Over 50 Fashion Dos and Don’ts: Am I too Old For This

Perhaps it’s my age, but I have been noticing more articles written about the do’s and don’ts of over 50 fashion and style. Most of the “don’t” articles seem to be written by twenty or thirty something writers who cringe at the thought that their mothers might actually be people who are interested in beauty, fashion and just might still be interested in attracting the opposite sex. Yup, it’s out there! Some of us are still interested, and yes, we want to dress like it too.

I didn’t pay much attention to fashion Do’s and Don’ts after I “graduated” from Glamour Magazine to Vogue in 1979. By then, I figured I had the fashion thing down, I had worked in high end fashion, modeled a bit and even worked as a stylist for a while. Though like most fashionistas, I have made my share of mistakes.

But I am older and wiser now, and I thought I knew myself well enough to make decent decisions about what to wear, and the last people I’d take advice from would be women my nieces’ age, at least until those articles started popping up across the internet. Then I started to get a little self conscious! I am a slim and youthful 57 year old, and I think I can wear current styles. Because of my size and the types of looks I like, I find myself in stores catering to a younger audiences, which can be a good thing, so long as the clothing fit well, are tasteful, and fit my sense of style.

When I read the most comprehensive over 50 fashion do’s and don’ts article which made its rounds on the internet last year, what struck me most was that the list should have been directed at all women, not just those 50 and older–because to my mind, the list came down to good taste, an issue not confined to women over 50. As a mature woman, I feel pretty confident in my style–and love wearing a variety of looks. I feel that’s my privilege.

Every once in a while, however, I wonder, when I try on a shorter skirt, or a higher heal–am I too old for this?–after surveying my Facebook friends, I have concluded I will continue to wear what I like. After all, I’m 57!