I’m asking the question as it’s something that comes up surprisingly often in conversations with my clients.
Many women tell me that once they’ve gone past their mid 50s (sometimes before), they feel as though they’ve somehow faded into the background. The children have grown up, careers may have changed or slowed down, our bodies change, and suddenly it can feel as though people don’t really see us anymore.
I understand why so many women feel this way, but I don’t believe it’s because we’ve become invisible. More often than not, we’ve simply stopped seeing ourselves.
Life has a habit of taking over. We spend years looking after everyone else, putting ourselves at the bottom of the list and choosing clothes because they’re practical rather than because they make us feel fabulous. Before we know it, we’ve lost a little of the confidence we used to have.
The lovely thing is, confidence can be rebuilt, and sometimes it starts with something as simple as getting dressed in the morning.
Now, before you think I’m suggesting a complete wardrobe overhaul, I’m really not! Often it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference.
Wearing colours that truly suit you can brighten your complexion, make your eyes sparkle and, perhaps most importantly, make you feel brighter too. It’s amazing how putting on a top in a colour you love can lift your mood before you’ve even walked out of the front door.
The same goes for style. When you wear clothes that fit well, flatter your shape and reflect your personality, something shifts. You stand a little taller. You smile more. You stop worrying about what everyone else thinks and start enjoying how you feel.
For me, that’s what personal style is all about. It’s not about dressing younger or keeping up with the latest fashions. It’s about looking in the mirror and thinking, “Yes, that’s me.”
Maybe it’s wearing a colourful scarf or a necklace you might saving for ‘best’. Maybe it’s finally wearing that lovely jacket that’s been hanging in the wardrobe waiting for a ‘special occasion’ – just put it on with your jeans! Or perhaps it’s adding a bit of lippy and blusher to make you feel a little brighter.
These things might seem small, but they remind us that we’re worth making an effort for.
So, if you’ve been feeling a little invisible lately, I’d like to encourage you to do one thing this week that makes you feel good. Wear the colour that makes you smile. Choose the outfit that gives you confidence. Celebrate the woman you’ve become.
Because growing older doesn’t mean fading away.
In fact, I think it’s the perfect time to step forward, embrace who you are, and let your confidence shine. And when you feel confident, people notice – not because you’re trying to stand out, but because you’re comfortable being yourself.
Now that’s something that never goes out of style.
Thanks, as always for reading 🙏
Warm wishes
Alison x
