Style. Fashion. Words. Three loves and I adore it when they collide. I’ll talk (or write) style until the hem lines shift. But one thing bothers me a little. Whether I’m talking to a friend, or having an online chat about style, the word “too” appears.
It goes a bit like this: I’m too old, too wide, too short, too tall, too timid, my lifestyle is too boring, my wardrobe is too sparse and my bank account is too empty.
Style doesn’t require a certain body shape, it doesn’t have an age limit, a glamorous life is not a pre-requisite and it doesn’t even have to cost a great deal of money.
You don’t need to be a certain age.
Last time I bought some clothes, they didn’t come with an age suggestion like Lego does. The kind no-one pays attention to anyways. On a very rare night out I was surrounded by gorgeous young things. Some of them were wearing super tight, super short, super low-cut clothes. And the only ones who weren’t slaying it, were those that looked obviously uncomfortable. They didn’t seem to be dressing for themselves, or their own comfort or their own sense of artistry. But the girls that did were absolutely smoking. That takes some confidence. And confidence (I have found) increases with age. You get to a point and you aren’t very interested in some-one else’s rules. You do things for yourself. Why get to a point in your life when you are brave enough to try new things, go against the flow and then deny yourself fun with fashion because some faceless person has deemed you too old? And on the flip side, I sometimes like adopting the eccentric octogenarian approach to dressing. All scarves and skirts and a devil-may-care attitude. My age doesn’t need come into it.
You don’t need to be a certain size.
I have items in my wardrobe from size 8 to size 16. They all fit. Some I have bought larger deliberately for a slouchier look. I know I’m lucky to fit into the standard sizing range. I know options narrow considerably on either side. But with online shopping and retailers becoming more savvy about their size ranges, I think there’s been no better time to dress. If it makes you smile, wear it. To hell with anyone else.
You don’t need to be living a glamorous life.
You don’t need money or an over-flowing wardrobe.
Style isn’t about money. It cannot be bought. There are women who have few things in their wardrobe and they always look put together. Some people may have no shortage of money and never quite hit the mark. We all know that girl that looks amazing no matter what she puts on. You can be that girl. Just don’t let the “toos” stand in the way.

Do you have a style “too” that you need to overcome?
Are you a rule-breaker?

I love this, Robyna! Such a confidence booster.
Eva @ The Multitasking Woman recently posted…Mummies, give yourself some credit!
Thanks Eva – I hope so.
I absolutely love this. I turned 32 this year and for the first time in at least half a decade (or maybe longer) everything is coming together – my confidence and sense of style. I am the biggest I’ve ever been (a little too big health wise to be honest), but I’m the proudest of my style I’ve ever been. I don’t spend a lot of money (because I don’t have much of a disposable income) but I have really enjoyed finding inspiration. I just bought a pair of jeans from Jay Jays thank you very much (while I wish I could shop more boutique stuff and support other businesses I just honestly cannot afford it) – even though I’m always the oldest person in there haha. I don’t care for jeans that aren’t ripped and I love rock and roll tees. And leopard print. Always will. I will never think I’m too old for those! It’s just how you wear it (i.e. with confidence and class)! I’m finally understanding this is OK and I couldn’t be more pleased. Awesome post – very empowering 🙂
Kez @ Awesomely Unprepared recently posted…What is up with umbrellas?
Nice post! Alas I often feel too old…and look it in the mirror too! (see what I did there?) But I do get compliments from strangers in the street on my more eclectic pieces…
Lydia C. Lee recently posted…A whale of a time
Never never never ever too old. If a stranger compliments you, that’s huge – you must look completely awesome for that to happen.
YOU ARE BRILLIANT!!!
Thanks lovely 🙂
What about I’m too clueless to know what to wear? Seriously though, I do agree with you!
Em @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted…7 things parents ‘should’ feeling guilty about!
I think you go okay Em 🙂 Looking forward to seeing you next week!
Hi Robyna,
Love this post! I’m a firm believer in age just being a number. And it’s all the new 30 anyway. Similar with size – a few sizes up is often much more flattering. Its all about dressing for comfort – and feeling fabulous – with a hefty dose of fun thrown in!
Brilliant post, agree with every word! Age and the number on your garment tag is completely irrelevant.
Beth at AlmostPosh.com recently posted…Keeping My Face Hydrated
Completely irrelevant.
Yes! So true, wear what you love and what makes you feel great! Just make sure it fits the way you want. I buy lots of my clothes at Goodwill and it is amazing how you shop differently when it is just a rail of tops/trousers/jumpers, no arranging, no merchandising, and half of the stuff I buy I am sure is menswear!
Clare recently posted…Weekly Photos 29/52
I think that’s where you really have to have a well developed sense of your own style and a bit of imagination.
I totally agree with this post!
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life recently posted…Tough Pretty – Leather Look and Lace
Thanks Ingrid – no rules!
LOVE this Robyna! Great post x
Thanks Kirsten – I hate it when people let things get in the way of them wearing what they want.
My thoughts exactly! It’s a shame really that we’re more comfortable in our own skin & stye the older we get! xx
Yes – wouldn’t it be great to have that confidence and the looks/body of our twenty year old selves?