If you are over sixty, you’d remember a time when denim was only for the very young. Far out, flower power, tripping in San Francisco – that California-style era. I recall trying to convince my gorgeous mom to wear washed denim on holiday and on beach walks when I was a teen and she was aghast. Her response? “I don’t want to be mutton dressed as lamb, Sunshine,” (her nickname for me).
Well, how times have changed as no longer do we need to kowtow to ageism rules in any shape or form, including fashion. We keep an eye on what’s trending, what is lasting, and quality style, then we adjust it to our personality, lifestyle, and mood. Say it loud, sisters, we are the boss of everything we set our minds to…
A woman recently commented on social media how she did not approve of anything I’d styled for that page. Her gripe? “Anyone with any sense or sanity would surely have chucked the stilettos when over sixty.”
This made me smile. Yes, guilty as charged, I’m now over seventy and still wearing heels, so, I could not possibly have sense or sanity, right? Well call me bonkers (I’ve been called worse), but, if possible, I’ll be buried in heels if I’m still able to wear them if I live to 90 or more, chuckles. My point? If you prefer comfortable flat shoes, even sneakers, wear them with style as it all depends on how you wear it. No rules.
The sporty-chic look never dates. Me? I’m not sold on sneakers unless I’m going on nature and beach walks, but I do have fabulous flat loafers in every colour as they are comfortable, and I feel stylish. My suede sneaker-styled lace-up shoes with soft rubber soles, lifesavers when I travel and walk a lot, are as soft as a second skin on my feet. I’ve had them for about 8 years, and they still look great and are easy to clean. So, invest in something similar if you want to be kind to your feet and the long-term budget.
Back to our theme for this month. Denim. Jackets, shirts, shackets, tank tops, jeans, wide-leg designs, straight-leg cuts, and even high-rise skinnies remain in vogue. The choices, from white to soft-wash blues, sky-blue, and navy, are multiple. The styles, ranging from sporty to nonchalant chic, are ever evolving. We can pick and choose. What I love most about the current trend? The high-rise waist. No longer do we need to try cover the muffin-top during the hipster era, yay…
Some of my favourite denim items include soft denim shirts, which can double as a light jacket over a t shirt or top, whilst the wide-leg jean designs are cooler for summer. Ah, then there’s the straight-leg jean, which is fabulous with a silk shirt and accessorised for a sexy, sophisticated look. Yes, we are allowed to be sassy at any age!
Going for an early dinner in a relaxed setting? Add a touch of shimmer to your denim and here, I’d wear my kitten heels, but it would work equally well with elegant loafers or pretty sandals. The choice is ours.
Hoping you find styles in the images I’ve created below to inspire you to play with denim, style it your way, and step out with confidence. Feeling fabulous is key and a little tip I value from an interview with the timelessly gorgeous Jacqueline Bisset, don’t leave the house without checking your appearance in the mirror offering you the most flattering lighting, and remember to wear your favourite fragrance, then smile. Morale boosters to live by.
I’ve adored writing this column for the past two years and enjoyed interacting with you, fellow women supporting each other, cheering on fellow sisters, and uniting in our passion for style in our quest to look stunning at any age. For daily updates on style, follow me on Instagram @tilly_thegoodlife_style – cheers to dressing for you, and loving the woman you have evolved into!