This is part of our series of articles about beauty—how we achieve it and redefine it as we get older.
It started innocently. I was adjusting my bike for a FlyWheel spin class and the instructor asked if I had signed up for the leaderboard — the stats of how you’re doing in class that are projected on to a Jumbotron a couple of times during class (aka, public shaming).
How could he not see that my blonde hair-big boobs-hourglass figure would give me the blonde bombshell moniker?
“Yes,” I answered, “I’m BlondeBomb.”
“That’s cute,” he cooed. “Is that something your kids call you?”
I was dumbstruck. How could he not see that my blonde hair-big boobs-hourglass figure would give me the blonde bombshell moniker? And then the thought crossed my mind: He’s seeing me as a woman of a certain age—a little soft around the edges—who still spins. Nothing more, nothing less.
And I wish I could say this was only time something like this happened, but there have been other incidents.
What was happening? Was the identity I’d so carefully honed over the years now wrong? We’re my outsides not matching my insides?
Was I becoming that woman? You know, the one who dresses and acts inappropriately for her age?
I wondered if I was delusional, suffering from some sort of body dysmorphia disorder brought on by being middle-aged? Was I becoming that woman? You know, the one who embarrasses her friends and family by dressing and acting inappropriately for a woman of a certain age?
Thankfully, I found some comfort in the fact that I’m not alone with these shocking little moments and the identity crisis afterwards.
Not Being Noticed
Angela, a gorgeous, 50-something trainer, reports that getting help at Home Depot used to be a breeze. Now, she could blow in on a hurricane and still be ignored.
“When I was in my 20s, I went in to buy a ladder,” she shared. “When I got to the parking lot, at least six men were knocking themselves out to help me tie it to my car. There was an older man watching who cracked, ‘I guess you have to wear a short skirt to get some service.’”
But today, “I can be dragging a 90-pound bag of rock salt around the store and no one will look at me,” she says, no matter how short her skirt is.
‘I still think I am the girl who can turn heads, but I’m really an old broad.’
Anne Bratskeir, a youthful and chic-as-hell 60-something woman, says her mojo is not quite as effective as it used to be. “I’ve always been the tall, thin woman who could walk into a bar and someone would look at me,” she explained. “I still think I am the girl who can turn heads, but I’m really an old broad.”
But an “old broad” in a new (better) sense of the phrase. “I take care of myself—I exercise and may be in better shape now than when I was younger.” And, she added, “I cover my gray, and when I get my hair styled, I ask for more Patti Smith, less suburban lady.” Laughing, she clarified, “Actually, I ask for my hair to be more rock-and-roll, because I don’t think my stylist knows who Patti Smith is.”
Midlife Identity Crisis: Can You Morph Your Mindset?
The game changer for Bratskeir is that she is less likely to accept these slights. If the bartender treats her as if she’s invisible, she speaks up. Rather than relying on her appearance to open doors, start a conversation, or get attention, she goes after it if necessary—in the most charming way possible. “I am still ‘that girl,’” she says, explaining why she won’t fade into the background.
In I Feel Pretty, Amy Schumer’s most recent film, her character goes from being a woman with insecurities to one who knows she can hold her own next to any woman, supermodel, or otherwise gorgeous creature after suffering a bump on the head. The thing is, she doesn’t look any different—her perception of how others see her is altered by how she sees herself. And while this example is slightly different than women who are aging, the message is the same—it’s in our heads…to a degree.
There’s a fine line between aging well, with style, and trying too hard.
Our bodies, faces, and outward personas change with time and, yes, with age. While we still believe we are the bombshell, the rock-and-roll babe, the vital young woman, and more, we may have to sell it harder and even find a new baseline for what makes us, well, us. In my case, I vacillate between thinking that if they don’t recognize my coolness, they’re not worthy of my time—or working even harder to make sure my outside persona matches what I feel like inside. Going with the latter, though, I run the risk of becoming a caricature of my former self. There’s a fine line between aging well, with style, and trying too hard.
The Confidence Game
Ellen Barkin working the red carpet like only she can.
Years ago, I interviewed the actress Ellen Barkin and one of the things she shared has stuck with me. In her 50s at the time, she said she was not giving up her bikini, ever. She was a bikini-wearing woman, no matter what. And, furthermore, she said she thought that women in general should not give up their bikinis, no matter what their age.
In my mind, I will always be that girl. And you’re the one missing out if you cannot see it.
Her belief in herself had nothing to do with her body or her beauty—it was all about her attitude and her confidence. Schumer, Bratskeir, and Barkin have it right—you need to own your persona, no matter what others see.
