I didn’t realize I’m such a rebel. I’ve been breaking the fashion rules for nine years now and didn’t even realize it.

I recently read that woman over 40 are supposed to stop wearing leather, animal prints, peplums, Peter Pan collars, chubby fake fur jackets, “jazzy” hosiery, culottes, capes, clogs, fishnets and strapless dresses.

 

Since clothing is a reflection of who we are why don’t we also stop being funny, interesting, creative, unique, exciting and eclectic?

Why don’t we all wear the exact same thing?

Once one passes forty it is important to make the correct clothing choices, quietly blending in, as to not offend the younger generations or those with traditional tastes and delicate sensibilities.

Let the younger ones be bold, vivacious and wild.

At our age we must limit our excitement. Elegance and maturity is where we’re heading. Older women dressing ostentatiously or in an unrefined manner is terribly unbecoming.  “Age appropriate dressing” is de rigueur if you want to be taken seriously.

HOLD UP!

I’ve got some news for you.

I’m a grown woman and as such have earned the right to wear whatever I like.

The only person I need to please when I look in the mirror is myself.  If I want to wear leather pants with an animal print blouse and a fake fur jacket …well guess what? I’m going to! I’m not looking for anyone else’s approval. I don’t need it.

I’m not finished experimenting with clothing. My style journey didn’t end because I turned forty some nine years ago.

I’m not relegated to soothing colours and soft draped silhouettes.

I’m going to keep on being me.

I plan on squeezing in as much fun and joy into my life as possible, dressing however I please, I don’t care how old I am.

If I offend you, simply turn your head and look the other way.

I’m just an old person having the time of my life.

 

Proof: the classy video Melanie took of Sue and myself on a recent thrift shopping spree.

 

How do you feel about this newest set of rules for women over 40?

Just to be clear, I’m not suggesting that in order to be funny, interesting, creative, unique, exciting and eclectic one needs to dress wildly, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.

As Melanie says, “Nobody ever crossed the street to meet a personality.”

Linking up with Throw Back Thursday,  What I Wore,  My Girlish Whims