I’m not going to pretend that ageing doesn’t have it’s downsides. But, let’s face it, it’s a whole lot better than the alternative!
We all know that the hormonal changes wrought by the menopause can play havoc with our bodies and emotions but for some of us this can be a liberating time of life. These women know that they have a wealth of expereince and wisdom to offer. They know their own minds and what’s important to them. They no longer worry so much about what other people think; they dress to please themselves. I call this ageing with attitude and, if you are one of these women, I salute you!
You may not feel like this though. The ageing process may well have knocked your confidence; you may feel that you no longer know what suits you or how to dress in a way that’s “age appropriate”. You may feel frumpy but worry about looking like you’re desperately trying to cling on to your lost youth if you try out the latest trends.
I don’t want to look like mutton dressed as lamb!
Rest assured that the very fact that you’re worrying about this means you are unlikely to stray into that territory. Those that do, tend to be women who strive to look young at all costs and embrace every passing fashion fad or, conversely, get stuck in the time warp of what suited them in their youth.
My advice is to stop focusing on whether clothing is age appropriate and instead consider whether it looks good on you and whether you feel confident wearing it. This means finding clothes that suit your style personality, shape, and proportions. Whilst you probably won’t feel comfortable in fashion extremes, don’t feel you have to play it too safe. For example, jumpsuits and trouser suits are very much on trend and can look fabulous on mature women. Waistcoats are another great look. If you don’t feel confident wearing one on its own, layer a top underneath or a jacket on top.
There are loads of stylish mature women out there for you to take inspiration from: Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley, Helen Mirren, Fiona Bruce, Isabella Rossini, Kristin Scott Thomas and Dawn French, to name but a few. They’re very willing to embrace the latest trends, so long as they suit them.
Where to shop?
The answer is anywhere and everywhere you please! You do not have to limit yourself to safe bets like M&S and Next (although you can undoubtedly pick up some nice pieces in both those stores). How about trying Mango, Topshop, Jigsaw, Reiss, Whistles, & Other Stories? If you’re not brave enough to venture into the physical stores, have a good browse online. Order things in and try them on in the comfort of your home. See how you can use them to pep up your existing wardrobe.
It’s often best not to buy your entire outfit from the same brand as this risks looking a little contrived and overly coordinated. The truly stylish are adept at putting looks together from a range of different stores. For example, if you like colourful clothes, Kettlewell is a brilliant place to start, but think about combining their basics with other high street purchases for a look that is individual to you.
Disguise and conquer!
Even if you’re reasonably happy with your figure, there are probably aspects of it that you’re not overly confident about. We all have those chubby, crepey or saggy areas we’re less than delighted with. That’s fine. Learn how to disguise them and bring the focus to the areas that you do like.
If you don’t like your legs, go for a midi length slip skirt rather than a mini. Chunky thighs? Wide or straight leg trousers will l balance you out. Or how about bringing the focus up to your top half with an interesting print or neckline? Big tum? Long line jackets and tops will slim it down. There are lots of styling “tricks” you can use.
And finally….
You deserve to feel good about yourself. If you’re currently trying to lose weight and don’t feel you want to invest in until you do, think again! Whilst you may not want to buy fitted clothes, why not treat yourself to some accessories? Shoes, bags, jewellery and scarves will look fab on you, whatever your size and can be a great way of injecting style and personality into an outfit.
Remember, you are never going to be as young as you are today. What are you waiting for? You owe it to yourself to wear what makes you feel good. So, move with the times and embrace the latest trends if you like them and they happen to suit you and, if they don’t, feel free to ignore them! There may be something next season that’s right up your street.
Let’s set a great example to the younger generation by showing that we’re still relevant, still sassy, still stylish and loving life!
If you’d like to find out more about the styles that will work well for your body shape and proportions, why not book into my What To Wear workshop on 21st September or schedule an individual style consultation with me?