From a young age, Deddeh Howard was enthralled by fashion and its role in culture. Unfortunately, she was never really able to see herself in it.
“Something that always bothered me when you see these amazing images [was] that very rarely you ever see a black woman on them,” Howard, who grew up in West Africa but now resides in Los Angeles, wrote at her blog, Secret of DD.
“Black girls are almost invisible,” she wrote.
So Howard created “Black Mirror,” a photo series in which she re-creates famous photos with herself in place of models like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Gisele Bundchen, and others.
Howard’s partner, Raffael Dickreuter, shot the series. As its title suggests, it holds a “black mirror” up to the fashion world. The project’s goal is both to make people notice the lack of diversity in the fashion world and to provide inspiration to other non-white models.
The shades of Gucci. All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.Glasses make you wiser. All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.The original sexy. All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.
Of the models featured on the fall 2016 runways, 75% were white. There’s a major need for a diversity boost.
Sometimes, that lack of diversity can be downright embarrassing. Earlier this year, one fashion show featured models walking to Beyoncé’s “Formation,” a song Essence described as a “wholly and undeniable a tribute to Blackness — particularly Black girl power.” The problem: The show didn’t feature a single non-white model.
Guess who rides motorcycles. All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.Classy and feminine. All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.A bike ride with expensive accessories. All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.The lingerie pose. All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.Thinking "Breakfast at Tiffanys” maybe? All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.
Diversity, representation, and visibility play key roles in shaping ambition and self-acceptance in the real world.
It’s important to be able to see yourself in the world, and it’s important to know that someone who looks like you can succeed.
“The next generation can only get inspired and reach for the stars themselves if they believe they can do it too,” Howard wrote on her blog. “For that reason diversity in ad campaigns is in my opinion much more important than you might think.”
A single door can open up a world of endless possibilities. For homeowners, the front door of their house is a gateway to financial stability, job security, and better health. Yet for many, that door remains closed. Due to the rising costs of housing, 1 in 3 people around the world wake up without the security of safe, affordable housing.
Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has made it their mission to unlock and open the door to opportunity for families everywhere, and their efforts have paid off in a big way. Through their work over the past 50 years, more than 65 million people have gained access to new or improved housing, and the movement continues to gain momentum. Since 2011 alone, Habitat for Humanity has expanded access to affordable housing by a hundredfold.
A world where everyone has access to a decent home is becoming a reality, but there’s still much to do. As they celebrate 50 years of building, Habitat for Humanity is inviting people of all backgrounds and talents to be part of what comes next through Let’s Open the Door, a global campaign that builds on this momentum and encourages people everywhere to help expand access to safe, affordable housing for those who need it most. Here’s how the foundation to a better world starts with housing, and how everyone can pitch in to make it happen.
Volunteers raise a wall for the framework of a new home during the first day of building at Habitat for Humanity’s 2025 Carter Work Project.
Globally, almost 3 billion people, including 1 in 6 U.S. families, struggle with high costs and other challenges related to housing. A crisis in itself, this also creates larger problems that affect families and communities in unexpected ways. People who lack affordable, stable housing are also more likely to experience financial hardship in other areas of their lives, since a larger share of their income often goes toward rent, utilities, and frequent moves. They are also more likely to experience health problems due to chronic stress or environmental factors, such as mold. Housing insecurity also goes hand-in-hand with unstable employment, since people may need to move further from their jobs or switch jobs altogether to offset the cost of housing.
Affordable homeownership creates a stable foundation for families to thrive, reducing stress and increasing the likelihood for good health and stable employment. Habitat for Humanity builds and repairs homes with individual families, but it also strengthens entire communities as well. The MicroBuild® Initiative, for example, strengthens communities by increasing access to loans for low-income families seeking to build or repair their homes. Habitat ReStore locations provide affordable appliances and building materials to local communities, in addition to creating job and volunteer opportunities that support neighborhood growth.
Marsha and her son pose for a photo while building their future home with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity in Georgia.
Everyone can play a part in the fight for housing equity and the pursuit of a better world. Over the past 50 years, Habitat for Humanity has become a leader in global housing thanks to an engaged network of volunteers—but you don’t need to be skilled with a hammer to make a meaningful impact. Building an equitable future means calling on a wide range of people and talents.
