Recently, while browsing social media, I encountered a familiar article that claimed to outline “50 Things No Woman Over 40 Should Own.” My initial reaction, as a woman in my 40s, was to dismiss it entirely. This decade, according to many women I know, is where self-assurance flourishes. We reach a point where societal expectations hold less sway, and we embrace our personal style unapologetically.
The article suggested that women over 40 should abandon items such as inexpensive jewelry, miniskirts, ripped denim, sweatpants, bomber jackets, and sequins. Seriously? Have you seen how fabulous women in their 40s can look in a miniskirt? My go-to outfit still involves a sequin top paired with distressed jeans, and I plan to wear it well into my later years.
It’s frustrating to see these articles perpetuating the notion that women reach a certain age and suddenly have a fashion expiration date. In reality, many of us feel liberated by age, not restricted. We’ve navigated through various life experiences, and at this stage, we prioritize what brings us joy and comfort over arbitrary fashion rules.
Many of my friends and I are turning 45 this year, and our fashion mantra is simple: we wear what makes us feel good. We refuse to be told that sweatpants or cubic zirconia earrings are off-limits just because we’ve been around for a few more decades. Who makes these assumptions, anyway?
I have never subscribed to rigid fashion guidelines; they feel too limiting. Dressing is a form of self-expression, and no one should dictate what another person can or cannot wear. Comments about age and attire are not only rude but also irrelevant because our choices are our own.
As our bodies evolve—sometimes for the better—we should feel empowered to wear whatever we choose, whether it’s a fun pair of over-the-knee boots or colorful hair streaks. I could even don a tiara and my bathrobe to the grocery store if that’s what I feel like doing. We’ve earned the right to express ourselves fully.
For those seeking further insights into embracing unique styles at any age, resources like Mindful Monday Insights from Louis Armstrong can be enlightening. Additionally, for anyone interested in pregnancy and its many facets, MedlinePlus offers excellent information.
In conclusion, let’s celebrate the freedom that comes with age and resist the urge to impose outdated fashion norms on one another. We get to decide what we wear, when we wear it, and how we embrace our unique selves.