We hear all the time that age is just a number, and you're as old as you feel. We have also seen some blogs out there which suggest that over 50 you shouldn't be wearing jeans, or showing cleavage.
As 40-somethings ourselves, we think of being over 40 as no big deal, we don't really think that we can't wear this or should wear that. But with the next big birthday looming ever closer, will that change?
When a woman goes through menopause, or lives with other conditions or illnesses, confidence can reach rock bottom. We can get stuck in a style rut of comfiness. Being comfortable is absolutely essential BUT if you tweak your outfit ever so slightly it can elevate your mood aswell as your confidence.
When we talk to ladies in the boutique who say they love something but are too old to wear it, we die a little inside. Why can they not wear something now, which they would quite happily have worn ten or even five years ago? Obviously we aren't all built like Madonna with rock solid abs and happy to flaunt hot pants at every given opportunity, but there's no reason why we can't wear prints, or maxi skirts, or trainers with turned up jeans. Think about it. Why do we allow ourselves to be dictated to, and more importantly why do we do it to ourselves??
Confidence is a spiral. If you aren't feeling your best, you'll retreat back into a comfort zone, which makes you feel even less confident, which makes you retreat further.
When you're feeling great in your outfit, you will attract compliments, which make you feel even more confident. So why don't we just dress in great outfits all the time then?!
If you ask any woman over 40 that question, they will give answers like, I haven't got the time to make the effort, I can't be bothered, what's the point when I'm not going anywhere, I never go out, I'll look like mutton dressed as lamb. We know, because we've done it ourselves - and you can't kid a kidder!
But here's the cold hard truth. It takes the same time to dress in a great outfit as a 'comfortable' one. No more effort is required to put a pair of trousers on, than an old pair of leggings. A shirt can take the same amount of time to put on as a hoody or casual top. So time is not the issue.
The chances are you are actually going out at some point. You will leave the house and go on a school run, pick up the kids or grandkids, go shopping, have a day trip, have tea out, go to the pub, meet friends. You might not be going OUT out, but you are still going out into the world.
We're not suggesting leather look pants, heels and red lippy for the weekly food shop but by not wearing the hoody hanging in the porch and choosing a smart cardigan instead, swapping out the rubber sliders for a pair of dressy flats, you'll feel better about yourself. So not going anywhere isn't the issue either.
The truth - and the issue - is being bothered. You are amazing, whatever age you are. Your body has performed incredible tasks, and has got you to where you are now. You might not be as flexible, as supple, as toned but you're still the you that you were five, then, fifteen years ago.
'Being bothered' doesn't have to mean spending an hour in the bathroom perfecting your eye makeup just to nip to the corner shop. It simply means thinking about what you're feeling now, and how you want to feel when you walk out of the door.
None of us actually choose to feel dowdy or old or tatty would we, but yet we get stuck in a rut where that's exactly how we feel when we go out anywhere.
'Being bothered'. is about making a conscious decision to wear things that match or go together, items that feel lovely on, pieces which flatter you. That's it. That's all you have to do. Sounds so simple doesn't it - but we know that it feels impossible for some of you, and if that's the case for you when you read this, then get in touch and we'll help you.
None of us actually choose to feel dowdy or old or tatty would we, but yet we get stuck in a rut where that's exactly how we feel when we go out anywhere.
'Being bothered'. is about making a conscious decision to wear things that match or go together, items that feel lovely on, pieces which flatter you. That's it. That's all you have to do. Sounds so simple doesn't it - but we know that it feels impossible for some of you, and if that's the case for you when you read this, then get in touch and we'll help you.
Remember that confidence breeds confidence, and we are here for you. We will always be honest with you when you try new things, and we want you to look AND feel incredible.
If you're 55 and want to wear a smock dress, do it.
If you're 75 and want to rock a pair of jeans, why not!
You'll never be this young again, take advantage and stop questioning yourself!
As the saying goes, 'Life is short, so wear the damn dress'.
Our motto when someone says, "You can't wear that!" .... I can, and I will - watch me.
Our motto when someone says, "You can't wear that!" .... I can, and I will - watch me.
1 comment
Another fantastic Blog and does make you think about getting stuck in a rut regarding your clothing. Since meeting Samie and Cate I feel my approach to try different looks have changed enormously. You ladies give out so much positivity and embrace our body hangups that we try different looks and love the outcome. It’s great to meet and speak to ladies that visit the showroom and hear how they feel more confident from shopping with Love Faith Hope Boutique. Just to say a massive thank you for all your help and support.