Here’s how you can get involved in the global housing movement:
Speaking up on social media about the growing housing crisis
Volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity build in your local community
Travel and build with Habitat in the U.S. or in one of 60+ countries where we work around the globe
Join the Let’s Open the Door movement and, when you donate, you can create your own personalized door
Every action, big and small, drives a global movement toward a better future. A safe home unlocks opportunity for families and communities alike, but it’s volunteers and other supporters, working together with a shared vision, who can open the door for everyone.
Ever look through your parents’ high school yearbook and all the teenagers look like they are 35 years old? When you think about how teenagers look today, the difference is striking. But why? Did people grow up much faster back in the day, or is there something else at play?
If you look back to the 1980s, there’s a clear difference between actors Paul Rudd and Wilford Brimley at 50.
Sure, that’s a cherry-picked, extreme version of the difference in how people age, but it does support the idea that just a few decades ago, people aged much faster.
In a recent video, the folks atRecollection Road did a deep dive into why your average high school junior in 1958 looked like a 55-year-old bank manager, and they found seven reasons. They were a mix of environmental and cultural factors that boiled down to one central point: people are much healthier these days.
1. Smoking
“Cigarettes were everywhere: in diners, in offices, even on airplanes. In the 1950s, it wasn’t unusual to see a mother with a baby in one arm and a cigarette in the other. High school kids would light up behind the gym, and by adulthood, many were chain smokers.”
A Gallup poll found that in 1954, 45% of U.S. adults smoked cigarettes at least once a week. Compare this with 2024, when only 11% of Americans smoked a cigarette in the previous week.
2. Sun exposure
“Back in the 1960s and 1970s, a summer tan wasn’t just fashionable, it was almost required. People slathered on baby oil, laid out under the blazing sun, and cooked. There was no SPF 50. In fact, lotion was designed to help you burn faster for a deeper tan. Families on vacation didn’t think twice about spending hours on the beach with no shade. By the time they were in their 30s or 40s, the sun had also carved wrinkles and dark spots into their skin.”
3. Fashion
“Think about old photos of your parents or grandparents. A 25-year-old man in 1948 was often dressed in a suit and tie, maybe even a fedora. A young woman might be wearing a conservative dress and practical shoes. By modern standards, those styles look more grown-up, more like something we’d expect from someone middle-aged.”
4. Life was harder
“Someone who grew up during the Great Depression often started working as a teenager to help put food on the table. A lot of young men were drafted into World War II or Vietnam before they were even old enough to legally drink. That kind of responsibility leaves its mark. … Even women carried heavy burdens. In the 1950s, a young mother might have had three or four kids by the time she was 25, while also running a household without modern conveniences like microwaves or dishwashers.”
5. Drinking
“Having a three martini lunch was common in the business world of the 1960s. Beer was practically considered a food group in some households. Combine that with less knowledge about exercise and health, and you can see why bodies wore down faster, giving people an older appearance earlier in life.”
There has been a sharp decline in the number of Americans who consume alcohol. In 1971, 71% of Americans had the occasional drink, but that number dropped to 54% in 2025. The decline in drinking is attributed to concerns over alcohol’s effect on health and a decrease in consumption amongst younger people.
6. Cultural expectations
“By their mid-20s, most people in the 1950s and ‘60s were married, raising children, and working full-time jobs. Life was about responsibility, not self-expression. They dressed older, behaved older, and carried themselves as adults.”
7. Testosterone
“Studies show that the average testosterone has been steadily declining for decades. Men in the 1950s and ‘60s often had higher natural testosterone than men today, which gave them more muscle mass, broader builds, and in some cases, more facial hair. While that might sound like it would make them look younger, it often had the opposite effect. The heavy brows, thick body hair, and rugged features made young men look tougher, older, and more weathered than their actual age.”
With every season, comes a new trendy fashion item that retailers push as the must-have piece. But as we know, no trend is universally flattering. Case and point, last year, when Free People, a specialty lifestyle brand for bohemian styled fashion, released its “micro shorts,” which, as you can probably guess, are teeny tiny. They…
With every season, comes a new trendyfashion item that retailers push as the must-have piece. But as we know, no trend is universally flattering.
Case and point, last year, when Free People, a specialty lifestyle brand for bohemian styled fashion, released its “micro shorts,” which, as you can probably guess, are teeny tiny. They might check off all the requirements for a pair of shorts…except, they appear to be about the length of underwear.
