6 Style Myths Women Over 60 Should Ignore (And What To Wear Instead)
If you’re a woman over 60, you’ve probably heard all the style myths about what you should and shouldn’t wear. Somewhere along the way, a memo went out saying that once we hit this age, we’re supposed to tone everything down…our wardrobes, our lipstick, even our personalities. It’s as if we’re expected to quietly fade into the background. Well, I never got that memo. Or if I did, I ignored it completely.
Who decided we needed a style expiration date anyway? I’m sitting here in a sweater I’ve owned for almost 15 years, wondering who made up these ridiculous fashion rules for women over 60. I know that finding your style after 60 can be challenging, but it’s also liberating. When we feel good in our clothes, everything else feels more manageable. But these outdated “rules” keep too many women from experiencing that confidence. You may also enjoy 6 Things to Wear Over 60
Fashion Myth #1: Women Over 60 Shouldn’t Wear Jeans
I can’t help but laugh at this one because I basically live in jeans.
All those style guides say jeans are “too casual” for mature women. But here’s the thing, it’s not about avoiding jeans, it’s about finding denim that actually fits. After 60, comfort matters as much as looking good (maybe more), but that doesn’t mean we have to look dowdy.
My favorites are mid-wash, high-rise jeans with a little stretch, but I also love pull-on jeans, wide-leg styles, and white denim. They’re a wardrobe staple for me and always will be. Jeans have a modern look and relaxed vibe that works beautifully for our casual lifestyles.
What to wear instead: Focus on finding jeans that fit your body today, not the body you had at 30. Look for styles with stretch, a comfortable rise, and a leg shape that flatters your proportions. Dark wash and high-rise styles are particularly flattering for older women but I find medium wash the most versatile.
I wrote more about The Jean Style Every Woman Over 60 Should Own and 5 Style Rules To Live by After 60 to Look and Feel Your Best.
Wardrobe Myth #2: Sleeveless Is Off-Limits for Older Women
The older I get, the less I like to show my upper arms. But the truth is…nobody’s staring at my arms. They’re all too worried about their own stuff…and if they’re not, I don’t care what they think,
I passed a woman on the street this week wearing a sleeveless black dress, and my first thought was “wow, she looks confident!” My arms certainly don’t look as toned as I’d like, but these arms have hugged loved ones who are no longer with me and cuddled babies and grandchildren so they’re too precious to treat with disdain.
Do I love the “bingo wing situation” and crepey skin? Heck no. I’m trying to battle it with Pilates, free weights, and this body retinol lotion. But in blistering weather, you’ll find me in a tank top or sleeveless maxi dress, enjoying life. I often carry a lightweight cardigan for air conditioning set at arctic levels, but I dress for comfort and joy now, not for outdated rules that tell women to hide themselves.
The real rule for women over 60: If you feel confident and comfortable, wear it. Your comfort level is the only guideline that matters when it comes to what you choose to wear. Taking care of yourself includes wearing what makes you feel good.
Style Misconception #3: Fashion Trends Are Only For Young Women
There’s this unspoken idea that once we hit a certain age, we’re supposed to stick to the “classics” and leave trends to the younger crowd. The fashion world suggests we should dress like we’re frozen in time, but I disagree.
You don’t have to chase every trend, but you don’t have to ignore them all either. I think of trends like seasoning…a little keeps things interesting, but too much and run the risk of looking like you’re trying way too hard.
The smart approach to trends after 60: If something catches your eye, try it. See if it works with pieces you already love. That’s usually a good sign it belongs in your rotation.
Fashion Belief #4: Style Doesn’t Matter for Women Over 60
This might be the most damaging myth of all, and clearly stupid. Society has a way of making women feel less relevant as we age, but style is one of the most powerful forms of self-care we have to stay visible and engaged.
EARRINGS / SIMILAR NECKLACE
I don’t get dressed to impress anyone but myself, but when I feel put together, I feel more confident. The most stylish women over 60 I know have one thing in common: they refuse to disappear.
The truth about style after 60: Getting dressed with intention is an act of self-respect that ripples through every part of your day. Good style never goes out of fashion, regardless of age.
Style Rule #5: Looking Stylish After 60 Is Expensive
I learned this one the expensive way, after years of buying random stuff I thought I “should” wear instead of sticking with what I knew worked on me. Turns out, looking put-together has way more to do with confidence than your credit card balance.