As for this (former) bombshell, I’m off to make sure my red lipstick is in place and to practice my best swivel and shake, which I will own. In my mind, I will always be that girl. And you’re the one missing out if you cannot see it.
***
Lisa Marsh loves writing about real women, living real lives, no matter what their age. She is the author of four books, is a dedicated dancer and FlyWheel spinner and the mother of two in New York City. Find her @LisaMarshWriter across platforms.
Also in Our Beauty Series:
Cindy Joseph: Meet The Pro-Aging Revolutionary
It’s a relief not to get hassled all the time. So, there’s freedom in no longer ‘measuring up’ to the patriarchal standard of beauty.
I never had any to start with.
Agism sucks. Particularly when wrapped in the guise of touchy-feely self help.
It’s called the age of no longer giving a shit.
Now we are going to learn how to exude confidence as we age. Actually, each one of us is an expert in our own development, we don’t need a product or a program to feel better. It only validates the harmful stereotypes.
When you have a body that resembles a middle aged woman since the age of 12……no matter how hard you tried……..you never get that kind of attention to begin with.
I suppose it would be too much to ask for the author to try and unpack the patriarchal structures that (still) insist that a woman’s only value is in her ability to attract the sexual attention of men.
Yes, I agree, but you need to name the dragon in order to kill it and SO many women have not questioned the patriarchy yet. Centuries of programming must be undone.
I think I just hit it.
I freaking love it! Are you nuts! Sexual attention from random strangers was never something I enjoyed. It was at times pretty scary, especially the dudes that yell shit from moving vehicles. Keeping the grey, I will use blue shampoo to keep the sun from turning it blonde!!! Old bats rule!
I’m 60 and the maintenance guy just retiled my bathroom, which I needed, and hes coming back tomorrow to paint my apt, which needed it but I hadn’t asked for. I’m still good!!
Nothing worse than a shallow, boring, self-involved “beautiful” person.
I’ve always believed it is harder for beautiful people to age and lose their sexual attractiveness. For those of us “average” women, we focused on other, more interesting and fulfilling things decades ago. FYI – this average gal never lacked for male attention, and my husband of 30+ years still thinks my ass is remarkable!
You can be fat and past 50 and still have much younger, very attractive men show interest in you.
I got very very sick and almost died at the age of 57. Then 8 months later got a painful case of the shingles. I am starting a new terrific, always wanted position this fall. I have never appreciated my health more than now. Health is the key to happiness. So if I am a bit overweight, a bit gray, and a bit wrinkled that does not matter at all!
Love age like a badass
Thank goodness I never based my self-worth on how “hot” guys found me.
This is a pretty good article, and I think that many women have shared the experience of realizing that they’ve faded a bit, and the spotlight is shining on other, younger women. Personally, I’m ok with that. I’ve never been truly beautiful, which is freeing in a way. Attractive maybe, but never the flame that drew the moths. It made me feel somewhat less affected to find my youth fading because I’ve spent my life having experiences. That gives me something to talk about besides facelifts and aging! My bone to pick is the statement that “There’s a fine line… Read more »
Good point. You’ve made us look at that line differently; it certainly wasn’t intended to imply that one way is right and one way is wrong. More like encouragement to see that you don’t have to try hard to hold on to youth because there are so many more ways to quantify someone’s significance–beyond looks.
Love yourself, love who you are. The beauty that comes with that is undeniable and hard to ignore
Fab article – interesting site … Roxie Clements Colleen Shaw Maria Greico Jane Eaton
I was the type that got attention when I was young….I remember quite a few years ago Lauren Hutton remarking that she became a certain age and became (for her standards) invisible….I now know what she means…however that doesn’t stop me from still being as cool as ever
I know what she means too.
STFU
The last unfuckable day? If you measure your self-worth on superficial guidelines promoted by media, you will be unhappy until the day you die.
Agreed! Self love and acceptance is where we find peace and happiness, not from external validation on something so temporary as “good looks” or an hourglass figure.
Good role models!
I’m 63 and I just enjoy life. I haven’t really noticed a big difference in the way people treat me.
Yep but I still like me!
I have at the age of 60+ worked to be in the best shape of my life and dress to suit that. I’m having to beat them off with a stick I swear. So much for invisibility. I’m no great beauty, but I am way more confident than I ever was
I bet you do! You are very beautiful, but don’t look 60 at all.
