When identifying one’s personal style, women may face several challenges as they age. This month, I’ll identify the five most common challenges I face when working with women as their stylist. Most of my clients are in a transitional stage of their lives. A new mom, recently divorced, earned promotion, etc…
As women, we often reinvent ourselves as we enter into different eras.
- Evolving preferences: As women age, our preferences and tastes often change. We may find that the styles we used to enjoy no longer resonate with us or feel appropriate for our age. This transition can make it challenging to navigate and identify a new personal style that aligns with our current stage in life. Be willing to experiment.
- Body changes: As women, our bodies experience constant physical changes. Weight fluctuations and hormonal shifts lead to changing body shapes. Adapting to these changes can require finding clothing styles that are both flattering and comfortable, which can be a process of trial and error. Try not to get frustrated when something that you adored last summer, suddenly doesn’t look fabulous on you. It may be a matter of adjusting how you wear that item.
- Lifestyle demands: After 30-ish women often have multiple roles and responsibilities to manage, including careers, families, and personal pursuits. Balancing these demands can leave little time for self-expression or identifying one’s personal style. This challenge may require finding versatile and efficient clothing options that suit our multifaceted lifestyles. For example, I don’t suggest filling your closet with high maintenance fabrics like linen or silk if you are the CEO of a family.
- Societal expectations: Society often imposes certain expectations and stereotypes about women’s age-appropriate clothing choices. This can make women feel limited or pressured to conform to specific fashion norms, which may not align with their desired personal style. Breaking free from these societal expectations and embracing individuality can be a challenge. My suggestion, is try just one item that is out of your norm. Wear it, build your confidence, and when you get compliments, simply say, “thank you”. No explanation of your hesitation is needed.
- Limited representation: The fashion industry tends to focus mainly on younger age groups in advertising and marketing campaigns, leaving little representation or guidance for women in their mid-thirties and beyond. This lack of representation can make it harder for women to find inspiration or role models whose style they relate to. A trend is starting, making the runways ageless. Stay tuned to see if it becomes the norm. In the meantime, you don’t have to look at models for inspiration. The woman on the bus or the lady in the art exhibit can provide some direction for your style. Keep your eyes open. Inspirational women are everywhere.
Navigating these challenges and identifying our personal style can seem overwhelming. I often recommend the following steps:
- Self-reflection: Spend time reflecting on personal values, lifestyle, and preferences. Consider what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and authentic. I have a list written in the front of my journal.
- Experimentation: Be open to trying new styles, silhouettes, and colors. Exploring different options can help you discover what resonates with your evolving sense of self.
- Seek inspiration: Look for style inspiration from diverse sources, including social media, fashion blogs, magazines, and even women in your personal life who embody the style you admire. I have a vision board of inspiration.
- Tailored shopping: When shopping, prioritize finding clothing that fits well and flatters your body type while aligning with your personal style.
- Embrace individuality: Remember that personal style is about expressing yourself authentically and not conforming to societal expectations. As you “find” or “reinvent” embrace your uniqueness and let your personal style evolve in a way that feels true to you. Fashion and personal style should be fun and empowering.
Enjoy the journey of self-discovery and have fun experimenting with different looks along the way.