Some of the most stylish women I know shop smart, rewear what they love, and mix high and low pieces with ease.
Focus on these budget-friendly style tips:
- Buy clothes that fit the body you have today…don’t squeeze yourself into something that used to fit.
- Choose a simple color palette that works together which also makes it easier to get dressed in the morning.
- Use your accessories to update what you already own and add personality to your look.
You don’t need to spend more to look great. You just need to know what works for you and wear it with purpose.
Fashion Rule #6: Floral Patterns Are Aging on Women Over 60
Here’s the thing, some florals absolutely are aging. Those tiny, busy prints that look like they were pulled from 1980s wallpaper? The ditsy florals on cheap polyester? Yeah, those will age you. But avoiding all florals because of the bad ones is like never wearing jeans because you had one terrible pair. The right floral print can actually make you look fresh and current.
Larger, bolder prints with clean lines work best. Abstract florals or watercolor-style patterns feel modern. Even classic roses work if they’re scaled up and printed on quality fabric.
Better floral choices: Skip anything tiny, busy, or overly sweet. Go for prints with impact and modern colorways.
What to Wear After 60: The Real Guidelines
The beauty of personal style at our age, is that it’s deeply personal and you get to make the rules. You don’t have to get it perfect, because there is no perfect. You just have to wear what makes you feel confident. Whether it’s finding the right jeans, embracing sleeveless tops, or trying a new trend, the only rule that matters is wearing what makes you feel confident and seen.
What style “rule” have you broken recently? I’d love to hear about the fashion choice that surprised you…or maybe what you’re still working up the courage to try.
Thanks for reading and being part of this amazing community of women.
Thank you for this much needed inspiration!! I am soon to be 71 yo and people say I have a youthful appearance. I dress for my body, I carry my weight in my stomach, so I wear clothes that do not hug me in that area. I do pick out a new trend occasionally, something that I can combine with other things in my closet.I especially love wearing denim jackets, I have several in different colors. They look great with just about everything in my closet. I will rethink sleeveless! I have not worn sleeveless dresses in a while. I refuse to look “dowdy”, there are too many options for us seniors out there!!
Hello! I’m so glad I found you! I’m 57 and I have struggled with what to wear and “how to style” outfits for decades. I am in a place where I can purchase good quality and I now understand that less is more. Thanks so much for writing this encouraging and fun and helpful content! And for including the links!
Welcome Katie! I’m so glad you’ve joined us. Feel free to email me with style questions.
This article cracked me up! I have 3 daughters who tell me when I do a “fashion don’t”. I love when they say- “that’s good for YOU”. But, translated, it means that’s it’s a good look for me. I appreciated their feedback and tend to dress a little edgy compared to other 60 something women. I like your laid back style and agree that as mature women we should work every day to be our best! Thank you for your blog. I recently got married and finding a dress was quite the challenge. Maybe do an article about formal wear.
Congratulations!
Great read! Years in specialty retailing (shoes and clothing) taught me to look at creative ways to do displays to appeal to customers. Now I look at creative ways to use my “personal store” aka my well stocked closet to do the same and create looks that make ME feel attractive and put together. And have the attitude of “who cares”. And guess what? The only negative comments I receive are along the lines of “why are you always so dressed up” typically from someone wearing sloppy shorts and a baggy tee. Of course I refrain from a negative response because my thought is you do you and I’ll do me!
Yes! I love dressing things up a notch too
My most favorite ‘rule’ to bust is wearing flowing, generous top over flowing, generous pants. A-line tunics with bell sleeves over lantern- and barrel-legged pants. A Bryn Walker knee length linen tunic over palazzo pants! I love the feeling of fabrics swooshing around my body, and the bonus is full coverage sun protection with plenty of air circulation!
Love that! How our clothes feel against our body and make us feel, is so important. I love the feeling of full maxi skirts swishing around my legs.
Jennifer, thank you this amazing post. I am catching up as I just returned from a wedding on Long Island, NY. Whoever came up with those myths certainly is not past 45 yrs. Thank you for being the myth buster. At the wedding I sported an off the shoulder turquoise gown with gunmetal beading and accessories. It was great to see other 65 yr+ on the dance floor alongside the 30 something’s. They only played two slow songs. Myths were busted that night. If we keep doing what we are doing, we will be forever young!
