Fashion is an expression of your personal style, so trying out trends should be fun. But why are women constantly criticised for what they wear, especially as they get older? Is dressing your age really a rule to be obeyed? Angela Kennedy investigates.
WORDS: ANGELA KENNEDY.
The Big Debate
Let’s get this straight: age has nothing to do with style. Your personal style is an ever-evolving sense of self-expression that’s as unique to you as your eye colour or smile. Yet, dare to wear a skirt above the knee, snug-fitting jeans or a slinky bodycon dress, and you know there’ll be somebody raising an eyebrow and whispering about “mutton dressed as lamb”. It’s nothing new, as that detestable phrase first appeared in print in 19th-century gossip journals to shame older women. Yet, it still seems to rankle with some people that women might be so bold as to want to look sexy over the age of 50. Surely it says more about the insecurities of the criticiser than the person being criticised?
‘Ingrained attitudes on what you should or shouldn’t wear is about conditioning,’ says fashion psychologist, Dr Dion Terrelonge (styleandwellbeing.co.uk). ‘The continuous pairing of slender bodies and youthful faces, as being what beauty should look like, has led to an internalised societal belief that attractiveness is the preserve of the young. Anyone who challenges this may be judged. Historically speaking, women were expected to be alluring in youth to attract a mate and reproduce, then to quietly fade away once they get older. But long gone are the limited roles of women as child-bearers and home-makers, and with that so should be the limitations around dress,’ she says.
Frankly, it’s time to stop caring about the eyebrow raisers as women are no longer willing to blend in to the background in bland clothes. Dressing your age today means wearing the clothes you love.
FIND WHAT SUITS YOU
One woman who has reclaimed a phrase intended to criticise is Gail Hanlon, 63, from London, who created the fashion blog Is This Mutton?
(isthismutton.com) to challenge the outdated stereotypes and showcase ethical fashion for over-50s.
‘I’m fascinated about why people take such an interest in what older women do and wear! We are fitter and healthier now as we age thanks to better knowledge and nutrition. Any woman whose style personality has always included mini-skirts, high heels, bright colours or tight-fitting dresses should carry o
