So can it help us be more beautiful and stylish? I think yes. Here are some of the ways experience can make us more beautiful:
- We don't doubt ourselves as we select our wardrobes, so we are more sure of our choices.
- Our style reflects who we are more closely -- because we know who we are, more confidently each year.
- We take the time and make the effort to take good care of ourselves. If budgets allow, we get massages and pedicures. If not, at least we know how to turn down the noise and take a long, fragrant bath.
- We've learned how to accept, style and work with our hair, to its best advantage. No more straightenings for me, or setting my hair on juice cans.
- We are not so self-conscious in our clothes as we once were. We get dressed, have a good look in the mirror, add or subtract a piece and go about our day. Because . . .
- We know what works!
For example, I did a mini closet clean-out last night. I just focused on my work skirts and blouses/tops. I tried most of them on to see if I still said "Oh, yeah!" when I looked in the mirror. "Do I still love this?" and "Do I want to wear this right away?" The Yes pieces got put back in the closet
There were a few easy No's - that just don't fit right anymore, or are too scratchy/pilly. Then there are the very nice pieces that I haven't worn in a long time. The nice black wool Banana Republic blazer. It's in perfect condition, and it's my size. But it's double-breasted and has shoulder pads, and it's just too masculine for me. That's why I haven't worn it, duh! So to consignment it is going.
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| Beautiful, but it doesn't fit my style (this one's a Donna Karan). |
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| This soft Banana Republic cardigan suits my look perfectly. |
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| This Theory cardigan is also my style (but not my budget, sadly). |
I have learned/am learning my own style so that it's easier to say No, whether at the store or in my closet, to pieces that are not Truly Me. That's the beauty of experience.
What do you think? Has aging helped make you more beautiful, by giving you that extra boost of wardrobe confidence? Or are you thinking: shut up, Patti, I'll take 29 and inexperienced any day? : >
Hi Patti!
ReplyDeleteI too am finally finding it much easier to say NO to looks that just aren't me. (still a work in progress,however!)
and i want to send a special thank you for all your support. you mean so much to me and without you and a few more lovelies, i'd have certainly stopped by now.
Have a great weekend and thank you.
Hugs,
Reva
Definitely of two minds on this: I don't see any point in going back to the pitifully indecisive and confused girl I was in my 20s, just to be young and pretty, but at the same time I can't develop any appreciation for the load of physical ailments my 50s are dumping on me.
ReplyDeleteAs to the wardrobe confidence, I've been formulating another blog post on that very topic. It is an ongoing problem for me, but I think I may be making some progress in that direction. If I can organize my thoughts a bit more I'll probably expound on it next week sometime.
I think you're absolutely right on! Experience has helped me say NO to some things that I would have felt like I HAD to wear years ago. It also helps me to value dressing like myself. I took my daughter and son shopping at the mall today and honestly , everyone looked the same...was wearing the same thing. I like that I don't feel like I have to look like everyone else to feel comfortable any more! Once again, Patti, GREAT post! Hugs to you! ~Serene
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure...haha...I haven't aged enough yet, but so far I've enjoyed getting older because of the reasons you stated :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.closet-fashionista.com/
What a fantastic post Patti. I love that you've gone through your closet and can easily say "yes" or "no" to various pieces without regret. It's a wonderful feeling isn't it? I now know when to say NO to a trend because I just know it's going to make my arse look weird, my boobs look saggy or frankly ridiculous and not in a good ole Pull Your Socks Up! way. Oh the freeeeeeeeeeeeedom!!!!!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteAt 45 I feel like I'm still hit and miss! I always like to look nice but i havent really ever been into fashion. Which is why I've started the blog! Its never too late to learn!
ReplyDeleteage has definitely gives a different perspective to my style choices and it has given me more confidence to try outfits that I wouldn't do in the past. I used to be quite oblivious to fashion but I guess over the years, I am more interested in it and am making better choices. So I believe you are also making smart style choices now, knowing what works for you and what don't.
ReplyDeletemongsmythriftycloset.blogspot.com
Has aging helped make you more beautiful, by giving you that extra boost of wardrobe confidence?
ReplyDeleteI think so - you're right - it's easier to pass over things that don't suit you anymore whereas a younger self might have bought it to be trendy, and I find as you get older you shrug off the self consciousness around wearing clothes and just own whatever you decide to wear.
Please open.beauty product
ReplyDeletehugs back to you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteYou are right about physical ailments, Katrina - they are *not* the joy of aging, not one bit. I look forward to your writings!
ReplyDeleteHugs back! Great point about the mall - we don't want to look like clones, do we? : >
ReplyDeleteOK, my young beauty (and you are!) - but you get the idea already, to dress for your own style and to express yourself. I love your blog, and your personal style.
ReplyDeleteYay for freedom!! You said it, my sister.
ReplyDeleteBlogging is a great way to learn new ways, isn't it? And BTW, I think you look pretty fab. : >
ReplyDeleteI can never believe that you are 40, Mongs! But you do have a wonderful style and know how to add very special touches.
ReplyDeleteYes, shrugging off self-consciousness is a wonderful way to put it, V. That's much easier to do as the years go by!
ReplyDeleteI definitely feel more refined in my choices and more confident in what I wear. Getting older has been good to me! I turned 30 this year and I certainly feel my wardrobe is much more chic and put together than my 20s.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thanks for sharing
xx
You have a lot to look forward to, Mae!
ReplyDelete