Do partner compliments still affect how you feel about an outfit after 40?
I’m in my 40s and lately I’ve noticed how differently I think about getting dressed compared to when I was younger.
I used to care a lot more about whether my husband noticed a new outfit, liked a dress, or complimented something I put effort into. Not in a “dressing for him” way exactly, but his reaction definitely used to affect how confident I felt in certain clothes.
These days my wardrobe is much more about comfort, routine, and what actually works for my life. I have my usual outfit formulas, my safe pieces, and a lot less patience for clothes that look good but feel annoying by 2pm. But every once in a while he’ll randomly notice something I’m wearing, and I’m always surprised by how much it still lifts my mood.
Do partner compliments still affect how you feel about an outfit, or has your style become something you mostly do for yourself?