizza late nights.
Let’s just say does anyone remember the beaded half shirts that the bottom half of the shirt was hanging beads? Oh you don’t let me find you an example (just cut this one in half and add hanging vertical beads to finish off the look).
You get extra points if yours was shaped in like a butterfly or another object to that sort. I swear I had them in every color. My hot pink one was the best with those sweet double string ties in the back.
I also loved to the rock that Britney Spears I’m not a girl not yet a woman video half shirts with those long batwing sleeves.
I’m seriously just laying it all out there today aren’t I???
So as I’m telling my sister I am taking some pictures for the blog and it involves a shirt that kinda shows my stomach I immediately hear the hesitation in her voice. I felt like I had to blurt out “it’s research for the blog” to which she brightened up “oh well then that’s okay“. Here it is put together with my southwestern skirt that I have pretty much been wearing on repeat.
So here is my question. What is the age you can’t show your stomach anymore even if you do hours of work outs and you could still legitimately rock it but think you probably shouldn’t anymore? There is no right or wrong I would just love to hear your thoughts! This is all in total good fun because you know I like to ask the really tough questions ;-) Spill let me know! xoxoxoxoxo
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I was just thinking about those express jeans the other day trying to figure out where they went!! Goodwill I’m sure. I loved those pants though. Seriously good times!!
I think age isn’t the issue per se. I personally don’t care for the belly baring look on anyone, regardless of age and never have.
That said, you look great and can pull it off. 😉
And I was vacationing in St Martin and we were hanging out with these women (in their late forties, early 50’s) one lady had a top on like yours and she looked good in it. Again, just not my taste, but I know some people love it and I can admit when people look good in it!
By the way, what’s your current process with your hair? I like the color, it looks good.
I think it’s all about presentation. Not about age. I’m not a rule follower. If I’m comfortable in something, I go with it. I am NOT comfortable in stomach baring tops because I’m carrying far too much weight for that for my comfort zone. I am comfortable with purple eye shadow. I’m at an age that some may feel it’s inappropriate, but I still wear purple eye shadow (well, it’s closer to plum color).
Hahaha I have had the same exact internal conversation with myself! I still wear shirts that show my stomach from time to time but I try to keep it classy and not show too much. If I’m showing some skin at the bottom I try to make sure the top is covered, that sort of thing. It’s definitely hard to say in my opinion. If you’re comfortable in it, I say go for it!
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
Well my thought is if you got it flaunt it!! I dont think there is a “right” age lol and when it’s someone like you that doesn’t even look like you are in the 30 club then you should not be having that convo at all lol! xo, Biana – BlovedBoston
Giiiiiiirl, I think about that allll the time. My opinion is similar to Pamela’s, if it’s showing up top it’s with long pants or vice versa. Personally, if you’re IN shape enough to rock the top at 30 I think in the right setting you should do it if you want. The key is to be able to know internally when it’s getting a bit Mariah Careyish, haha.
Ummmmm can we talk about the three beaded tops I had in college? yeah, good grief!!!
You look amazing in the top, btw!
As long as you look good and feel confident in it, you should totally rock it. And duh, you look great in it!
I definitely believe that it is a comfort thing. If you feel comfortable wearing it, that will show. Confidence is always an accessory to any outfit. I think you look amazing in that top with the skirt and wedges!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
I think as long as you are not rocking it to work or professional events then you can have fun with your look on the weekend. And if you are comfortable then perfect! I feel like I am always worried about running in to clients in pubic and then over think the whole situation! I love it with the southwestern skirt that is a very festival chic ensemble!
Okay, first of all- taking me baaaaack with a 579 reference, yes!
And I think I had those jeans with the lace-up sides, omg.
Answer: what’s good enough for JLo is good enough for all of us. Homegirl is still showing off her torso and she’s wayyyy older than us (also, maybe an alien). You look amazing in this lace crop- work, lady!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I think there’s a tasteful way to do this at our age. Don’t go all teenager all over the place–but the outfit you’re wearing is cute and doesn’t let it all hang out. You’re a fit woman and can pull it off. I mean, I wouldn’t wear it to see patients…but to a bar? Sure!
I think you can do it as long as you feel comfortable in it. Obviously like others have said, no short top and then short bottoms, but I think as long as it’s tastefully done (which I know you would never NOT do), I think it’s ok until you don’t feel like you can anymore.
