Should you follow fashion rules?
They say rules were meant to be broken and we agree. Here’s a letter from a reader that drives home that point!
Hi Glam Gals,
Janet looks Fabulous at 55!
I enjoy your blog and glad there’s finally something for us over 40 women. I’m sending you a picture because I’m just not sure if puffed sleeves are too young-looking for a 55 year old woman. Should I donate this dress? What about the shoes– I thought they were cool looking but maybe I’m trying to look too young.
Thanks!
Janet
Somewhere along the line ( probably from us, as well as other fashion experts) Janet read that puffed sleeves were unflattering on a woman over 40 because they were too cutesy and also put too much emphasis on aging arms.
In general, that is true, but there are always exceptions to the rule! Here’s how we responded to Janet.
Hi Janet!
OH Wow, wow ,wow!! You are FAB!!! Thanks for writing us and sending us the photo! You are so fit and look fantastic in that dress and the shoes.
You should definitely keep them both! Your arms are toned and those puff sleeves are really not puffy at all. Plus, they’re on the long side which makes the sleeves look much more relaxed, so so you can totally pull them off! Love the shoes too.
Yes, yes, yes!!! I SO totally agree with you ladies with regard to fashion
‘rules’ for us over 40′s. Some rules are made to be broken & in all of the above pics these over 40 ladies absolutely rocked their look & broke the rules wonderfully. It’s such an individual thing. I went to my daughter’s 21st birthday recently in a black above the knee dress (I won’t say mini) & wore opaque tights with little suede high-heel ankle boots. Well let me tell you I couldn’t count the number of guests who couldn’t believe I was Tara’s mother – the general concensus was ‘you don’t look old enough’ or ‘wow you must have had her when you were young’. (No well not really, I was 24). It sure did my ego a lot of good & they can’t all have been ‘just being polite’ can they?? LOL Then again I wouldn’t go showing my upper arms with reckless abandon, but if you trust your gut you usually can’t go wrong. My favourite quote ‘Mutton dressed as lamb is not attractive, but mutton dressed as mutton is worse’….
This is a great site, thank you for sharing. I enjoy your blog.
62 and counting!!
Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for commenting and we look forward to your feedback!
Cheers!
JoJami and Deborah
Hi Lucy,
You sound like you have a great attitude and fun fashion flair! Keep it up!
Danielle LaPorte, in her book Manifesto of Style, says “Style matters. The design of your life can inspire you or mire you. Every aesthetic and material choice sends a message to the world about who you are, and the world responds accordingly.” Wear what you want. (But stay away from front-pleated pants and too tight t-shirts)Classy, classic and chic…
Hi Delta, Yes, so true!!! After 40, we can start feeling more comfortable to dress the way we want. However, many women fall into the trap of being stuck in a rut. Fashion can really be a fun tool to keep looking fresh and youthful! You have a great point about sticking with classy, classy and chic!
Fashion guidelines is probably better to say. And I think this article proves that fashion should be as much body appropriate as age appropriate. I’m almost 47, but am routinely mistaken for being 30. That being the case, I can wear a lot of “youthful” things and others I never would. No bathing suits, no mini skirts, no spaghetti straps, no girly puffy sleeves, ruffles or bows. However I flaunt my cleavage all night long, have long hair, and live in jeans (only the latest and greatest), and big earrings.
Hi Sage Goddess,
Your style sounds right on! Check out our article on how to break “the rules” too! We like the work “guidelines”, too…we certainly are not here to be the fashion police!!! We like to show all sorts of examples and let you take it from there!
I agree! Now is the time when we are more in tune with our inner style and it’s time to experiment with our look to find what expresses us best. The goal is not to look like our daughters or our mothers but to look like our best selves…it can be very empowering.
Hi Nancy,
Well, if your mother looks good, like mine you can just use her as inspiration…But the point you are making is sure true!
We need to make sure to look in the mirror and ask ourselves, how do I look? If you think you are dressing too sexy, you probably are and if you think too old you probably are. Our “gut” does not lie! The problem is where to go to get the info on how to update your look so you are not overboard!
We are currently writing our book on this topic, to be out soon!!!
At our age it’s all about self-expression. I just designed a charm bracelet at Persona (http://www.personaworld.com) and love it!! Fashion should be all about our unique style! Yes to spaghetti straps and yes to long hair!!
love your blog,
Judy
But don’t you think we also need to consider our overall skin texture? I see many older women who work out and look fit but when they wear low cut outfits, their skin is crepey. At some point Jennifer Aniston is going to have to cover up because even if her legs are toned, her skin won’t support it. And let’s face it, all the moisturizer in the world doesn’t help.
Hi Janet,
Yes, we do agree that skin texture should be considered. However, if we start now, and keep moisturizing and stop tanning, some skin types can stay nice forever!!!
Hi Judy,
Good for you for standing up for unique style! Actually , we admit we(Glam Gals) certainly have our definite opinions…but that’s just us! We love that women can still be who they are! Thanks for your comment!
This very nice blog I enjoy it
fashion
Hi Alda,
Welcome to our blog! We love it when are readers leave comments, so hope to “see” your voice again soon!
Cheers!
JoJami and Deborah
I am very happy for your possitive respionce its owner for me thanks for this informative blog
fashion shows
Wow…I am bowled by your level of knowledge. I am so impressed. I think you have got a deep insight into this topic. Could not think on those lines ever…I think you are gifted…keep going. Thumbs up!
Hi gals. Speaking as a 40-something man I think of the “rules” more as guidelines. They’re a good starting point but I’m not afraid to break them for the sake of real style
Hi there Linen suit,
Good for you for seeing the point! We never want to be thought of as “the fashion police”…just the inspiration to get our of your rut but doing it without worry that you will look silly!
Thanks for writing in!