Amazing! I love to hear that Cheryl!!
A friend and I were just talking about European women, many of whom wear mini skirts, low décolleté’s, spaghetti steps, etc. without worrying about looking too young or exhibiting aging skin. We admire their confidence and aim to feel more free in our clothing choices.
YES!
Amen, amen, amen to this post, Jennifer! I am in total agreement with everything you’ve mentioned here. Age notwithstanding (I’m 71), I take pride in knowing how to wear what works (your blog is a perfect tutorial), to avoid what doesn’t and I refuse to lower my style standards due to age or anything else (smile).
For me, your blog is required reading. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Amazing. Thanks Debra
Love what you said about arms. I have been so careful not to show my old arms. You have made me proud of all they have done for 84 years. Thank you Jennifer. Love your post. Carol F.
xox
Thank you Jennifer for being such a positive force in our crazy world. I grew up in the 60s so I have seen and worn some crazy outfits in my time. Now that I’m in my 70s and have all the body changes that come with aging I sometimes struggle with what might be comfortable in summer heat but still look nice. I appreciate the reminder that what we need to focus on is making ourselves comfortable and happy with the way we look. No rules unless we break them is my new motto ! I will be wearing sleeveless, dresses and shorts if I feel like it. If someone doesn’t like my look they can avert their eyes…LOL I will say my husband always tells me how beautiful I look, he still sees me as the young gal he married.
Thank you Jennifer ❤️ I really appreciate your common sense suggestions.
He sounds like a fabulous guy! Lucky you
Thank you for this wonderful post. I appreciate your insight and wisdom about aging gracefully but doing it “your own way.” You’re an inspiration! Have a great weekend, and keep up the good work!
Happy Friday Laura!
I love the article and agree with your points. One observation I have for women who don’t love their upper arms; I find when I go out with one of my friends, she’s always sweltering in her tank top/ dress while I’m much more comfortable with my sleeves because I am devoted to natural fabrics such as cotton and linen. I never wear polyester or rayon in summer.
That is a great point. Natural fibers are much comfier in hot weather! They do often cost more but are worth it.
After reading this post, I went right over to my closest J. Jill store and tried on a sleeveless midi dress that was just released. Another customer said, “Wow, that looks great on you!” Done deal and I do love myself in it. I haven’t worn sleeveless anything for some years. My skin has become very fragile and it’s not uncommon for me to have small bruises but I’m ignoring all that for a pretty dress. Thank for the little push.
Bravo Sharon!
great post and we should embrace aging not hide it!
You are spot on with all these concerns. I purchased a black linen vest top and was considering returning it because it was sleeveless. After reading your comments, I’m keeping it. I don’t plan on spreading my “wings” to take flight anyway!
Love it!
I love all of these ideas. One thing I think we do have to be careful about is the condition of our treasured clothing. If something is older or vintage, it needs to be very carefully cleaned and stored. If it smells musty that kills the fashion no matter how great it is. I know most of us don’t relish the dry cleaner, but it can be helpful for some older items. I think this is probably more of a challenge with winter clothing, but it pays to pay attention to any musty smells.
Great point Mary
This is such a great post! I’m laughing about #4. Style DOES matter to me; I love it and I feel free to try whatever I want. I enjoy putting thought into my outfits and accessories, and people do notice. I love your outfits because they’re simple, but look so nice and put together. Just from my observation having been on 3 trips recently, it seems that style DOESN’T matter to many. That’s why I’m laughing to myself. Some of the things you see on people make you wonder…
I agree about the arms thing and I’ve resolved hiding my arms with exactly what you say, no one is really looking at my arms or me, so I’ve started to take the “I don’t care” attitude and am wearing tee shirts and sleeveless again!
A question: what do you wear out to dinner on a casual weeknight?
You show many of your daytime outfits, would you just wear the same outfit or change clothes?
We go out for dinner a lot. Some are nice, white tablecloth restaurants and some are taverns. I’d love to see a post on what you would wear out to casual, weeknight dinners with your husband…in the summertime!
Have a great weekend! First day of summer…yay! My favorite season.
