Hey Funky Friends, this is a conversation I’ve been itching to have for a long time since entering into my 50’s. And today is the day I want to discuss: Does style have an expiration date? What I will be saying may surprise some of you. So, let’s jump right on into today’s discussion. #wearwhatthefunkyouwant
I think most of us already know deep down in our soul that style has no expiration date, but sometimes it takes a little reminder to bring that knowning back to the surface. The truth is, style is something you carry with you, no matter how old you get or what the latest trend tells you to wear. It’s a living, breathing part of who you are. The beauty of it is, you get to keep growing in your own style,you will always keep experimenting with it.
One of the easiest ways to start expanding your style without feeling like you have to reinvent yourself is to look at color, not necessarily themes or labels. Colors have a way of shaping how we feel, how we walk into a room, and how we see ourselves in the mirror. You can wake up in the mood for deep plum or bright turquoise, and let that be your guide. #norules
You don’t need a reason or an event to put on something that lights up your inner soul. Sometimes you just need to open your closet, pull out that one piece you haven’t worn in years, and see where the color takes you. #mypov
When I think about color and how it can define my own personal style, I can’t help but look back at some of the icons who wore whatever they felt like and didn’t care who had an opinion about it.
In the 70s and 80s, people were playing with color in ways that were fun, clashing, and fearless. My icon Diana Ross didn’t hold back with her shimmering gowns and bold makeup. She could take a single sequin dress in a rich gold or cherry red and make the whole stage feel like it was spinning in glamour girl color.
Madonna turned layered lace and neon fishnets into a statement, mixing all the shades of pink, black, and acid green without apologizing. Boy George showed up in patterns and colors that most people wouldn’t have dared to put together, but that was the magic of it. He wore oversize hats, printed coats, and braids in every color of the rainbow, proving that you don’t have to choose one look to stay true to yourself.
They each had something in common: they were not afraid of being seen. Even more than the clothes, it was the willingness to step out and say, This is me. This is how I feel today. And if tomorrow I feel different, I’ll wear something else. Now that is really my opinion. :) #nopunintended
That’s the piece a lot of us forget as we get older. We start to think that style has to be sensible, or toned down, or neutral. But why? Who decided that being over forty or fifty means you have to close the door on color and stop taking risks? If anything, this is the time to do more of it. The time to show up in rich emeralds, saturated blues, burnt oranges, and buttery yellows with a mix of funk. Honestly, none of us have to follow a theme, especially when it comes to personal style, just pick the colors that make you feel like yourself.
There were always names for the styles that broke the mold. Punk, glam rock, new wave, disco, bohemian, grunge. But those names were just a way for people to feel like they belonged somewhere. So, if none of them fit you, girl, that’s alright.
You don’t need a label. You just need to pay attention to what makes you feel funky free and fly faster when you put it on.
Maybe it’s a vintage velvet jacket the color of a ripe plum, or a long skirt that swishes around your legs in a marigold you can see from down the block. Maybe it’s a plain white tee you can throw under a red blazer. Color doesn’t have to be complicated; it just has to feel like something you want to wear.
Think about someone like Diana Ross, wearing feathered gowns so bright they almost looked electric under stage lights. Or Madonna in a lemon yellow bustier with stacks of beaded pearl necklaces. Or Boy George stepping onto the scene with cobalt blue eyeliner and a hat that belonged in another era. They all taught us that style doesn’t have to be pretty or quiet. Sometimes it’s about making people look twice. Sometimes it’s about making yourself look twice.
You can bring that same energy into your everyday life. Next time you feel stuck in a rut, don’t reach for another safe black cardigan. Try something with a little kick. A scarf in a deep rust. A blouse in teal that catches the light. A pair of shoes in a color you’ve never worn before. You might be surprised by how it lifts your mood. You might find yourself walking a little taller.
If you’re still unsure, think back to the way you dressed when you were young enough not to care what anybody thought. Maybe you were that teenager who cut up old jeans and scribbled on them with markers. Maybe you layered everything you owned just to see how it felt. Maybe you had a favorite color that made you feel like you could take on anything. There’s no reason you can’t bring that part of yourself back. #girlcomeonback
Style has no expiration date, and the tea is it never did. Whether you’re twenty-five or seventy-five, you still get to wake up every day and decide what colors will shape your style. You still get to surprise yourself. And that’s something worth celebrating. So, let’s go and have some fun playing with our style now that we know it will never expire.
If you’ve ever felt like you needed permission to wear what you love, consider this it. Open your closet, pick your favorite outfit that makes you feel free , and let it lead you to restyle something new. Your style is waiting to be rediscovered. Drop a comment and share some love. Until next time wear what the FUNK you want:)
Also checkout www.funkygrungeboutique.com for ugly denim bags, accessories and other resale items that are unique.
Xo Tangie
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