True Style Comes with Age

There comes a glorious moment in a woman’s life when she finally understands that fashion is not about chasing trends — it’s about understanding herself. And mature women? We know ourselves very well indeed. We have survived enough fashion disasters to earn the right to say “absolutely not” to certain things forever. Knickerbockers had their moment and stirrup pants should remain exactly where they belong — buried safely in the past alongside blue eye shadow and shoulder pads so wide they could barely fit through a doorway.

We have lived through the ridiculousness of the 80s, the confusion of the 90s, the low-rise jeans trauma of the early 2000s, and somehow we are still standing — wiser, more refined and infinitely better dressed. These days jeans come in every shape imaginable and thank goodness for that. We no longer have to lie flat on a bed, hold our breath and use a coat hanger to pull up the zip. Those dark days are over. Comfort and style have finally learned how to coexist and mature women everywhere collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

We understand now that formal dressing can be a complete pain in the bum and that “smart casual” remains one of the most confusing dress codes ever invented. But we are getting there. We know that black pants are often the answer to almost everything and that a beautiful kimono instantly adds artsy glamour and intrigue. It tells the world that you are interesting, creative and perhaps just a little bit fabulous. We understand layering because our bodies can somehow experience all four seasons in one afternoon. We carry a jacket even when the weather says 27 degrees because experience has taught us not to trust the weather forecast — or our own internal thermostat.

And holidays? Oh, we overpack. Of course we do. We are prepared women. We need options. We know there is every chance we may suddenly require an entirely different outfit because the restaurant is a little more upmarket than expected, the weather changes, or we simply no longer feel emotionally connected to the shoes we packed two days earlier. But one thing is certain — we are absolutely not doing shorts and joggers. Ever. Some things are simply not part of our journey.

We also know the truth about shoes. Stilettos still look magnificent and yes, they absolutely change an outfit. They still make us stand taller, feel glamorous and walk with purpose. But there is now a strict understanding between us and our feet: stilettos are for dining, not dancing. The days of sacrificing circulation for fashion are fading. Bling sneakers, however? Surprisingly acceptable. Sometimes. Depending on the outfit, the mood and who is going to be in attendance.

The funny thing is, we still love fashion deeply. We just no longer believe every trend deserves our attention. We do not look at fashion editorials showing twenty-year-olds wearing mini skirts with socks, thongs and bra tops and think, “What a fabulous idea.” We think, “That poor girl must be freezing.” We know when a stylist has overthought something. We know when fashion becomes costume. Mature women understand the difference between being fashionable and having style — and true style always wins.

Our wardrobes have evolved alongside us. We know exactly what works on our “not-so-skinny” days and what makes us feel confident at a long lunch, an art gallery opening or dinner with friends. We have favourite pieces we return to year after year because timeless style is not about reinvention every season — it is about refinement. We understand quality, comfort, elegance and personality. We dress for ourselves now, not for approval.

And perhaps that is the greatest luxury of all.

Fashion fads will always come and go, but true style arrives with age. It comes from experience, confidence and finally understanding that the most stylish woman in the room is usually the one completely comfortable in her own skin.