“I’m 58. I take care of myself. I work out, have long hair, and enjoy wearing leather jackets, black jeans, and heels. Nothing outrageous, just plain beige cardigans and orthopedic shoes, you know? We were all preparing for my grandson’s birthday celebration. I arrived wearing a tailored black blazer, slim pants, and ankle boots. I thought I looked terrific. But the moment I went in, my daughter-in-law gave me that look. You know the one.

Later, when we were alone in the kitchen, she observed, ‘You know, you’d be so much more elegant if you dressed your age.’ Excuse me. I smiled (barely) and inquired, “What age is that exactly?” Invisible?’ She laughed awkwardly and replied, “Just… more modest.” It is not appropriate to compete against younger women.

Oh. So that’s what it was. The following day, we held another family gathering. You can bet I dressed’my age.’ I wore a bright red wrap dress, taller heels than my previous pair, and a fresh haircut. No, not for her, but for me. I felt more confident, happy, and like myself than ever. She said nothing. But what about the compliments I received from absolutely everyone else? Chef’s kiss. My son even said I looked ‘like a movie star.’

You do not owe anyone an expiration date for your style. And if dressing my age makes me feel fantastic in my own skin, then I’ll keep doing it.” Another influencer recently recounted how she shuddered while viewing herself on camera, recognizing her dress resembled a costume from her past rather than something that fit who she is now. And it really touched home.

One woman admitted to rolling her eyes at her mother’s tiny skirts and suede bags, believing she should appear more “mom-like.” Her mother was only 35. Looking back, she confesses that her mother looked wonderful. At 55, she finally gets it. Fashion has become more adaptable in recent years, but there are always times when something just feels wrong.

Even if you still have beautiful legs and arms, not every trend feels right—and that’s fine. It’s not about sacrificing style. It’s about finding clothes that make you feel like yourself, but in a more mature, confident way. As one person stated, “I did not change who I was. I just traded in my worn jeans for nicer ones.”