Why Fashion Rules After 40 Are Made Up Anyway

At 45 I wear what I like, at 95 I will ALSO wear what I like, I refuse to allow society and mostly the media’s unrealistic beauty standards to affect my judgement, style or personality and suggest you do the same!

Cutting my long hair and dedicating my wardrobe to the colour beige is not for me. It might be for someone else (and friends of mine absolutely rock short hair out of choice not pressure) but beige, now, I’m not sure anyone over the age of 5 suits that biscuit hue to be honest, but you do you hun, and unapologetically so.

I’m originally Greek, born in the UK so culturally women in Cyprus and Greece wear their hair long into old age, and bright colours and patterns tend to be favoured too. Black is usually reserved for those in mourning. I say, simply wear what makes you happy but don’t let your age or anything else prevent you from experimenting.

Style is a brilliantly creative way to share your identity and mood, which can change with the wind. Speaking of which, clothes also need to be practical. My mother always says, the weather doesn’t matter, what you wear does.

My mood and style choices certainly vary.

One day, I might opt for a pillar box red coat, the next you’ll see me in a little black dress and feathered fedora on my head. The next a leopard print tea dress and huge shades!

I favour style over fashion and I don’t adhere to whatever trends designers are switching up or inventing, in order to sell their lines that the high street then replicates.

I have an 80/20 model so 80% of my wardrobe is timeless, elegant pieces mostly in jewel colours, and 20% is dedicated to frivolous, fun and sometimes outrageously funny items I’ll wear some of the time like my beloved fluffy leopard print coat or sparkly blue dress!

We women in our 40s, 50s or older should never stop pushing out of our comfort zone, in any area of our life, and certainly not when it comes to clothes. We should try new pieces whenever we feel the urge to (because clothes and the joy of trying and buying them should be exciting, playful and fun), just as my 70 something Mom does.

She recently embraced long skirts and cable knit jumpers despite always preferring mid length dresses and soft cardis, and she’s loving expressing herself with these new items.

Age is not an expiration date, it simply signifies greater experience, wisdom (and usually better eyebrows)! With age often comes financial stability too (hopefully) and a chance to buy more premium, long lasting items over fast fashion pieces which might suit your pocket at the time but fail those producing the items, and the environment too. Prioritise buying fewer items that will last! I still have my Mom’s 70s coats which will last many lifetimes.

If you’re struggling with style ideas, why not consider swapping your usual jeans or leggings (I know needs must and some days should be dedicated to gym wear even when exercise isn’t on the agenda) for maxi skirts, draped KAFTAN dresses, streamlined and fitted suits, boho style dresses you can dress up with heels and down with cowgirl boots and simply commit to branching out a little more and dressing up, even when you’re not doing anything special, simply for a confidence boost! 

I’m genuinely baffled by those worried about aging, I love being in my 40s so was shocked to recently read about others’ recent fear of becoming 30! 30, 40, 50, 60 and beyond is NOT OLD! Look after your health and your body and mind will look after you back!

My 40s have been dedicated to becoming a mother for the third time, writing a bestselling book and finally finding my style again. I’m a work in progress and still struggle with waning confidence, as I’d like to lose more weight but I’m going gently on myself and I’m making bold style choices too, adding more colour, texture and pattern to my wardrobe and tonnes more hats to boot!