Like many of you, I read a lot of blogs. It seems like, about this time of year, bloggers near my age (give or take five years) write about what is appropriate for a woman of my age. I’ll be honest with you all. I’m 67…damn! That just seems weird to even type! How did that even happen…well, I’m still here so we know what didn’t happen! But, I digress. I believe these bloggers are sincere in their desire to show me/us what I/you should be wearing in our advanced years. Four years ago, I would have agreed with them and doddered on down to the local Mumsy shop and bought the twinset, the just at the knees skirt and the sensible pumps. OK, maybe I wouldn’t have done that. (And, I do love a twinset!)
What changed…
I think the biggest thing that changed for me was reading Debbie Stinedurf’s Fashion Fairy Dust. She’s now renamed it Your Styled Story but produces most of her content on Instagram. She has a certificate in styling as well as life coaching. But, prior to that, Debbie was a special ed teacher showing up every day dressed like a million bucks! Now, her million bucks wasn’t Anna Wintour’s million bucks. It was closer to Carrie Bradshaw’s million bucks. Debbie has a style all her own, and her signature pink hair makes her a woman worth looking at and listening to. I read her blog for months if not years before I worked up the courage to actually comment. It was her writing and photos that convinced me to step out of my fashion bubble of buying the entire outfit on the mannequin and figuring out some outfits on my own. She convinced me to try what others might consider really out there color combinations. And, she gave me the confidence to start figuring out a style of my own. I’m still working on that…the style of my own!
Appropriate…
Now, let’s talk about appropriate because what I think is appropriate for me is just that…appropriate for me. If you’re not me, and I don’t think you are, it may or may not be for you. According to what I found online, appropriate means “suitable or proper in the circumstances.” The problem with that is who decides what is suitable or proper? The Fashion Police disappeared years ago. Stacy and Clinton have mellowed their take on fashion, too. What’s a person to do when it comes to appropriate? Here are my two cents. Be aware of your surroundings. If you’re going to be around little kids, don’t wear a shirt with the f bomb (or similar) emblazoned across it. Parents don’t want their little ones practicing their newfound phonics skills on those words. I may step on some toes here, but I think we should continue to consider the little kids when it comes to showing off body parts. They don’t need to see the literal stuff God gave you to fill out your shirts or your jeans! Those are probably my two hard and fast rules when it comes to appropriate.
Continuing on…
Another reason for this post is a book I just read. It was Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals which seems innocuous enough. The premise is good, but I don’t think it lived up to the name. Anyway, a character appears in the book who seems to be in her 40s or 50s, old enough to have a son in his 20s. The main character thinks the woman is overdone, especially with her red pumps which she considers garish. Later in the book, this same woman appears dressed in a plain black pantsuit and not as made up. All of a sudden, her red pumps look fine. That little bit of the book kinda set my teeth on edge. My visual mind saw the older woman dressing with a little bit of pizzazz. But, those red pumps made her into a hussy. In all fairness, she was, but that’s not my point. My point is the woman was only stylish in her red pumps when she was dressed in a more refined manner (refined as defined {hey, that rhymes} by the main character). Even after I finished the book, those two scenarios still bothered me. Do I want to be the woman who is remembered for having some pizzazz or being refined? Honestly, I want to be remembered as the woman who was kind and empathetic. But, when it comes to fashion, I want to be remembered as someone who wasn’t afraid to stand out in a crowd. I’m not saying Iris Apfel is my role model, but the woman definitely had style of her own. And, that’s what I want…I want people to say, “Marsha may not have dressed to my liking, but she had a style of her own.”
The outfit…
Several weeks ago, at the Thursday evening Bible Study I help with, a woman was wearing a pair of bibs. They had different patches of fabric here and there along with some cute embroidery. Then, a week or so later, I had a hair appointment, and my stylist was wearing bibs! Next, Old Navy had a half off sale! It was like the fashion gods were sending me a message! I had to order these bibs especially after I told Nigel I was thinking of getting a pair, and he was all for it. These are the Baggy Wide Leg Jean Overalls. I got them in petite because I’m only 5’1″. I still need to play around with the straps a bit because I’m not really sure where the crotch is supposed to be. Plus, they seem a little short to me. Maybe, I’ll try a pair at the store in the regular length. My tee is an old one from Talbots. I can see wearing these this summer with a muscle top or tank. Then, this fall, I’ll add a long sleeve sweater or tee with boots!
