The Power of Dressing To Express Yourself
Happy Monday, ladies! Let’s talk about the power of your personal style and why it’s so important to dress to express yourself. Last week, a woman my age tried to shame me about my fashion choices. Needless to say, that did not go over well. It got me thinking about how often older women are marginalized by society and that it’s not just young people doing it. It underscored the significance of personal style and the necessity to dress in a way that genuinely reflects who you are.
Your Personal Style Story
Raise your hand if you still have a bit of PTSD from your old hairdos. How about some previous fashion choices? Remember those cringe-worthy looks…the teased bangs, the frizzy perms, white lipstick, the questionable shoulder pads…wait, we’re not just talking about me here, but you get my point. We’ve all lived long enough to have survived lots of fashion phases. Some good, some not so great. The good news is those experiments haven’t stopped us from moving forward and trying new things.
Great Style Has No Age
Words like “age-appropriate” and “modest” are used to box women into invisibility and imply a rigid set of rules that can limit self-expression. Age-appropriate is just a sneaky term for “stay in your lane’, but I’m here to tell you that your lane can be wherever you want it to be. Society has tried to dictate what older women should and shouldn’t wear for far too long, and I’m not having any of it… no matter the source.
The way we dress is an outward expression of who we are… our personality, experiences, and everything we’ve learned and unlearned over the years. It’s a story of self-discovery, laughter, heartbreak, resilience, and lessons learned. Whether your wardrobe leans towards timeless neutrals or vibrant prints, the only thing that matters is that you love what you wear. Your wardrobe should evolve with you, not limit you, and your age should not define how you choose to present yourself.
Confidence is Always in Style
There’s nothing more powerful than a confident woman, and your wardrobe can help you channel that inner power. Revisit your closet with a fresh set of eyes. Embrace statement accessories that reflect your personal style. Mix classic with unexpected pieces. I’m a big believer in looking to anyone, young, old, famous, or your next-door neighbor, for style inspiration. Ignore the peanut gallery and have fun growing your personal style.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with new trends or mix and match different pieces in your wardrobe. Play around with textures, colors, and styles that excite you. Whether you’re adding a splash of color with a scarf or trying out a new silhouette, embracing creativity in your outfits keeps things interesting and fun.
Reinvention Keeps Things Fresh
Fashion is endlessly flexible, so if you ever get in the mood to try something new, go for it. Don’t let a lack of confidence, fear of judgment, or peer pressure stop you. While it’s natural to have reservations, many of these concerns can be addressed by taking small steps, seeking support, and embracing the journey of discovering what makes you feel your best. Remember, fashion is a personal journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to navigate it.
Ignore the style police and wear what makes you feel energized, confident, and unapologetically you.
Have you felt marginalized by how society wants us to dress?
Jennifer your fashion choices are wonderful! I can’t imagine anyone shaming you. There are many photos of my past hair styles that I would love to destroy-what were we thinking? Thank you for showing us your fashion choices.
Amen!! Life is too short to not love what you are wearing!! Love the pep talk and you go girl!!!!!
I can’t imagine what that person was wearing or what they would select for you to suggest you were dressing appropriately. You are the gold standard of appropriate clothing – and you provide your readers with examples and explanations of your choices. Keep it up please!
You always look fabulous and keep us current on new colors and styles.
I have learned so much from you, Jennifer. Your sense of style, staying current, yet blending in classics, and your wonderful, readable blog. Keep up the good work and ignore negative people..
Jennifer, I can’t even imagine what negative comment could be said about your choices- are you supposed to wear a “ house coat”? I will say that after 55 we begin to become a little invisible; more so if you have a few extra pounds. At 66 and newly retired I made a commitment to myself to wear all the beautiful clothes in my closet- elevated casual- even if I was “ dressier” than others at book club, etc. what the heck… motto at 60 became- Make it Count! Thank you for your posts, continue to be true to yourself
Love the! Every day counts.
Amen to that! 80 now and when I taught school I was always asked if I had something special to go to after school …ummm no. Now volunteering in a leadership role and I’m still doing dressy casual! It’s me!
Not sure what she could belittle. You dress in classic style with some interesting things thrown in here and there. Sometimes people just have to belittle others to make themselves feel better.
I agree it’s reflection on them
I have NEVER cared one bit what others think about my personal style. I definitely see the “stay in your lane” attitude but I ignore it; my lane is very wide.
I love that! I think my lane is getting wider not narrower as I get older.
Loving the wide lane that lets us try new things and be generous with others as they do the same!
Good morning Jennifer,
So sorry to hear that a reader did that to you. Obviously this woman is envious of you. She did not have to make unkind comments. I and the ladies who follow you enjoy your suggestions, recommendations and insight into fashion and health.
Have a great day😍😍
I’m shocked that anyone would attack you, as for me, you represent a well dressed woman who knows who she is and where she is going! (The model of good fashion choices in other words).
I’d ignore such sniping! Just delete! Some people are simply rude!
Amen, very well said.
So sorry you have had to deal with negative comments. I agree with you that we need to feel comfortable and confident in our fashion choices. When I think about what to buy or wear, I think of the words “fashion victim” and strive to never fall into that category. But as someone who just turned 82 years old, that is the only rule for myself that I follow. I enjoy creating interesting outfits, and when I wear those outfits, they bring me joy.
Belated Happy Birthday Bea
I am genuinely bewildered how anyone could object to your style! I think my only experience with shaming around clothing choices was when I was in my teens with an hourglass figure. Ironically, I am a classic and conservative dresser by nature so there wasn’t much I could do about it. I then spent the decade of my twenties and working in NYC and that is one place where you can wear what want without raising eyebrows! I’m still lean towards a classic style but I after my NYC years, I also enjoy fashion for fashions sake!
you go girl. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Be you and you can never go wrong.
I love that! We can never go wrong staying true to ourselves.
Amen! I love your fashion blogs for the mature woman. You are not afraid to try new things, but more importantly, you are not afraid to share your journey. As a 5’2″, 61-year-old female, it is hard to find representation in any media, especially fashion-based. You are creative, thoughtful, and courageous. Sometimes I shop the items you present, but very often I do go back to my closet to reimagine pieces I have based on your style. Your blog is spot on and a powerful reminder that women need to lift up one another, in all aspects of our lives. Keep inspiring!
So true!
Jennifer, I get and read some of all of your postings. It depends on what I have going on in my life. I even appreciate knowing when you are sick or have something else going on in your life. I appreciate all of your offerings. Thank you!
Personally, I like your choices! Whoever criticized you is most likely jealous, petty, and small minded. Keep doing your thing! I enjoy it!
I think your style is great. You always look pulled together.
Jennifer. I wanted to say what an inspiration you are to me and so many! That confidence is the key when over 50. When I hear that you are age shamed on your website. But a youth admires your style! Your advice and ideas for style are amazing! Thank you laura
Jennifer, you have a great style, and are always fashionable and classy! Perhaps that person was jealous?
Hear hear! Jennifer I enjoy your fresh approach to fashion and how it makes us feel. Being in my 70’s I dress for comfort in a classical way and find pride and comfort in what I wear. It’s women like you, Cindy, Elizabeth, Susan, etc that make aging and style a fun part of our journey. Wendy
Love that!