Bows

Your attire can say a lot about your age, it can subtract a few years or add ten years. It’s no secret that I’m small and I look a little on the young side (not complaining). When I wear something that is at all youthful, people start to give me the 16 and pregnant side eye as I cruise through the grocery store with my boys. Then they notice my crows feet and all is well in the world again. Because of this, I’ve always tried to dress older.

The last time I remember my attire making my age hard to guess was about a year ago. My friends and I were out on a girls night. I wore this dress, which apparently made me look about 17. At the gas station, the clerk asked me if I was excited for graduation coming up and what school I went to (no too old for that), then at the bar the bouncer was all, “girl, get out of here with your fake ID.” He eventually gave in, I just showed him my crows feet, and once again, all was well in the world. I’m totally kidding, I looked down and was holding my friends ID instead of mine, we had accidentally swapped. Turns out, it wasn’t my youthful appearance at all, but, I still think the dress made me look younger.

The question is, as you age, do you want to appear younger? I think the answer for most women, is yes! When I was younger, I just wanted to be an adult, I wanted to look like one and be taken seriously like one. Now that I’ve long passed the milestone of take me seriously adulthood, I badly want to hang on to my youth. I find myself grabbing youthful pieces when I can. I’m not saying I rock booty shorts with a bunch of bows in my hair, but a sweet little bow here and there is just enough to make me feel girly, youthful and still on the inside, my age.

summer plaid bow back racerback  tank

summer plaid bow back racerback  tank

summer plaid bow back racerback  tank

Shop The Look: Tank – Pumps and Push-Ups Collection (in coral) (in hot pink) | Skirt | Shorts (similar) | Sunglasses

I also love rocking these tanks for a great workout!

bow back tank tops

bow back tank tops

bow back tank tops

bow back tank tops

– Brooke

Linked with: Monday Mingle

Brooke of Pumps and Push-Ups - petite style blogger

Hello, I'm Brooke!

A petite (4'10") gal on the hunt for the best petite clothes. I show you where to shop for petite finds, and how to style them in my weekly style sessions. I don't alter or hem any of the clothing on my blog - what you see is exactly how the items fit me right from the store.

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21 Comments

  1. 5.29.15
    Susan said:

    These tanks are adorable!! I love the fun, bright colors! And you do look really young! Embrace it(: Susan

  2. 5.29.15

    Your new collection is so cute – the bow detail is just the best!!! Hope you have a great weekend!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston

  3. 5.29.15
    Laura said:

    I LOVE those tanks! The bow detail is so adorable!

  4. 5.29.15
    Mattie said:

    Super cute tanks! People always think I’m younger. A couple years ago, right after I graduated college, a guy stopped me and asked what school I went to. I told him I just graduated (college) and he said, “Oh I thought you were 14!” To his credit, I was wearing a souvenir t-shirt, jean shorts, and no makeup… I also ordered hot chocolate at a restaurant a couple years ago (I had a craving/was feeling nostalgic, okay?!) and after that the waitress started calling me ‘sweetie’ and just generally using a kid voice on me and such. And I went to dinner with my family (been to this restaurant tons of times, recognized the waitress) and she goes, “Everyone is 21, right?” and specifically looks at me. I wasn’t even the youngest one at the table. It bugs me so much but I know I should be happy for when I get older!

  5. 5.29.15
    Jill said:

    Those tanks are super cute! Love the bright colors and the bow detail!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

  6. 5.29.15
    Megan said:

    These tanks are too adorable! Your story is really funny too! I want to appear younger I think. The nail lady thought I was 14 when I was 19ā€¦.awkward, but in a few years this will be a good thing!
    ~~Megan~~
    http://www.poshprime.com

  7. 5.29.15
    Rachel said:

    Lovely tank Brooke! Super cute!
    Rachelxo

    Garay Treasures

  8. 5.29.15

    Super cute tanks – I am loving the pineapple print one!! So perfect for summer!
    xoxo Danielle
    For the Love of Leopard

  9. 5.29.15

    I love the pineapple bow tank!! Are you going to be getting anymore small sizes in for it? If so, I must have one!! Love your shop!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

  10. 5.29.15
    Emily S said:

    I love the pineapple pocket!

  11. 5.31.15
    Elizabeth said:

    It’s nice to sometimes incorporate items into your wardrobe that are more youthful. I do that from time to time because we sometimes I like going to the girls section in Winners as they have more fun pieces and well luckily they still fit! I love the bows and I think they are fun! I say if you can still rock it, why not!

    http://www.wunderbliss.blogspot.ca

  12. 5.31.15

    Fun tanks, so love the pineapples on the pink one!

    http://www.dressed2dnines.com

  13. 6.1.15
    Jasmine said:

    That bow detail is so darling on that tank! What a sweet little touch šŸ™‚

    be the plebeian

  14. 6.2.15
    Ada said:

    Those tanks are super adorable and styling them with simple casual bottoms is best. I love all three of them but I am slightly smitten a little more with the pink one with the cute pineapples. How much do they each cost? I might get one. Please let me know. =)

  15. 6.2.15

    I am all for wearing what your want and love! I have a strong aversion to any kind of firm rules about “No shorts after 35” or whatever nonsense people make up. You look great in these adorable tank tops, so enjoy!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

  16. 6.2.15
    Crissy said:

    I totally get the looking younger thing. People have looked at me weirdly with my son at times and then they see my wrinkles and all is well! I think dressing to what makes you feel great and youthful is always a great thing. Getting older doesn’t mean losing your sense of style! I love how you styled those cute tees! Those bows truly add the perfect touch to those tees.

    Crissy
    http://www.somevelvetmorningblog.com

  17. 6.2.15
    Amy Ann said:

    Cute tank! I definitely want to look younger as I age, but I think it’s more about my skin and the crows feet you mention. For me it’s smile lines. When did those get there?! I think you are so beautiful with your dark hair and pretty skin! I’ve never noticed any lines. šŸ™‚

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  18. 6.2.15
    Lyddiegal said:

    Dressing your age is tricky. Sometimes I will look at something and feel like it’s just too young. Then I’m conflicted, because aren’t I still young? Even though I’ve bid farewell to the juniors section I’m not ready to give up youthful dressing.
    Chic on the Cheap

  19. 6.2.15
    Diane said:

    Adorable tank top!

    As I’ve gotten older, looking younger while still being appropriate comes to mind a lot while shopping. I want to be fun but not be “that” woman.

    Diane
    http://www.mychaneltaste.com

  20. 6.5.15
    Ginnie said:

    Those are the cutest tanks! I definitely try to stay youthful looking as I get older without looking too young, if you know what I mean. šŸ˜‰

  21. 7.1.15
    ejai said:

    honestly, those tops are cute. workout or casual wear!

    definitely agree with the look young vs look old speech. bright colors, cute bows make me look 14, 16 at the most. and to look older… more makeup, dark clothes! such a cute post! sorry about that jerk that told you to get out. rude!

Comments are closed.