If you’re thinking “there’s no way those would look good,” you’re not wrong! And to prove that point, a couple of women bought some to try on so you don’t have to. The videos are not only honest but hilarious.
In one video Nicole Walters, a New York Times best selling author and mom to three girls, decided to order the shorts to see how they looked on someone with, “thigh meat.” She wears a size 12 and often jokes about being a curvier on the bottom. When she pulled the shorts out, it looked as if she was going to have to perform a magic trick to get them on. They looked to be the size a small child would wear, but they seemed to have gone on easily even though they looked extremely uncomfortable. She looked uncomfortable. The viewers likely looked uncomfortable.
“Oh wow. They’re in there and by in there I mean everywhere. There’s a lot of thigh meat happening right now in the, this region,” Walters says as she gestures at her upper thighs. “There’s some thigh meat, um…uh…I feel like they’re definitely in some places that I didn’t know I had.”
Walter’s review of the shorts has people in stitches as she jokes about her Christianity falling out of the shorts.
“It’s the Barbie walk for me lol!!! Thank you for your service,” one person says.
“The way you warn us that you’re going to turn around almost made me scream with laughter,” someone writes.
“I’m just going to go ahead and dial 911 for help bc looks like you may need the jaws of life to come out them shorts…lol!! Your commentary had me dying laughing..lol,” another commenter jokes.
In another Free People “micro shorts” try on video, Nicole Story Dent braved the itty bitty shorts to show her audience the summer trend they can look forward to seeing. The first pair of shorts has multiple flaps that appear to be large pockets which inspires Dent to pretend to fly in them before the discomfort sinks in.
“It’s kinda giving waitress…if they ever want to make a Waffle House-Hooters hybrid, we have their uniform, “she said. “We have been asking for more pockets so they delivered. Speaking of delivered, you could deliver a baby without having to take these shorts off.”
Dent guessed that the shorts would be more like “jundies” or “janties” than jorts, the shorthand term for jean shorts. Commenters couldn’t stop laughing at her description of the shorts while others provided her with words of wisdom.
“Do NOT drop it low in these jundies, that kind of contact with the club floor is NOT hygienic,” someone wrote.
“‘There is nothing vegan about these. There is absolutely a cat being harmed!’ I’m cackling! You really should win something from Free People for this! @freepeople we found your next model,” another person joked.
“This is the kind of content the internet was made for, it’s just so good. However my thighs started getting chafed just watching this,” added a third.
If you’re brave enough to give these micro shorts a try, go ahead and stock up on some baby powder for all the chaffing. However, it’s all about long Bermuda shorts this year. And since no one can keep up with fashion’s rapid pace anyway, why not just stick with what feels good?
There is something about the music we connect to when we’re young that beautifully helps shape our identity. We want to scream from the rooftops, “This is how I feel!” but we so often can’t. Luckily, clothes and accessories can do the proverbial screaming for us. Often, it’s written off as a moody teenage phase…
There is something about the music we connect to when we’re young that beautifully helps shape our identity. We want to scream from the rooftops, “This is how I feel!” but we so often can’t. Luckily, clothes and accessories can do the proverbial screaming for us. Often, it’s written off as a moody teenage phase (and sometimes it is), but for some, it’s an absolute vibe that becomes a part of everyday life all the way to the end.
And so, when a man took to the subreddit r/goth to show off HIS goth look from teen to middle-age, many rejoiced. The OP writes, “Fashion Friday: ‘It’s not just a phase, mom’ 18 vs 48 years old.” Under this is a split photo. On one side is the 18-year-old version of himself, hair slicked back, eyes full of dramatic dark liner and shadows. He’s in all black (natch) with a Nosferatu t-shirt tucked into leather (or possibly pleather) pants. One hand is tucked into said pants, while the other dramatically holds up a glass—his body tilted in the ultimate cool pose, as he shows off his black nail polish.
On the other side is the now 48-year-old version. He wears a black sleeveless The Sisters of Mercy band shirt showing off lots of tats and an intense stare under his tiny glasses. Under the photo, he writes, “Less hair but more tattoos, and at least I don’t have to pose in my parents’ backyard anymore :)”
A man posts a photo of himself at 18 and at 48 showing off his goth looks. Reddit, Hemlox76
Upworthy had a chance to speak to this Redditor and when asked if he still feels the “goth vibe” that he did as a teen, his answer was enthusiastically , “Oh hell yeah I do!” He added, ” I keep my look pretty toned down for work ( corporate gothic, sort of), but still go all out when going to concerts and stuff like that.”
