Style Unscripted: Real Journeys in Fashion After 50

It’s Not Just the Clothes, It’s the Life You Live in Them

The journey of fashion and personal style connects our past, present, and future. Each item in our wardrobe holds memories of who we were. Like those times when you, let’s say, put on an old but well-loved coat, reach into the pockets and find a faded movie ticket or a favorite lipstick that has been discontinued for years. Forgotten moments have a way of sneaking back in. After 50, the stakes shift somehow, and we blend all those past influences into our lives now. Because, well, style is personal.

I’ve been chatting with six authentic and, honestly, pretty cool people, each recounting their style journeys. And every one of my heart-to-hearts revealed something familiar. Style is not just about clothing and accessories. It’s about the intimate conversations and negotiations we have with ourselves and how we choose to communicate that to the universe.

Two Visions For Fashion

In part one, I explore the ideas of two visionaries in fashion. Their dialogues and philosophies reflect how they carved out their lives as entrepreneurs and style icons, celebrating the beauty of confidence while challenging age-related stereotypes. What is the future of fashion? It’s an endless remix of the familiar and the unexpected.

Meet Melissa Austria

“I’m aware of trends, but I don’t tend to follow. I don’t want to be cutesy when I’m at this age. I still want to have more of an edge vs being cute.” ~ Melissa Austria

Melissa Austria is the powerhouse behind the award-winning Toronto clothing store GOTSTYLE, which just celebrated 20 years in the fashion and lifestyle business. With all the accolades under her belt, too many to list in casual conversation, it is no wonder she’s often hailed as one of the top female entrepreneurs in the country.

As we walked around her store, touching fabrics and happily talking about clothes, Melissa reflected on her personal fashion evolution. She maintains a mindset that allows her to care very little about conforming to trends. She called it being ‘age-wise.’ She admits to not being fond of jeans, instead gravitating towards joggers and the comfort of an elastic waistband. (I hear ya, sister.) And proudly tells me she has a staggering collection of around 35 blazers in her closet! One can easily see that Melissa has a natural ability to recycle wardrobe staples into fresh, modern looks and believes in the power of a few standout pieces. Maybe a striking pair of eyeglasses, bold sneakers, or that freaking gorgeous red faux-fur coat I tried on in her store. It looked luxurious, audacious and sexy all at once. I could make quite an entrance in that little number. Then Melissa commented, with that knowing smile of hers, “It’s about a thoughtful mix that draws compliments, the kind that makes people think, Ohhh, she’s got something going.”

Meet Charles Puma

“It’s always about style. I could live in a tuxedo.” ~ Charles Puma 

Charles Puma always approached fashion as more than just clothing. He opened his first menswear store as a teenager, sure of one thing. It’s not about what you wear, but how you express yourself. Garments can speak.

Charles, the creative mind behind Charles Puma Art Gallery, said he enjoys being surrounded by beauty as he stood there in the glow of his art showroom. Today, his wardrobe consists of a collection of tailored pieces, obviously chosen with intention. “I’ve always considered myself an elegant gentleman,” he states as he adjusts his collar with the thoughtfulness reserved for the best of friends. There is an ease to it all, an effortless connection to his attire, as if he has somewhere fabulous to be later. While trends come and go, Charles’ refined look remains a constant. In his gallery, the lines between fashion and identity started to blur. He mused, “The style, the art, the lifestyle. Each morning, I think about what I will wear. Who am I going to be today as Charles Puma? My clothing is always a conversation.” Well, Charles, whoever you chose that day looked good on you.

Part Two coming next! Join me here at RestlessUrban as I take a look at the personal styles of two more exceptional individuals navigating life and fashion over 50.

Let’s peel back some layers.