When my Where Bloggers Live group settled on the prompt for my favorite birthday, I thought long and hard about the idea.
That’s when it hit me: My favorite birthday is always the next one because it’s new and exciting. This led me along the path of reliving my 180-degree journey in my fashion choices.
Quote of the day: “There is no time like the present to step into the spotlight of your own life.” Oprah Winfrey
This same group of bloggers has discussed many of our life milestones and descriptions of where we reside. I’ve shared my favorite physical gift from when I was 10 and my favorite event at age 40-both were at my birthday time.
If you had met me decades ago, you would have seen a woman dressed in a conservative professional wardrobe—tailored, flattering pieces, neutral palettes, and a sense of predictability.
But now? My style has done a complete 180 degrees. I have embraced creativity, color, and experimentation in ways my younger self never could have imagined.
Many times throughout this blog, I have been surprised at the things I wear now that I would NEVER have worn in the past including:
-Polka dots (too whimsical)
-All over color (too bold)
-Graphic tees (too sloppy)
-Mary Jane shoes (too young girlish)
-Tulle skirts (way too out there)
-Print Mixing (too busy)
Like many women, my early style was shaped by societal expectations and professional environments. I believed that looking polished meant sticking to classic cuts, neutral colors, and timeless pieces. A little black dress, a white turtleneck, and nothing too controversial were the ingredients in my closet. It was a time when I dressed to fit in rather than stand out.
In fact, I can understand why women “play it safe” when getting dressed after receiving oodles of negative comments on some reels on Facebook recently.
There was comfort in the predictability of a conservative wardrobe. It was easy, safe, and appropriate for any setting. But while my outfits were nice, they lacked personality.
Looking back, I realize that I was dressing for an image rather than for myself. My closet was filled with “rules” rather than inspiration, and my style choices were based more on expectations than on self-expression.
Even once I retired, I thought I knew what a “good” fashion style looked like. Until I started blogging and witnessed how other women combined styles that I would never have considered in the past. At first, I didn’t think I could pull it off, and I wasn’t sure it was in good taste.
But the more fashion groups I was in, the more I realized that women were floundering with their style.
In almost every FB group, women would feel stressed about what to wear to a certain event or which shoes looked the best.
Now don’t get me wrong, I ask my husband which shoe he prefers sometimes, but in these groups, there was always controversy around the subjects. For instance, did the shoe make the women look taller?
It was one reason I wrote about all the “ers” in our style thinking.
The more I evolved as a person, the more I wanted my wardrobe to reflect that evolution. I started experimenting with prints, textures, and silhouettes that I had once considered “too something” for me.
It wasn’t an overnight transformation. Slowly but surely, I let go of the rigid style rules I had clung to for so long. I swapped traditional cardigans for flowy kimonos, replaced plain black pumps with colorful booties, and introduced bold accessories into my everyday looks.
Fashion, I realized, was meant to be fun—not just functional. And the more I played with my wardrobe, the more confident I felt.
Today, my style is anything but predictable. I embrace colors, patterns, and textures in a way that reflects my vibrant and positive personality. One day, I might be in a bohemian maxi dress with statement earrings, and the next, I could be rocking a sleek, edgy look with faux leather pants and a graphic tee (you’ll see that soon). My wardrobe is an eclectic mix of styles, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What changed?
My mindset.
I realized that fashion is an extension of who we are, and should evolve as we do. With each passing year, I give myself permission to try something new—whether it’s a trend that intrigues me or a bold color I’ve never worn before (there aren’t many of these anymore but I’m combining them in different ways), or an unexpected pairing of silhouettes.
And you know what? It’s liberating.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there are no “rules” in fashion—only guidelines that you can choose to follow or ignore.
Who says you can’t mix patterns?
Or wear white after Labor Day?
Or style gold and silver together?
The moment I stopped worrying about “doing it right” was the moment I started having fun with my wardrobe.
For years, I believed that certain styles weren’t “for me.” I told myself that a professional woman over 50 shouldn’t wear shorts anymore. There was a time when I also believed that I shouldn’t try wide-leg pants because they would overpower my short frame.
But as soon as I let go of those limiting beliefs, I discovered a new world of fashion possibilities.
Now, I encourage others to do the same. If you’ve ever hesitated to try a trend because you think you “can’t pull it off,” I urge you to challenge that thought.
Style is personal, and the only opinion that truly matters is your own.
I love looking back at old photos and seeing how my wardrobe has transformed over the years. What once felt daring is now second nature. For instance, when I first bought these leopard pants I was a bit intimidated, and now I think they are relatively basic.
What once seemed impossible is now an everyday choice.
Fashion is a reflection of our journey, and I’m grateful that mine has taken me in so many different directions.
I wouldn’t trade my conservative professional days for anything because they were part of my evolution. But I also wouldn’t go back.
I love the freedom that comes with dressing however I want, whenever I want, in whatever ways feels right for me.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that style isn’t about dressing for others—it’s about dressing for yourself.
When I look in the mirror now, I see someone who is unapologetically herself. Someone who isn’t afraid to stand out, take risks, and have fun with fashion. And that, to me, is the ultimate style transformation.
So as I think about my favorite birthday, I’m looking forward to all of my future ones to see how I will continue to evolve.
And I know I’ll be celebrating the 180-degree shift that has brought me to where I am today. I expect I’ll be wearing more colors, more textures, more patterns, and more incredible fashion styles!
What is Where Bloggers Live? It’s kind of like HGTV’s “Celebrities at Home,” but…Bloggers! Who doesn’t like to peek behind the scenes and hear all about the personal backstories and interesting details? The best part of this group is that I learn something new from everyone’s different perspectives.
FYI, we don’t all post at the same time since we all have different schedules and live in different parts of the country.
Bettye at Fashion Schlub
Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks
Em at Dust and Doghair
Iris at Iris’ Original Ramblings
Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie at Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After
Sally at Within a World of My Own
We’ve been doing this fun series for over 5 years now.
Want to explore some of the old prompts? Feel free to visit any that might strike your fancy.
Messy & Odd Side-by-Side Refrigerator Organization
My Money Mismanagement
Seasons of your Life
Better health when bored at night
Vacation-Palm Springs
Things I Can’t Live Without
Eco-Friendly Practices
Favorite post –Happy 5 Years
Bedtime Routine
3 Favorite Gifts
Detox your wardrobe
Date night ideas in Phoenix
Spring Cleaning-Laundry Style
As much as I love my site, Jodie’s Touch of Style, I really enjoy putting together my daily emails. I consider my emails an extension of my blog that is chocked full of positive inspiration that one friend calls a “Variety Show.”
I include articles, videos, and posts that strike my fancy and since I have no siblings to share with, I share with you.
Thank you for visiting my space on the internet. I like to showcase how it’s never too late to look great for women of any age, size, or working with any kind of budget.
I feel I’m here to help move beyond the fashion rules of yesterday and evolve. Style and clothes are made to give you joy. Not cause us Stress because we are worried about what others think.
Consider buying me a coffee as a thank you. The best gift you can give a content creator is the gift of sharing or supporting. You could share this article on Facebook, or Pinterest or even email it to a friend. Thank you so much for your support!!
The post 180 Degree Colorful Turn: My Journey from Classic to Creative Fashion appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
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