1 year ago
Monday, July 25, 2016
DAYGLO ORANGE
Have you noticed that the older we get, the brighter the colors are that we pick out to cover our bodies?? Maybe it is just me but I seem to be climbing the ladder to really bright lately.
Perhaps it's because as I have aged, my own coloring has faded. Hair has gone from dirty blonde to almost white. If it weren't for my gardener's tan and coral lipstick, you could put me in a white outfit against a white wall and I would disappear.
Oddly, along with this old bird's desire to have flashy plumage once more, the manufacturers seem to be flooding the market with dayglo colors from the 60's. I have happily fallen right in step with this trend plus I have another theory.
The other day I was wearing my dayglo orange top over white capris when the check out girl made made the remark, "Boy, the colors really are getting bright these days."
Not sure it it were a slam, a compliment or just an observation, so I proceeded to give her my alternate reasoning.
"Well you see," I started, "as we seniors get older we lose some agility and speed. We are pretty much sitting ducks in large parking lots for folks in a hurry behind the wheel of 2000 pound machines. I figure by wearing these colors, it's impossible not to see me. However if they still hit me, at least I will know it was deliberate."
I just couldn't read her expression which was somewhere between amused and horrified.
Of course the craze Pokemon Go has blown my deliberate theory a bit as people are actually playing that game while driving. The good thing is that it puts enough distracted walkers in the way to act as buffers.
Have you noticed a change in your taste in clothing? Has it brightened, changed not at all or are you content to blend in with the background? Just curious.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments
(
Atom
)
As you've probably guessed I'm happy to embrace all colours, but I do find I opt for black and dark blue when I'm over weight. Which is right now. If I were dead slim I'd wear more white.
ReplyDeleteJoey,
DeleteAh but you look so good in all you wear and a lot of it really is colorful.
This is funny because I happened to notice at church yesterday that the majority of the people (men included because their wives dress them) were all in very bright colors. I was in black and white. Does that mean I'm not old yet just because I'm 70?
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
DeleteIt really is a current trend isn't it? Only 70? You are still a puppy yet.
I can't remember back that far, Patti. I wear lots of purple, blue, and other boring colors these days. Maybe I'll look for something bright today, just to see if anybody notices. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteYou have a signature color(purple) which is cool.
Give bright a shot, trust me, bright gets attention.
Bright colors definitely help on a bike or walking, especially as dusk approaches. I would wear neon brights for those activities, but probably not otherwise. I do like clear colors though, not muted or pastel.
ReplyDeleteOlga,
DeleteYou are right that they make you more visible. I wear an orange tee when I mow by the road.
Almost never wear white. Black pants only. Colorful tops, the brighter the better.
ReplyDeleteLinda
DeleteYea, another peacock. Bright is good--wonder how long this will last.
Pretty much where I've always been, all about comfort and not caring what I look like. Kinda sad when you think about it.
ReplyDeleteGail,
DeleteNot sad at all. I call that smart.
I was glad to see the tunic top come back...and the wilder the colors the better....!!!
ReplyDeleteBlueRidge Boomer,
DeleteGood to see you here again. You were missed. Me too on wild.
You mention "orange" a color that was so popular in the seventies and then banished from the color wheel. I notice it's back with a vengeance.
ReplyDeleteStephen,
DeleteYou can say that again. I was a bit ahead of my time and 10 years ago I painted some of my walls Blaze Orange. I know--over kill but I missed it.
I always wear blue jeans and have for more years than I can count. I almost always wear soft color tops. That might be because I wear my sister's hand-me-downs, and thrift store purchases. I literally cannot remember the last time I bought a new shirt.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteI was right with you on no new clothes. I have tops over 20 years old that I still get compliments on. Then I lost 40 pounds and had to buy new.
Yes! I've always loved bright colors and agree that wearing them as we age counteracts the invisibility of white hair!
ReplyDeleteDr. Kathy,
DeleteYes, I totally agree and it seems designers have realized that we have a growing, aging population.
I still favor black, covers a lot off flaws. Rarely wear white, although have one pair of white capris for summer. I have always favored red...I stick to solids. Somehow I get the feeling loud, busy designs draw attention to the wrong parts of my body.
ReplyDeleteMeryl,
DeleteHey,your red top with white capris would be sharp. I use to love black but I have gotten cocky after losing 40 pounds. Of course if I gain it back I will have to rethink.
When I worked, my "uniform" was khaki or black dress pants, conservative blouse, and a blazer. So boring! But it was the dress of my colleagues, so of course I wanted to fit in. Once retired, I was thrilled to switch to blue jeans and t-shirts! And, I gradually branched out to more colorful choices. I love the colorful sneakers that are out there. Kind of wild and funky, and fun to wear :-)
ReplyDeleteCarole,
DeleteOh I know how you feel. We wore uniforms when I worked in a bank. I have really been intrigued by the flashy sneakers too. I have my eye on a blue/magenta,sand,and red pair.
