When an article entitled “The 40 things every woman should know about fashion over 40” was published by the Telegraph I sighed inwardly and thought “oh, here we go again”. Just where do fashion journalists get off on telling people over 40, or any age for that matter, what they should and shouldn’t be wearing? Nothing magical happens the day you turn 40, it’s just a continuation of life as it was when you were 39 the day before.
Wrinkles and grey hairs don’t suddenly appear like a bolt from the blue, your zest for life and love of fashion don’t evaporate overnight. So why should we stop wearing certain things just because we’ve hit a milestone birthday? Judging by the response the article received on social media it’s evident that many of us ladies over 40 feel that way.
For me growing older isn’t about losing something, or having to give up wearing specific items of clothing because someone who doesn’t know me thinks it’s no longer appropriate, it’s about gaining: in confidence, contentment and being liberated from the stifling pressure of caring too much what other people think about me.
In my teens, 20s, and even my 30s, I cared more about fitting in and wearing whatever my peers were wearing than allowing my style and individuality to show through. Now I don’t want to fit in. Life would be very boring if we all looked the same. Sure I follow trends but I’ll either make them work for me or leave well alone. I’m not a sheep or a fashion victim.
The Telegraph article isn’t the first of its kind, so it’s hardly ground-breaking stuff, and I wouldn’t normally grace such journalistic tripe with a response, but the tone of writing was so patronising I felt compelled to have my say. Being told I need to “grade up” my shoes like a teacher might tell a pupil to pull their socks up really hit a nerve: “More to the point a shoe is where you score your fashion points when you are past Sex Pistols T shirts and floral coronets (which you are)”. The cheek! Also out apparently is leopard print: “Tips over into blowsy any day now” as well as bows, foundation and knees…yes, I know, it’s utterly ridiculous.
So I decided to flick a sartorial two-fingered salute to Shane Watson and all other journalists who try to tell us what not to wear by combining the double sin of a Sex Pistols T-shirt and leopard print shoes…I like to think of it as Uptown Punk. I’ve always had a rebellious streak, and being told I can’t or shouldn’t do something only makes me more determined to do it. So never mind the “rules”, here’s to wearing what the hell you want and not giving a damn. Go to it ladies!
T-shirt: eBay, jeans: Very, shoes: Miss KG, clutch and bracelet: Asos, sunglasses: H&M, ring: Merle O’Grady.
Loved this post ! Well the article did say you have to have good legs for those leather trousers ✔ I’m thinking about buying a waisted flared skirt right this moment, take a self ie and send it to them ! Love that Sex Pistols t. Punk got me into trouble when I was younger, more about that when we meet again !
Laurie x
You should do Laurie! If we keep rebelling against their silly rules they might start writing useful articles instead. I can’t wait to hear all about your punk years…I’m intrigued!
You look fab Emma. What a ridiculous article. I’ve not read it but I know the kind you mean. Like you. one of things I really enjoy about getting older is being free from all the nonsense that we find ourselves caught up in and restricted by when we’re younger. What a shame people still try to spout these so-called rules off to women instead of joining us in celebrating this freedom.
I love this look, and absolutely love the ring you’re wearing too. What lipstick are you wearing? It’s the perfect shade of pink!
Thanks Melissa! I’m wearing an Estee Lauder Pure Color Blushing Creme lipstick – I don’t know if Blushing is the shade name but it has the number 55 on it too. I’m also wearing the Laura Geller lipliner that was in the 3040 blogger meet goody bag, which is one of the best I’ve used. I hadn’t tried anything from that brand before but I’m converted now!
Yes. I hate fashion dictated by age! Confidence is the best accessory, so I’m all about rocking stuff that makes me feel good regardless! And I’m crushing on your shoes!!
Carylee | http://morepiecesofme.com
Thanks Carylee! Being told I shouldn’t wear something brings out my stubborn streak!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this outfit!
I’m 37 and get just as annoyed being told what I can’t wear over 30!
Wow! This outfit is so funky!
I love the color combination and those pants just rocks!
xx
Karen
http://officiallookbookstore.blogspot.com/
Very comfy and stylish look! Simply pretty!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Cool tee! You look awesome 😀
I loved reading this! “FOR ME GROWING OLDER ISN’T ABOUT LOSING SOMETHING…IT’S ABOUT GAINING: IN CONFIDENCE, CONTENTMENT AND BEING LIBERATED FROM THE STIFLING PRESSURE OF CARING TOO MUCH WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK ABOUT ME.” This is exactly how I look at aging! You just get better with time.