The comments under the post are undeniably goth in nature. The first immediately references death when they write, “Looking stylish in both pics. I’m currently 33. Goal is to be buried in goth attire.” The OP replies, “Well, a black suit is usually standard 🙂 Myself, I’d go for just a hole in the ground in the woods and an ash tree planted over me if that was legal over here.”
This commenter explains how their music influences brought them to the goth lifestyle. “Heh. I came by mine honestly. Dad likes Black Sabbath and science fiction/fantasy, Mum likes Steeleye Span, Edward Gorey and gothic novels. Their kid likes all of it, plus goth rock and power metal. They thought it was weird when I was a teenager, but now that I’m an adult we go to shows together and my mum buys me black lace and darkly themed vintage :)”
And this kind Redditor compliments the OP: “You aged like a fine wine brother. And your hair colour now suits you. Granted I was 4 when the first pic was taken, but yum to both.”
The goth vibe, in music, clothes or all-around attitude, started gaining in popularity in the late 70s, as a term to describe atmospheric post-punk bands. The term got thrown around a bit, but the overarching idea is music and clothes that are dramatic, moody, and emotional. To paraphrase an old adage, “I’ll wear black until they find a darker color,” certainly applies. Both musically and in appearance, think Robert Smith, the front man for the English band The Cure.
The whole mood is steeped, at least in attitude and clothing, in Gothic literature which goes way farther back than just the 1970s. Moody heartbreak and even mysterious horror were romanticized in books like Frankenstein and Dracula. It was cool to be sad, and beautiful to be heartbroken.
And even though the goth baseline might appear dark, the Reddit thread illustrates that its community is often like a tight-knit family—with great taste in music AND clothes.
The reunification of Oasis seems to represent something bigger than just two lads who put their differences aside to go on tour. Some could even argue that the notorious repair of the longtime rift between the Gallagher brothers (Liam and Noel) was symbolic of the idea that healingis possible.
This world might need that right now. Representing that healing (at least in clothing form) is the bucket hat, made extremely popular by the Brit Pop era of which Oasis ruled. The Sunday night show at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles was full of them, bouncing around in different colors by the thousands.
Oasis performs at The Rose Bowl in Los Angeles in 2025. Photo Credit: Marcia Neumeier
According to fashion experts, bucket hats first became popular in the early 1900s, mostly worn by Irish fishermen and farmers. They reemerged in the 60s, then again in the 80s, and then pretty much every decade after. Whether it’s TV character Gilligan, a rapper, or, yes, Liam Gallagher himself, this fashion statement is so strong it creates a movement in the zeitgeist.
Millennials (and some Gen X-ers on the younger end of the spectrum) seemed to especially enjoy ramping up the sales in bucket hat merch. I saw firsthand that you couldn’t throw a guitar pick without bouncing one off those happy little head coverings.
Fashion accessories stylist Fay Parrish told Upworthy that it’s not just bucket hats coming along for the Brit Pop reemergence ride. “Plaid oversized shirts, boot cut jeans and funnel neck tech jackets are back, and with that, their crowning glory, the bucket hat,” she says.
Upworthy also spoke to Eric Turney, President of Sales and Marketing at The Monterey Company. He shares the interesting note that there’s actually a name for this phenomenon. “People in our industry are referring to it as the Oasis Effect. Since the reunion buzz, bucket hats have jumped from streetwear collections to mainstream fall style. Our sales are up, and clothing designers are building them into full seasonal collections.”
At an Oasis show in July in London, Liam made sure the hat was properly described, yelling, “This isn’t f— velvet, and it’s not a f— beanie hat. It’s jumbo cord, and it’s a bucket hat.”
Not quite everyone appreciates the style, though. On Reddit, nearly 300 people have already commented on the post, “Wearing a bucket hat instantly makes people look like jerks.” (Though the OP noted L.L. Cool J pulls it off well, stating, “Maybe LL Cool J gets away with it, but he needs to state that he’s ‘cool’ in his name.”)