Does having more stains on your shirt mean you're wearing more colors?
ReplyDeleteFran,
DeleteHa ha, only if the stains are colorful.
Hi There, I have always loved bright colors. I think it's because when I was much heavier, I was always told to wear BLACK since it made me look slimmer.... These days, WHO CARES????? ha ha
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Betsy,
DeleteYou and George wear the cutest colorful matching tees. You are right in the groove and yes, lets do what feels good.
I seem to be coming out of an all black phase; the things I have bought recently are more colorful; wine red, blue and red, and multicolored prints. Very unlike me - usually.
ReplyDeleteJudy,
DeleteGood to see you here. Sounds like you are just evolving and glad you are experimenting. You go girl.
Love your response to the clerk. I've never been much for really bright colors to wear myself although I do admire them on others.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
DeleteThank you. Still not sure how she took it:) I didn't use to be either but I am definitely changing. Still haven't progressed to patterns.
I usually wear black or navy blue pants, but often wear very bright solid color tops. Bright colors make me happy. I couldn't imagine wearing all beige clothing most of the time.
ReplyDeleteMaybe when we walk away, wearing our brightly colored clothing, behind our backs people say
"Wow, she looked bright!"
susie,
DeleteSo glad you have joined the bright club. Kind of fun isn't it? Lets hope that is all they are saying as we walk away.
Now that I think of it, I am attracted to my more colorful shirts now that I was befor. I still love black and white,but, yes, I am wearing brighter colors.
ReplyDeleteAre you sure you are not a joke writer for some late show for seniors. You are hilarious!
Linda R,
DeleteWell thank you. Delighted you think so.
Isn't it odd how we change our taste as we grow older. Perhaps we are no longer afraid to say, "Hey, look at me."
Bravo on sharing your unique sense of humor beyond your blog! The world needs you!
ReplyDeleteLC
DeleteThank you so much for "unique." It sounds so much nicer than weird.
Wore scrubs for years while working... now wear mostly jeans, but my tops are never "bright"... lean more towards blues, tans, and white. And I laughed at what you mentioned about *fading* as once I took a passport photo with a white shirt on against a white background and with my white hair, I basically disappeared into the background.
ReplyDeleteRian,
DeleteYes, I always suspected that but you proved it. Thanks.
I read recently that drivers should get points for running over pedestrians wandering the streets looking the Pokemon :) made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteKeith,
DeleteThey do take their lives in their hands don't they.
I have taken up ice dyeing which is the new tie dyeing. Since I have to buy white shirts to dye, my wardrobe now contains items from mumus to my new watercolor 60s look.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteOoh, ice dying sounds interesting. I'll have to look that up.
I never was much for bright colors and since I'm so tall, most people notice me. Distracted drivers may be a whole other story though. To answer your question, I love bright colors on others, but I haven't changed to wearing them myself.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteIt really is a matter of taste but perhaps you might be still too young??
I like bright colors too ... but try to stay away from the weird combinations that I see a lot of the younger (under 50 !!) people wear.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the hair colors? Wouldn't that make them stare if we changed our white and grey hair to those???
Ginnie,
DeleteWow, wouldn't those new colors stand out in white hair? Maybe a magenta streak or two:))
I've seen the new summer colors in stores...in fact my mom and I were just talking about how bright they are. I've always loved the oranges and greens, but more muted. What I haven't liked is the fashion of hip hugger jeans which leaves everyone with a muffin top, and these breezy tops that you have to wear a tank under. Give me something between the hips and mom jeans, please! HA HA No one listens to what I think is cool fashion. SIGH. With the crazy things going on nowadays, stacking the deck with bright colors so you don't get run over is a brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteMyself, I keep wearing items I have until I finally have to throw them in a rag box. Then sometimes I go to Good Will, looking for a bargain and will buy a man's shirt, since it has two pockets on the front. I like that, I can keep my Charge card, driver's license, a little money and one check in case I need it, other pocket, tissues and cough drops, since I seem to have constant allergies. I hate shopping for clothes and would rather order them, make sure I know they will be big enough and it's done. Well our little (fat) doggie is waiting for me to fix him his supper. Hot here again to do and humid, not quite as bad as yesterday before the rain. As for the clothes, yes they cater to the younger folk. Have a good Saturday evening and a wonderful Sunday.
ReplyDeleteI've always tended to wear black, brown, navy on the bottom and brighter colors on top. But definitely, I've added more color in the past few years.
ReplyDeleteI started dyeing my hair with streaks of purple when I turned 55 thinking it would be less permanent than a tattoo. My nails are also tipped with purple sparkle...that definitely took me out of my comfort zone.
I love your response to the clerk!
Hi Patti, I like muted colors and tend to stick to them. I do think I'm becoming invisable with my white hair. Sometimes I wear a brighter scarf to give myself a little color around the face. It's easy for me to pack because nothing clashes and everything goes together. I'm a basic black, gray, beige, blue kinda person. I'm reading through all your posts I missed while I was away.
ReplyDelete