Have a great day!
xoSE
http://www.sashaelizabeth.com/
Absolutely Sasha! We just get better, like a fine wine! Thank you so much for your kind comment 🙂
I definitely feel like the older I get the more confident I am and the less I care about following any sort of fashion rules. You should wear what you love! This is such a fun outfit! Those leather pants look amazing on you and I love those shoes!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Thank you Jill xxx
I love this post! I love your outfit! I love the sunnies! You look fabulous! Rock on, girl!
I would love if you joined my new Friday link up with super cool style! Hopefully I will see you On the Edge of the Week!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks so much for linking up On the Edge of the Week! I hope to see you again this Friday!
Thank you Shelbee! See you On the Edge of the Week 🙂
I hate those stupid articles, I saw one for over thirties and it had so many stupid things in it. Wear whatever the hell you like I say
Lauren
livinginaboxx | bloglovin
Thank you Lauren! I saw one about what the over 35s shouldn’t wear at festivals. It said wellington boots are a no-no…and then I saw the mud at Glastonbury and wondered if that journalist knew anything about the UK weather! Obviously not!
Love your post! You are so right about the those rules. I hardly never follow them and I love to create my own standards. 😉 Love your outfit very much! The pants are so hot, along with your heels and bag. By the way, I have the same spark bracelet. 😉
Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog. Don’t forget to come back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to link up with me again!
Take care and keep in touch! 🙂
Grace
http://colorandgrace.com
Thank you so much for your kind words Grace. I love your style and I’m still thinking about your amazing closet and shoe collection you showed us on the blog 🙂
I too saw that article and inwardly groaned at it. Why do they write these things? They are absolute nonsense and bravo for your attitude which I completely second.
You look fierce, modern and fantastic in your outfit!
https://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you Jacqueline! I think these types of articles are very insulting. One thing I’m certainly too old for is being told what not to wear!
You look Hott! Especially in those amazing pants – such a perfect fit. I loved reading this post and Loathe those stupid articles thinking they can tell me what to wear. Ha. Also I adore the notion of uptown punk – too cute. Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday! Hope to see you back next week.
Jennie – A Pocketful of Polka Dots
Thank you Jennie 🙂 I was really surprised at the quality of the jeans as they were only £25!
Loving that you paired this tee with leather pants – so rock & roll!
http://michellespaige.com
You are rocking those pants! Love this edgy look on you!
Thank you Laura!
You are so fashion,. and i love you wear
Giana | http://www.missygowns.com
Thank you Giana 🙂
Love this entire look! So stylish with the pop of yellow.
xo,
http://aikocunanan.com/rooftop-morning/
Thank you Aiko!
Great post! I think you should wear whatever you feel confident in regardless of your age! You look amazing in those pants and I am loving those shoes and your sunnies!
Love those pants! So stylish <3
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com
Thank you Edye 🙂
Amen, Emma, Amen. Being a huge proponent of tossing rules to the side, I’m so happy to “meet” you 🙂 and I do hope that, in the spirit of wearing whatever strikes our fancy, you’ll come join in my Project Sister Act Link-Up. It aims to demonstrate that style is ageless 🙂
https://sheelagoh.com/2016/06/24/show-some-skin-a-link-up/
p/s And I think you look a little rock, a little badass, and a lot cool xoxo
Thank you so much for your kind comments Sheela! I love your post “Show Some Skin” – I totally agree that being comfortable in your own skin is far more attractive than trying to be sexy by flaunting too much flesh. I was a bit slow off the mark and left it too late to join the link up but I’m looking forward to seeing the next instalment of Project Sister Act Link-Up 🙂
Wow – such an interesting read. totally agree with you. Hitting a certain age certainley doesn’t mean we have to change our style. I tend to dress in what suits me, not what I’m expected to wear, but I know there are particular items that I don’t wear – more because of my figure – not because of my age. Love those black jeans and shoes too. Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Thank you Jacqui! I know exactly what you mean – I choose my clothes based on what suits my body shape rather than age because that’s just a number after all!
That’s my girl !! Totally different from last week and “up yours” to people who tell us silly rules. You rock m’am. You really do. Many young ones would sacrifice their right arm (figure of speech) to look like you.
Greetje
These articles are always so silly on dictating what to not to wear. I love this outfit on you!
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I love those shades and I wear what I like, however I have to admit sometimes I ask my husband if its too much.
The one thing I am really conscious about is hem length however it’s something I’ve always been careful with.
I often get raised eyebrows from my husband – usually when I wear a hat. Sometimes I take his advice..and other times not 😉
Super cute! I love the way you dress. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you Trina!