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Judi50+'s avatar Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 by Judi50+

What should a fifty-something female do about aging legs when she has to get all dressed up?

I've been reading all about aging lately. The New York Times had two recent articles about facing up to aging faces. But, what about aging legs? What should a fifty-something female do about aging legs when she has to get all dressed up?

I hardly ever buy dresses. I find it very difficult to find a dress that fits well. Either the dress makes me look too matronly or too immature. It either cuts me at the waist or cuts me at the hip. Most dresses I try on are two low cut at the neckline, especially since I have and always will have no cleavage. (Unless I decide at fifty-something to get breast implants. No, no, no, never, never, never.)

I have a business dinner to attend next week and decided to purchase a new dress. I headed to Loehmann's after receiving my special Loehmann's Insider shopper discount that was about to expire. (Do you know loeh*mann*om*ics is a word and it means value-conscious knowledge that you can buy the best designer clothes at huge discount savings?)

I found a pretty deep purple colored dress with cap sleeves and a round neckline that is covered with tiny ruffles. I couldn't believe it was a size 2 and it fit me. (Note to self: Better not eat too much this week or I won't fit into the pretty purple dress I just bought.) Since I was practicing loeh*mann*om*ics, I bought earrings and a bracelet to match too.

But, then, but then, but then, I thought -- I'm going to be all dressed up, but how shall I cover my legs and what shall I put on my feet?

Thankfully, I pulled out a pair of Anne Klein black silk slingbacks that I had bought years ago with my friend M. (I always buy more than I need when I shop with M. She is such an encouraging shopper.) I never wore these slingbacks. They were quite uncomfortable shoes. However, I was so glad I had decided to keep them in the back corner of my closet instead of donating them to Goodwill during my spring closet cleanup last year. I tried them on with my new purple dress and they looked fab. Okay, okay, I cried, "Judi, you can deal with the pain in your big toes for a few hours to make your feet look fab."

Now that my feet were taken care of, next on the 'to take care of list' were my fifty-something legs. How do I cover up my ugly knees and how do I cover up my spider veins?

Do I wear stockings or do I not wear stockings?

If I wear stockings, what color stockings should I wear? Black or beige, nude or white? Definitely control-top. Or maybe even a Spanx to cover my middle-aged middle.

"What should I do with my legs?" I said to my sixty-something sister-in-law I. She is quite a fashionista and does attend a lot of formal events, so I knew I had called the right person.

"All the young women these days are going out without stockings," I said to I. It's like they are doing the European look. But, can I do that? At my age, can I go without stockings to a formal event?"

"No," said my sister-in-law I. "At our age, we must cover up."

"Okay," I replied, "but what color stockings should I wear?"

"Nude," she said. "It will look just like you aren't wearing stockings, but your legs will look good."

"Okay," I replied, "I will cover my legs."

Now that the knees and legs were taken care of, I felt a sigh of relief.

Yes, I am one of those fifty-something women, who is mourning ugly knees and veiny legs. It's nice to know that I'm not alone, as I read in today's New York Times article on Appreciating Your Value as You Age. According to the article, Dr. Vivian Diller and Dr. Jill Muir-Sukenick, the authors of a new book called "Face It," say that no matter how stellar their accomplishments - that it's not superficial to admit that aging is upsetting. They encourage their readers to figure out what's driving them to have daydreams about a refined face-lift rather than scheduling one."

I do not daydream about a refined face-lift. Nope, I don't want any refined face-lift. What would I do with all my anti-aging wrinkle creams? However, if I could lift my middle-aged middle and fix those legs and knees...I might just start daydreaming again.

Judi

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responses (32)

latebloomer57's avatar latebloom…
latebloomer57 said to Judi50+
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I agree 100%.  I don't mind the laugh lines around my eyes or the smile lines around my mouth.  But what I detest completely are my knees.  They weren't the prettiest when I was young (sort of knobby and wide, but now that I am in my 50's...well, I just try not to look there.  I can't imagine a dress without stockings at our age unless the dress comes down to our ankles.  Speaking of ankles, I would love to wear an ankle bracelet but so far haven't gotten up the courage to do it because it just calls attention to 50+ legs.

