My mid-life fashion crisis began a couple of years ago when I hit the big 40. I was fabulous in my twenties and thirties…young, thin, tan, and full of confidence. But thanks to a hysterectomy and good ole father time, I am now an overweight, forty something fashion emergency. I think one of my biggest problems is that I worry too much about dressing age appropriate. I don’t want to be viewed as one of those women desperately trying to recapture her youth. This fear has left me with a closet full of clothing more becoming to my grandmother.
Around mid-life everyone goes maniac a little bit. ~ Tom Berenger
It seems someone is always telling women of my age how we should and shouldn’t behave or dress, furthering my neurosis. Just the other day while listening to the classic rock station in the car, the disc jockey announced the results of a recent poll stating that women over the age of forty should no longer wear two-piece swimsuits. Where the heck did that come from??? Now I personally wouldn’t wear a two-piece, but know some women over forty who would rock a two-piece swimsuit.
As you are about to see, I am not someone who gets embarrassed easily. Quite the opposite actually…I am a bit of a ham. The following are some of my best (worst) looks:
{Even my mother told me that I look like an old lady in this blouse}
{My favorite Pink Flamingo QVC ‘Quacker Factory’ outfit with reversible capri pants}
{Giraffe print beach look that I actually wear in public}
So clearly I find myself a bit bewildered over fashion, wondering what look is too young or too old for me. I’m sure there is a happy medium out there for me. I dream of having a sense of a style that is age appropriate, classic, polished, and well accessorized! Surely there is a way to look fabulous after forty…
I’m sharing my mid-life fashion crisis with you in this post, because I’m entering the Microsoft Windows Style Makeover Sweepstakes for a chance to win a head to toe makeover! So please help a girl out with your words of encouragement, fashion tips, and by tweeting about this post using the hashtag #windowstyle.
I dressed worse in my late teens/20’s than I do now. I look back and wonder what I was thinking! But I always have to stop myself and ask, “is this old ladyish?” because sometimes, I just can’t tell! Best of luck, I hope you win!
I’m not a fashionista by any means. In fact I’ve told my hubby many times to feel free to enter me in “What Not to Wear”, just to get the fashion tips to help me look better. I do like the pink top, though. wonderful color for you.
I’m not good with fashion either, but I love your swimsuit! That print is awesome! Good luck with the contest!
I know exactly how you feel! I get SO many compliments on the cute outfits I choose for my daughters. Almost every time we go out, I get asked where I bought their clothes. It NEVER happens with me. It’s like I’m invisible. I used to be thin and cute and now I feel fat and frumpy.
I hope you win and I’ll copy your makeover! 😉
Every time I see you Mickey, you look FABULOUS!
I find myself conflicted with how to dress all the time. I’m not quite 30, yet my wardrobe choices changed dramatically after the birth of my daughter. Clothing manufacturers are as much to blame as anyone could possibly be. Everything “young” seems to be tight-fitting, low-cut, or high-rise. Everything “adult” seems to be frumpy and tent-like. Grrrr! I think you’re doing a fine job with your style. That bathing suit getup is sooo cute! Good luck with the contest!
Sinice becoming a Mom the whole wardrobe thing has been an ongoing battle. How do I feel feminine and me, yet still be able to play in creeks at the drop of a hat with my 3 year old Munchkin? I am constantly evaluating that now.
I totally agree that I actually like the animal print suit on you! 🙂
Good luck! Clothing is always difficult depending on what you’re attending, what you feel like, and so on. Haha, I live to be comfortable so there are days when ppl gawk at me because I look like a bum in my sweats!
I can totally relate to how you feel. When I was younger I knew what was chic and cute and had the confidence to pull it off. Now I am out of touch. I try to tone down my look being overweight. Plus size clothes are limited or I feel like I am in costume if I try to get my fashionista on. Kids are the main focus. Part of me doesn’t have time or care and part of me wants to cling on to what I once had. Good luck with the contest.
I’m surprised by just how many women can relate. Thanks Karen!
Oh boy.For me comfort overrides fashion so I really wouldn’t be the one to do a What Not To Wear on you. But honestly I do hope you snag this one. A brand new comfy wardrobe is always great 😉
I really like the reversible capris (is that bad lol) Best of luck in the sweepstakes I hope you win!