Sweater • Nordstrom | Faux Fur Vest • REVOLVE | Ripped Jeans • Similar here (and on sale!)| Earrings • Similar here | Envelope Clutch • Missguided | Booties • Nordstrom (on sale!) | Fedora • Nordstrom | Sunglasses • Similar Tory Burch | Lip Pencil • M·A·C Burgundy | Lipstick • M·A·C Dark Side

Rumor has it, ripped jeans are for younger women.  Perhaps I should say they are not for “older” women.  Baloney (or, if you prefer, bologna).  What a silly notion!  Like wearing over-the-knee boots and bright colors, why should younger women have all the fun?  I don’t really believe in age-appropriate clothing.  I do believe in choosing clothing that flatters your shape.  Your figure should dictate your clothing choices more than any other factor.  When you look in the mirror (don’t forget the back view) do you like what you see?  If so, rock it.  If not, try something else.

I probably look to my daughters and 30-ish bloggers for style inspiration as much as I look to women my own age.  I like their youthful vibe and willingness to take chances.  That’s been my style outlook for years.  I’ve painted walls with bright colors or crazy designs.  I’ve painted my floor because I wanted to be able to change it up every couple of years without incurring a big investment.

The beauty of paint is the ability to experiment without prohibitive costs.  Once upon a time I painted one of my bathrooms deep teal.  The color was magnificent; the end result was not.  I was a bit disappointed and annoyed to have to repeat the effort, but had I not tried I’d still be wondering about it.  Conversely, I’ve painted other walls with a contrast color and loved the result.  The point is, if you don’t try, how will you know?

And that’s why they invented dressing rooms.  Go out and try a pair of ripped jeans.  You may find you look fabulous!  If the first pair doesn’t work, try another brand.  Don’t completely give up until you’ve given a few options a go.  Let that be your guide in any style choice you want to try.  You may surprise yourself as you find your style evolving with your new philosophy.

And on that note, Happy Friday friends!