Judi50+'s avatar Judi50+
Judi50+ said to latebloomer57
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Wear the ankle bracelet in the summer time.  I think it would be fun.

tennim's avatar tennim
tennim said to latebloomer57
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How sad that you feel you must wear stockings - wearing stockings in warm weather will age you more than your knees -  any dress that skims the knee will look great  - use some good "fake sun" on your legs and anyone who bends down to take a close look at your knees, you just kick!

 

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ChrisGT's avatar ChrisGT
ChrisGT said to tennim
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Hahahaha!! I agree totally!

LucyBHoffman's avatar LucyBHoff…
LucyBHoffman said to tennim
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Thigh highs work quite well, and can even make you feel sexy - especially since you are a size 2!  Head to VS.  It's still good for something.

Judi50+'s avatar Judi50+
Judi50+ said to tennim
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You're right!  I'm going to try spray tan when it comes to a summer dress.

Debi Drecksler's avatar Debi Drec…
Debi Drecksler said to Judi50+
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Since the birth of my 4th child, 25 years ago, my legs have been  covered (from my ankles to my thighs) with PURPLE spider veins . I look like someone tatooed me in purple with a few varicose veins thrown in for visual effect!! Fortunately, I am married (33 years) to a man who thinks I'm the cutest girl on the planet. When I asked him if he thought they were ugly he said," I am so glad I married a woman with "royal" blood!!

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TRACK's avatar TRACK
TRACK said to Debi Drecksler
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You know I just love you two (to), ha ha ha!...TRACK

Judi50+'s avatar Judi50+
Judi50+ said to Debi Drecksler
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You are so lucky to have such a wonderful husband.  My boyfriend actually said that he liked my legs too.  Guess I am overly sensitive at my age.

MiMi's avatar MiMi
MiMi said to Judi50+
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http://www.vibrantnation.com/conversations/59324-bare-legs/#reply-60746

Here's more than you ever wanted to know!

Judi50+'s avatar Judi50+
Judi50+ said to MiMi
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Thanks so much for the tips.  What a conversation about legs at our age!

shari's avatar shari
shari said to Judi50+
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the new and easy way to hide the aging legs is with a spray tan.  simple not too expensive. shave first, be sure to grease up after and u too can have the naked leg look!

Adoptsalot's avatar Adoptsalo…
Adoptsalot said to shari
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Absolutely the best way for me too!

KentuckyChickinMEM's avatar KentuckyC…
KentuckyChickinMEM said to Judi50+
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If you just have spider veins, that Sally Hanson spray-on leg stuff is amazing! My daughter used is a few years ago and literally covered up pizza-like acne on her back for prom -- waterproof and sweat-proof, but comes off with soap and water.

Also: encouraging shopper?? You have a way with words; I'd call that "a bad influence" LOL

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Marimart's avatar Marimart
Marimart said to KentuckyChickinMEM
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TY, TY, TY  my legs are the bane of my life.  I've had several vein surgeries, and still ugly purple spider veins.  Going to a big 50th party back E in July and I'm worried about my legs and how ugly they look.  Sally Hansen here I come!  

madynana's avatar madynana
madynana said to KentuckyChickinMEM
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i have a wedding in July, in Texas, i think i'll try sally hanson spray now and see if it works..

thanks..

 

medwoman's avatar medwoman
medwoman said to Judi50+
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This is such a great post.   I wear stockings to work all the time and don't even mind the younger girls' comments.  I had great legs all those years ago, too!   I am preparing for a Spring break to Florida and really not too happy about "bearing" my legs in shorts, capris or bathing suit.   I certainly am not wearing my stockings there!   I am trying self tanners, but they are leaving me screaming?  Any ideas? 

MiMi's avatar MiMi
MiMi said to medwoman
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EXFOLIATION before applying is key. I use Fake Bake as a self tanner because its dark out of the bottle and I can tell exactly what I'm doing.Also, you must wear gloves while applying and be sure to bend your kness while smoothing it out ....if not you will have lines where the you know whats are!BTW...glad to know I'm not alone. Still looking for a long skirt I can wear swimming!!!!!I've said it before....God has a weird sense of humor!GOOD LUCK!

onesheila's avatar onesheila
onesheila said to medwoman
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medwoman,

I was purchasing stockings at a store and the young cashier was completely oblivious to the question I was asking and responded, "I don't know anything about stocking because I do not wear them." I proudly responded to her, "you will, just keep on living." 

