Thwarting the frivolity of fashion
Would this wardrobe suggest a certain age group? |
In her book, Twigg (2013) introduces the notion of an age hierarchy whereby the age ordering of dress demonstrates the manifestation of social expectations on the body. Older women were traditionally restricted to styles of dress which concealed signs of ageing such as longer hemlines and higher necklines typical of M&S, EWM and the like. So practices of dress are much more than neutral forms of adornment and may even be a site of marginalisation. However, resistance to these pervasive norms has grown, as shown by the likes of Advanced Style, which represents the experimentation of the over sixties with vibrant innovative styles. What is considered 'old age' is postponed in an era of later or longer retirement and consumer choice has made identity and dress practices a varied and complex phenomenon.
Do you reflect on your dress? What does it say about you and wider society?
Twigg, J. (2013). Fashion and Age: Dress, the Body and Later Life. London: Bloomsbury Academic.
Comments
Post a comment