When Men Say UGGs Look Ugly On Women

It’s the classic banter between men and women. Men see it one way women see it another. I’m not here to dog on anyone. Opinions are just that, opinions. However, if a man—or the man in your life—says they do not like a particular style or article of clothing, would that change your mind enough to not wear it? I can tell you my answer would be a dead no. If I love it so much nothing, and no one, would change my mind. My rebellious side would want to wear it out of spite! Ya, I guess I’m antagonistic that way but all in good fun, right?

Well, I spent the weekend with two other couples. I mentioned that I was on the hunt for new UGG boots (with temperatures in the -20s there was not much else to do but shop!). The men quickly expressed their distain for this particular style of boot. I laughed it off and the next day purchased the boots in question. I didn’t think twice about any one person’s thoughts on the matter and frankly enjoyed the comfort and look of the boots throughout the rest of the weekend.

Later that evening, one of my friends confessed that she would not wear anything if her husband did not approve of it. In particular, if he said she did not look good or disliked the outfit she would not feel comfortable with it on. He would not force her to change, but she expressed that she would not feel confident enough to pull it off.

So this got me thinking…

How important is approval from others in your 40s? Certainly it would depend on who it is, of course, and the subject matter. Let’s stick with appearance and the clothes we present ourselves with to the world. Who are we truly dressing for? I would agree that it does matter how we dress and for what occasion. However, there are a million choices for any given function, so how do we determine what is best for us?

As I entered my 40s I made myself a promise. If it doesn’t make me feel sexy I am not purchasing it. Really what that means is if I don’t love it I am not going to settle with just anything. This can apply to joggers and a sweater (my regular attire) right up to evening wear. Sexy is most certainly a state of mind. It has less to do with sex appeal and more to do with confidence and sense of ease. Confidence is sexy!

However, mood is everything for me. I have often said—even in my 20s—that you can always tell how I am feeling by the clothes I am wearing. I had a particular set of joggers that I would wear when I felt down or not confident. It was more of a subconscious thing, until my husband pointed it out once. He said, “Oh no, you are wearing your ‘depressed pants’ again, what’s wrong?”. It made me laugh. I don’t remember the particulars, but I remember thinking that he was right.

I should note that it did not make me want to change my clothing. Opinions are great when shopping and trying to make a decision between this or that, which I sometimes seek advice on—even by total strangers since I do most of my shopping alone. Although once I have decided that I do indeed love it I wear it proudly. Neysayers be damned!

I guess what I am trying to say is that if you love it wear it! This is the time to find the confidence within. To truly care a little less about what others think of you. Love your clothing. Love yourself. Donate the rest!