The Lewk!
Because the legs seemed so short, I went with a pair of flat sandals. These are from Franco Sarto (I also have them in black). They are ages old, but are so good because they don’t hit any of the sensitive spots on my Frankenfoot. This is the Parker Spice Round Bead Wood Necklace from Sylca Designs. The earrings, also from Sylca Designs, are the Assuta Fuchsia Drop Earrings. I am warning you…don’t look at their site! The items are so well priced and so unique…you will fall in love!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Bib overalls may not be for you. My goodness, they weren’t for me until I hit 67! I think what I’m trying to say is wear what speaks to you, sparks joy, makes you happy, gives you shivers! Life is too daggone short to wear something just because you think it’s what you’re supposed to wear. Above all, dress for yourself. Don’t dress for your neighbor next door or the lady at the mall (she’s gonna judge you no matter what) or even your significant other. Dress for Y.O.U! As for figuring out a style of my own, I’m beginning to think I’ll never fall into any prescribed notion of a style. I think I will just be happy wearing clothes that make me happy. And, isn’t that what it’s all about? So, can we talk? Do you have fashion rules you apply only to yourself? Have you caught yourself judging others (I certainly have)? Do you have a defined style? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
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Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Ha ha, I don’t think you’d see these at the met!
Welllll…maybe, if they were pearl encrusted and had 6 inch spike heels and were worn by Rhianna! But, no, I doubt mine from Old Navy will ever grace the carpet of the Met!
Thanks, Rosie!
That’s a great outfit and just right for whenever and whatever you choose…because we don’t listen to what is apparently appropriate for our age, oh no. And why – because this advice is usually written by someone who is younger than ourselves and what do they know….!!!
Always, within reason, where exactly what you like.
I absolutely adore that necklace 😀
Thank you, Penny! The two bloggers I was referring to are actually very close in age to me. They are bloggers with huge followings so I suppose who am I to argue! I just wear what I love, and right now that’s florals and bright colors with some fun jeans! Isn’t the necklace amazing? I find too much on that site to tempt me!
My “style” has mostly been comfortable all my life. Just as no one could ever convince me to do this or that with my long hair because I refuse to foam, gel, spike, and even use a blow-dryer, I’m only made for comfortable clothes. Or they for me 🙂
One of the sad stories of my life is that I always wanted purple bibs (kind of a signature outfit for the Green Party in its early years when I was around 20), but I’m too well endowed for me to feel comfortable in them.
https://catswire.blogspot.com/
Comfortable is a perfect style if it’s the one you’ve chosen! I think we need to wear what we love, including our hair. But, you don’t even blow dry your hair? Lucky you! I wish I had wash and go hair. Some days, I think wigs would be the way to go! Purple bibs to represent the Green Party? I actually really like green and purple together!
Thanks, Cat!
You are adorable! I am so glad to see bibs making a comeback. I used to have a couple of pairs and while they aren’t the most flattering look on me I just love them so much.
Thanks, Joanne! My daughter had a pair she wore all throughout high school and college. I don’t know when she got rid of them.
I didn’t know overalls were called bibs. You look fabulous in them! I think we all learn as we get older that we can wear whatever we want and start to care less what everyone else thinks. You look incredible at 67! I want your genes!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I have to remind myself often that I am, indeed, 67! That’s strange you’ve never heard them called bibs. We have always called them that. When I think of overalls, I think of what others call coveralls! It’s weird because we live fairly close, too. Anyway, I’m glad you like the look!
I think bloggers right posts about what is appropriate to get views. It sounds crazy but there are a lot of women who want to know what to wear; they are not comfortable standing out in a crowd, they want to blend in and it’s easier for them to follow rules or formulas. That’s my theory!
As far as appropriate goes, I say as long as it’s not vulgar and all the body parts are covered, if you’re wearing what you like than that is fine with me. I certainly have opinions but I keep them to myself.
You styled your bibs so well – I love the pink!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I think you are probably quite right. Most women probably do want to blend in and feel more comfortable with a formula.
I’ve never been able to do that. I keep seeing capsule wardrobes and have no idea how to go about building one though I think that’s what I did when I went to Ireland. It’s so hard to be a blogger these days. I try to come up with titles that give me a good SEO on WordPress, but who knows if that does anything with the google analytics.
