For a variety of reasons, I’ve been ditching a lot of the cutesy dresses and accessories that I own. The reality is, I’m getting closer to 40 and sometimes dressing like a 5-year-old feels a little bit silly and it’s getting a little bit old for me. I’d like to think that I still have my own style, but it’s been evolving and less infantilised. However, sometimes there are dresses that come along that you can’t just say no to.
Mod Dolly’s Margot dress was one such garment, as soon as I saw it I knew I had to have it, although it’s short and has the obviously cute heart pockets. I’d like to think that I can still carry it well, despite being designed for much younger ladies than myself.
My issue with the cutesy clothes isn’t so much an ageist concern, in the sense that after a certain age you shouldn’t wear this or that… but much more about how I would want other people to see me. I don’t want to be seen as a girl or immature and as such, it feels inappropriate for me to dress in a way that communicates this, even if it’s not what I’m trying to say. At the end of the day, one must wear what one is comfortable with. If that means ditching a few things along the way, so be it. I guess it’s called evolution.
Details: Dress – Margot by Mod Dolly; Shoes – Filipe Sousa at Eureka; Bobby Socks – Primark; Black Headband – Savers
I’m growing older, I don’t want to hide it and would much rather embrace it. This doesn’t mean, of course that I need to be boring or less creative, just look a little less infantile. Maybe one day.
4 Comments
I love your style! I recently did a big throw out of clothes I felt were a bit young for me – similar to you it wasn’t that I felt I shouldn’t be wearing them but that they didn’t fit with how I want to be seen now (lots of cutesy dresses that tie in the back). But having your own unique quirky style is something to embrace whatever your age! 🙂
Hannah x
If only clothing didn’t make such a strong first impression, then we would all be free to wear whatever the heck we want (cutesy or not!) and bin the ‘age appropriate’ term forever. The only ‘appropriate’ I care for when it comes to dressing is ‘occasion appropriate’ but that’s out of respect for others, whereas dressing however ‘young or old’ you like is freedom of expression, plain and simple! Off topic – I’ve always loved your style, the way you coordinate such colourful and quirky elements always makes me grin. And I’d NEVER have guessed you’re approaching 40 anyway – 30 going on 20, yeah, maybe! 😉 x
Jasiminne | Posh, Broke, & Bored
Chalk me up as another who had no idea you were late 30s 🙂 I think the 30s and 40s can be tricky, clothes wise. There are some things I feel a bit too ‘grown up’ for, and others I’m not yet old enough for. So I think going with what you like works best – I’m pretty sure I’ll be rocking Converse, a good slogan tee, tea dresses and hoodies in my eighties, and I’ve appreciated cardigans and a good sensible shoe for years….
It isn’t so much about the style, it’s your attitude while you’re wearing it. You are cute at any age.