Look at Brandi Glanville….wait, maybe that wasn’t a good example…lol
this is soooo funny and a good question! i can’t do it because well i don’t look like you. but i think all in moderation. if you show a little stomach – then don’t show your boobs and all of the legs in short-ass shorts. right? but can i just say that those “back-less” shirts where SO cool back in college? for da club. haha. oh it’s great memories. rock that shirt girl! (also – valid point – it’s target so if you hate it in a week who cares)
cheshirekatblog.com
Your white top is SO cute and I love it paired with the skirt!
it’s really how one feels/how comfortable they are. at this point in my life, i could totally rock showing off my mid-section thanks to hours of muay thai but i choose not to. a 39yr old hag and crop tops just don’t fit my look….these days i go for the “potato” look LOL.
btw, that beady/backless number? I HAVE THAT EXACT STYLE/TOP BUT IN TURQUOISE and i can’t bring myself to donate it because IT’S JUST SO PRETTY not to mention i paid good money to ho out in that top! LOL
I don’t really think it’s about age, I think it’s about preference. I personally don’t like the stomach baring look on anyone, whether they can or can’t pull it off or whether they’re 17 or 30 or 45. It just says redneck to me for some reason. I much prefer a bare shoulder or a shirt that’s interesting in the back.
I’m not sure it is about age (although I heard on the Today Show this morning that you should no longer wear a bikini after the age of 48 haha) but more about if you feel confident in it. If you’re having doubts about whether or not, I would say don’t wear it because that stuff always shows through. But if you truly love love love it and wear it well, then why not?!
Number one- you’re completely rocking the top!
Number two- I feel that as long as you can pull it off and you feel comfortable in it, go for it! At the end of the day it’s about you feeling comfortable and loving the way you look.
LOL at those tops.. college.. Those were the days!! Sigh. Anyways… I’m going to be 35 this year so I understand this question and how you might feel. :-) I definitely ask myself that sometimes. You always look age appropriate though, and you have a fantastic figure so you can wear whatever you want. Love that top and it looks great with that fab skirt. :-)
I’ve wondered the same thing! I just turned 30 last year AND I have a 2 year old daughter, so I always wonder if either of those things means I should never wear tops that show my belly. lol! I haven’t in years anyway but sometimes a top is so cute that it makes me wonder if I could pull it off. lol!
First of all, thank you for the memories with all those tops. I always wanted a shirt just like Britney’s in that scene from Crossroads, and now I kinda do again. Anyways, I say if you’re confident in what you’re doing, then wear whatever you want! As long as you have the body to do so … I love how you wore the lace crop with the skirt!
Age is just a number! My aunts are in their 50’s and look damn good in a bikini and wear them to the beach every summer #floridaladies! You look great and have the confidence to pull it off and that’s all that matters!
I think it is totally about how you present it! You look amazing and classy – so rock it lady! I think where it becomes questionable is when the overall look of the outfit is kinda trashy (ie the stuff we used to wear back in undergrad ;) haha! I think the crop top/high waist skirt look is also a great way for those of us that aren’t 21 anymore to show a little skin in a more age appropriate way :)
I think as long as you can rock it, and the setting is right for the outfit – go for it, who cares what age!
You are totally rocking it! I love how you styled it, too!
xo Southern Style
Wow. This is a hard one. Because lately when I see those crop top shirts I always roll my eyes because it reminds me of Kylie/Kendall Jenner. I believe you can rock a crop top if you have a really high waisted skirt. I’m talking really high. Where all you see is like an inch of skin. But no belly buttons because I believe that should be left in the 90’s.
Here is what I am talking about: http://cdn.teen.com/wp-content/gallery/celebrities-in-crop-tops-high-waisted-skirts/jessica-alba.jpg
I feel like as long as you feel good in them, it’s ok. And the top you have on is tasteful. I don’t look at it and think, “Oh geez! That’s a lot of skin”. I do think as we get older we need to choose our clothes appropriately, but I think as long as it’s tastefully done you can rock it!
first, YES! I always get post ideas when I’m about to go to sleep and Michael gets so mad that I turn my phone on to write it down- whoops!
Second, this is such a good question. I think it’s really how you carry yourself and if you can rock it. You have the body for it and you paired it with a classy skirt (not a mini that shows your butt!) so I think it totally works!
Well – I think it depends WHERE and WHEN you are wearing a stomach bearing shirt.
If it’s at a concert, on vacation at a hot sunny place, or even with a skirt that is high waisted – then sure why not.
But, just out and about – doing errands – after 30? nope nope nope. Don’t care how rocking the body is.
Also – Think about it this way, after 30, should you stop rocking a bikini? After children – should you stop rocking a bikini? If you still have the body??? I think not. Just wear it in the appropriately…
Time and Place.
