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Sitting in Starbuck’s waiting for my next appointment, I began to scroll through my Twitter feed. Spring Break gives this teacher reading time…whether its books, tweets, posts or articles…I can fulfill my thirst for information when not distracted by uniform-clad teens. The headline WHAT NOT TO WEAR WHEN YOU ARE A WOMAN OVER 50 caught my attention, but as I read, my blood began to steam much like the coffee machine cranking out mass lattes.
nordstrom.com
anthropologie.com
anthropologie.com
bananarepublic.gap.com
nordstrom.com
macys.com
macys.com
nordstrom.com
Let me say first, I am sure columnist, Susan Reimer for the Baltimore Sun is a lovely lady. I just believe she is discouraged as many over 50 are. Whenever an article begins “Another year, another body part to camouflage,” the writer is telling us she is struggling with aging and all the challenges it brings. The lead line was followed by this:
“The Internet is currently alive with clothing, hair and makeup advice for women of a certain age. Apparently, the outsized Baby Boomer generation is making its usual noisy entrance at another party which it hasn’t been invited. The one where everyone is young, thin, and hot looking! The news is we aren’t; can’t possibly be, and never will be again.”
How sad and depressing is that news. I am a fashion and style blogger for women over 50, and the party we have been invited to is simply called “life.” The young, thin, and hot looking don’t reside there alone, but are joined by the vibrant, strong, empowered women who have decided to look and feel their best at any age. Many Baby Boomers came to the party out of a realization life is short and it’s time to enjoy every moment. Some have been through complete transformations and reinventions. Some have just polished the party attire.
But, there is a movement of women, ages 40-100, who do not want to settle for camouflage. They want to look fabulous. They want to be visible. They care about clothing and feel stronger because of the messages their wardrobe communicates to the world. Their smiles and posture upon entering a room (owning a room) tell us so. Of course, aging is inevitable. However, when a woman gives attention to her appearance and health, then shouts out confidence on a daily basis, joy and purpose inevitably follow. Let’s face it confidence is attractive. Confidence accomplishes big tasks and does not settle for simply a tennis court in retirement.
Rules of what not to wear exist for all ages. It is up to each age group to decide what they want to say with their personal style and to also process, guideline by guideline what will be followed or ignored. (Anyone else wearing white before Easter?) We are at the party by invitation only. Our news headline reads, We Look Amazing; We Feel Healthy; and We Have Much to Live For. I hope you will put down the camo, buy a garment out of your comfort zone, and join us there, Susan Reimer. The party is in full swing….not over yet!
Ladies of midlife, here is your opportunity to comment…do you agree with me or Susan? Let’s discuss!
Thank you for stopping by The Joy Boutique…have a week full of spring flowers!
Pamela Lutrell
Pamela Lutrell began her blog, over50feeling40, July 2010 with a desire to encourage women over 50 to walk in strength, confidence and joy. Of course, head turning style makes each day fun!
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50+
Monday 14th of September 2015
Well, I wear purple, despite the admonishment of a stranger in a store telling me I looked "juvenile". Nothing but compliments from eveyone else when I wear that coat. BTW, the woman criticizing me was about my age, wearing a neon orange cost and white boots.
I trust myself to know what's right for me. Pity the columnist who lets others control her choices.
Anita Irlen
Friday 24th of April 2015
Well, things are changing, to some extent at least, and that's good. The "Advanced Style" phenomenon wouldn't have happened 15 or 20 years ago. I think maybe we suffer from swings of extremism in this country. For a lot of people it's either anything goes or do as everyone else does. That's what I see. I agree with others though in lamenting a certain lack of standards. And I'm thinking that has a lot to do with education. The word "sophistication" has gotten a bad rap. Sophistication is what you get with education, that and the ability to discern. Without it you get people going to funerals in jeans, and to proms in "working girl" attire.
Anita
Wendy
Thursday 19th of March 2015
What really annoys me is that just about all of the fashion photo spreads that show clothes for mature women use models who are 20 something. What that says to me is "you could wear this dress/ outfit / whatever, and look this good - IF you were young and slim like the model." I consider that a not-so-subtle form of age discrimination.
Lisa Ehrman
Wednesday 18th of March 2015
Well, I don't really have a problem with either. I am all for being visible and self-confident. I also feel that for myself, I have to be realistic. Though I'm over 50 and slim, I'm not healthy. Because of chronic illness and psoriasis, I'm not able to exercise. I'm not wanting to show every part of my body. That's not lack of self- esteem, just common sense (for me). I love to look classic, but not frumpy. But, as some of you are saying, I sure don't want to look silly :)
Angela Muller
Wednesday 18th of March 2015
Though good judgment and taste in style applies to all ages, I see no reason why any woman, of any age, cannot be anything she wants to be. And, I agree, Pam, confidence is the sexiest thing in every woman's closet!