It always comes back to how you feel about yourself, inwardly, viscerally, not necessarily how you appear to men. In my opinion at 64 is if you feel lousy about your looks that lousy feeling will broadcast loudly!
Oh and don’t forget… never lose your sense of humor!
This couldn’t be truer!
Yes!!!
Lisa Marsh SPOT ON ❤️
What a silly article.
I went thru this phase years ago, noticing that guys did not want to make eye contact, weren’t as friendly as when I was younger. Oh well, it did not sit well with me but you adjust. Another stage in my life and I am proud to have made it this far(61)I am a mother, grandmother, and still love to shake my booty!
Duh. Yes and yes.
I was always physically very ugly so l never “lost” anything. Instead, l’ve always nurtured my inner qualities. With age has come the realization that physical ugliness, at least for a woman, acts as a wonderful screening tool. I don’t have many friends but the ones l do have value me for ME
Inner beauty shines bright. Shine on June!
I don’t think you are ugly (or have been) at all. You have a distinctive look-you should trust that.. we all may be different but that doesn’t make you any less beautiful. Inside too, even better. I hope you see this too one day..
I can relate in the sense that I don’t feel as old as I may look. I guess that’s a good thing- meaning I could feel a whole lot worse. Lol
I read the whole article. It was a little sad and off the mark for me. Because my agency always came from my mind and my actions, that only got better as I got older. And I STARTED wearing bikinis at 52.
Great read. I can totally relate to the author. I started noticing that feeling of being “invisible” a few years ago. I still like looking stylish and well put together. That will not change. I hope I never need the approval of others to just be myself
.
Vino
I still think I am hot as hell
Love it!!
Great article. I think many of those commenting missed the point.
When I was a little girl my Grandmother would come and stay sometimes. Her name was Josephine. She came from Sicily. She was very tiny and round and had long silver hair. She would braid it and twist it up on top of her head in a bun. At night she would take it down and let me brush it. It was beautiful. Then she would put it back in a braid for bed. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. Silver hair, age spots, wrinkles and all. I thought she was beautiful. I got angry… Read more »
This is beautiful.
Thank you
I just read this article how sad. So glad I don’t relate to this and I am in that age group. Perhaps a better approach would have been not to establish a limiting belief then giving these depressing examples (and I think the term is midlife crisis) but begin on a positive note of what women are up to in this age group like making a difference as opposed to being concerned about getting hit on or hairdressing bullshit.
What kind of sales pitch is this? So tired of media standards pushed on people.
No sales pitch. One woman’s report on her feelings.
I never was a “bombshell” or at least I didn’t feel like one. As a widow at 50, and trying to re-enter the world of dating is formidable enough. I guess they are just gonna have to be attracted to my short, round sassy,funny warrior self !!
I have no concept of this article. I’ve seen other women who got fawned over and thought it was kinda creepy… maybe I was just jealous but I guess I’m glad I don’t have to mourn the loss of something I didn’t have! 😂
Same here!!
I’m not that vain. I knew it was coming and when it did, I shrugged my shoulders and changed careers.
There is something to be said for the knowledge and wisdom that comes with aging.
Date younger guys
I’m very comfortable w my aging process. I’m the mother of a 25 year old and am often mistaken for her friend or sister. I love being the age I am. I garner the attention of men of all ages and races and I’m very grateful to b aging so gracefully
What a sad article. I’ve never felt like this and I very much feel like a ‘real’ woman. The article is sexist and superficial.
Sorry you didn’t like the article. Many women feel this way. You are fortunate, with an admirable attitude!
Please read the whole article. The point is this: “you need to own your persona, no matter what others see.” We don’t think that’s sexist and superficial.
NextTribe the point is this: we already know. So stop making it a bigger deal than it really isn’t
You miss the point. They feel that way partly because of articles like this.
True. Lets call a crisis into existence because we said so 🙄
The premise for the article is that ALL women at some point lose their physical attractiveness and become invisible, and the “problem” we supposedly need to solve is how to handle this experience.
This is sexist and superficial and demeaning to women.
Toril Øien I don’t think the article said it was a problem that needed to be solved. In fact I think the point of the article was just the opposite. I relate to this article and I am a feminist working in a majority male industry. I find it sad that often today people can’t write about their feelings without being judged in the light of hyper critical hyper PC opinions of others. I think the pendulum has swung way too far in one direction and I wish it would settle in the middle so not everything is judged as… Read more »
My looks and demeanor never garnered that much attention when I was younger, so I can’t say it feels all that different now.
Me too.
Likewise 😬
Yep