I’m in my late 20s and have started thinking about this too, but if I feel comfortable and good in something then I go for it. I just want to wear what makes me feel like myself. I honestly feel like I’m just getting to my prime and we shouldn’t limit ourselves. When I’m 90 am I going to regret wearing that crop top? Nope! I’ll be damn glad that I did. I think you rocked it!
You know, I have been wondering about this recently too. I think it’s more of a feeling than a specific age. I’m in much better shape than I was five years ago but now I’m into knee grazing hems and one piece swimsuits. Go figure right?
My situation is a little different because I have a super judgy almost 10 year old daughter. Even though I am only 32 I would never wear something like that now. It just doesn’t suit my personality. As a matter of fact sometimes when Taylor is misbehaving I threaten to pick her up from school in a half shirt and embarrass her in front of her friends as a threat. Haha!
You probably had this all over the comments, but you can rock it so you can do it. Just not to Easter brunch. But for a concert throwing a peace sign? You got this! Wait until you hit 40 to ask these questions. <3
I loved this entire post and I totally just re-remembered 579! Too funny! Your outfit looks amazing, I love that skirt with the top and wedges. I agree with what a lot of people already said, I think more than the age it’s about how you wear it, and you can totally rock it!
Girl my thought is that as long as you have the body for it, why not? You look great and I’m loving it paired with that skirt! But don’t get me wrong I think about those things all the time, especially when I’m like “I’m a mom now, should I?” with so many things. I think as long as you are comfortable in something and you can rock it, then do it.
This is a tough debate. First off let me start off by saying you in no way shape or form look your age. So perks there. (; Second off the way you styled it above, with just a tad bit of skin showing and a high waisted skirt, I think that is the most appropriate way to wear them. So by all means, flaunt it while you can.
This post gave me a good laugh with all the awesome 90’s fashion references. (;
When you have a body like you do… keep showing off those abs & backs & arms & whatever you want to show!
When you have a body like mine, you cover it up at a young age :) haha
All individual – that’s for sure!
I agree with everyone else – depends on where you wear it! But this outfit is adorable and I want it :)
ps. I know we’ve never met, but i’m Kelly Delaney’s best friend – Hi from PA!
i totally had those tie up pants, but australian version obviously. i showed off my stomach way too much as a teenager. i’m not into it at all now – mainly because i have a huge scar on my stomach that i’m self conscious about. that being said – you look amazing and can absolutely pull it off. i don’t like when people say things like that, so i’ll say this – if you are comfortable, rock it. if you’re not, don’t.
I think it’s all about moderation & environment and less about age. Honestly, in my opinion even if you’re 15 and have a rockin bod, wearing a bra length crop top and denim underwear that masquerades as “shorts” is just not classy. But if it’s the weekend and you’re showing a little bit of skin up top and keeping everything under wraps on the bottom I think it looks great – your outfit is a perfect example! I know it wouldn’t work on me but you work hard for your amazing figure, and girl you should show it off!
I think it is totally personal preference. I don’t think I would wear it regardless of the shape I was in but I say rock it if you want to. I totally wore them back in the day.
Oh god, I used to have so many of the tops you posted. And the belly button ring to go with it. I think I could do a belly top now if it was either looser or if my bottoms were pretty conservative. And if I go to the gym more. Ha!
I definitely think it has nothing to do with age! You look amazing and it’s very modest! When I’m not sure about something in my closet I think, look at Kayne West, he dresses like a complete idiot and totally owns it, why can’t I?? Lol, but in all seriousness, you’re dressing in a tasteful way and you look awesome. I wouldn’t question or judge you at all if I saw you in public and I’d be jealous of your outfit!
I still adore a good crop top!
Hmmm I don’t know if you could put an age on it, but I personally probably wouldn’t wear anything like that after 50 haha. But girl…. you have a longggg time before you have to worry about it- the top/skirt combo looks great!
If my abs looked like yours then I would be wearing one every day! Jk. But not. Crop tops now are so much chicer and refined then the sassy little numbers ala 2001. I mean, those were for the pure purpose of showing skin and being as semi-nude as possible. I would roll and unbutton shirts to expose as much as I could! But I really LOVE a crop top and high waist bottom right now!
I have never shown my stomach (because I’ve been way too embarrassed haha). You look great, you’re wearing the crop top style in a classy way (and not showing your underboobs) so I say go with your bad self. I think a real no is post-kids, but that’s just me :)
I’ve never been a fan of the shirts like that because my stomach is not the flattest of stomachs but I think this top looks great on you! I think this one is much more modest (maybe it’s the higher wasted skirt) but I think since it’s just a little bit of skin showing, makes it a tad bit more age appropriate– it still looks classy.
you know what! I was JUST thinking about this! I was trying on all these trendy clothes and I was like WAIT? am I too old? I mean I am confident in my body and all but do I look like I’m like trying to be a cool mom?? I am reading every comment to find the answer haha!