Even though there were quite a few jokes, many even in this thread came to the bucket hat’s defense. Some for practical reasons: “I love the bucket hat. It’s perfect for working outside and is better for sun protection or for the rain compared to a baseball hat.” Others were more sentimental, with one exclaiming in all caps: “OASIS FANS IN THE AREA.”
Others took note of Liam fully embracing the look. On the subreddit r/Oasis, many discuss his consistency at every show. Some speculated he’s growing out a bad haircut. Others just believe he’s reinforcing his brand. But whatever he’s doing, it’s creating a bond among generations and setting a reminder that change and forgiveness are possible.
Gen Z is ushering in a new era of fashion, and many popular ‘fits and hair trends seem to have a retro influence.A 22-year-old Gen Zer took to the Internet to discuss current Gen Z fashion trends, noting that he sees lots of 1970s inspiration for current styles. He noted, “Thanks to Benson Boone, most…
Gen Z is ushering in a new era of fashion, and many popular ‘fits and hair trends seem to have a retro influence.
A 22-year-old Gen Zer took to the Internet to discuss current Gen Z fashion trends, noting that he sees lots of 1970s inspiration for current styles. He noted, “Thanks to Benson Boone, most guys my age have permed mullets and moustaches. Middle-parts, flared low rise jeans, perms and even bushes are having a renaissance.”
In a follow-up, he asked Boomers and Gen Xers who grew up during the era how they feel seeing Gen Z’s take on some of their fashion staples. “70’s kids, teens, young adults – how do you feel about Gen Z adopting mullets, pornstaches, middle-parts and flared jeans?” he wrote. “Asking as a 22yr [old], how do those of you who lived through the 70’s feel about certain trends coming back in style?”
And plenty of Boomers and Gen Xers shared their opinions. These are 15 of their thoughts on Gen Z’s fashions.
“The fashion is similar as in the 70’s, but the vibe is not. if that makes sense.” – Flashy_Woodpecker_11
“It’s kind of entertaining. I have a rule for myself that if I wore a trend in one decade, I don’t get to wear it when it comes back around, and boy have I seen a bunch of familiar-looking clothes in the past couple of years. But as someone said, though the style looks similar, the attitude they are wearing it with is totally different.” – intrigue-bliss4331
“Everything old is new again. It has always been that way. If it makes someone happy, then who are we to care if it’s an old fad or new.” – FortuneWhereThoutBe
“Everything seems to come in 50 year cycles. Saw a double breasted jacket in a men’s clothes shop the other day! I’m 70m and haven’t worn anything double breasted since 1973!! So it goes!” – ActiveOldster
“To each their own of course. It’s not me, it wasn’t back then, never was, isn’t me today etc. But for those who like it, rock on.” – No_Roof_1910
“Whatever makes them happy. Kids get to build their tribal rituals. In other words, I’m not getting a mullet but wont disparage theirs. Rock on.” – goosebumpsagain
“I think it’s freaking hilarious. ‘We hate boomers, but we totally want to be them.’ As a Gen Xer with older brothers and sisters and solid memories of from about 1974 on, it just makes me giggle.” – Grace_Alcock
“When I was a teen in the 70s at one point, my mom pointed out to me that lots of our styles were from the 40s when she was young. She was right! Personally, I don’t care who wears what or when.” – moverene1914
“Fashion, even bad fashion, repeats. Makes me laugh, but I still wear tie dye and hippy trippy stuff so I’m no critic to judge!” – Lefty-boomer
“I love seeing them embrace anything other than the normcore beige stuff that has 0 style. I cant wait until they see videos of themselves in 30 years.” – notthatcousingreg
“I was a kid in the 70s and wore those things in my 20s when they came back in style in the 90s. I love seeing it all come back again! I love the vintage clothing sub and the 70s styles are my favorites.” – Wonderful_Horror7315
“Let them fly their freak flags. Life is short. In 10 years, they’ll all want to look like Boy George, anyway. Enjoy getting older, I sure do!” – AnitaIvanaMartini
Be Yourself Tonight Show GIF by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Giphy
“Every generation thinks they invented rebellion then just recycle the last one’s closet. 70s kids rolled their eyes at 50s greasers 90s mocked the 70s now gen z is basically cosplaying their grandparents. Fashion’s just a pendulum nobody’s original we just remix until it feels new again. The real joke is thinking your mullet is edgy when it’s literally your dad’s yearbook pic.” – Thin_Rip8995
“GenX here. I LOVE it! Add in some Ponchos and Knee High sports socks for guys and you are officially Old School Cool! A rock band 3/4 length sleeve t-shirt and Blue Jean jacket for EXTRA POINTS!” – Gun5linger67
“Every generation deserves the chance to make fashion choices that they’ll look back at some day and wonder, ‘WTF was I thinking?!?’ – LordOfEltingville
Robin Williams was not just an amazing actor and comedian—he was also a fashion icon. Williams, who passed away on August 11, 2014, has recently been recognized by fans from all generations for his unique personal style that often went unrecognized.
