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?
Love your “young” picture. Fond memories! The good old days. 😊
If you are willing to share, I would love to hear more about the negative interaction you had…appreciate this post, inspiring!
Basically that I dressed in a boring outdated way. 🙂
I’m a bit stunned anyone would criticize what you wear, Jennifer. You are always well dressed! Now that I’m nearly 65, I have noticed the last little while more comments about being age appropriate. But with age comes wisdom – enough to know I can ignore such sentiments!
I agree wholeheartedly!,
Well this isn’t what I expected to see……I was disappointed this morning while having my coffee I didn’t see any great outfits and inspiration and I’m in my sixties……keep doing you ( great job).
Hi, Jennifer-
It seems like civility or respect for one another has gone by the wayside. If a reader doesn’t like your style why are they reading your blog? Yours is the first blog I followed during the pandemic and I’ve loved it since the beginning. Today is my 74th birthday and I get so much inspiration from your posts! I feel like I dress so much better now than I ever did because you helped me understand proportion/body type as a petite person(5’2″), etc. Aging is a privilege and we should boost each other up, not tear each other down. Thank you & bravo for all you do!
Happy Birthday Pat!
I am sorry that you had to hear such rubbish from this woman.
She sounds immature and jealous. You are beautiful, smart, and strong. We wear what we want . You have great taste in clothes . I can’t imagine what would be inappropriate ??
Unbelievable that someone would criticize you for your clothes styling! You always look beautifully put together from your hair to your makeup to your outfits and shoes. I was taught by my mother to never leave the house without looking my best, and you are helping myself and others to pick out the beautiful styles of today from various stores. I see so many older women (and I am 76) who look dowdy and much older than their age. I believe when you look good, you feel good……it’s a boost to my ego every day! Personally, I thank you for putting forth this blog every day!
wish you’d said what you were wearing when the woman made her rude comment. i cannot think of any of the outfits that you’ve shown us on the blog that could have triggered it. your style is always lovely.
5 years ago i moved to a suburb of denver and found that the women in my neighborhood dress very, very casually. i don’t “dress up” but am aware that many of them find it odd that my clothes are carefully chosen to make me look and feel good. oh, well, too bad .
Bravo Susan. I find it a form of self-care to dress with care.
I was intrigued by your Personal Style mention. I’m still changing
my personal style at 94. I let my bleached hair go gray and I love it!
I’m experimenting with new colors I’ve never worn. I’m even
looking at subtle makeup changes.
I’m surprised I’m looking into all of this at my age. I’m just
NOT giving up.
Way to go Janet! You’re an inspiration. I hope I’m the same at your age.
I couldn’t have said it better. Thank you.
Wonderful message, Jennifer! Yes, I have some perm pics that are quite scary. I recently heard a quote: Beautiful style has no age limit. Look at Judi Dench, Helen Mirran, Glen Close and so many others. We need to read your message once a week, hahaha. Thanks for this.
The unfortunate fashion choices I remember most were the ones that seem so uncomfortable now. I wore high heels while trekking through airports, kept spare pairs of hose in my desk in case I got a run, and remember wearing a bra, a full slip, a shirt buttoned all the way up, and a suit jacket. I have a very small bust, and I’m not sure how I moved!
I hope I do a pretty good job of ignoring expectations! We moved from NYC to Colorado, where life is much more casual. I’ve mostly embraced that style. When I was at the optician’s, he commented he’d never seen a woman wearing Red Wing boots before! I think he was admiring them though.
I think some stores target older women with everything stretch. It probably is easier and cheaper for them than sizing less forgiving clothes. Stretch clothing has its place, but I prefer and wear 100% cotton jeans for example, and will seek those out even though they are marketed to young women.
Jennifer, I follow your blog consistently and I have yet to see you in anything that I would consider inappropriate for your age. You always look stylish, fresh and lovely.
I totally agree, you always look stylish and great. You have given me confidence to wear jeans at anytime, rather than only for gardening !
That’s awesome
Thanks for the positivity Jennifer! I grew up wearing my cousins hand me downs, and desperately wanting to be popular and fit in. I’ve instead, through life found a couple of close friends is a lot more satisfying and nurturing. If you can be you safely with that friend, who cares what the world thinks. There will always be those who try to make themselves feel better by putting others down. I think your style is lovely, and so enjoy your blog. I can’t imagine how someone should think there was anything to shame about your style.
Jennifer you are so right and we should try new things and add to our style. I have friends that say older women shouldn’t have long hair well I grew mine longer just to say yes we can. We should always wear something that makes us feel confident and I’m enjoying my aging process I’m 82 and told I look 52. So keep up the good work Jennifer and I’ll keeping watching
I am 75,5’,110lbs. I have a few pair of jeans that are snug on my legs. I look good in them, but always feel self conscious wearing them because of my age. I was relieved to read your blog this morning. Women my age tend to stay in their lane pretty much. Thank you for helping me over this wardrobe hump!!
Show off those gorgeous legs!
Oh Jennifer, this is so well said and such a timely reminder. Thank you.
Wow, Jennifer! I assume this attempted shaming was in person since you stated the woman was your age. You didn’t specify what she criticized but I assume that you may have been wearing something that she felt was “too young” for you. How dare she! I don’t always embrace the new styles and trends, but those who like them should not avoid wearing them because of their age. If I like something and feel comfortable and confident in it, I don’t stop to think whether or not I should wear it because I am 69. We all have individual tastes and preferences which makes us unique. You always look wonderful. I might not choose to wear a piece that you do, but that’s what makes our style our own, not wrong.
I love your fashion sense and choices. You are so classy. Shame on whoever called you out. Keep doing what you are doing, I for one have purchased many of your suggestions. If you want to stay in your lane go for you, but don’t ostracize women who are open to change and enjoy it.
Yes, Jennifer. I feel how we clothe our bodies is certainly a way to express personality and self. It’s certainly a form of expression in terms of mood, and how we present ourselves to others. Blogs like yours are helpful in doing that. I struggle with body image, having gained weight in my later years. At age 87, I still enjoy thinking about attractive, useful clothes; skincare and makeup that presents my cared-for self to others. How we present ourselves is important.