AKMJ's avatar AKMJ
AKMJ said to Judi50+
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I love this site.  It addresses real life and real women.  Such an antidote for all the Ms. perfect portraits of women in the magazines and mainstream TV.  At 61, I thought I would have some 'body wisdom', but I still have body insecurities that I just want to ignore and try to live by 'higher principles'.  Hah!  I just wish I could really not care about aging, weight, my legs, wanting a facelift, etc.   Arrgh! 

Maggie De Vore's avatar Maggie De…
Maggie De Vore said to Judi50+
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You sound as beautiful as you look!!  Have a fling -- throw caution to the winds and buy a pair of purple tights that match the dress exactly!!  At my age- 78 - I am wearing purple, goofy hats, mismatched clothes (some days it looks like I got dressed in a dark closet) flat shoes, high boots and a very pleasant smile on my face.  Try it - it works.

nystrom's avatar nystrom
nystrom said to Maggie De Vore
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You know, at my older age now I accidentally took a "pilates" class at Bally's after my class AND even though I could not be real perfect at the pilates excercises..I mean, I kept putting my foot down on the ground and back up..like, rested alittle (no one minded and so did somone else) I got through it. AFTER the pilates class you will notice a DIFFERENCE in your legs. I'm not kidding, one session of pilates (or, maybe at my age..one session) will affect you legs and shape your legs for a whole week! Alot of places offer pilates..I think thats what those 30 min. pilates are probably worth.

Susan O's avatar Susan O
Susan O said to Judi50+
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Do try Sally Hanson's spray leg makeup...it works!  I have had four leg vein procedures and still have varicose veins as well as discolored "bluish" feet and ankles due to poor circulation.  Even my legs look better with this product.  It is easy to use and if applied correctly does not rub off.

Mtnhiker's avatar Mtnhiker
Mtnhiker said to Judi50+
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My legs have been my biggest anxiety!  I've always had a flat tummy...but my butt and entire length of my legs have developed poofy, droopy looking skin as I've aged..it's not fat per say (I'm pretty lean), it's just that the collagen hasn't held up as I've gotten older (much worse after menopause!).  It looks as though I have cellulite in places, when mostly in fact, it's just pudgy looking loose skin.  I will only wear long pants.  I developed big calves as I aged (took after my grandma), and years ago I had the lower calves lipo'd to attempt to slim them, but it backfired and now my upper calves are bigger than ever..even though I eat like a bird!  My calves do look fat though, not particularly droopy like my thighs.  I guess the body has a weird way of distributing things! I can't find any tall boots to fit loosely.  I am single and the thought scares me death to date someone who would want to go swimming!  I look quite in shape when fully clothed, so no one would have a clue..and a new man in my life would be rather surprised at how I look with less on!  I have a multitude of stretch marks on my thighs from pregnancy (which contributed to not having tight skin there anymore), but none on my tummy.  So for me...the only answer is wearing hose with skirts...spray tanners don't cover up the effects of droopy skin unfortunately.  Hose also helps to make my calves look better.  I use to be a runner (which didn't change the loose skin issue)...but I've had to quit due to a bad case of stubborn whiplash (even fast walking brings on headaches).  So to try to get some sanity back and do some kind of workout, I recently did a pilates session, but unfortunately, it made the whiplash worse..even though my instructor (a very good one) went easy on me.  I would love a full leg/butt overhaul somehow!  Fortunately my face seems to have stayed youthful and most people think I'm no older than 40 (I'll be 54 this year)...so I will count my blessings there!  

grace's avatar grace
grace said to Mtnhiker
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yes I am scared to go swimming like you ja ja

wisanow's avatar wisanow
wisanow said to Judi50+
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Hi Judi - loved your post and I must admit to wondering about the over 50 legs at the bottom of what seems to be ever decreasing hemlines.  Would you mind if we put this up as an article on our website in NZ called www.wisanow.co.nz  The midlife issues are the same everywhere.  Naturally we will send a link to your clever and funny blog posts- cheers Raewyn

