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?
I can’t imagine someone complaining about your fashion choices. You’ve helped me be more creative and to express my personal style and not be afraid to wear what I like. I love your fashion choices and you always look amazing. Thank you so much for being there for older women who do not want to be marginalized.
Some people are always going to find something negative to say. Many many many of us love what you do and what you wear. Keep doing what you do and ignore the snarky comments!!
Even if you were wearing something that was “inappropriate “ whatever that means, and I doubt that you were, where do people get off saying rude things to you? So baffling and ridiculous. I’m glad you don’t seem to let anyone determine what you’re supposed to wear.
As for me, I still haven’t recovered from the pixie haircuts I had to get in the 70’s (thanks Dorothy Hammill!). Being a woman of a certain age I can choose whatever I want to wear even if it’s not perfect.
I had that haircut too and it was a disaster on me.
Jane Fonda recently had this topic on a Sunday Morning show with Jane Paula and she said, very boldly, not to let society or others put down older women. I enjoy your genuine, caring ways you share with us-your health, your family and your classic style! I’m 81 but I do not look or act like I’m elderly. My grandchildren (27 & 24) also keep me up to date. Keep going and be bold & be brave for all of us!
Jennifer,
Thank you for the excellent expression of how older women are viewed at times by our society. I live in Southern Arizona where there is a vibrant Hispanic-Native American culture. Color and personal style is alive and well with the over 70 crowd which I am part of here. Remember Iris Apel as she is one of my fashion idols.
Your statement “Fashion is endlessly flexible” is spot on!
Jennifer YOU ARE ADORABLE! I agree with all the ladies! We love you and the beautiful example you are!! Thank you for being you! 😘
You are so sweet, thank you!
I would hope that the person who felt compelled to criticize has had time to reflect (especially if she still looks at the blog and sees the feedback.) Thanks for shedding light on this instance which exposes a greater issue for women – women bashing women. Glad to see the advocacy your work provides which helps women find joy in how we present ourselves through our outer shell no matter what our age. The added benefit keeps women from being marginalized by their own sisterhood. Let us all continue to find our joy.
I totally agree, Dee. We need to lift each other up!
I want to THANK you for the style ideas you give us! I think all your suggestions are classy and interesting. Please ignore the negative, and keep the wonderful content coming!
I have NEVER adhered to dressing for my age, and I’ve always been told I look younger than my age and I’m “different” from most people my age. The only thing I don’t care for are the “lady jackets”. I think they look too conservative and matronly for me. Like you, I’m a jeans person and love jeans, sweaters and boots as my favorite outfit!
As for the woman of same age who dissed you……at our age I would hope we have the confidence to forge ahead and also the world view to applaud others who might have made a different decision. Because after all, fashion is not a “life or death” issue. Why would my choice hurt someone else, or vice versa? It doesn’t, unless you are still thinking like a junior high school girl. My progress in my own style and assessment of others (over a nearly 50 year span in which I cared about such things) goes something like this: insecure gave way to acceptance which gave way to self confidence which gave way to judgmental which gave way to acceptance of others and widening my own standards which gave way to appreciation for the differences in style and personal expression. Onward!
In my opinion, negative comments say more about the commenter than the person they are trying to “correct.” I know what flatters my body and makes me feel happy and energetic. I like color and well-constructed, but, not necessarily, expensive clothes. Yesterday, I wore an older knee-length denim pencil skirt, a new satin Anne Klein blouse in a red and white print, semi-opaque black tights, black knee-high boots with a block heel (also old), and a black leather jacket that I’ve had for years to church. Age-appropriate? I don’t know or care! I’ll be 80 in two weeks. I liked how I looked and that made me happy and that’s what is important to me! Thank you for continuing to inspire us!
Hava a fabulous birthday, Nancy!!
https://dressedformyday.com/the-beauty-of-a-filter/
Hi Jennifer, I enjoy reading your blog but rarely have responded. How timely that I read what Kay Harms had to say about The Beauty of a Filter and wanted to share it with you. Susan After 60 has also addressed issues on her blog. Thank you for all that you do.
Kay is fabulous. We’ve all dealt with those keyboard warriors, it goes with the territory when we put ourselves out there. I wish some women could be more gracious but I think it speaks more to them than me.
When it is too hot to do much else, I watch you tube videos of Milan Street Style. All I can say is, those older women featured in the videos certainly do not care a fig what anyone else thinks of their style. I am amazed how they navigate the cobbled streets in their sky high heels or combat boots. Those women rock. Don’t let one old sour puss spoil your day. Your blog is very relatable and clothes featured, very wearable.
Thanks Susan
I am a 72 year old living in Naples, Florida and 75% of my wardrobe is Lilly Pulitzer. I’m sure there are many people who think I’m ridiculous for dressing in bright, youthful colors and styles. You know what? I don’t care! It makes me so happy, and I feel great in my Lilly. Wear what you love and you’ll feel like a million dollars!!
Your Lily sounds so fun. Enjoy and rock on, Maria!
I’m so sorry that someone tried to criticize you because of her own insecurity about fashion. Your style is classic, classy, and modern. It has taken me a long time to really define my style and be true to it in my wardrobe – and you are a big part of my progress! Keep doing what you do so well!
What?!? How could anyone be critical of your style? It’s your style, not hers. While I’m not the same height or shape as you, I love your blog for style inspiration and for ideas on making classic modern, not boring.
Hi Jennifer,
Another blog that I enjoyed featured makeup and hair for older women and discussed the shaming they were receiving. It is very demoralizing. If their Ideas and opinions are so valuable, they should start their own site. We would not be reading and commenting on your site if we did not value the information and appreciate all the effort you put into it. Thank goodness there is a delete button!
Enjoy your day,
You put yourself out there every day which is incredibly brave. People can be creepy when they are sitting behind electronics. Sorry you got the brunt of a rude person’s self esteem issues.
Oh my – what kind of a person does such a thing!? Sheesh.
Love your blog, your style, your authenticity, your writing and your wisdom.
I look forward to reading it.
Love your style, you have given me the confidence to move out of my black and white color scheme for clothes…your style choices are so classy and timeless….enjoy your blog every morning