What Does Your Clothing Say About You After Age 50?

I am sure most of you read this statement and affirmed YES…I just want to be me with my clothing.  But in the beginning of my style reinvention at age 50, it was statements like this which threw me off.

We have been reminiscing about What Not to Wear all week, and I promised to go back to some of the basics from the show which really helped me.  After I began to watch, I also began to read…books about style, fashion, and confidence.  A few books said…be the best YOU you can be.  However, at that time of my life, I did not understand who I was…I had lost me in my 40s.  The stylish, young, flamboyant marketing professional had disappeared.
Statements like the one above hit me cold.  I needed to figure out who I was at age 50 right then.

Stacy London and a few others kept asking what do you want your clothing to say about you.  This is when I began to understand my outfits every day sent a message about me…and I could control the messages.

This journey to change my look, became a journey to transform my attitude about me and about life.  I wrote in journals positive lists about myself and lists to fine tune the messages I wanted my clothing to say about me.  I listened intently to advice of how to dress my body for the way it looks today, and to stop saying, “I will dress nice when……”

I knew these things:  I am intelligent; I am strong: I am creative; I am friendly and approachable; I am passionate about the work I love and I am youthful…these became the messages I desired to capture in my style.  I learned to look closely at colors which made me smile and enhanced my own coloring when I wore them.  I looked at clothing designs which were slimming and learned techniques for body confidence.  I also moved ME to the top of the priority list and represented the phrase I MATTER with my decisions.  As all this happened, confidence and joy grew.

Now, that I am laughing and smiling on my insides, my closet is in sync with how I feel.   When you learn these lessons, it takes more time in a dressing room to ask critical questions.  However, it is worth it to wonder WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT ME?

Do you know how to dress when a book or stylist says, JUST BE YOU, or does it leave you cold as it did me in the beginning?  Please share your thoughts….

Have a wonderful Saturday!

25 Comments

  1. I think when we're on a style journey, we have to be brave enough to "say" who we are with our clothing chioces. Once we do that and come to that place of confidence, we can start to have fun with it. First you have to conquer your fears! I knew when it happened for me.

  2. I agree, Karen. I also knew when it happened for me. I had to stop the fear also…and I discovered how empowering confidence is and found me again. Thanks for your comment!

  3. Recent posts showing earlier pics of you with a slightly shorter hair style are VERY flattering. Would you consider returning to that look?

  4. Here is what is funny…the length of my hair hasn't changed that much over the last ten years…however, I have very thick, curly hair. It has everything to do with the humidity in the air and the products used at the time as to hair short it looks. My audience obviously likes my hair better when it is sleeker and slightly shorter. I strive for sleek most days, but it doesn't always end up that way. I appreciate your comment…I do not have easy hair, but I consider how thick it is at my age a blessing.

  5. I agree that if we've put ourselves on the "back burner" it can be hard at first knowing who we are and what we want to express with our style. I've also come to believe that our style will continue to evolve as we do, and may be more of a journey than a destination.

  6. I don't even know where to begin. But I have realized that my favorite color is still blue,and I lean towards pinks and purples with makeup and clothing. That's all I have right now….

  7. I agree…I know it has been a journey for me and continues on…but along the way, I discovered that I want to look my best, feel my best, and enjoy life to its fullest just one day at a time. Then get up and do it again the next…it has been so much fun since I came back to me. Thanks Susan.

  8. That's a good start Robin. All of those colors come in different shades…for me, I like the deep saturated versions on me more than the pastels. It might help to think about what you want to say to the world about you with your appearance. That might help. You are always welcome to email me!

  9. I think one of the biggest challenges for me has been keeping my look current. Updating on a regular basis can get expensive but, it can make all the difference.

  10. I've gained some weight over the years (mostly in the middle) and realized I cannot wear the same styles that were once flattering on me. That was a tough realization. But, I've finally come to accept it — and I have to say it was reading your blog that helped me accept who I am now instead of looking back! Thank you, Pam!!

  11. We live in a fabulous time for women over 50 to develop their style. Our demographic has the numbers and influence to challenge the notions of what is age appropriate or worth the expense. The best we can do is support each other and encourage each other to shine. I love seeing other women who continue to find what works for them. Thank you for this article and all you do!

  12. Thanks Beth…that is why I am here…I truly hope it helps. There are so many ways to dress the body you have right now in flattering ways…don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

  13. I retired from my previous career and now work at home. The first few months were so disconcerting because I didn't feel or look like "me". I'm now in the process of redefining who I am and I'm slowly letting go of the old wardrobe that doesn't work. It's been very hard and it feels a bit like whittling off pieces of myself. On the other hand, I'm enjoying the new chapter and am anxious for my clothes to reflect the change. This was just the reminder I needed.

  14. I still don't know what I want to say with my clothing, but I'm getting there. I've lost 39 lbs and bought a few things, but I'm waiting a little bit longer.

  15. Yesterday I wore "age-appropriate" loose-cut corduroys with sneakers for an afternoon with the daughter. I felt old, unlike when I wear my usual skinnies-in-boots look. Lesson learned: wear what makes me feel invincible.

  16. Congratulations Rena on your weight loss! You go girl! Don't wait too long…treat yourself to a few figure flattering styles just for encouraegment! Keep it up!

  17. I am like you Linda in the sense that once I take note a garment makes me feel old…it is gone…out of my closet! Life to too short…I want to feel confident and, yet, invincible every single day!

  18. I too am over 60 and my whole life I wanted my style to be Mary Richard's style from the Mary Tyler Moore show — the first few seasons — colors got a little on the ugly 70's side in later seasons. It took many years, but I think I am finally finding my style. Now I just have to figure out who I want to be when I go to Paris in May — of course I'd like to be Audrey…

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