The Midlife Runway…What Should Walk on It?

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I usually feel it right around bedtime.  The desire to keep going, the feeling it’s time to stop.  These moments happen earlier now and I battle it every night.  I also feel it Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  A trainer presents a physical challenge…my mind says no problem, my body says there sure is.

These are really the only times I see “60” pulsating like a walkway sign in my brain. For the most part, I feel great and have to constantly remind myself I have entered a new phase… standing at the top of the downhill.  I do not look or feel as I envisioned I would at this age. I guess that is why I insist my grandson call me GG and not grandma.  It’s one of those words which make me feel older.

There are also fashion choices I usually avoid, because they give me that “older feeling” at midlife.  Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and styling does matter…but, usually, this is what I avoid:

1. Boxy, bulky tee shirts and Polos:  Fit does matter and makes me feel fantastic…not drab or frumpy.
2. Wide-legged capris pants:  Sometimes I think these are the national uniform of Texas women in the summer.  When I look in the mirror, I just say NO.
3. Lace:  A lace cami or scarf might work and I do have a lace cardigan which is flattering…however, when trying on the majority of lace garments, I do not feel forty…like my blog name says!
4. Florals & polka dots:  It is the same with florals & polka dots.  I have a few floral garments…they are the darker florals. The lighter, pastel florals just bring on the aging for me….and, I so want polka dots to still work. They just don’t.
5. Prairie, long skirts:  Some women look gorgeous in these….they currently do not flatter my body…maybe someday, I will look in the mirror and see something different when I try them on.  Right now they scream old and frumpy for me.

Trends are fun in fashion. They make the industry creative and similar to ever-changing art.  However, we must all consider how we feel in the trend.  What does it communicate about us?  The above list includes messages I personally do not want to send with my style…however, they may work great for some of you.

We are all different with our different style guidelines, body types, and what we love.  I find sometimes a youthful trend can also be an aging one.  Remember when Clinton Kelly said, “If you compete with 25 year olds, you will always lose!”  Often true.   I do believe it is important for the fashion industry to listen to women of a certain age and understand what we feel older in…therefore, avoid purchasing.

Tell them now, here…what clothing makes you feel older and because of that, you don’t buy it!!

If I am going to be up front with the fashion industry, I guess I need to be with other people in my life. My next mission would be words…I really don’t like to be called sweetie or baby or honey…I find these terms condescending and equivalent to a pat on the head…especially when delivered by young women!!

That’s another conversation for another day!

Thanks for stopping by The Joy Boutique, have a great week and make sure you leave your comment for the fashion designers and clothing industry….let’s tell them what we will and won’t wear!