Passionista with Sharron Richardson
WOMEN’S STYLE RULES FOR THE SECOND FIFTY
I have loved fashion since the early days of paper dolls. I was never content with the clothes included with the kit, so made my own, much more stylish outfits. I then moved on to Barbie, Betty, and Veronica, all of whom made me wish I had the parts necessary to fill out those fabulous outfits. Sadly, as a naturally thin person, that didn’t really happen until I hit my 40’s. But what fun I’m having now, filling out outfits. Except that a few weeks short of my 50th birthday, there are some things to consider that I wouldn’t have had to worry about 20, even 10, years ago. Let’s go over the style rules for Our Second Fifty.
1. Gravity is not your boobs’ friend. Clothes are designed to fit and enhance boobs where they belong, perched happily between your shoulder and elbow. Yes, that’s where they belong, whether you are a 32AA or a 42DD. The good news is, with a proper bra fitting, your boobs can sit up happily and proudly where they belong. Which is not at your waist. Tip: Spend the time and money to get a proper bra fitting. It’s better for your posture, and your clothes will fit properly.
2. Cellulite shows through linen and lightweight fabric. While dressing in a beautiful linen skirt suit to make a presentation, I checked my rear view (always important for so many reasons), only to horrifyingly realize that I could actually see my dimpled derriere through the lightweight fabric of my skirt. A dedicated fan of the no-line nylon panties (they have no seams), I had to recognize that those tiny wisps of fabric were not meant for 50-somethings, unless you can bounce a quarter off your ass (and I know some of you can). Enter Spanx, my new best friend. Again, the culprit is gravity. It’s not that my ass is that much bigger. It’s that it suddenly seems to be trying to reach the back of my knees. Tip: Always check your rear view and make any necessary corrections.
3. You are not 30 anymore. Yes, 50 can be the new 30 in that we are vibrant and energetic and stylish. But we shouldn’t be trying to rock a belly shirt. Then we just look sad and desperate. There is an elegance and confidence about being 50+ that our younger sisters can’t pull off. It belongs solely to us. There is no reason why you can’t add some flare and make your outfit “youâ€, provided it’s done with grace. For instance, my style is to mix both feminine and masculine components to each of my outfits (think a classic navy sheath with a man’s watch). Sure, models sporting ankle socks and sandals are all through Vogue, but at our age, we’ll just look like we have no friggin’ idea what we’re doing. We won’t look stylish, just clueless. Tip: You’ve earned the right to be elegant. Own it.
4. Less is more. For the second 50, we seem more focused on experiences rather than possessions. We seem to be paring down our lives to what we need and what we love. No more is necessary. Same goes for style. I’m a huge fan of multi-strand necklaces, but if I’m going to have that much going on around my neck, I need to simplify the rest of my outfit for balance. In our 20’s and 30’s we could rock a little fashion craziness. At 50+, well, we’ll just look a little crazy. Coco Chanel was right: less is more. We have decades of experiences, failures and successes, sorrow and joy, which is reflected in our eyes, in our demeanour, in our personalities. Our clothes no longer have to speak for us. We have plenty to say for ourselves. Tip: Be the amazing woman in the clothes, not the woman in the amazing clothes.
5. Own a great-fitting pair of jeans. No. Mom. Jeans. Ever. If the terms acid-washed, tapered leg, or high-waisted apply to your jeans, or if you haven’t bought a new pair in 20 years, here’s what you need to do. Immediately run, don’t walk, to the garbage and throw those abominations away. Don’t even give them to Goodwill. Folks who need the services of charitable organizations (I’ve been there) have enough troubles without your adding fashion road kill to them. There are few things that scream “I’ve given up†as loudly as Mom Jeans do. Tip: For the love of God, just don’t do it.
6. Joy is the best accessory. By this age and stage, most of us have come to realize that removing what doesn’t really matter, and filling our lives with things, people, and experiences that enhance us is our preference. By now, we are striving to find those things which bring us joy, which fill us with delight. There are fewer more beautiful things than a person who is filled with delight. Joy truly is the best accessory. It always fits, and it goes with everything. Tip: Spend your energy on things which fill you with joy, and you will always be in style.
Sharron Richardson is a Passionista, Writer and Speaker. You can contact Sharron at: forsharron@rogers.com and follow Sharron’s blog at: www.fashionista2passionista.com
[…] Your Second Fifty - Magazine » Passionista by Sharron Richardson yoursecondfifty.com/passionista-by-sharron-richardson – view page – cached I have loved fashion since the early days of paper dolls. I was never content with the clothes included with the kit, so made my own, much more stylish outfits. I then moved on to Barbie, Betty, and Veronica, all of whom made me wish I had the parts necessary to fill out those fabulous outfits. Tweets about this link […]
Love this article. It is funny and informative. Thanks.
I really enjoyed your article! I hope there will be more
[…] I had, up until then, been right on track. Day 1: figure out what needs my attention. Day 2: start working on it. Day 3 was supposed to be either a) working on my book or b) cleaning out the basement rec room, easily a 3-hour job. However, a corporate appointment at noon was followed by a visit to see my 90-year-old ex-mother-in-law, and before you know it, the day was gone. Life is like that sometimes. Settling in to continue working on my book for the evening, I checked my email first. That prompted me to communicate with someone, Frank Moffatt, on a website where I frequently republish these blog posts, zoomers.ca. Turns out he’s the CEO of YourSecondFifty.com , and he invited me to provide content for his online magazine. Well, that was the first time someone had actually invited me to create original content, and given that being a published writer is one of my goals, I was delighted. Even though my schedule for revamping my life called for at least 4 hours of working on my book content, I recognized that this was an opportunity to expand my community and readership, and make a valuable connection with a person who had accomplished what I was setting out to do. All good things. My contribution, Women’s Style Rules for Your Second Fifty, can be read here http://yoursecondfifty.com/passionista-by-sharron-richardson […]
Popped over from She Writes. Wonderful article and boy did I need to read it.
I’m a little confused about jeans though… ’cause on me, all jeans look like Mom jeans. 
Well I think after reading this article the pleasure is all of ours. What a lovely way you have with words. Good luck on that book and remember if it makes one person’s day better you are a resounding success! AND after reading these comments there is little doubt – because you already are a success!!!
Keep smiling!!
Thanks
Frank
Jess, a lot of us are confused about jeans. You can’t really go wrong with a medium-rise, boot cut fit. A darker wash will up the elegance factor. These are flattering, and appropriate for almost anything. For something a little more casual, try the new boyfriend cut. They’re relaxed, a little baggy, and often worn rolled at the cuff: they’re supposed to look like you borrows your man’s jeans. Both a great picks for this fall!
*borrowed* *are” sheesh, my fingers are working faster than my brain (happens a lot!)
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