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?
Oh Jennifer I am so sorry this happened to you and am glad you put this individual on ignore. As to a PTSD of an old hair do; mine was the Farrah Fawcett look and the torture of sleeping in those jumbo bristle rollers to acquire the style … lol! All said and in closing; keep doing what you are doing as sadly there are some who just haven’t outgrown their mean-girl attitude they most likely had in the history of their school days. -Brenda-
I slept in huge rollers too. Those bristles were torture. I doubt I actually got any sleep 🙂
Like all prior comments, I can’t imagine what anyone would say about how you were dressed being not age appropriate. Even if someone did think something, the nerve to say it to you???? I can only think the woman is dealing with impulsive behavior and some mental health issues.
I can’t imagine anyone saying anything negative about your style
I have pictures of my hair looking way too big 🙂
Keep doing you – you do it well
Jennifer you are my fashion mentor! My personal game of high low that I play when I see your posts often gets me compliments. Ignore any naysayers of your fashion choices. That is jealousy talking for sure. I love your advice and follow it a lot. I just joined the 80 year old group of ladies in December. I realize that I can look like my best version of a put together casual and comfortable 80 year old woman. I have learned to be pretty comfortable in my own skin. I see all of those Hollywood types with their puffed lips and distorted faces and I actually feel sorry for them. They are chasing the youth train and it has left the station. I’m a great grandmother and proud of it and where I am in my life. I earned my white hair and every wrinkle I have. They are badges of honor of a long life well lived.
Badges of a live well lived! I love that Sydney
Jennifer, how unfortunate that anyone would try to shame you for your fashion choices, let alone a woman of our age group. There’s enough negativity in this world without someone needlessly adding to it. You are such an inspiration to so many of us — not just for fashion (which you do very well), but for health, books and how to live with positivity and enjoyment. Keep on doing what you’re doing. We’re here to support you and enjoy your creativity!
I think the majority of us who follow you are impressed with the way you dress and love the ideas that you give us! I am 85 and enjoy dressing to look and feel great about myself. I get a lot of positive comments about how i dress and that i look a lot younger than my age but, even if i didn’t, i would still feel good about myself and enjoy life! Am happy that you are doing the same!
Thank you for this post today! I am not one to “stay in the lane”. My lane is wide too! Each season I will buy something a little edgy that I know I will enjoy. I love mixing and matching and I do not worry what others think. I am retired, so daily I wear very casual clothes. But I love dressing up for going out to eat and church. I will be 70 in a few months.
Have a fabulous birthday!
Sometimes, when people criticize us for looking “inappropriate for our age”, it’s their own insecurities showing through. It helps to see it as an opportunity to encourage them to have fun with fashion and explore what really makes them shine.
I can’t imagine what anyone would say about your style – other than a compliment! I can only imagine that the comment was really about them – rather than about you.
I think that’s always the case. I find it unacceptable when they spread negativity and hate the way it intimidates other women.
Another great post. I, personally, have not been the recipient of criticism about the way I dress. But then, I tend to go about my life these days with the simple attitude of what makes me feel good and what makes me happy, and not giving much thought to what other people think. It’s taken me 78 years to reach this point and I am thoroughly enjoying my life as I want it.
It’s a great freeing sensation to know that whatever happens, I’ll be okay, with a smile on my face and not losing myself to other’s negative thoughts or mindsets.
Yay!!
I absolutely hate when I see articles that say stuff like, “how to dress when you’re over a certain age.” We can dress & wear anything we please. And another thing women should be supporting each other. If it’s comfortable & you feel good about it, just wear it! No longer trying to please other people.
I have understood that the styles you chose are to show us what is out there, to suggest outfits and styling ideas, and are not always the ones you would chose for yourself.
I think your critic must miss that altogether. Thanks for what you do and, as others have said, encouraging is to drive in a wide, not narrow lane. At 82 I find life is just as much a time for exploration and experimentation and as when I was younger, maybe even more so!
Thanks Hedi
Well said! Good for you and the rest of us. Since I have been reading your blog I realize how I was allowing myself to give into the fashion police. I have found since retirement I don’t need as many clothes as I did so why not splurge on some items that truly make me feel good and confident. That is just one of the many things I have taken away from following you. I appreciate you very much.
Personally I don’t believe in dressing “age appropriate”. If the style you choose to wear looks good on your body shape and size, I don’t think your age should dictate the style or color you are allowed to wear. Everyone deserves to reflect their own personal taste in their clothes, age shouldn’t be a factor in my opinion.
I totally agree!
I admire your style and honest reviews. Thank you for keeping me current. Certainly have my own style but enjoy reading how to add a touch of style to stay current. Thank you for your hard work for all of us your faithful readers!
I don’t understand why people feel the need to be negative about anything not just fashion, especially when said comments are not appropriate. I’m not keen on all you wear but I’m sure you would definitely not like everything I wear 😂
It’s personal choice.
I may not like everything you wear but you are always “well put together “ and I admire your pluck!
Keep on helping and inspiration us!
Your choices are beautiful, stylish, well fit, appropriate and look great on you! I love your blog as you show what an outfit looks like on you-and many different price points. Some are too pricy for me-but it gives me an idea of what goes with what and how I can dress well. I love your choices and do not change!
I think negatively commenting on someone else’s fashion choice is very rude. I’ve always been of the mindset ‘to each his own’! You always look fabulous & people like that just need to get a life!
Jennifer, I have to laugh when I see articles on “How to wear jeans at 50,60, 70. Since when is there an age limit on jeans? I’m 85, retired from the business world, live a casual life style in a small town. Most days you can find me in size 8 jeans, a cashmere sweater & Tory Burch loafers. I don’t apologize for wearing jeans……happy to be alive and so healthy!
I can’t believe someone would question your fashion choices. You have amazing fashion sense. I have learned so much from your blog. I’m always trying to emulate your outfits. Haters gonna hate! I had the exact big hair in the 80’s. I wish I had that much hair now! Just not the perm. Keep up the good work 👍
Ditto Rosemary. I thought I look so cool with a perm.