I don’t really know that it is necessarily an age thing so much as a preference. I look at most clothing in Forever21 or any juniors department in any store and think to myself…I am way to old to be wearing that shit. Not that I dont think that it is cute, it just isn’t me nor would flatter my body. I can’t pull of a stomach barring shirt. I couldn’t do it when I was younger and I can’t do it now. I dont really thing that it is wrong though. It just isn’t my personality…nor would anyone want to see my stomach at this stage in my life.
I do think that people who have the body for stuff like that can get away with things more at any age. I see girls at the beach who wear the skimpiest of bikinis in their 40’s and they look damn good because they have the body to pull it off. I just feel like even if I did…I probably wouldn’t. But I dont judge them for it. Now, I will say that there are some things….like way too short shorts and skirts that barely cover the ass that I find inappropriate at basically any age. You gotta make sure the goodies are covered, you know what I am sayin? Haha :) The top looks super cute with that skirt.
I totally think you can still rock it! I feel like there is a difference with how you have styled it and how it would look with like denim cut off shorts or something like that!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Now perhaps it’s because at the age of 26.5 I’ve started questioning that…and that I’m not ready to give it up yet…but here’s my thought. You are still young & have a hot body so rock it. I say once you have kids…then maybe think twice about your wardrobe. Until then, rock the shirt because it looks awesome on you with that skirt.
Forty. But I reserve the right to change my answer, once I’m at the precipice of the big 4-0.
If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Maybe if you had a kid to embarrass, it would be different, but until then… :)
If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Maybe if you had a kid to embarrass, it would be different, but until then… :)
I don’t think there should be an age cutoff, per se. If you are comfortable and feel good in what you’re wearing, then wear it. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. If worn for an appropriate place/time/event, I don’t think it’s a big deal.
I also had side lace-up low, low, low rise pants and that white tank with the slit at the bottom. I also had it in black. And pink.
I think its totally up to you. If you’re comfortable then rock it!!
P.S. I bought that top from Target! :P
I definitely think it’s a comfort thing, so if you’re confident with it, then go for it! However, I do think that there is a certain amount of tummy to show. If you’re wearing a tiny little bra looking top, I just find that to be a little tacky in our age (mid 20s – 30s), but showing a little bit of skin, eh, I think it works.
That shirt though is super cute & I think you look awesome in it!
Umm I love that crochet crop top and have been seeing it at Target everytime I’m there and I’m so tempted to just buy it and after seeing it paired with that adorable skirt, I need to go to Target asap and pick both of those up!! I think this top is such a classy way of doing it so regardless of if you’re in your 20’s or 30’s it’s tastefully done, so I say if you got it, flaunt it!!
I don’t think age really matters. You are showing tummy in a tasteful way and you have the body for it! If you can pull it off, then why not?
I don’t think its about age but more so about being appropriate etc. In other words, I don’t see you rocking a crop top and booty shorts. You will wear it tastefully like in the above pic. Once you feel confident and it looks good … go for it.
I would say 30/35 is the oldest BUT the body and all has to be perfect too. I have seen too many tops worn on girls/women that weren’t supposed to be wearing those tops at all. So, you can fully keep wearing your tops because, one, you can wear it {body wise} and you’re not old enough. ;) Oh, just as long as it is for casual outings and all and not for work. :)
You definitely have the body for it so I say if you got it flaunt it :D
Honestly, I would usually say don’t even do it after 25. BUT I really do like the WAY you did it here… it’s just a sliver – not like you’re wearing a baby t or something. And you have a great body, too! Slivers = yes. Chunks = no.
Well when your 30 and don’t look a day out of your early-mid 20’s…. there probably isn’t any rules to belly shirts. Lol. I think the new style with little tiny gaps of the stomach look great and are very stylish. It’s the muffin top, half shirt missing, trashy looking “styles” that really should have an age limit! I love how you styled this outfit with that beautiful skirt! :)
One, you look amazing!!! LOVE that outfit; would totally wear that. (I’m 26 and had a baby last year but nursing has helped with stomach flattening — I feel like I’m in a tiny remaining window of time where I can wear midriff-bearing tops but I want to take advantage while I still can). Two, I would say 38 is probably the absolute expiration date for crop tops, but it all depends on the individual. (And when I’m 38, ask me again.) All good things must come to an end, but if I looked like you at ANY age, I’d be rocking that day and night. Okay, maybe just at night (there seems to be some unwritten rule about showing off midriff during daylight hours. But probably not in vacation cities! So also depends on the place!).