Dressing for your 60s and beyond

Like many others out there, I am over the clothes out there for over 60s. Just because I’m in my 60 doesn’t mean I have to dress like a little old woman or a decrepit matron.

I am very passionate about retro style from the 1950s and love its feminine and soft look. Ladies looked like ladies back then and I still love dressing in this throwback style. I belong to a wonderful Facebook group to do with the Australian Drama ‘A Place to Call Home’. We are the group that lobbied to Channel 7 when the show was axed and now it has been picked up by Foxtel.

We are lucky as Foxtel promotes the show and from time to time invites us to functions, barbecues, and live audience events with the cast and of course we dress in the classic 50s style the show is known for. We dust off our hats, gloves, and handbags and if we don’t possess them already, we rally the troupes and head off to raid the local op shops. It’s amazing what you can find in op shops nowadays.

I visit many in Penrith and the Blue Mountains on a weekly basis and might even make an extra trip if I’m looking for something specific for a special occasion.

I have even organised tours with several close girlfriends, who range from 50 to 85 years old, and we have so much fun. You would be surprised by what you can find in these stores. I mean, why shouldn’t we raid them? We all donate to them each year when we have the annual seasonal clean out. My motto is, if you haven’t worn it within a year, you don’t need it.

I dread to think of how much money I have spent this year raiding op shops after semi-retiring last year. Speaking of which, who am I and why am I feeling so good about life these days?

I’m Brenda Fowler. I have been married twice and have two grown up beautiful children – no grandchildren – yet! After 30 years of working in an office environment, I semi-retired last year, but have since started working as an extra on TV shows and am just loving it. I have been in the ‘A Place to Call Home’, ‘Doctor Doctor’, the Jackie Chan Movie – ‘Blue Steel’ and recently in a MacDonald’s advert.

I also breed Border Collies and have four at home now ranging from 1, 5, 11 and 15 years of age who keep me busy running around the Confirmation Ring. I have also recently embarked on Burlesque dancing and let me tell you, I love it!

This week, I went out for lunch and after being out of the house for only 10 minutes, I was complimented on how bright and lovely I looked. I even got a comment from a lovely man and who said I had brightened his day just because of what I was wearing.

My outfit cost under $70.00: dress was $49.95, cardigan was about $10.00, shoes from the ops shop were $5.00 and the flower was $3.00. I honestly felt good about it. Even the Salvation Army lady told me how nice I looked and how she loved the fashion from the 50s as well. When I walked past her and smiled on my way to the car park, I overheard her telling another lady, “look at the lady doesn’t she look awesome in her 50s gear?”.

So since life begins at 60, let’s starts fresh and have a big clean out. Anything you haven’t worn in the last 12 months either sell online or donate to a local charity. You can always contact the local police station and see who the domestic violence officer is and donate your clothes to the women’s refuge. Plenty of women escape or run out the door with only their clothes on their back and they sure appreciate the help.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with colours, shoes, and handbags and take a few risks by trying a flower your hair or a pretty hat to finish your outfit. You can always change your look by accessorising a simple dress differently every time. It’s amazing how much you can change things up with a few pieces of jewellery and some accessories.

Remember, don’t scared of other people. If you like it, don’t worry about what they think. You are an individual so why not go out into the world with a “watch out I come and I’m loving it” attitude?

I remember a TAFE teacher many years ago telling us to stand in front of the mirror naked after a shower and look at ourselves and admire all the awesome things about ourselves. I remember thinking,”what the?!”. Then I tried it and said, “hello world this is me and I love me”.

If you don’t feel good about yourself, how do you expect anyone else to?

So if life begins at 60 let’s revamp, get energised and brighten up our lives! You might also brighten someone else’s day and put a smile on their dial and what’s better than that?

What’s your favourite fashion era? Do have a happy attitude about life in your 60s?

To write for Starts at 60 and potentially win a $20 voucher, send your articles to our Community Editor here.