I’ve just watched an old episode of What Not To Wear (the US version with Stacey and Clinton) and I’m actually a little bit peed off at the over-use of the term ‘age-appropriate style’. I hadn’t really given it much thought but yesterday I’d read a blog post about it and it’s obviously still on my mind.
As I approach 40, I guess I am noticing that I’m being more careful about the clothes that I choose to buy. Whenever I go into a shop with Michael and he points something out for me to try on, my usual response is something like, ‘I’m nearly 40, not 19!’ But after watching this old episode, I’m thinking, why the hell should I worry so much about it? Who determines what is or isn’t age-appropriate anyway? The style police? Come on.
As long as I’m not wearing teeny hot pants with a boob tube, who cares what I wear? If I want to show off my legs, I’m going to show off my legs. And if my cleavage happens to be on show, well great! Why can’t I wear something covered in sequins or sparkles? Or my Doc Martens with a dressy outfit? Or a top that shows off my belly-button piercing (yes I do have a belly button piercing)? There’s nothing wrong with showing your personality through your clothes. In fact, we should all do it more often than we actually do.
For instance, whenever I get my Doc Martens out (which I adore!), I always wear them with jeans because I tend to think, maybe I’m not quite young enough to wear them with a skirt or a dress. And OMG – I’m pushing that thought right outta my head, right now because it’s WRONG. Just look at this outfit in which I teamed them with a pencil skirt, just because I can! And I think it looks great… and fun, don’t you?
Just because we’re ageing, doesn’t mean we have to start wearing elasticated trousers and sensible shoes. Hell no! Wear what the hell you want to wear, ladies. It’s 2015, not 1815. Let’s show off our fun-loving style, whether we’re 20 or 80 it doesn’t matter. Just be you and don’t let anyone tell you any different. Age-appropriate? Jeeze people… get a life!
By the way, the fabulous Catherine over at Not Dressed as Lamb (my favourite style blogger) launched an Instagram theme in August, #iwillwearwhatilike – which pretty much sums up what I’ve just written. Check it out… it’s full of amazing women of all ages proving that there is no such thing as age-appropriate!
White T-shirt: H&M, Denim Jacket: Primark. Boots: Doc Martens from Schuh but are sadly now unavailable.
Skirt & Handbag: gift from mother-in-law. Necklace: gift from a friend.
Link Ups
Fashion Friday Link Up
Passion4Fashion Link Up
Clare Justine – over 40 lifestyle blog Link Up
Style Elixir
Forage Fashion
