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Put Your Glad Rags On 😊

By Lily Bradshaw January 21, 2025 Beauty

I have never been a save-your-best-clothes-for-special-occasions kind of girl, happily gardening in a party dress or walking down the shopping aisles in something glittery. Now that I am over 60, I don’t have enough years left to keep things for Sunday Best. :)

Wearing something that makes us happy or feel pretty, is a lovely way to treat ourselves, so put your glad rags on, and strut the shopping mall!

There Are No Rules

Thankfully, nowadays there are no rules to how you dress when you are older. I often shop in the same places as my daughter and granddaughters. There are a couple of things I personally don’t buy anymore, such as miniskirts or low tops, but there are few restrictions on anything else. Mix and match colours, blend different styles, combine vintage with modern, add textures, make your own style. 

A Little Time for You

Life can get so busy sometimes that we can forget to give a little time for ourselves. Remember the hours spent getting dressed for a date when you were younger? Trying on dresses, cramming into tight jeans, make up, hair up or down? Sometimes getting ready was even more fun than the date itself!

So, next time you are off out somewhere, allow yourself a little extra time, so when you walk out the door you feel really special, even if it is just into the garden. :) 

Accessories

If you don’t feel ready to make big changes, adding accessories can instantly elevate or update a look. This could be something as simple as a scarf, belt or handbag. Sunglasses can often transform an outfit but, in my opinion, nothing beats a hat to really jazz up your look! Be bold, dare to be the ‘You’ you’ve always wanted to be! 

Thrift Stores

Going to thrift stores is so much fun. I see things I wouldn’t see in my normal clothes shops, and it makes me more adventurous as I am only paying a fraction of the price. It’s not a big deal if it’s not right as I can take it back and re-donate it. Also, saving money on buying second hand clothes makes me feel less guilty when I do want to splurge a little. An added bonus is that buying used clothes is good for the environment. :)

Fairy Wings

While not suggesting you put your fairy wings on (of course you can if you want!) it always makes me smile when I see young children shopping with their parents and their little wings flapping. They seem to have such a beautiful innocence about them. I still vibrantly remember when my daughter was young and she went pony riding in a tutu and gold glittery wings that flew behind her as the pony trotted. It is one of my favourite memories.

Find Yourself a Role Model

If you are not quite confident with your own style yet, find yourself a role model. It can be anyone at all, your friend, family member, the girl over the road who always looks incredible, or even a celebrity. If you type in ‘street style’ and your age in Youtube, you will find many videos of outfits and you can adapt them so they work well for you. One of my favourites is Linda Wright who is 75 and looks stunning!

Just Be Who You Want to Be

Of course, if you are happy in a pair of jeans or comfy leggings then that is exactly what you should wear. Getting dressed up isn’t for everyone, some people dress for the weather and there is far more sense in that than dressing for your style! But if you like a bit of glam and sparkle, don’t save it for special occasions, enjoy having fun with them right now. :)

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you keep your best clothes for special occasions? Why? If not, how do you dress on a daily basis? Where do you shop? Where do you get inspiration to improve your style?

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Gloria Johnson

Yes! Love it!👏👏👏👏👏

Lily Bradshaw

Thank you Gloria :) Lily x

Jodi

This! In three years I went from banking power suits to student to registered nurse scrubs, happily married to widowed. At 65 I’ve finally decided that my comfort is more important than others’s opinions. There’s still a part of me that enjoys dressing up, so if I bling up my casual wear then I do it. It makes me happy and I find a smile on my face and a lightness in my step. Life is stressful enough so find what makes you happy and do it!

Lily Bradshaw

Hi Jodi, Thanks for joining the conversation. You seem to have worked out what makes you happy! Lily x

Martha

Agree, if you like it, wear it. What are we waiting for?

Lily Bradshaw

Hi Martha thanks for joining the conversation. I couldn’t agree more :) Lily x

Teddee Grace

Thanks for the Linda Wright link! She has marvelous style and I plan to spend some time studying her wonderful ways with scarves of which I have dozens and don’t make the most of. I’m 80 and try to look put together any time I leave my apartment. I particularly enjoy dressing in some of my nicer clothes for my line dance class. Enjoyed this!

Lily Bradshaw

Hi Teddee, thanks for joining the conversation and for your kind words! So pleased you like Linda Wright, I think she is an amazing role model for us over 60’s ( and younger ones too!) I have a feeling you are a bit of a role model yourself :) Lily x

Angie

Love this article! I am a gal who “saves for good” so now at 69 I have clothes still with tags. Pitiful. I have told myself-wear now or donate. Of course, my aging gracefully body is telling me to donate more! I always had to dress up for work and now, just a jeans gal. But I do love my accessories! Thanks for the thoughts. Going to be home all day, but will be wearing something that I saved! LOL

Lily Bradshaw

Hi Angie, thanks for joining the conversation. I am so pleased you enjoyed the article. I love reading comments from my readers :) I am picturing you wearing something new and maybe having a little dance to celebrate too :) Lily x

The Author

Lily Bradshaw has had an interesting and varied career. Twenty years working as a psychotherapist and part time lecturer, followed by 20 years of writing educational courses. Now she is enjoying semi retirement writing books and articles that interest her, mostly about having fun and enjoying life. She has spent the last 2 years travelling solo.

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