Why Dressing Well Matters
More Than Fabric: Dressing as a Daily Act of Self-Worth
As a woman over 50, we often find ourselves in a space of transition — children grown, our careers shifting, relationships evolving, and our identities reshaping. Amidst all this change, one powerful form of self-expression often gets overlooked, and that’s our personal style.
Far from being superficial or frivolous, how we dress carries deep psychological meaning. In fact, what we wear can become a form of self-care, a visual declaration of identity, and a daily reminder of our self-worth.
I’ve always loved clothes, as a ex-professional dancer I got to dress up in fantastic and often elaborate costumes. I designed and ran an activewear clothing brand called AURA for many years whilst I lived in Asia, and now I obsessed with finding preloved vintage gems! There’s a particular kind of thrill that only comes from rummaging through the chaotic charm of a vintage market. The tactile pleasure of my fingers brushing across forgotten fabrics, the slow-building anticipation as I dig deeper, past the obvious and into the treasures below. Then, suddenly, it’s there: a rare piece, half-hidden, quietly waiting for me to rediscover it. Maybe it’s a buttery-soft leather jacket with just the right amount of wear, or a silk dress stitched with stories from another era. It feels like fate, as if this piece has found me, and my gut instinct is ‘hell yes!’ It’s not just shopping; it’s like soul-spotting. That electric moment when history, instinct, and self-expression collide. I absolutely LOVE it! Honestly if you haven’t hit a vintage fair or flea market recently or even ever, then you are missing out big time!
From a psychological perspective, I believe personal style is a form of non-verbal communication. The clothes we choose each morning speak before we do. They say something about how we see ourselves — and often, how we want others to see us. Are we showing up in the world as invisible, muted, apologetic? Or are we choosing to take up space, to be seen, to express creativity, joy, vibrancy, or power?
From 50 and beyond, I hear many women saying that they have a renewed desire to live more authentically. I feel fashion becomes less about following trends and more about tuning in to our own inner compass. When we dress with intention, we align our outer with our inner world, and that alignment in turn radiates confidence, self-respect, and emotional clarity.
Studies in psychology, including the concept of ‘enclothed cognition,’ shows that what we wear can very much influence our mood, behaviour, and even our cognitive performance.
Wearing clothes we associate with feeling elegant, strong, or put-together can actually increase those feelings in ourselves. I don’t think this is vanity but it’s brain chemistry, it’s gives us the feel good effect.
Imagine the difference between slipping into something well-fitting, thoughtfully chosen, and expressive of your personality versus throwing on something that makes you feel ‘meh’ or hidden.
How would that make you feel?
That shift in feeling can impact how we carry ourselves, how we speak, how we interact and perhaps even how others respond to us in return.
After 50, it’s not uncommon for women to wrestle with (unhelpful) messages that suggest they should fade, shrink, or play it safe. Style can offer a rebellious alternative, it’s a form of empowerment. Dressing well becomes an act of reclaiming space and joy.
It’s a chance to say: I’m not disappearing — I’m evolving.
Personal style allows us to rewrite the narrative on aging, showing the world that wisdom and beauty are not mutually exclusive.
Moreover, I feel style at this stage of life can be deeply healing. Clothes can help us reconnect with forgotten parts of ourselves, whether that’s the artist within, the romantic, the explorer, the bold woman who once wore leopard print without apology. Which forgotten parts do you wish to reawaken?
Rediscovering and redefining our style can feel like recovering lost parts of ourselves, those hidden parts of ourselves. Just like when I find those hidden gems at the vintage fairs!
Dressing well isn’t about impressing others or chasing perfection — it’s about honouring ourselves. It’s a gentle daily practice that tells our inner world:
You are worth the effort. You do matter. You are seen. And for women who may have spent years putting others first, or staying small, that message feels like a powerful one.
Style is not about age, size, or budget. It’s about alignment. When what we wear reflects who we are becoming and not just who we’ve been. We feel more at ease in our skin and more empowered in our lives.
Dressing well isn’t just a pleasure, it’s a psychological tool for self-expression, empowerment, and emotional well-being.
Your style is your story, still unfolding. Choosing clothes that make you feel alive, aligned, and unapologetically you, because how you feel in your clothes is how you move through the world and you deserve to move through it with confidence, colour, and grace.
So if you have been reading my essays for a while now you’ll know I always include a ‘moving inward practice’. These are self-care exercises designed to take with you onto your yoga mat or alternatively next time you go for a walk alone in nature, but today we are going to try something new.
It’s A Call To Action = Self Care Act
Today is a gentle practice that I recommend doing daily for this week ahead (a little each day over the week will see a big change).
It tells your inner world: You are worth the effort and you do matter.
Take some time each day to create some space. To look in your wardrobe/ chest of drawers and decide what is no longer serving you. What can you de-clutter and give away to charity (or sell on VINTED!).
Yes in order to create space for ‘new possibilities/ beginnings to arrive’ we have to let go first, because my dear friend
YOU ARE READY to step into a new era of personal style. . .
Watch this space for more inspiration on personal style in the weeks to come.
Thank you for continuing to show up here. It’s an absolute pleasure to share this time with you. Thank you.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on preloved clothing in the comments below. . .
❤️ Love Tracey Xx
Please feel free to share You Are Not Alone with loved ones and friends. I trust whoever needs to read my musings will find them as a source of inspiration and hope. They are all written from my heart and offer the opportunity to dive deeper into truth, authenticity and trust.
