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Is This Age Appropriate?

I’m a sucker. What can I say? I fall for my Polyvore sets every time.

You may remember this…

Tunic Tall Grey Boots Fringed Handbag Jeans Brown Boots

Yes…well…ahem…cough, cough

how to decide if something is age appropriate over 40 suzanne carillo

I have it paired with fleece lined leggings so I don’t feel like I’ve forgotten my pants.

And yeah, I know due to the graphics on this super short dress/tunic (whatever you want to call it) it skews drastically younger than I am and by many would not be considered age appropriate.

(Gasp!)

BUT it doesn’t bother me. In fact I’ve had several compliments when I’ve worn this which is often because it is so comfortable and the perfect length for any of my winter coats.

I have to repeat what one of my readers Elaine wrote recently because I loved her comment so much,

“OK – so we’re told to buy lots of crap to stop us looking old – but then not to try to look like we’re trying too hard to look young. And we can’t wear this or that just in case someone doesn’t like it or laughs. Does the world end if we don’t follow/subscribe to the ‘rules’? No – but you will TERRIFY some folks who want you to stop rocking the boat.”

Doesn’t that sum up all the fuss about “age appropriate dressing” brilliantly?

This whole idea about trying too hard to look or dress young is nonsense. You wear what you want, I’ll wear what I want. Simple.

We don’t need to criticize each other’s choices as I’ve recently heard some 50+ women doing. What purpose does that serve?

They claim they are simply helping the unhappy misguided women to see their “issues” in the same way that I would like someone to tell me when I have spinach on my teeth.

BUT (and this is important ladies!) it isn’t the same thing at all.

Style is personal. Style is subjective. Style is in the eye of the beholder.

There is no Style God out there that chooses what is right or what is wrong, no matter your age. (Sorry Tim Gund!)

I personally think it is fabulous that we all don’t choose to dress in the same clothing. Imagine how boring the world would be. So many bloggers already look like clones.

It is true I don’t dress to blend in. I dress to stand out. That is my perogative.

age appropriate style how to dress funky over 40 suzanne carillo

For the other women that choose to blend in, or dress like sister wives all the power to you.

I’m not going to claim the reason you choose to do this is because you are unhappy. That would be arrogant. Every person is an individual and has their own reasons for their own style choices. Suggesting otherwise is presumptuous.

You have the right to choose whatever you want. It’s your body, and a reflection of yourself, dress it as you wish. In doing so, you will project your own personal flavour and style stamp. It will represent no one but you.

Don’t believe people that try to discourage you. It’s not their place to do so.

They are simply different from you.

Accepting and rejoicing in our differences is the way to style harmony and happiness no matter our age.

My friend Melanie also had a few choice words to say on this subject.

Do you find you often judge other women bases on their style choices?

Linking up with Hat Attack, Your Whims Wednesday, The Pleated Poppy, Throw Back Thursday

Did you succumb to any post Christmas sales?

As usual I was lured into Anthropologie where I went ~~a little bit~~ totally overboard. A sale of already reduced items then reduced again by 40% works out to be around 75% off which is a nice after Christmas gift indeed. Sadly I see that the sale has been reduced back to only 25% off sale. You snooze you lose I guess.

Now, as promised, how to look taller by dressing taller.

Here I am looking my average height of 5’4″ in my Anthropologie Peaked Chevron Maxi skirt which is a warm knit and wonderful for the cold Canadian winter. Sweet right?

And I wave my magic “get taller” wand and voilà suddenly I’m six inches taller!

Yes, a tall hat is a bit of a cheat but a gal’s gonna use all the tricks in the book if she wasn’t blessed with long gams.

I bought this faux fur pillbox hat at Anthropologie as well. That store is my kryptonite and truly the very last retail store I shop in, otherwise I shop thrift, vintage or consignment. I can’t seem to give it up. I want to start a Anthropologie Anonymous group so I can kick the habit. I know I can’t be the only one with this addiction. They had me at scented candles and innovative art displays. They complete me.

(Get out of my head Jerry Maguire!)

The handbag is vintage (sim and so pretty!), boots are super old (sim but I LOVE these!), top is old H&M (sim) and necklace is handmade by me.

Those of you on my Instagram account will remember this vintage blue velvet opera coat.

The coat looks a bit purple above but it is in fact very blue.

I am doing my very best Julie Christie imitation from Dr. Zhivago. Now just throw in the handsome Dr. and I’ll be set.

The hat is very warm and cozy and doesn’t really mess up my hair too much (I LOVE it). The coat is very comfortable but might take a bit of getting used to as it is so long. I have to be careful not to step on it when I go from sitting to standing and trying to get out of the car without getting it dirty is a bit like advanced car yoga. Otherwise I adore the colour, fabric and cut.

Another tip to looking taller is the coat. I’m one long lean line all the way down to the floor.

I look like a giant here!

I’m going to grind your bones to make my bread. It’ll be gluten free!

For those of you too young to know or remember that nursery rhyme it starts out Fee-fi-fo-fum and is spoken by the giant in Jack and the Beanstalk.

The only place you’d ever find a fairytale floor length coat in cobalt blue like this is in a vintage store or in a thrift shop. It is made in Montreal by Lou Ritchie. I’m always excited when I can purchase a vintage piece that was made in Canada.

Here are some style tips for those of us that are vertically challenged.

15 Tips How To Look Taller By Dressing Taller

Wear heels. If you can’t stand heels for very long try just a kitten heel or a wedge or pull a Tom Cruise and get lifts put in your shoes. If it’s good enough for Tom…
Wear pointed shoes. They extend the line of your leg and visually lengthen your body.
Choose shoes that don’t cut your body at the ankle or have high vamps. Nude Pumps are the best for elongating the leg.
If you do decide to wear booties or Mary Janes try to wear matching tights. This will maintain one long uninterrupted visual line.
Wear a short dress, skirt or shorts. I’m not saying you need to wear a mini skirt (but do if you want to!) simply bringing the hem up to above the knee will make your legs look longer.
Wear a maxi dress or skirt. It creates one long lean line to the floor. A coat like I’m wearing also does the trick.
Wear a tall hat or wear extra tall hair. A top bun, or just really wonderful thick voluminous hair makes you appear taller.
Wear monochromatic. It provides one visual line and does’t cut the body into segments.
Wear high waisted pants or skirts.
Choose a skinny belt over a wide belt. It still defines the waist but doesn’t visually cut the body into segments.
Avoid capris and culottes. Slightly flared pants that go straight to the ground when worn with heels make your legs appear longer.
Make sure your clothes are well fitted and all blazers hit at the hip bone or above.
Wear v-necks.
Wear vertical stripes.
Choose a smaller handbag.

Okay, what did I miss? Any tips you’d like to pass along?

Or were you one of the lucky ones blessed with long legs?

Here are some tips on how to wear a midi skirt when you are petite.

Linking up with What I Wore, My Whims Wednesday, Throwback Thursday,