Ditch the Frump, Embrace the Fab: Why Ageing Isn’t the Problem

Our culture’s message on ageing can be pretty downbeat. It seems like the only value we have is flawless skin, which ignores the wisdom and experiences we gain with each passing year. Society paints a picture of ageing that’s airbrushed and wrinkle-free, leaving us feeling like our worth fades with every stray grey hair (actually, it’s not so bad having a silver mane!)

There’s a whole different story to be told, though: what I’ve recently discovered is that ageing itself isn’t the problem. It’s the frumpification that often accompanies it.

Unfortunately, many women these days fall into the trap of treating their 50s like a victory lap. They’d traded in their heels for sensible shoes, skincare for convenience, and anything remotely “fun” in their wardrobe for clothes that promised comfort above all else.

Comfort wear became a uniform, and don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and a place for elastic waistbands. But what I realised is that this constant state of casual frumpiness is doing us (and probably everyone who interacted with us) a disservice.

I was discussing this earlier this week with the fabulous Prof. Carolyn Mair, a behavioural psychologist, and author of “The Psychology of Fashion“. Here’s the thing: when we let ourselves go, it reinforces the stereotype that ageing is synonymous with decline. We become living testaments to the idea that getting older means giving up on ourselves. But that’s simply not true! We may not have the same energy levels as our 20-year-old selves, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look and feel fantastic in our own skin.

Making a conscious effort to put ourselves together, even just a little, has had a profound impact. As Prof. Carolyn Mair says, “It’s not about chasing some unrealistic ideal of youth. It’s about celebrating who we are at this stage in life and expressing that through our style and the way we carry ourselves“.

A splash of colour, a new haircut, a bit more thought into my outfit – these seemingly small changes have made a world of difference. The truth is, when we look good, we feel good. And when we feel good, it projects outwards. We stand a little taller, our smiles reach our eyes, and we exude a confidence that has nothing to do with age and everything to do with self-worth.

So, let’s ditch the frump and embrace the fabulous. Let’s show the world that ageing is a beautiful journey, filled with style, confidence, and a whole lot of life to live.

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