When should you stop wearing short skirts? It was a question that was bandied about quite a lot back in the noughties. Definitely when I’m 50, I thought. And here I am, less than six months away from that age, with more short shorts, skirts and dresses in my wardrobe than I’ve ever had – and, yes, I wear them regularly.
And it’s not just my hemlines that have defied my younger self’s expectations. Around five years ago, during lockdown, when months of roots could pass unnoticed, I decided to grow out my grey hair. I’d spotted the first few strands when I was just 22 and had spent the next two decades dutifully covering them up. Lockdown finally gave me the perfect excuse to stop – no hairdresser, no social life and, crucially, no one to witness the rather alarming middle bit.
I had no idea what would emerge at the other end. As it turned out, I was pleasantly surprised. I haven’t, therefore, adapted my wardrobe to become more ‘age-appropriate’ – whatever that is supposed to mean – but I have changed it up since embracing the grey. And that might be more to do with feeling I want to make the extra effort.
Colour is back on the agenda
Although I clearly don’t follow rules, it’s often suggested that warm beiges, earthy tones, rust and olive green don’t complement grey hair. I disagree. I love autumnal shades and neutrals, and have no intention of giving them up.
That said, this summer I’ve been introducing a few pops of colour – a shocking-pink shoe, a turquoise bag and even a bright-red dress. And every time I wear that red dress, I receive compliments.
I’ve rediscovered the joy of a shift dress
I always thought a shift dress would be rather unforgiving, given that there’s essentially so little to it. But, like many people, I fell in love with 90s style – and Carolyn Bessette – after watching Disney’s Love Story. So when the Jackie Dress by With Nothing Underneath kept popping up on my Instagram, I decided to give it a go (see above). I loved it so much that I now have three more: a black one with side slits from Jigsaw, a cream scooped back number from Rails and a gorgeous citrus one from new British brand Sea-m.
My new obsession with striped trousers
At first, when I was unexpectedly targeted on Instagram with brands selling bright, striped trousers, I was surprised. I work in fashion and consume more than my fair share of it, but bright stripes? Really? When they first appeared on my screen during a late-night doom scroll, I thought: they’re a bit wild. The next time, it became: they’re really cool, but I couldn’t possibly wear them at 49.
© @beckydeditsNow I have three pairs: two from Zara and one pair that I dug out of my wardrobe, having owned them for ten years and never worn them.
Statement jewellery makes a comeback
Like red lipstick, in my 20s and early 30s I wore a lot of jewellery. But then I seemed to slip out of the habit. At a time some might contemplate a more demure approach to jewellery, recently I’ve been layering my necklaces, wearing bolder earrings and have even invested in two gold bangles, which really elevate simple outfits. Some of my go-to brands are Astrid & Miyu, Missoma and Astley Clarke.
© @beckydeditsSpaghetti straps make a return
Spaghetti straps, much like shift dresses, suddenly seemed a little too daring once I reached my late forties. Then there’s the bra issue. Should I really be showing my bra straps? Probably not. Could I go braless? Absolutely not! Thankfully, I’ve recently invested in silicone stick-on bras. More on those later – watch this space!
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