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!
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.
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. :)
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!
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. :)
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.
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!
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. :)
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?
Perfect timing on this article, just today I put on something I was “saving” to wear . . . nothing better than wearing it today! I feel great in it and that’s what matters, not the day or the occasion. Honestly, I do wear the “old” clothes for gardening and yard work. Made 2025 the year I go through the clothes. No more “well maybe I’ll wear it.” Either I like it and will wear it or it’s in the donate pile! It feels great and I have one bag ready to go! I want to reduce the clothes I have and simplify my closet.
Hi Lauren, Thanks for joining the conversation, I am pleased it came at the perfect time! Lily x
Fun article!
I’ve noticed just about everyone is going casual – LLBean casual. I love color but I also like black. Black is simple or elegant.
Hi Debbie, thanks for joining the conversation. I agree, life is more casual now, but sometimes I like to style it up a bit and have fun :) Black is always be safe go to! Lily x
I love clothes andI love to dress. I wear mostly dresses and when I work out athletic wear. Bling is my thing and that is never going to change. I am a bargain shopper. I look for sales . I look put together every time I go out. I have. Been like this since I have been five years old. Age is not going to change my style nor my artistic self that is expressed in how I dress.
Hi Anne, thanks for joining the conversation. I couldn’t agree more with everything you say! You never go to bed one night and wake up old, why should you change who you are :) Lily x
I keep some clothes aside for special occasions because I’m messy. I cook and garden with abandon! And I’m a more casual dresser at the best of times.
That said,looking at my wardrobe this new year I’d just about decided to ditch numerous ‘best’ items I never wear. Then I read this article.
I’m thinking I will use these old ‘best’ clothes more often – to go to the supermarket, or out for a coffee. I maaay even put some lippy on!
Hi Sue, thanks for joining the conversation.I am so pleased you have had a peek in your wardrobe and decided to wear your ‘best’ clothes more. If anyone deserves to wear lovely things it’s You. I can imagine you with your shopping trolly, dressed to the nines :) Lily x