There Are No Wrong Answers in Fashion

By this age, we’ve learned to enjoy fashion and hopefully feel confident enough to wear what we love. Does that mean you have to like what other women wear? Emulate or copy what they wear? Nope… and guess what? They shouldn’t care what you think.

Sadly, many women do care what others think which can stifle their creativity.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if you’re not enjoying what you wear, you’re missing out on half the fun. Fashion isn’t rocket science stuff and it’s not earth-shattering but it can stretch your creativity and help us feel better about ourselves.

Feeling low? Put on a favorite top in a flattering color, that’s soft against your skin and you’re on your way to feeling better.

Feeling out of touch and dated? Pop on a touch of trend and instantly feel more current and “with it”.

Feeling washed out? Add a bold lip, dark sunglasses and take the world by storm.

We can and should agree to disagree about what looks fashionable because it’s a personal choice. Each woman is unique and see’s the world through her own lens. That’s the beauty of individuality and why we’re fortunate to have as many fashion options as we do.

It’s been said that fashion is what you buy and style is what you do with it. I also believe fashion can inspire you to grow if you think outside your comfort zone.

My goal is to inspire and encourage you to try new things and see fashion as the tool it can be for you.

What do you think?

32 Comments

  1. Agree, Jennifer, that we have to please ourselves, first and foremost when we dress. I have been complimented for my flare and style and got some of my panache from my dear, departed mother. My daughters, 35 and 37 are fashionistas and always try to look their best. I am 68 and try to wear cheerful colours that show a positive outlook.

  2. You are so right. You, and others who have great fashion sense, have helped me put together a travel wardrobe for an upcoming trip. The burgundy pieces I have included may not be the best choice for my transitional coloring (my hair is turning white!) but red makes me happy. So, the pieces stay! I use my daughter as my final outfit gatekeeper-she worked in a clothing shop for 2 1/2 years and has a great eye. She dresses herself appropriately for her age/new professional job & helps me put together age/retired appropriate outfits for events in which I accompany my husband. Thanks for your continued great topics and ideas to ponder. Carol in VT

  3. You are so right, Jennifer! It’s taken me awhile to learn this and not feel overly “influenced” by other bloggers but taking fashion and styling it to suit ourselves and our bodies is definitely the way to go! Thanks for a great and encouraging. post!

  4. I totally agree! No rules any more! Thanks for spit on insight!

  5. fashion you can buy, style is what you have.

  6. I follow three blogs every day. Susanafter60, a well styled life and Tania of Over50isntold. All three women inspire me. Susan is a classy, column dresser. I learned to build a wardrobe from her. Jennifer is a little more moderate. I pull out prints, polka dots, animal prints that I once avoided because of her. Tania is a baptism in color. She inspires me to be more bold in color choices. All different but all wonderful. I pull from each of them. I am closer to Jennifer in my choices I think.

    1. I follow the same ladies! Great way to start my day!

  7. Well said! What I wear may be the one area of my life where I am totally selfish. I wear what I like and what makes me happy and feel good. Yes, I like it when I get compliments on what Iā€™m wearing, but I wear it for myself and my happiness. If it looks good and others like it, thatā€™s a bonus. At my age (72+) Iā€™ve learned that happy and healthy go hand in hand. So, I guess wearing what I like can also be considered contributing to my own good health. Therefore, shopping and buying new clothes is good for me and my well being.

  8. I totally agree! Each and everyone of us should dress for ourselves. Weā€™re all unique individuals with different tastes, body shapes and lives. Even where you live can somewhat dictate what you wear. Personality plays a big part in the way one dresses. You wear you and Iā€™ll wear me!

    1. I love your comment, Joanna! Especially “You wear you and I’ll wear me!” I might have to borrow that and use it on my own blog if you don’t mind.

  9. Jennifer , what about fashions for ladies over 60 .. I’m so stuck in the same fashion as 1980
    I like tailored clothes , for staying home / going out . Soft fabric .. waist defining shirts and dresses. Lined trousers are a plus. Thank you in advance for any help !
    Linda

  10. Excellent overview, Jennifer! For myself, I have always felt that what one chooses to wear is that of ‘self-expression’, however as I have aged do on occasion use my son (who is a designer and in the industry) as a sounding board as to whether something is too young for me regardless that ‘my’ style is basically classic and I do keep pace with selective trends.
    -Brenda-

  11. I dress to please myself, it has taken me 64 years to get here and no one will tell me how to dress. I enjoy seeing new ways of putting outfits, colours together which is why I follow a few bloggers, including a few younger ones. I love my 30 year-old daughter’s confidence and her response to “what will people say”: pffft lol
    I’m not saying I no longer struggle but refuse to be defined by other people’s judgements. Put it on and if you like it, go out, smile and have fun! Pffft indeed!

  12. Rose Brock says:

    I have to admit that sometimes I do worry about my fashion choices. I really depended on my best friend and my sister for advice and since they have passed away I’ve been in a fashion funk. This post has really encouraged me! Thanks ā¤ļø

    1. I hear you, Rose.
      My mother had a lot of fashion flair; my daughter does, too. My mom passed away and my daughter moved far away. I miss their advice! And I miss their boldness, which rubbed off on me.
      Recently I went to a fun thrift shop with a friend and felt again the camaraderie of women together, enjoying clothes. Thatā€™s worth finding again.

      1. Rose Brock says:

        Thanks Margaret, I really need to find a shopping buddy. My daughter hates to shop but my husband is really savvy when it comes to clothes but it’s not like a girlfriend!

    2. Iā€™m sorry for your loss, thatā€™s hard. Keep your eyes open for inspiration and take baby steps.

      1. Rose Brock says:

        Thanks Jennifer. I really am going to look for inspiration!

  13. Hi Jennifer, I totally agree with you! I dress for myself only. I wear colors and styles that I like. I do not follow trends. I never want to look like I’m trying too hard to appear younger.

  14. Deborah Broughton says:

    Excellent post! I am trying to perfect my look and explore what to add to my wardrobe. I have often worried what people will think. Thanks so much!

  15. I’ve been going through my closet lately, realizing that so many pieces hang there alone, not matching anything. They’re the result of shopping sales and thrift shops, all bargains but not if I never wear them!

    1. They are no bargain if you donā€™t wear them. Try to find pieces you own that would enable you to wear them.

  16. Cathy Cunningham says:

    So true. Thanks for sharing! ā¤ļø

  17. There is so much freedom and joy in dressing just for ourselves. That is what my journey is all about! Well said.

  18. Great advice, Jennifer! I might add….it would be wonderful too if women didnā€™t judge each other so harshly regarding their fashion choices. How dull and boring it would be if we all dressed alike!

  19. Love this. I confess that I am one who does worry about what others might think and it does stifle me at times. I am going to try harder to do what I like and dress for me, within reason, of course! Thanks for this. ?

    1. I think this is a natural tendency for many women. Perhaps itā€™s part of the people pleasing inclination.

  20. Spot on! Excellent post, Jennifer.

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