There’s a subtle shift that happens as women age.
It’s not just about the physical changes, but about how they perceive their own appearance.
You see, some women start to let go of the constant upkeep, the relentless pursuit of beauty standards. They stop investing time and energy in their looks.
According to psychology, there are specific behaviors that signal this shift. And it’s not always what you’d expect.
In this article, we’re going to explore eight small behaviors of women who stop making an effort with their appearance as they age.
Let’s dive in and understand what’s behind this change.
1) Opting for comfort
One of the most common shifts that happen as women age is prioritizing comfort over style.
Don’t get me wrong. Who doesn’t love a pair of comfy sweatpants or a well-worn t-shirt?
But there’s a difference between choosing comfort occasionally and making it the new norm.
According to psychology, this shift often happens when women start to let go of societal expectations and pressures about their appearance.
Instead, they choose what makes them feel good in their own skin.
This doesn’t mean they stop caring about how they look. It’s more about choosing comfort and convenience over high heels and tight clothing.
After all, there’s something incredibly liberating about wearing what you want, when you want. And that’s a freedom many women find as they age.
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2) Simplifying the beauty routine
I’ve seen this first hand with my mother.
In her younger years, she had a beauty regimen that would put a Hollywood star to shame.
There were the cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, eye creams – you name it, she had it.
But as she grew older, something shifted. She started to streamline her beauty routine.
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It wasn’t an overnight change, but a gradual one. Instead of ten different products for her face, she started using just a cleanser and a moisturizer.
She traded her elaborate makeup routine for a swipe of lipstick and a dash of mascara.
From an outsider’s perspective, it might seem like she stopped caring about her appearance. But when I asked her about it, her response was simple yet profound.
“I’ve realized that true beauty comes from within,” she said. “I don’t need all these products to feel beautiful.”
This is a common behavior amongst women who age gracefully. They start to see that real beauty is less about what’s on the surface and more about who they are as a person. And so, they simplify their routines and focus on what really matters.
3) Embracing natural hair
Did you know that by the age of 50, almost half of women will have at least 50% gray hair?
Many women choose to cover their grays, seeing them as a sign of aging they’re not ready to embrace. But there’s a growing trend amongst women who are letting go of the constant upkeep that comes with coloring their hair.
They’re choosing to let their natural hair shine through – grays and all.
This is more than just a practical decision. It’s a statement about embracing the aging process and all the changes it brings. It’s about letting go of societal expectations and feeling comfortable in your own skin.
Letting your hair go gray gracefully can be a liberating experience. It’s a sign of confidence and self-acceptance, and it’s definitely a behavior seen in women who stop making an effort with their appearance as they age – in the traditional sense, at least.
4) Less frequent salon visits
Another behavior often seen in women who stop making an effort with their appearance as they age is less frequent visits to the salon.
Getting a haircut, color touch-ups, manicures, pedicures – these pampering rituals can be time-consuming and costly. As women age, many start to question the necessity of these regular appointments.
Instead of seeing them as a must-do, they start to view them as an optional indulgence. They may choose to cut their hair at home or let it grow out naturally. They might skip the nail salon and opt for bare nails or do their own manicures.
This doesn’t mean they don’t care about their appearance. Instead, it’s more about changing their perspective on what’s truly important and necessary for their self-image and self-care routine.
5) Accepting body changes
Aging is a beautiful, natural process, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the toughest things women face as they age is the changes in their body shape and size.
The metabolism slows down, the waistline expands, and the skin starts to lose its elasticity. It’s a reality that can be hard to accept, especially in a society that places so much emphasis on youthful appearances.
But there’s a certain grace in accepting these changes rather than fighting against them. It’s about understanding that our worth isn’t tied to our dress size or the firmness of our skin.
Instead of being preoccupied with every new wrinkle or extra pound, many women choose to embrace these changes. They stop making an effort to fit into societal beauty standards and start making peace with their bodies.
This acceptance is not a sign of giving up but rather a testament to their strength and self-love. It’s a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and acceptance that comes with age.
6) Letting go of fashion trends
I remember a time when I would eagerly wait for the latest edition of fashion magazines to hit the stands. I’d pore over the pages, noting the latest trends, and rush to the mall to update my wardrobe.
But as years passed by, I found myself less interested in what was in vogue and more focused on what suited me. The allure of trendy outfits faded, replaced by the comfort and confidence of timeless pieces that complemented my style.
It’s something many women experience as they age. They start to let go of fashion trends and instead focus on what makes them feel good.
This isn’t about being out-of-touch or unfashionable. It’s about understanding your own style and embracing it fully, regardless of what’s currently trending.
The shift can be subtle but it’s a clear sign of self-assuredness and comfort in one’s own skin. And honestly, there’s nothing more stylish than that.
7) Choosing practicality over style in accessories
There’s something to be said about a woman who knows the value of a comfortable, practical handbag over a trendy, but impractical designer purse.
As women age, they often shift their focus from fashion-forward accessories to ones that offer practicality and comfort. It’s not about abandoning style, but rather integrating it with functionality.
This could mean swapping stiletto heels for supportive flats or trading in a tiny clutch for a roomy tote bag. It’s about choosing accessories that not only complement the outfit but also make life easier.
This behavior is not about giving up on fashion, but about finding a balance between style and comfort. And according to psychology, it’s a clear sign of maturity and self-awareness.
8) Embracing authenticity
The most significant behavior seen in women who stop making an effort with their appearance as they age is the embrace of authenticity.
It’s about letting go of the need to portray a certain image to the world and instead, being true to oneself. This could mean wearing no makeup, letting the hair go gray, or dressing in comfortable clothes.
Authenticity is about being real, genuine, and transparent. It’s about expressing oneself freely and fearlessly. And as women age, many find the courage to be wholly and unapologetically themselves.
This is not about neglecting oneself, but about respecting and honoring one’s natural aging process. It’s about celebrating every wrinkle, every gray hair, and every laugh line as a testament to a life well-lived.
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