I do catch myself thinking things about what some woman or girl is wearing. I try to stop myself because there are times I’m sure women are thinking things about what I’m wearing. I just hate seeing the f bomb on shirts (or even on bumper stickers) because I just know there are little kids out there sounding out that word. And, I wouldn’t want to be the parent who has to explain why that word shouldn’t be used by a kindergartener!
Hi, Marsha – This post is awesomely creative in every way, making utilitarian overalls into something fascinating! I have had a pair, given away by my younger sister, that I wore in a hip youthful style decades ago. A few years ago a strap broke and now I wear them for gardening and helping my husband rehab houses. They’re making themselves useful while making me comfortable. I loved Fashion Fairy Dust! I was sad when Debbie changed her blog because her style inspired me. I also loved Iris Apfel’s style, but it just wasn’t me. Debbie was more me. I used to be embarrassed at work when people would notice that I was hippyish. But after growing older and bolder, I enjoy the art of wearing what I love, whether it’s boho or rock ‘n’ roll. I totally agree on being YOU – Angie, http://www.YourTrueSelfBog.com
Thank you so much, Angie! These are my first ever (as far as I can recall) overalls. I can’t wait to style them over and over again. Debbie is the reason I’m blogging. She needed volunteers as she was earning her certificate and picked me. I fangirled all over when we did our first meeting (virtual). She is just as awesome as you can imagine! I loved Iris Apfel’s style but know I can’t pull it off and be authentic. So, I do what feels like me. I missed being a true hippie by a few years, but I love wearing lots of hippie type things now!
I love your message here! I think the older we get, the less we care about what others think and that makes it easier to define our personal style. I’ve been wanting a pair of bibs and I think ON is having a 50% off sale again today! So I might just have to check them out! Thanks for the inspo!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you so much, Jill! That really means a lot. I actually am ordering them in the regular size instead of petite to see how they fit. I hope you get a pair!
I pretty much agree with your fashion ‘rules’ or guidelines. I tend to dress modestly because that is how I feel comfortable. But I mostly think everyone should wear whatever they would like!
Thanks, Laura! I think comfort is key! And, as you prove all the time, comfort does not have equal frumpy! Comfort can and should be fashionable!
I love this look on you Marsha.
I’ve often thought of trying dungarees ( as we call them in the UK) and you have given me the push.
Thank you, Linda! I don’t believe I’ve ever worn them before. I didn’t know dungarees were what we call bibs. I thought they were what we called jeans. I learn something new all the time! I hope you get a pair and rock them!!!
It’s funny, I just added overalls to my look for when thrifting list! I have seen them styles with all kinds of tops and I haven’t had a pair in years. I think there is definitely caution needed for what a tee or sweatshirt says and to not look like you are wearing a bathing suit in public. Things that might be appropriate at the pool are not appropriate at the grocery store. But otherwise, I do like seeing people wearing their own things and styles so we are not carbon copies of each other.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
thanks, Mireille! I was thrilled to pick these up at half price (they’re half price again right now). Oh, I like that…”so we are not carbon copies of each other.” So true!
Our jobs certainly should and do influence how we dress, and there are a lot of considerations for teachers and others working with kids for sure. Bibs aren’t my jam – I am not really on the overalls/jumpsuits/rompers train because they feel like a PITA to deal with but also because man, that’s a lot of fit points to get right. Separates are a lot easier for me in that respect. It’s interesting that for me, it was the funky wood necklace that made this outfit into a Marsha outfit!
Thanks, Sally! I just discovered this company at the museum gift shop. And, I love it! It’s so reasonably priced that I just keep adding to my shopping cart until it isn’t reasonable anymore. Then, I have to pare it back! I don’t know that I have ever worn bibs…maybe when I was really little. But, my brother was younger than me so I wouldn’t have gotten them as hand me downs. But, I have to admit I love these and certain jumpsuits. They have to be easy on and easy off if you know what I mean!!!!
Love your perspective on this. We are birds of a feather for sure.
I love bibs and recently cut mine off to be overall shorts which I love just as much.
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! Old Navy has everything half off…I might pick up a pair in the other wash in a regular just to see if they fit differently. I don’t see me cutting these off because I just really like them. But, ask me in a year or two!!
Love this look! Especially the wooden jewelry. Can never go wrong with it!
