In love with fashion after 50

Fashion as a Feeling

Growing up, I found the electric world of fashion just dreamy. One glance at a mind-blowing outfit on a runway, whether in a glossy magazine or on the iconic Fashion Television with Jeanne Beker (I can still hear the opening music in my head), would send shivers down my spine. But here’s the thing, those goosebumps weren’t about the latest trends, they were about the emotions sparked by pieces that resonated with me. A visceral response. It still happens today.

However, like many of us, I love fashion, but I am not an expert. So when RestlessUrban asked me to write a style guide tailored for our incredible over-50 crowd, I looked over my shoulder and then back at the publisher and said, “Wait, are you talking to me? I don’t write about clothes; I write about my feelings!” But he urged me to weave those emotions into the fabric of fashion itself. If every outfit represents a story about our feelings, then I suppose I’m currently wearing a piece titled, ‘Inadequacy and Fear, by Marleah Stout.’

Freaked out and armed with fashion mags and runway shows on YouTube, I dove into this headfirst. So, what do guys really want in their wardrobes? And do women love trends or just roll their eyes at them? These questions swirled in my mind like a crazy mix of fabric swatches.

Style Without Rules After 50

Needing some expert insight, I thought of Melissa Austria, the powerhouse founder and owner of the GOTSTYLE clothing store. And the perfect guide to help me navigate the whirlwind of Fall/Winter Fashion 2025 for women and men. (Side note: skinny jeans might be staging a comeback. Geez, how did this happen?)

Yet, amid the many, oh so many, many trends for Fall, there is an undeniable allure to fashion at this stage of life. It’s no longer about conforming to society’s preconceived stereotypes for “dressing your age.” I don’t believe in boundaries. This journey involves uncovering the pieces that make us feel like our most authentic selves, each choice a small act of rebellion. With a bit of exploration and a sprinkle of emotion, we can craft a style that’s as timeless as the memories we’ve created.

Join Me on This Style Journey

Exploring fashion at this stage has reminded me that style is not about having all the answers. It is about feeling, experimenting and discovering what makes you light up. If this story sparked something in you, I invite you to keep exploring with me. Wander through the marketplace, try pieces that surprise you, and follow your own curiosity. Let’s see where this journey takes us, one confident and creative choice at a time. Follow along, explore the finds that inspired me, and maybe discover a few of your own along the way.