I usually wear what I’ve worn during the day unless it’s a nicer place, and then I will change my shoes and often my jewelry…if not my entire outfit
As usual Jennifer, spot on in advice. As to your question; one recent style choice that I’ve made which surprises me and that I love for summer wear are those which are described as ‘cropped tops’ that come in a range of styles/fabrics but don’t necessarily expose a bare a midriff (unless doing jumping-jacks ☺) but hit at the waistband of a bottom that eliminates fussing with a tuck-in method. Also I have discovered “they work with most cuts” in bottoms (skirts/shorts/pants) and still can reveal your favourite belt. In fact currently one of my favourite is a very open cotton embroidered/buttoned closure/ long sleeved box-cut style blouse/with a scalloped hemline that I underpin with a light weight/fitted lingerie camisole top when wearing by itself or as-is for an overlay in lieu of a cardigan, blazer etc. Last but not least; as I found I wasn’t wearing two (pricey) oversized tunic length linen shirts that often, I altered them to a crop length which has made them more versatile. -Brenda-
P.S.: Apologize for being so long winded.
The camisole idea is very smart. I love the shorter length tops and that’s a great solution to showing more of our tummy than we want.
Ooops, that should have read; “is a very open EYELET, cotton embroidered/buttoned closure/etc.” -Brenda-
I’m usually in a dress because I couldn’t find the right one until I saw it on you! I just got the t-shirt dress in the blue with dark blue stripes. I got the petite large as I don’t want clingy. It just looks so comfortable and it will be 100 today here. I couldn’t believe the price! I love your style Jennifer and get a lot of compliments when I emulate it. I wear shorts nearly every day now that it is so hot with linen or gauze tops. I went wild for me and bought a white with bright blue vertical stripes set of gauze wide leg crops and a short button front top. With my white fedora on it looks so smart and cool and comfortable. I have a 17” scar from total knee surgery and I still wear 7” shorts. I think I stopped worrying about what other people thought about my clothes at about 16 and I’m 80. I think my family would say that I’m kind but feisty.
I love that you’re feisty Sydney! Happy weekend
Beautifully said, and great attitude! Ignore the negative bloggers and have a fabulous weekend! Your followers love you. I live in jeans, dress for confidence with comfort in mind. I don’t like to fuss with things, like too much jewelry, bows, etc. Have had to give up high skinny heals because a brain tumor destroyed my balance nerve on one side. Not too noticeable but won’t risk a fall. I’m almost 69. You are a great source of information and advice for those of us that follow you. Keep it up happily!
Sorry you have to deal with all of this toxicity. Whatever happened to the old adage: If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all! I look forward to your blog daily. Stay strong girl!
I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately. I had a depressing week in fitting rooms. Everything is cropped. No one wants to see even a slice of my stomach. If it’s not cropped, it’s huge and boxy. Retailers are using synthetics and blends across all price points. The boho looks with eyelet, ruffles and embroidery just look off on me. Maybe it’s my petite frame and soft coloring, but I am thinking classic tailoring and “less is more” works better at my age.
I hear you. Lily. So often I look at the offerings from brands and wonder who is buying this stuff? I do my best to show things I think are wearable, but some trends are awful and you just have to wait it out.
I totally agree with everything in your post. I turned 74 but I turn the numbers around 47. :). I just want to say I love your hair shorter like you showed on the video as to how you do your hair. Your hair looked fuller and it made you look younger. I love your site
I am so due for a haircut! Thanks for the reminder. I don’t have a stylist up in Vancouver, but I need to find one.
Jennifer, you are absolutely correct. We’ve earned every little wrinkle, crinkle, wing we’ve got. I’m glad to be around to get to age. I wear what makes me feel beautiful and confident…jeans, sleeveless tops, swimsuits, tennis skirts (skorts) what have you. 70 years old today!!! If the younger ones think going out of the house in their “pajamas” looks fashionable, well….they have much to learn in my opinion. We each need to lift and celebrate one another.
Happy Birthday Janette! That’s so fabulous…I celebrate you!
I loved this post, especially because I have busted pretty much every one of those myths! I’m frequently in jeans, and I am wearing sleeveless dresses and tops when it’s hot out. The trendy myth is an interesting one. I will try on something that I think my 40 year old daughter would wear, and I hear my mother-in-law’s voice in my head, cautioning me not to look like “mutton dressed as lamb.” However, if I don’t feel ridiculous in something trendy, I will give it a shot, because who cares? If I like the way I look, I am more confident and self assured. If someone doesn’t like my fashion choice, they don’t have to look! Thanks for a great post!
