Yep, I’m going there. But not how you think.
I’ve thought long and hard about how to write this post without ‘yucking on someone else’s yum” and I don’t like to s*$t on another woman just doing what she thinks is right, but I saw a caption on social media the other that REALLY annoyed me.
It was another stylist basically telling everyone to wear the same thing. She had a go at “bright colours and kooky prints” , calling them old and outdated and pretty much said everyone should wear oversized neutrals. and it got my back up.
I didn’t like being told that there was only ONE look that was ‘cool’.
That my love of colour and print is somehow ‘less stylish” than greys and blacks.
SO It made me think, I wanted to write my own list of things that you should be thinking about when you get dressed, and note, this doesn’t apply to just us over 4o’s – this applies to everyone (but I wanted to write a click-bait headline so you’d read the blog haha!)
1 Wear clothes that bring you JOY!
Who cares if they aren’t ‘in fashion’. If you love colour, and it makes you feel good, wear it! If crazy prints make you smile, rock them every single day girl!
Only wear things that give you that warm fuzzy feeling inside – be it black and grey, or jeans and jumper, or sequins and heels! As long as it makes you feel good, that’s all that matters.
2. Dress for YOU, not anyone else
I think that’s what annoyed me about that social post the other day…. this stylist was telling us what SHE loved to wear, and what she thought was ‘cool’. Great! If you really love that look, wear it, but don’t wear a trend because someone else told you to.
And for that matter, don’t stop wearing something that someone else doesn’t like – what you wear is your business and ONLY your business. No one else gets a say, and you don’t need to impress anyone else.
3. Wear clothes that FIT you well
Ignore the number. If you have to go UP to get the fit right, then get the fit right. If you go down a size, does it look good? Or are you just going down a size to honour some sort of false beauty standard that smaller is better?
Pay attention to how things fit you – are those skinny jeans uncomfortable your tummy? try a wide leg pant. But if you ROCK your skinny jeans and they look amazing, keep rocking them.
4. Wear good (and supportive) underwear
Good supportive underwear can completely change not only your outfit, but your posture and confidence! Get properly fitted for your bras at least once a year (they can really stretch out and stop offering as much support if you flog them like I do!).
Wear undies that are comfortable, and that breathe. My biggest underwear tip is to wear undies that sit at the same height as the waistband you’re wearing. It gives a great line, you’ll feel supported and clothes will look better.
5. Wear trends, ONLY if they work for your unique style
Now I love a trend as much as the next stylist (hello neon for Spring, but that’s another blog), but if the trend do not fit into your unique personal style, you don’t have to do it!
So many of my clients are worried about not “looking cool” in their skinny jeans because some Gen Z made a tiktok about how straight leg jeans are in, and skinnies are out. Bugger that! Wear what YOU love!
On the flip-side, if a trend really talks to your sense of style, GREAT! go for it! work it into your everyday looks and get joy out of it.
Now I hope you don’t feel like I’m now being patronising (like I found the social media stylist) by telling you what to wear. But ultimately, it’s as simple as this….
IF YOU LOVE IT, WEAR IT
Cait xo
P.S. Are you ready to step into your style with confidence?….here are 3 ways I can help you to get started :
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Superb ideas for over 40’s. I really like your suggestions. Thanks and keep it up.
thanks Lisa 🙂
Just wait till she gets to her 70’s……what then!
haha right? x
Such an incredible post. I really like it and enjoyed a lot. Thanks and keep sharing.
thank you Lisa! and thank you for taking the time to comment x
Soooo love this! I’m all about wearing what you love. I want to feel great, and not have to stress about whether I’m dressing ‘for my age’. At almost 50 I’m the most confident I’ve ever been, as so now I care even less if I’m following trends or not! Thanks for the reminders, Cait. 😊
YES!!! 100% I don’t like being prescribed what is cool…. isn’t it more important to wear what makes you feel good?
Thank you! That okay would annoy me too. Kooky prints and bright colours are totally up my street! Just because certain music is popular, doesn’t mean you have to listen to it. I rarely wear anything black because it makes me feel flat. I’ll stick with your philosophy any day!
100% with the music! Individually is what makes us cool, not constantly following the trends
I was initially worried to read this but so glad I did. Love it!
haha see what I did there? It was intentionally mis-leading haha
Long live skinny jeans! They flatter my body shape the best
right! wear whatever works best for YOU x
Love this Cait! Great reinforcement. Also, I just care less in my 40s! 😉
yes! i feel like that needs to be number #6! Wear things that take less time and energy haha x
Totally agree 100%
thanks love! appreciate you x
And number 7 for me is to look at yourself in the mirror through positive and self-affirming eyes, when you are wearing whatever it is you like to wear.
love it!
I saw the post you are talking about. Thank you for your reinforcement that whatever we want to wear is good enough as long as it makes us happy.
I know what she was trying to get at, to get longevity out of your clothes by purchasing neutrals that go together… but I don’t agree thats the only way to do it!
I have gorgeous bright, printed pieces that I’ve loved and worn for years!
I just don’t think there is only one way to go about it x