Judi50+'s avatar Judi50+
Judi50+ said to wisanow
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I am definitely going to try spray tan next time.  My daughter just had her entire body spray tanned and it came out terrific.

nred's avatar nred
nred said to Judi50+
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I use to not think about my legs , but six years ago my knees started to burn and ache, and legs started swelling. I exercise them a lot  to keep them from seizing up . This being the case I would wear burlap bags over them if I could just get them working good again. I am trying to feel sympathy for all who have to worry how they would look. So if they work right , who cares. Im 74 so that may be the reason Im not concerened any more. Love to read all of the answers though. take care all.

vibrantspirit's avatar vibrantsp…
vibrantspirit said to Judi50+
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I wore a dress to a party last night. That's pretty big news in my world since I hadn't worn a dress in years! I was shocked at how nice I actually felt. Even though I've never liked my legs, surprisingly other people say they do. It helped boost my confidence level and I'm now glad that I've purchased a few dresses recently. On of my New Year's Resolutions is that this is going to be the Year of the Dress for me. I'm not getting any younger and my legs are the BEST today than they will be from here on out, so I'm going for it! Besides, my varicose veins & baggy knees aren't any less attractive than the tattooes that are spread across the legs of the younger gals these days! And no, I didn't wear any stockings either . Maybe next year will be my Year of Wearing Short Sleeves again ^_^

L's avatar L
L said to vibrantspirit
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I'm 71 years old and pride myself on still having a good body.  Of course, I work very hard at it by exercising everyday and eating carefully.  But my legs, Oh they don't looked very good anymore - veiny with celluite thighs.  What I do when I get dressed up is either wear slacks or if I'm wearing a dress, I make sure I wear black sheer hose that complements the dress.  This gives me the confidence I need feel comfortable.  I've stopped trying to dress like I did when I was in my 40's and 50's and just strive now to look the best that I can.   

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Dahlia's avatar Dahlia
Dahlia said to Judi50+
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I am another who agrees with tennim.  Whether your wearing a dress or skirt, just skim the knees and your legs will look great.  A little fake tan also helps with any skin (unless your fortunate to have a peaches and cream exterior) on any part of the body (arms, legs, chest, face, neck - you name it).

I'm 60, don't really care to exercise, I'm sure I "think" I look better than I really do, I prefer dresses and skirts over slacks and I don't do stockings unless I'm going out AND so far, no one has given me a dirty look and if they did, that's their opinion and not a fact.  As I got older I used to say, I wish I wore that or did that when I was younger - now with my attitude change, I'd wear an ankle bracelet, I go out with only lipstick, etc. and I like it!

I know I'm going to die with wishing I had done a few things differently or taken a chance here and there, but my regrets will be fewer now that I'm doing what I want without concerning or fretting over what other people think.

Get going Gals!    

Blondie M.'s avatar Blondie M…
Blondie M. said to Judi50+
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I read all the responses so far to Judy's conundrum about her legs...lots of wisdom here ladies, but also a lot of fretting! I work part time in an Orthopaedic Outpatients Clinic at our local hospital, and trust me, ....if you were to see some of the sights I have seen in there, you would get down on your KNEES - no matter how fat, bony, lumpy, saggy, dimply, or whatever you think they may be -  and thank God that you HAVE legs! I remember part of a poem from when I was young(er)..."Two legs to take me where I go/ Two eyes to watch the sunset's glow/ O God, forgive me when I whine/ I have these things; the world is mine!" Women are their own worst enemies when it comes to self-disparagement, me included! (I feel my knees are FAT! But hey! I have some!) When I see some person at the hospital with NO legs, I'll take the ones I've got and just do the best I can with my assets=:) Just for the record, I use good self tanners or airbrush tan, even to enhance a natural tan; in summer I tend to go bare legged, use neutral or off-black hose for winter or formal occasions. Smooth legs with a nice pedicure do a lot for me - and my man has never once made a negative remark about my legs, even though I'm a curvy gal and have one leg that is scarred from an accident. When he massages my legs after work, I don't think he's too worried about what they LOOK like...and neither am I=:)

 

 

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