Agreed! Enjoy and rock that fashion with confidence Maria
Love this post! I just purchased the Aritizia dress and the flax outfit for a trip to Spain next month. Can’t wait to wear them. The quality and workmanship of the outfits was surprising because of the cost…reasonable!
Thanks for all the helpful hints, tips and pictures you provide for those of us over 60.
After reading the post it dawned on me that older women actually have more choices of what to wear than younger women. As a seventy year old, I get to wear both trends and more mature styles. The only trend I can’t embrace is wearing leggings like young people do. Otherwise, I am open and love adding some trendy clothing into my wardrobe and always update my eyeglasses. . I agree we should wear what makes us feel comfortable and confident.
Great post and much needed. Just turned 80 this year and have been plagued by persistent sciatica for the last four months so not feeling my best. But our son just invited us to join them on their summer vacation (as a gift no less!) so I went shopping. I’ve said all along that I will not wear wide leg pants because I’m short and chunky and they make me look like a barn door. BUT I decided to try some on and found two pair of palazzo style pants that really look good on me and are so cool to wear. (They were cropped style but I’m short so they are long pants on me which actually looks better). Now I’m enthused … glad I’m getting out of my rut.
Awesome Ann! Have fun and I hope you’re feeling relief from the sciatica soon
You look fabulous no matter what you wear. I love your style and when you wear denim you look so awesome. I absolutely love what you share with us and your advice is priceless. Thank you.
Thank you Jennifer! I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one. I live in jeans, jean shorts, and I don’t care that someone thinks it isn’t appropriate at my age (65). I also want to thank you for a while back when you talked about gauze shirts. I’ve since bought 5 in very large sizes (I’m an 8) which I wear with confidence because they are cool, hide a multitude of sins, and they can look more dressed up – or not. And they are super easy to wash and wear, just like jeans. Have a great weekend!
I’m so glad you discovered the joy of cotton gauze! I LOVE it!
LOUD hand clapping and cheering coming from Rochester NY!! So well said Jennifer. Kudos!
Have a great weekend Kate!
Great post! I love it when my 16 yr old granddaughter tells me I look cute! I haven’t been able to wear jeans lately due to surgery so will be glad when i can.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Jan.
What a great post! I agree with everything you think about fashion. I live in jeans year round. In the summer I wear white and lighter colored jeans. I like to keep on trend but I know what works for me. Finding petite clothing is one of my biggest problems right now. Thanks for all the great info 🙂
I loved this post today! Thank you!
What a great column! At 76, I have always attempted and still try to dress with purpose — I find I feel more comfortable and confident when it’s clear that I made an effort, even if I’m just hanging out at home. Thanks for your realistic takes on looking good and staying current at any age.
Hi Jennifer!
I love your fashion sense (including beach wear) and so look forward to receiving your emails in order to see what’s up! Thank you for being such a wonderful role model for us gals over 60! You’ve caused me to think more critically about my choices! I’m loving that daily challenge!
Thanks for being here Sandy!
Thanks for the pep talk, Jennifer.
What fashion risks have I taken lately? Not big ones. I invested in a few pairs of mid length shorts this season, and am so glad. It’s in the 90’s this weekend and the knees are coming out! I feel the same way about my knees and arms- if you don’t like the way they look, don’t look.
The next risk was overcoming a more personal bias about body shape rather than age. As an “apple” shape, I had a fear of how belts look on me. When I got sick of the French tuck and frumpy hanging T shirts, I purchased a well fitted belt. To my shock, I liked the way it looked. So much so that I purchased a leopard print belt for the fall. Look out world!
Regarding jeans, I’ve found that the premium denim brands are more flattering for me as I age.
Looking forward to the N Sale to check out a few new styles.
That’s fabulous Susan. Belts are surprisingly flattering
Thank you for this reminder that women over 60 don’t have to succumb to societal ‘rules’ about fashion.
