The press, including the BBC and Times, have recently picked up on how midlife women feel both in and out of the workplace – and that is ‘invisible’.
I doubt any woman reading this over 40 will be surprised by this statement.
There are many reasons why midlife women do not feel visible and, in my role as a personal stylist, I see how this plays out into how they dress
When I edit clients’ wardrobes, I often see drab fabrics, dark colours, baggy items and worn out clothes which are all a way of ‘hiding’ and not showing up.
Many of my clients are not even aware they are doing this. They say ‘I don’t feel like me anymore’ but can’t quite put their finger on why.
It’s so easy to fall into this situation as our careers, family situation, body shape and lifestyle change over time but our wardrobes do not keep up. This often knocks our confidence and we are happy to not be noticed.
Putting on clothes that feel good has been proven to boost your mood and confidence. When you dress with intention, you are more likely to stand tall and be noticed for the right reasons.
Five ways you can be more visible as a mid-life woman
Here are five things I’ve learnt to help you feel good and stand out as a mid-life woman.
1. Plan your outfit
When you’re short on time, you’re more likely to reach for the easy option. Unfortunately, easy doesn’t always mean stylish. This is often the comfy garment I refer to as ‘not bad, not brilliant’, a bit like Rich Tea biscuits.
Instead, choose something that packs a punch. It could be a statement necklace, a fabulous pair of shoes or simply a beautiful print that makes you feel good. Small changes can make a big difference to how you feel. Don’t be a Rich Tea. Be a chocolate Hobnob instead!
2. Decide how you want to feel
Before you get dressed, think about how you want to feel and come across that day. I often get my clients to choose three words such as ‘powerful, confident, relaxed’. When you’re getting dressed, ask yourself whether what you’ve chosen reflects those words.
It’s a simple trick, but it makes you much more intentional about what you wear.
3. Wear something that means something
A piece of jewellery, an accessory or, if you’re lucky enough to have friends or relatives with good taste, an item of clothing gifted by someone you love can give you an extra boost.
It’s particularly useful when you’re heading into a stressful situation such as a presentation, interview or important meeting. Think of it as your own little secret mascot.
4. Don’t wear anything that requires constant faffing
I don’t just mean clothes that are too tight, although obviously that’s a no-no. I mean anything you have to constantly adjust once it’s on. The top that keeps falling too low and needs pulling up. The trousers that cling to your calves and need pulling down. You get the gist.
Your wardrobe should be effortless so you can focus on what you’re actually doing – not stressing about your clothes.
5. Trust your instinct
Part of my work with clients is helping them trust their own personal style. Most people know when outfits don’t look right, they just need the confidence to believe it. Once you understand what suits you, what you like and, just as importantly, what doesn’t work for you, getting dressed becomes much easier.
Five more visibility style tips
And here are five more tips you may have heard before but are worth repeating…
6. Wear a vibrant colour
I’m not suggesting head to toe neon pink but a colour that flatters you will stop you blending into the background.
7. Shop with a trusted friend
A second opinion can be incredibly useful, particularly if you’ve been stuck in the same style rut for years. Despite being a stylist, I still appreciate a fresh perspective on what to wear. Just to clarify, I’m referring to my sisters and kids, not my ‘It’s fine, can we go now?’ husband!
8. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else
Beware the social media rabbit hole! It’s very easy to have a picture in your head of how you ‘should’ look, only to feel disappointed when real life doesn’t match up. Take inspiration, by all means, but don’t lose sight of the fact you have your own unique personal style.
9. Wear your best clothes now – and often!
Don’t save your best clothes for days that might never happen. You’ll look and feel so much better for wearing things you love on an ordinary Tuesday.
10. Don’t overthink it
You don’t need to be trendy, a perfect size 10 or wear designer labels. You simply need to dress in a way that reflects the woman you are now.
Ask yourself: how often are you getting dressed to disappear?
If your wardrobe no longer reflects who you are today, I can help. My one-to-one styling services will help you create a wardrobe that makes you feel confident, visible and completely yourself.
Drop me a line or arrange a free consultation call to find out more.
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