As a women’s clothing buyer, I have the privilege of interacting with women of all ages on a daily basis. Many come in and leave with clothing they love and know they will wear without ever asking for an outside opinion. However, there are still many who walk out of the fitting room knowing they love what they are wearing and still ask, “Am I too old to wear this?” Every time someone asks me that, my answer is almost always the same: How do you feel wearing it? Do you love what you see when you look in the mirror? Do you feel beautiful? Do you feel confident? If the answer is yes, then that’s your answer.
As time passes, many women start to believe there are rules about what they can and can’t wear once they reach a certain age. They begin questioning sleeve lengths, hemlines, jeans, colors, and shoes-all while hoping the styles they are loving are “age appropriate.” I believe fashion should never be about trying to fit into someone else’s expectations. It should be about expressing who YOU are. The truth is, confidence is what people notice first. A woman who feels good in what she’s wearing carries herself differently. Her confidence is displayed in her body language, her facial expressions and even the way she walks. She isn’t having to worry about adjusting her clothes or about what others are thinking. That is what makes an outfit beautiful and if we need to say it again, “age appropriate.” Now, that doesn’t mean every trend is for everyone-and that’s okay. We all have different personalities, lifestyles and preferences. The goal isn’t to wear every trend that comes along. It’s to find the styles that make you feel like the very best version of yourself. If that’s a pair of trendy wide-leg jeans, wear them. If it’s a classic white button-up and denim, wear that. If it’s bright colors, bold prints, patterned sneakers, dresses, or a vintage leather jacket, wear those too. There is no age limit on feeling beautiful. The next time you’re tempted to ask, “Am I too old for this?” try asking yourself a different question instead:
“Do I feel beautiful in it?”
Because when you feel beautiful, it shows.
So wear the dress. Buy the jeans. Try the jacket you’ve been eyeing.
Life is too short to worry about whether someone else thinks your outfit is “too young.” The only opinion that truly matters is the one looking back at you in the mirror.
I believe fashion should never be about trying to fit into someone else’s expectations. It should be about expressing who YOU are. -Shauna Harrison, Women's Clothing Buyer at Hurst Clothing