I agree with you up to a point, in fact, with most everything you’ve stated, but I think there are some limitations that we might want to consider. What if my ‘confidence’ is upsetting to other people? My daughter doesn’t shave under her arms but wears sleeveless tops to restaurants where men in muscle shirts aren’t allowed in. — so there are clearly rules here. I’m not responsible for how others feel, but I don’t want to be inappropriate. Are we, for instance, ever too old to bare our stomachs, flabby skin and all, with bra tops and low-slung shorts? I also wonder what would happen if someone our age wore a thong swimsuit. I’m willing to bet that there would be some pretty snarky comments and even perhaps new beach rules made. Yes, it’s a huge leap from naked arms to a naked derriere, but everyone’s meter of what’s acceptable is different. I want to be comfortable and on-trend, but ageism is not a myth, and the reality is that we are going to bump into it … unless, of course, you’re on an anything-goes beach in Spain -:)
Thank you so much for this advice!
I’m still chuckling over the “”bingo wing situation”!
Some of these myths on how women of a certain age should dress, made me laugh out loud! Probably more like a snort & an eye roll! I’m curious where all these rules came from?
The only person we need to please, is ourselves.
At 79 I think I break all of those style rules except for the sleeveless one . The armholes are so big that my bra shows. I love wide leg pants and a favorite is a faded red pair. I always get compliments when I wear them. At my age, as long as I look pulled together and the hair, Makeup etc are nice and neat , i don’t care what other people think. Have a good weekend everyone!!
I love your attitude Judy.
Good Morning Jennifer: Excellent article today. Thank you for every word you wrote. You look good on those pull-on jeans. I have a couple of pair from Spanx, but they’re so tight at the ankle, they almost look like leggings. I still love them, wear them a lot, but looking for a pair that doesn’t cling to the ankle so much. These look perfect. Enjoy your weekend.
Check out Chico’s and J.Jil, who usually carry great pull on jeans. I agree Spanx are often snugger than I like.
I’ve always heard older women shouldn’t wear stripes that are horizontal, only vertical because of weight?
The eye does follow the line of a stripe so it can make you look wider, but if you love it, wear it! It’s a forever classic. Theoretically, I should not wear striped tees because they make my shoulders look wider, but I do all the timne because I love the look. We are the size we are and beyond slight camoflaging, I think we should wear what we enjoy.
Many years ago I read an article that said that a row of horizontal stripes can act as a ladder effect. You just need more than a few. Since I love stripes I use that thought.
That’s a wonderful analogy and I can visualize it perfectly.
Feel free to reexamine your style. I’m doing a deep dive through my closets being mindful of what fits my lifestyle and my body. Having usually bought quality garments I have many from years ago I planned to purge. I’m instead finding some gems I can repurpose, styles I grew away from but now I’m feeling fit my life again and a few gems I just forgot I had! Be strong, it takes awhile to get through everything including accessories.
Great point Susan. I like to reexamine my style on a regular basis because I am constantly growing and changing.
Really good post, Jennifer…and I love jeans too! I kinda get #5, though. There’s something about higher-end fashion that fits my “mature”😂 figure better. Something about the cut of the garment, the composition and quality of the fabric and how it drapes, that fast fashion or even mid-range price items don’t seem to replicate. Sure, that means a lot fewer items in my closet but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. And all the imaginative and fun accessories that are available for less money make me feel “on trend”!
That’s a great tactic. I love the magic accessories create.
Thank you for this interesting post today, Jennifer. I see the truth in everything you say. I would like to share something that happens to me on a regular basis: the nurse in my cardiologist’s office always remarks on what I am wearing. She asks me how old I am (surprised when I tell her), comments that she loves my outfit, and says things like “I remember you because you dress so well.” What this says to me is there is a general expectation that women of my age do not care about style, and when we do, it is notable. Interesting dynamic!
Yes!! That’s what I have observed too, so lets continue to break that stereotype every chance we get!
Hi, I love your blogs. I am over 60 (77). I am thin, underweight. Have always loved clothes and looked good in them. I was 118 perfect weight. Now I am at 100 due to lots of stress, can’t gain any weight, and am healthy. I know how to look good, buy the right clothes. I feel I still look good but not in shorts, anything sleeveless, short sleeve or showing the neck area. I camouflage it all, but it’s difficult to hide in the summer. Any comments would be accepted. Thanks.
