Young Suz vs. Old Suz

In my twenties, a hundred years ago, I had a short, funky hairdo. I was "stylin'" It was short, swooshed and moussed so that it wouldn't be out of place. I wore cute clothes, and though I wasn't so much a style chaser, I wasn't totally out of style either.

Old Suz always wears a ponytail because 1. it is hot in Texas, and 2. I don't know what else to do with this ever-thinning hair. I dress far more conservatively, and pretty much "frumpy" these days because 1. it is hard to find clothes that fit, and 2. I don't know what is appropriate for me style-wise or for my age (45).

I have been reading a lot lately about what is considered appropriate for a woman in my age group versus what would be considered "trying to look younger than you are"...in other words, making me guilty of vanity and trying to be what I'm not, I guess.

I don't have a problem with getting older. I think that gray or silver hair can be beautiful. I know that I need to lose weight and that will help somewhat with the clothing dilemma. It will also be better for my health and better health itself can help me to appear younger no matter the hair or clothing style.

What are your thoughts on the whole idea of age-appropriate hair and clothing styles for adults? Do you think this is a valid thought, or do you think that a person shouldn't consider their age and just go with what makes them feel good?

How do you handle it? What do you do to feel good about YOU, regardless of comments from others (positive or negative)?