On Reddit on several fashion subforums, Williams is being celebrated for his sartorial style during his long career. “Had no idea Robin Williams had so much drip,” member Classic-Carpet7609 shared in one forum, expressing their admiration for his style that ranged from streetwear to couture.
“Robin Williams was a huge weeb when it came to fashion, like several years ahead of other western celebrities like rappers, etc when it came to wearing a lot of Japanese labels,” one member commented. Another added, “It was news to me too until a couple years ago when I saw that photo of him in the Issey Miyake bomber jacket. I was like daaaaamn he’s like cool cool.”
Fans also are pointing out that Williams was well-versed in fashion brands. He also wore Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, BAPE, Visvim, Acronym, and Mishka, per British GQ.
His taste in fashion wasn’t only elevated, but also functional, and Williams could pull it all off. “I love how versatile, comfortable and confident his looks are. You couldn’t box the man in and I really appreciate that now as an adult,” another commented. “A style icon ahead of his time,” another wrote. Another quipped, “Wtf multiple of these fits you could see someone walking down the street today.”
However, at the time Williams’ style was not making best-dressed lists. “He was RIDICULED at the time for his dress sense. Seriously. On every ‘worst dressed ‘ list constantly,” one commented. Regardless, it was his confidence that continues to stand out with his fashion choices. “I think it must be the confidence. For a dude who was known to be plagued with self-doubt, you would never know it looking at him. He always looks supremely confident in himself and so when he wears, for example, a matador jacket, he pulls it off instead of looking just silly,” another added.
Many fans pointed out that his sometimes outlandish fashion choices had a deeper meaning. “He was more into making statements with his fashion than he was into ‘looking good’.” Another wrote, “I really like his more flamboyant looks.” While another fan noted, “Na honestly that’s wild. He’s wavy.”
Although Williams’ personal style may not have been understood by others, today his boldness is being recognized. “But seriously, I somehow was not aware that he gave so much thought to his looks, and they very much reflect who he is,” one fan commented. Another agreed, saying, “I did not realize until now how good of a dresser he was, wow!” One more confirmed, “So ahead of the curve!”
Most of all, Williams’ fans are most in awe of his style’s authenticity. “There’s a purity and realness about him that is primal. I love his self expression through these outfits,” said one. Another summed it all up wonderfully, writing, “His personality was brighter than any shirt.”
Have you ever looked back at your parents’ high school yearbook and thought that all the 11th graders looked like they were in their early 30s? Whether they were in school in the ‘60s and the kids had horn-rimmed glasses or the ‘80s with feathered hair, they looked at least a decade older than today’s high school kids. One wonders if in 30 years, kids look at a yearbook from 2025 and see boys with broccoli cuts and girls with nose rings and they think, “What are they, 35?”
The folks at Bright Side did a deep dive into the phenomenon and found a few reasons why people looked so much older in the past than they do now. It’s a mix of how our minds perceive older fashion and why people age more gracefully in modern times.
Why did people look older in the past?
“Specialists have looked into this phenomenon, and it does have some scientific facts to back it up,” the narrator states. “It’s not necessarily that our ancestors looked older; it’s more that we appear to look younger. And younger as generations go by, that’s because over time humans have improved the way they live their lives in the us alone over the last 200 years.”
A big reason people looked a lot older when photography became common in the late 1800s is that it happened at a time when we were making tremendous advances in public health. The 1880s to the 1920s were a time of rapid advancement, when we began to understand infectious diseases and how they spread. “We gained access after safer types of foods, and we understand the importance of clean water. Our individual lifestyle choices can impact the way we look,” the video says.
The way we work has also drastically changed how people look. Working in an office for eight hours a day in air conditioning will keep you a lot younger-looking than working all day as a Victorian chimney sweep. Plus, for people who work outside, sunscreen has made it much easier to protect our skin and decrease wrinkles.