I’m so sorry you’re sturggling Monica. Stress is deadly so please practice all the self-care tools at you disposal including dressing to feel your best. If you want to hide things in the heat. Look for flowy clothes in lightweight, natural fabrics. Sending hugs your way
Seriously, you NAILED it! We women worry, stress, and overthink way too much. I love how you wrote, ‘these arms have hugged loved ones who are no longer with me and cuddled babies and grandchildren, so they’re too precious to treat with disdain.’ I’m going to remember that the next time I feel discouraged. Thank you for putting it into words so beautifully.
This is a fabulous post, Jennifer!! Thanks so much for the reminder that we don’t need to adhere to anyone else’s fashion rules – especially if those people haven’t yet reached our stage of life and well-being. Thanks to your always helpful suggestions and ideas, I’m now embracing my own sense of fashion and find myself making more confident (and sometimes “daring”) fashion choices.
Bravo Janet! Have a great weekend.
Two thoughts: Iris Apfel looked fantastic…her fashion sense was flamboyantly alive and her own. And…as we age…if not now, when? The older I get, the more willing I am to try styles I always loved (like sequins) but felt drew too much attention.
Your thoughts are spot on! “If not now, when” is one of my favorite ways to jump start my courage when feeling stifled.
Preach sister! And guess who is about to be 60? Gen X! And we have no problem saying eff it to these so called “rules.” I see a lot of women here still subscribing to the old rules and I get it, they have been imposed on us for so many years. But as En Vogue said, free your mind and the rest will follow! Bon weekend, friends!
Happy weekend Shari!
Spot on. I’ve never been inclined to care what others think so, even if Im a choir of one, you are speaking to me. I often say,” Never accuse me of being a sweet old lady,” so I laughed at you saying to avoid sweet prints.
LOL. I don’t think I’m ever described as sweet either. Happy Friday Therese
Thank you for your uplifting and honest content. The world is a difficult place these days with so much negativity . I am sorry people feel the need to make it worse. I look forward to your blog and appreciate all the effort that goes into it. Have a wonderful weekend and ignore the haters!
Happy weekend Jan!
Thank you, Jennifer! I always appreciate your positive spin on aging and fashion. I often think of your blog while planning my outfit for the day. We are headed to Vancouver would you have a fav restaurant that’s not crazy expensive you could suggest?
Thank you for your blog!!
There are so many wonderful places. Catcus Club is a great chain with average prices. Nuba is great. We have so many favorites but Joe Fortes is a classic and so is Nightengale.
Your post is so timely for me, Jennifer. I’ve had many of those “you’re too old to wear X, Y, or Z” things pop up in social media’s “You might be interested” posts that I never signed up for lately. I’ve also run into versions of it in real life more and more and it infuriates me. But I’m not going to become an invisible wallflower just because I’ll be applying for Medicare next year. I feel more confident about myself now than I did through most of my life and I’m not going to go back to hiding just because society says I should.
Bravo Christine!
Yes these rules are stupid. Although I still follow some of them. I hate my upper arms so I never wear sleeveless no matter how hot it is. I can wear a short cap sleeve and still feel better about my arms. I never wear jeans because Florida is still too hot even in the winter. And florals have no place in my wardrobe. But—Embroidered Johnny Was shirts do because I have this boho side. For me, it just boils down to wearing what I feel comfortable wearing, no matter my age!
Thank you for your posts. I look forward to reading them at my breakfast table, sipping coffee, with my cat in my lap.
This is fantastic! I agree with you dress to impress yourself not others. I wear one level up to feel confident and I have taught my daughters to do that as well
I just bought a jumpsuit something I haven’t worn in ages. Love it!
I love that strategy and find it always helps me feel better.
Thank you so much for this article, Jennifer! I feel like I am finally finding my style at age 60!!!
I enjoy your blogs so much, not only for the content, but your thoughts.
Thank you!
Sandy
Yay!! Have fun with it
Hi. Your posts always speak to me but this one really resonated. I’ve been struggling with the upper arm dilemma for a while now and preferring sleeveless on hot days. Yes my arms are crepey and wobbly, but oh the hugs they’ve given and received and the waves of greeting and farewell they’ve given. You’re so right – from now on I’m going to love my arms for their part in my story. THATS a well styled life. Thank you Jennifer.
Your comment gave me a big smile! Thank you Julie