THERE ARE NO RULES
It’s pretty hard to thumb through a fashion magazine without stumbling across a feature that boldly outlines the need for “women of a certain age” to dress in an “age appropriate” way. Nothing sends my blood pressure into orbit faster than these condescending, ageist articles. It’s as though once a woman hits 40, the fashion police are sent to track us down to confiscate our “cool card” thereby revoking our rights to dress in a trendy and fashion forward way. Suddenly, without warning, we are on the receiving end of a barrage of unsolicited advice about what we can, and cannot wear. Who started this insanity, and how do we make it stop? This idea that fashion is only for the young and hip is absurd. Older women not only still want to be stylish and cool, we have more disposable income to spend than the younger generations, so why limit us with silly rules? Yes, I believe that some looks should be left to the younger demographic. However that doesn’t mean that older fashionistas can’t style trends in a way that is modern and sophisticated. It’s not what you wear, but how you wear it. The wonderful thing about fashion is the multitude of ways it can be worn and interpreted. Just because we’re older, doesn’t mean we have to disappear into the background in boring, sensible, nondescript clothing. I recently came across an article that boldly declared that women over 33 shouldn’t shop at Zara anymore. As an 82 year old avid Zara shopper, this was news to me, and certainly news to the fine people at Zara, I’m sure. As fashion becomes more inclusive, I think it’s important for older consumers to speak out against the ingrained ageism still lurking within the fashion industry. Women of a certain age are smart, sophisticated and savvy enough to determine what looks good on them, and what doesn’t. We’ll shop where we like, and wear what we want. So take note fashion world.
~ Dorrie
Senior Style Bible
Top: Helmut Lang
Pants: Zara
Boots: Zara
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So glad you’re back! I have missed your posts and your sassy attitude! You rock!
Couldn’t agree more. You might enjoy my article on the same subject http://www.repartee.tv/en/features1/fashion/item/236-older-wiser-and-more-stylish
You tell them Dorrie!! Sometimes I think they write these articles just to create some backlash??
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Cheers!! You said it!! Love that duster.
Those articles really get to me, but I must admit, when my blood boils I often come up with my most startling and enjoyable outfits as a great big F@ck You!!
You’re so right! I’m coming up to another big birthday (I’ll be 70 in September) but I’m more than happy to shop at Zara, and they don’t seem to mind me spending my money there either! I was wearing a cardigan a few weeks ago and my friend’s 17 year old daughter said she had one like it in another colour. I said mine was from H & M and she said “Mine too!” I was touched that she didn’t mind a 69 year old wearing a cardigan like hers, but she does seem to like my accessories in particular (today she commented on my new bag!) so maybe that’s why.
I think it may be inspiring for younger women to see that when they get older they don’t have to resort to dressing “elderly.”
I love this post and you look Marvelous in this outfit. Who knew that older ladies like us could still SHINE?? Shine on my dear and keep em coming. . .
So glad to see your blog posts are back. I know you are on facebook more frequently but I do enjoy the format of the blog. Anyway, I totally agree with you about the fashion ageism. I see too many women buying into the comfort of invisibility and lack of style. You are a glorious beacon to us all – keep up the good work!
Love ❤️ your blog posts . Visit my blog and we’ll exchange ideas ! Thanks
Jandrew
Dress The Part
http://www.jandrewspeaks.com
Thanks so much! Love your glasses! I’ll check it out.
~ Dorrie
I’m almost 75 and I was pleased to find a website catering to more seasoned women who still want to express their own style. But I notice in spite of your “There are no rules” rule, you do seem to have one rule: with one exception when you wore some red, you avoid all colors except neutrals. Is this a New York thing? Did I miss a memo?
I think that the neutral color palette is probably is an East Coast thing, although I live in Las Vegas now. In the summer I do wear a bit more color, but my closet is based on neutrals. I think that is for a number of reasons. Firstly, neutrals are the building blocks of any wardrobe, so that allows me the versatility to create a lot more outfits by mixing and matching my pieces. That’s harder to do with color. I also find that there is simply less choice out there in bold colors. I have a very hard time finding pieces I like, that are fashion forward in bright colors that also have sleeves etc. but I am always on the look out!
Dorrie you’ve taken ALL the words right out of my mouth!! You’re so right about fashion becoming more inclusive – and I love the fact that you still shop at Zara… why shouldn’t you?! As you know I’m a big advocate of #iwillwearwhatilike, and you embody that philosophy 100%! Go you 🙂
Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com
Hi Caherine,
I think we probably need to gather forces and organize ourselves as a collective of 40+ social media influencers in order to speak to brands about these issues. I’m working on how to do that and will keep you posted. xx ~ Dorrie
I love this jacket on you. And I hesitated for a moment thinking back to the jacket my husband urged me to buy in Paris and I discarted it because I thought it was too young for me. But then I realized it wasn’t my style either. That is good.
Greetje
Dorrie…Senior Style Bible, I am 76. I wear whatever I want from wherever I want. Zara is a little pricey for my budget, but I do shop, yes, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe as well as get some real treasures, thrifting. As we speak, I am wearing corduroy overalls and a print thermal, long sleeve shirt. Come summer, I have several bikinis and one bright red malliott (one piece) to choose from. I also wear color, but not usually bright color. I wear Converse tennies, high clunky heels tight jeans, whatever I want. Not only do I think you look great in this outfit but I love the outfit! I might have worn black shoes, especially the new style cutoff boot shoes because I love that, not so new, new, look.
You look amazing! Period! Forget 82. It is just a number. Don’t wrap your consciousness around it. I applaud you and what you are doing with your Facebook blog, Senior Style Bible. To the readership, be free. Be you. Don’t be dictated to, for any reason…enjoy your self, your clothes, your life! And, PLEASE, let us not allow ourselves to be called, GRANNY!
“no rules” – I relate
love the no rules! You look fantastic, pinned Hugs
Thank you! Well said…the best is yet to come:)
I need one of these jackets!
and salespeople please do not call me sweety or dear…
Thanks!!!! 👏👏👏👏
AMEN! Can’t believe you 82! You look fabulous.
I saw you featured on tBBC Worldservice Radio Online this morning. You look fabulous–better than some twenty-somethings. Your photo spread proves your point.
I haven’t been age appropriate for as long as I can remember. Men, of any age, don’t seem to mind at all. The only ones who seem to be offended are some women, including a few fashion journalists. Dorrie, keep talking the talk, and walking the walk. A cool change is gonna come.
The phrase that incenses me the most is “Oh, I’m too old for that”. I will never be too old.