There is a particular kind of freedom that comes with getting older: eventually, you realize you don't actually have to dress the way anyone expects you to.
At 53, I’m not especially interested in asking whether something is “age appropriate.” I’m much more interested in asking whether it feels like me.
And this outfit? Definitely me.
A plaid mini skirt covered in varsity patches. A romantic floral corset. A black cardigan slipping off my shoulders. Gold heels with enormous bows.
There are probably several fashion “rules” being broken here. Which may be exactly why I like it.
For years, women are given increasingly narrow instructions about how we're supposed to dress as we age. Hemlines should get longer. Colors should become quieter. Trends should be approached carefully. And somewhere along the way, we're supposed to graduate into a tasteful wardrobe of sensible classics.
Nothing against a sensible classic.
But I don't think getting older requires becoming visually quieter.
If anything, I know myself better now than I did at 23, 33 or even 43. I know that I love color. I love unexpected combinations. I love something feminine paired with something slightly irreverent. I like bows and vintage-inspired pieces and ridiculous little details that make an outfit interesting.
So maybe the better question isn't, Am I too old to wear this?
Maybe it's:
Do I feel good in this?
Does it make me stand a little taller? Does it feel like an expression of who I am? Does getting dressed in it make an ordinary day feel a little more interesting?
If the answer is yes, I'm wearing it.
One of the unexpected gifts of my fifties has been realizing that I don't want to disappear into my clothes.
I want to take up space in them.
And if that occasionally involves a plaid mini skirt and a giant gold bow on my shoe?
Even better.
Outfit details:
Corset: Amazon |Skirt: Thrifted | Shrug: Amazon |Shoes: Jessica Simpson |Bag: Thrifted
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