Today the yellow hibiscus on my deck is in bloom. The colours on it are so vibrant that it does not seem possible that it is real. Colours are a funny thing; they represent a great deal to us as human beings, both consciously and subconsciously. The rest of the animal kingdom uses colour to warn of danger; to beckon for sustenance or draw a potential mate near.
I recently met a lady who has a talent for colour matching people to their best wardrobes. She offered to send me the quiz and I happily did it. My result is in the picture below. At first glance, I rejected the pallet instantaly.
I thought “I cannot wear those colours at my age (57). No one will take me seriously!”
What?!!!
Where did THAT voice come from?!!!
As I scanned the pallet, I recognized shades of my youth. The peach colour was one I was obsessed with in the 90’s to the point where my then husband asked if I was going to wear any other colours or was this is now, followed by NO, we cannot paint the bedroom that colour! But why? Can’t you see how wonderful it looks with my skin tone?
My new friend informed me that I should never wear black again or white. Black currently dominates my closet; it being my favourite armour to hide the extra around my middle and maybe, just hide in general.
When did I decide I had to hide myself? Where did that lovely, luscious, peach woman disappear to?
Over the next couple of days, I pondered what my colourful colleague said as well as why and when I stopped embracing a wider range in my wardrobe. A trip to the closet confirmed with she said:
When you wear compatible colours, you feel amazing!
I toured my closet and the first occupant to greet me was a very pricey button-up top; white with lace accents at the shoulders. I purchased this beauty from a local boutique, ecstatic to find a summery button up that did not gap at the bust.
I HAVE NEVER WORN IT.
I have put that top on, looked in the mirror, and taken it off again; here it sits mocking me with its high price tag.
Next came all the safe black garments which are neither flattering, nor practical in our hot summer sun. What was I thinking?!!
The answer arrived swiftly. The subtle queues in social media over the years “What women over 50 can wear” or “How busty women dress to get men to listen in meetings”. Finally, the voice of my female director saying “You should dress more businesslike and smile less if you want to be taken seriously around here.”
What?!! Why did I listen to those messages?
That version of me… it is time for her to go. This me is no longer afraid to shine her light, stand out, SMILE, and be heard on her own terms.
I took my new friend’s advice. I marched to the store she recommended and purchased some pretty new things. This store welcomes women of all sizes and does not steer women over fifty towards beige… I found lace and lovely choices as well as a supportive, yet still pretty strapless to add to my “foundation garments” as another friend called them. But no, I was not building a foundation anymore, there would be no uncomfortable lashing and binding, instead, draping to honour my curves and feel feminine.
Then off to the next recommended shop to search for a summer sundress. I skipped past all the blacks, dark blues, and whites; making my way to the jewel tones like a hummingbird seeking nectar. The sweet red sundress with white flowers beckoned. I thought it would be too long for me but the attendant urged me to try it and see. You might be surprised she said with a wink.
I was! It fit like it was meant for me.
I donned that dress later the evening to wear to a gathering of women, including my new forward fashion friend. She gave me a wide smile and effused approval as I spun and posed for her.
I won’t go back. I choose to live my life in all the hues of the rainbow.
I want that for all of us; to live in colour, embrace our style and smile broadly, flashing our pearly whites and show our assets at any age. Ignore the norms for age, gender, and whatever else “they” have opinions about.
Wear what you desire!
Be who you want!
Love who your heart calls to and just smile at the nay-sayers. Blow them a kiss and send them a big old Care Bear stare from your heart, then sashy off in your colourful new sundress.
I love you all, my dear readers and fellow weirdos.
Please love yourself, all of you. Right now. Not 10 minutes from now, 10 pounds from now, or 10 thousand dollars from now. Right now! As you are, no ifs, ands, buts, or whens… NOW!
Just love you!