Hit Your Style Sweet Spot: What is Age Appropriate Fashion Over 50?
Welcome to a fun collaboration with Jennifer of A Well Styled Life and Pam of over50feeling40. We desire for all of us… the fabulous women over 50 …to look and feel our best each and every day. After years of blogging for this audience, we have heard from so many of you about your discouragement and despondency when you look in the mirror every morning. But, we both know just how transformative style can be, and hope to encourage you right here each week. We want to see all of us empowered with strength, joy, and confidence
Today’s topic is a hot button. Everyone has an opinion…some believe anything goes…all clothing is appropriate for all ages…some believe the opposite direction and tend to dress frumpy because they are trying to accept their older age and kind of believe the fun is over. So, Jennifer and I decided to ask…do you every consider age appropriateness when shopping for clothes?
This might surprise you….but I don’t consider age appropriateness when I shop. I rarely ask myself is this alright for a 63 year old woman. What I have written about often is that I selected five messages I want my clothing to say about me years ago. I want to communicate that I am strong, intelligent, creative, youthful, and confident. Youthful is my way of saying that I want my clothing to be current…not dated or stodgy. So, when I am shopping I look in the mirror and ask myself if what I am wearing communicates those adjectives.
The casual outfit I am wearing today (yes! this is a favorite tunic right now) does communicate all of that to me. These wonderful sandals sent to me are current, creative and fun. And sooooooo comfortable! I also believe very appropriate for many ages.
Now, sometimes a youthful trend can make us actually appear older…if it is not a great fit for our bodies or our lifestyle. Most often when something does not work it is about the fit of the garment and fitting who we are as far as personality goes. If I want people who approach me to believe I am strong and intelligent before I say a word, then there are many garments I am not going to wear.
My Alamo necklace is my touch of creativity today…and also says this girl is from San Antonio, Texas!
You don’t have to worry about your age…only determine what you want to say with your clothing. Then when you hit that messaging you know you have what is right for you. My last message is confidence and I dress it with a smile…when I know I am on target.
The sandals are a teaser! You will have to come back to my blog this week to see who they are from…but I promise to tell you! I really like the comfort fit…and yes, youthful aesthetic.
If you would like my free document (8 Steps to Reinvented Style) where I discuss messaging, please email me at over50feeling40@gmail.com.
Now, go see what JENNIFER AT A WELL STYLED LIFE is saying and tell me below…what do you think about dressing age appropriate??
Linking to VISIBLE MONDAY…TURNING HEADS LINK UP
Disclaimer: The shoes were provided, but the words are my own.
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This is a great topic. I have the adjectives in mind when I shop. In fact, I wrote them down when you explained how to do this exercise. (Maybe a post where you revisit that? It's so helpful!) I am well aware of the message I want to send with my clothing choices when I shop. As a result, I have developed a sort of "sixth sense" where I now just know if something is going to make me feel happy and confident. I try a lot of things on that I think are different for me, just to allow for changing and fresh ideas. But now I know immediately if they are "me" or not. I think if we are true to ourselves, we will be drawn to certain things and have a sense of what works. Frumpy doesn't work for me and I know it when I see it in stores! I am the same age as you and am still shocked because I sure don't feel like a woman in my 60's!!!!
I am so thrilled this helped you, Karen. I know it helped me. I will do a post soon and revisit it. And I just went back in and added the cropped leggings to the bottom of the post. I love cropped leggings and wear them in black and white. As always, thank you!
I love your outfit and those shoes are amazing!!! I'll be watching to see where they are from.
They are really comfy…looking forward to the big reveal. Thanks Maggie!
We are on the same page here! It's all about the messaging. Over the years my messaging has changed, and thats a good thing. Great shoes! Waiting to see more about them.
I think my messaging has tweaked a big at well, but really the foundations are the same!
If I like it I will try it. I normally have a good idea of what suits. If I look good and feel comfortable, the confidence is built on that. I don't ever wonder about age when shopping.
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
There is so much freedom in not worrying about this…wouldn't you say? My message guidelines help me in so many ways…this is one of them! Thanks for stopping by!
I wholeheartedly agree that fashion is not about "age appropriate", it's all about being "you appropriate" and the expression "you" no matter your age. And I must say that you've got my interest peaked about your sandals. I'll be looking for the reveal post.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Should be coming up mid-week, Rena! Have a good one!
I think where you shop is the key. I believe it was mentioned on "What Not To Wear" more than once, that if you are not a teenager, you shouldn't be shopping in the juniors' department. I worked in a clothing store when I was in college in the early to mid 1970s. There was a woman in her 50s who would wear outfits that made her look as if she were trying to recapture her lost youth. It was not pretty.
I agree, Becky…very good point. Thanks for bringing it up.
I envy you Pam! I love sandals but we can't wear them yet up here in Ontario. Your sandals look beautiful and comfortable. Clothes are an expression of our personalities. I've always bought what I like and what suits my personality and activities that I enjoy. I never think of my age, it just doesn't cross my mind because I buy what makes me feel happy.
Express yourself, it's the best way to shop!
❤️carmen
https://fashionableover50.wordpress.com
I've been reading and waiting. Have I missed your post on the make of those awesome sandals?
Well, this is a brand new online site selling these great shoes. They thought the site would be ready this week, but it still had some issues. I hopefully will have it up on Tuesday on my blog. Thanks for checking back…I was hoping to share it with you this week!
So true Pam! No, i dont consider age approp. as I think it is something invented to stifel creativity. I want to share my fun creative side. Love the shoes and what a pretty necklace and memory!
Thanks for linking !
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstyliish.com