For Seller

By: Lawrence Bienemann

According to a recent article in the Wall St. Journal a "once hip generation of men has a problem: looking younger and "˜with it’ - but not foolish - as they begin to use their senior discounts." Entitled "The Baby Boomer Fashion Crisis" the article went on to discuss the fit of clothes, appropriate fabrics, better eye glasses, trendy shoes, clothing colors and hair style tips. In spite of all of that, the article got me thinking about how we present ourselves to the world. What does the image we project say about us?

For instance, I love my jeans and sweatshirt. I can justify this attire almost anywhere. But, it occurs to me, that under some circumstances, others might find it "˜inappropriate’ if not offensive.

I recently visited the Catholic Church where I was a grade school altar boy. I remembered those Sunday mornings: a packed church, men in coats and ties, and women in dresses. Their best dresses. My Mom always wore a hat.

On this particular Sunday morning, the church was only 30% filled. Most of the male attendees sported sweatshirts with the name of their favorite football player printed on the back. Was that sacrilegious? Were they any less devout or strong in their faith than my parents? Were they disrespectful of their religion? I doubt it. I think that standards have changed.

Lest this sound like a justification for sloppy dress, more permissiveness or an "˜anything goes’ attitude let me make the point. As I age, I try to dress appropriately to my surroundings and be groomed. But, truth be told, I don’t think in terms of "˜hip,’ "˜fashionable,’ or "˜stylish.’ (Note to my children: no comment.) Most of the time, I no longer care what someone else - anyone else - thinks is stylish. (See previous note.) I lean strongly towards what feels good, perhaps creates pleasant memories and is clean.

Have my standards changed? Or have I, like so many seniors, come to value other things far more than what meets the eye?

Lawrence Bienemann is the RSVP Program Coordinator in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. You can reach him by e-mail at lawrenceb@rcn.com