Thank you, Edi! You’ll have to see the other pieces I’ve gotten. They are just beautiful…we may need to get some for you!
I never ever wore those in my life. I think they don’t look good on tall people. It looks cute on you, don’t know if you want to look cute though, lol. Age appropriate……. what the hell is that right!
Thanks, Nancy! My daughter wore them all the time, but I never thought to try hers on. I just thought I’d order them, thinking I wouldn’t like them. But, I really do! I don’t feel my age so it’s hard to dress for it!
Hi Marsha!
I love the overalls and the pink top on you. I agree! WEar what you feel best in! Thats what gives us confidence. My style has changed somewhat over the years, but I always stay true to myself. I enjoyed reading Debbie’s blog too. Life is too short to try to conform to what the expectations are of midlife! I laugh, because if I get to 112, then I am at midlife! LOL.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks, Jess! My style changes on a daily basis, it seems! I love wearing dresses, but I’m almost always in jeans. Now that spring is here, I’ll be in shorts as I work outside in the yard, and in dresses once I’ve showered! You know I read a study a few years ago that said middle age lasts until your early 70s so you might have to change that age!
No way are you 67! I thought you were much, much younger!
Some people think that bright colours shouldn’t be worn by older ladies but I am all for it. I am in my mid 40’s with bright pink hair that some people disapprove of but I really don’t care! I will wear what makes me happy!
I think you have a great style and you always look amazing!!
Oh, Kim! You made my day! In fact, I read your comment to Nigel!!! He just laughed. I have to remind myself constantly I am that age because, in my head, I’m still 18! I love wearing brightly colored clothing as well as coloring my hair with the fashion colors. I don’t remember if my next appointment is for color or not. I wish I was brave enough to do it myself! You definitely have the right idea…wear what makes you happy! And, thank you so much for the compliments!
I think my Met Gala invite got lost along with yours. I always enjoy looking at what is worn and loved this years Black Dandy theme.
I couldn’t agree more we all should wear what we want regardless of age , in fact I am playing more the older I get.
I think you look very cute in your overalls (what we call them here) . Having fun with dressing is one of the joys of getting older.
There is a YouTube channel I follow, and the young man always does reviews of the major red carpets. He’s done two so far of the Met Gala this year. I loved so many of the looks…Diana Ross had to be my favorite, though. I just couldn’t believe how fabulous she looked. Maybe we’ll get our invitations next year!
I agree that I’m more comfortable being adventurous in my dressing as I’ve gotten older. I agree that having fun is definitely a joy in getting older, and it’s one we’ve earned!
Thanks, Jill!
I’m such a fan of overalls. They’re comfortable and easy to wear. I like them as you’ve worn them and layered with cardis. In fact, I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to overalls. I have denim and corduroy pairs. And a Kantha pair as well as a silk pair. I don’t wear the silk ones nearly enough.
Wow!! You do like overalls, and you always look stunning in them! I have never worn them before, and I’m looking forward to wearing them a lot!
Thanks, Daenel!
I am a huge fan of overalls!!!! I wear them so much, although I don’t have any denim ones yet. Lol. I stick my glasses and paint brushes and pens and whatever in them. They are so comfy and I can dress them “up” or down. And by up, I mean go out in public rather than just bum around my house. So I am a big fan. I love yours and think you look awesome!
Thanks, Erin! I can just see you with paint brushes and all sticking out, maybe a couple in your hair…the epitome of cool hippie chick!
I love this so much. You will definitely be remembered for being kind and empathetic. But you will also be remembered for having a great sense style, your own sense of style, with lots of color and print and pizzazz. You are looking so slim and trim and these darling overalls really show off that figure. I am going to pull mine out, too. Have kept them because they feel so fun to wear but mine are distressed and I feel a little uncomfortable about wearing those holes in my jeans. Although, I like that look (in moderation), too. So thank you. Thank you for encouraging me to get my overalls back out. And to wear them with my head held high. You are an inspiration.
Thank you, my sweet friend! I really hope so. I’m feeling really good these days (physically) and am enjoying finding new clothes in my own closet. I had wanted to try some bibs for a while, but I never got around to it. The stars just aligned, I guess! I’m so glad my little foray into this look has inspired you! I can’t wait to see you sporting yours! We are women of a certain age, and we shall wear what we want!
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