Despite the fact the choice is ours to wear what we damn well like and feel comfortable with, unfortunately society judges on appearance and our clothes become a focus with instant social implications. Fashion is readily at our disposal, but is a Hobson’s choice of either choosing to follow its rule book or not. Its plus points are of course, its ability to empower, the confidence gained when dressed well and looking fabulous; the effects of glamour engendering the royal treatment; the psychological effect when looking sexy makes us feel sexy. But equally, having an awareness of what suits our body shape and having an idea of style preference, whether vintage, classic, eclectic, urban, bohemian etc. helps.
Dressing inappropriately regardless of age is hardly chic. 50+ women however, have a tendency to dress for comfort, dressing too old, perfecting the dowdy grandmother look which is as bad as dressing too young, the mutton dressed as lamb transgressors. Robust figures wear clothes that cling rather than skimming the body or overdoing legs, cleavage, big hair, make-up and heels all at one one time. We have no doubt all seen the one time glut of programmes, or read the articles on ‘what not to wear’, utilising the tricks of the fashion trade and art in camouflage to disguise less than a perfect body. For example vertical stripes and block colours elongate, wide-leg trousers create a balanced look to disguise a big bum and black remains the miracle panacea that slims whilst remaining eternally chic. Fashion has its tribes, the ‘fashionistas’, aficionadas who obsessively follow fashion trends, the ‘design label’ only buyers and ‘high street’ devotees.
Fashion and the media bombard us with images of slim bodies that western standards consider perfect. But Caribbean culture regards an ample figure as ideal and is historically embraced as physically attractive, not only to the opposite sex but representing financial security, fertility, happiness and vitality. Whilst being thin, is viewed to the contrary and referred to in the derogatory term ‘mauger’. Actually having said that, the preference for a fuller figure is showing a distinct change in attitude, due to a greater awareness of health, especially considering the ongoing and high percentage of problems with heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.
Don’t even get me started on the lack of diversity in the fashion industry. Have you seen many images of 50+ black women or other ethnic groups for that matter, much less the size 18+ in fashion editorials? Do enlighten me if you have, please.
A warning should be made loud and clear, to be aware of the fashion hype, because fashion is fickle and is a two-faced friend of must-haves, must-not and a moving target that changes every season. Also prepare to be judged and dammed if you do make an effort as a narcissist and dammed if you don’t as dowdy. Yet, we are all amused by others getting it wrong and then resent those who get it right.
We can all get it right with a little effort, keeping up with what is current, yet maintaining our personal style and comfort. Go and strut your stuff in your 50+ inimitable way, because style doesn’t fade with age. As quoted by Coco Chanel “Fashion changes, but style endures”.