Let’s not forget the importance of a straight, white smile. Advances in dental care also help make people look younger.
Why do people wearing styles from the past appear older?
Finally, there’s the clothes issue, and, yes, this does have a big impact on how we view the age of people from the past. “Our brains are wired to associate old trends with being old,” the video says. “For example, your grandpa might still have the shirt he wore in that 1970s picture, and it’s because of that shirt that you retroactively associate that trend with being old, despite the fact that your granddad does look younger in the picture than he looks today. “
In the end, the fact that people look a lot younger today than they did in the past is a testament to how the quality of life has drastically improved since cameras were first invented. However, that doesn’t mean that fashion has improved at all. You have to admit that your dad with that fly butterfly collar in his 1977 graduation photo looks better than that multi-colored, Machine Gun Kelly-style hoodie you see guys wearing in high schools today.
Theodor Capitani von Kurnatowski III has come a long way from Louisiana, where he emancipated himself from his parents at just 14. While shedding parental supervision, he also shed most of his name, so you might only know him as Theo Von.
Just five years later, Theo became a cast member on MTV‘s Road Rules and subsequently appeared on four seasons of MTV’s The Challenge. If you watched those shows, you’ll know Theo never shies away from a funny quip, a weird take, something controversial bordering on dumb, or just plain awkward absurdity.
But through his now many years as a stand-up comic, content creator, and podcaster, he always asks interesting questions of his guests… and of himself. In an article for NOLA, he claimed his evolution of thought was born from having had the “frame of reference of a poor person.”
Just recently, he took a stand on an extremely controversial topic: vests. That’s right…that clothing item that used to be reserved only for tuxedo purposes or Diane Keaton. Brace yourselves: Theo is PRO-VESTS.
He breaks it down on his podcast. “Now I love a vest,” he exclaims. “A vest is the only piece of clothing that you can look sharp and catch a football at the same time. Comfortably, okay?” He pauses for a split second as if to say, let THAT sink in. “If you wanna hug somebody and feel a little bit more of the hug than usual—THAT’S a vest.”
He continues, “If you’ve been drinking all day or doing drugs or whatever and you don’t know if you’re supposed to go to a wedding or a rave, hmm, what am I gonna wear? A snorkel? No! A vest. And that’s just a snorkel for your torso, baby. That f-ing vest.”
Need more proof that a vest is the best? “If you’re not sure if you’re gonna be doing magic later on tonight,” he says as he mimes doing magic, “Vest.”
Krendl magician doing a card trick in Virginia. www.flickr.com
“The crazy thing about vests is… they remember your body shape. Not a lot of different pieces of clothing remember your body like a vest does.”
He compares it to protection during intimate moments, claiming that a vest remembers your contours. “A vest knows if you’re a man or a woman. A vest knows. You want to have a gender reveal party? Tie a vest up around that womb. A vest knows. A vest knows a lot more than we think it does.”
Theo himself dares his Instagram followers to “name a better clothing.” After many puns, including what good “inVESTment” vests are, no one in the nearly 1,500 comments can beat it.
Interestingly, Reddit has claimed the “vest” has made a comeback, as recently as last year. On the subreddit r/femalefashion advice, one person asks, “I want to buy a vest, but I really don’t know if it’s just for now. I know vests have come and gone through the years, but I just recently started getting into fashion.”
This shockingly receives over 100 comments, with one responding, “Oh, it’s definitely trendy. It’s a big part of the 20-year fashion cycle — right now the early 00s are trendy again. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the trend! There’s no such thing as timeless fashion, and you should wear things that you like.”
Another Redditor offers this wise cautionary advice: “Vests can be a hard piece to pull off. The popular ones right now are an easy entry point, which is cool for folks wanting to experiment with their style. But I only see these types of vests being classic staples for a small amount of folk. So the vests everyone is wearing are trends, but not the article of clothing itself.”
And this person really opposes the idea: “Girl, trendy. They were hot in the mid-late 90s and we wore them then for a few years and then haven’t seen them since. You’ll wear it a few times before the trend evolves (brocade floral vests instead of oatmeal blah linen vests?) and then after that it will be gone completely for another 20–30 years. Timeless is a myth.”
Theo would probably answer that with, “You know what’s not a myth? Vests.”
