The other day, while scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon yet another article proclaiming, “50 Things No Woman Over 40 Should Own.” As a writer who values objectivity, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the title. As a woman in my 40s, and knowing many others like me, I can attest that this decade is when we truly embrace our individuality. We finally stop caring about societal opinions and start doing what makes us happy.
Of course, we may still feel a twinge of annoyance when told we’re too old for certain styles. But does that stop us from wearing what we love? Absolutely not. The article suggested that women over 40 should relinquish items like cheap jewelry, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and even sweatpants (seriously, what?). Have they seen how fabulous a 40-year-old can look in a miniskirt? And my go-to outfit of a sequined top paired with ripped jeans? I’ll rock that until I’m 80, thank you very much.
It’s frustrating to see articles dictating what women at a certain age should or shouldn’t wear. Such narratives imply that we have an expiration date, that once we hit 40, certain styles become off-limits. In reality, most of us feel quite the opposite. Every woman deserves the freedom to wear whatever she pleases, regardless of age. Those of us who have weathered life’s challenges—raising children, navigating relationships, and overcoming personal hurdles—often have a newfound appreciation for comfort and self-expression. We’ve learned that the simple joys, like feeling confident in a short skirt or slipping on a nostalgic bomber jacket, are what matter most.
As my friends and I enter our mid-40s, we prioritize happiness and comfort in our wardrobes, just as we did in our younger years. We refuse to believe we’re too old for our favorite sweatpants or cubic zirconia earrings. Who even comes up with these so-called “fashion rules”? I’ve never been fond of them—they’re too constraining. Dressing should be a celebration of self-expression, not a list of dos and don’ts dictated by someone else.
Telling women they shouldn’t wear something based on age is not only insulting; it implies they can’t “pull it off” because they’ve aged. But just because our bodies have changed—and sometimes for the better—doesn’t mean we should limit our sartorial choices. Feeling fabulous has no age restrictions, whether it’s rocking over-the-knee boots or experimenting with colorful hair streaks.
I’ll wear a tiara and my bathrobe to the grocery store if I feel like it. I’ve earned that right, and so have you.
For more insights on embracing motherhood and personal choices, check out our post on at-home insemination kits for a different perspective on family planning here. Additionally, for more information on pregnancy, visit this excellent resource here.
Ultimately, let’s empower each other to embrace our individuality, regardless of age. We deserve to wear what makes us feel alive.