REAL WOMEN: Wear Red Lipstick

According to the Nurture Replenish Skincare survey, red lipstick is disgraceful after the age of 59. Moreover, results showed that women over 45 years old consider 59 is the appropriate age to steer away not only from wearing red lipstick, but also from high heels and tight clothes. (source)

Did you read the poll survey results reported on Yahoo recently- the one where a survey of women over 45 years of age, said that wearing red lipstick over age 59 was disgraceful? You can read the report HERE, and while many people react angrily about the news, I suspect the main point is missed: 

that this survey reported the opinion of older women about other older women. Opinions about dignity and what's proper formed the consensus that at age 59, it is best to "go natural,"  to stop fighting the clock, and stop wearing body conscious clothing, bold prints, and bold colors- in essence, go invisible. 

That is what SOME women think. Some. But you and I happen to know a lot of other women, some who are older than 59, who don't subscribe to that point of view. Quite the contrary- there are loads of stylish women who not only wear red lipstick, they wear it, or intend to wear it well into their 70's. Or beyond. 

Which is good news for me- a forty-something somebody who loves her red lippy. So I thought I'd post some of my favorite images of "REAL WOMEN" who rock red lipstick, mini skirts and tight clothes, even though according to the poll, they shouldn't. But looking at the riot of color, and style, I'm thinking that they make a good argument on "DOING THE DON'TS."

Bold + Beautiful:  Vix, Melanie, Krista, Serene, Helga, Kitty + Sylvia  Rule As Rule Makers and Breakers.

So here's a list of rules you are welcome to make, or break, whatever makes YOU feel happy.

Random Fashion Rules for Women Age 59 + Older:

WEAR CLOTHES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD. Figure flattering, curve hugging or loose-y and goosey- just wear what puts a smile on your face.

WEAR BOLD COLORS AND PRINTS: Make an entrance and command attention and embrace your style and age by enjoying brights that make you feel beautiful.

STAY UP TO DATE, YET REMAIN TRUE TO YOURSELF: If you want to follow a trend, go ahead. If you want to stick to mom jeans, bedazzled sweaters or biker chic leather jackets, and it makes you feel good, stick with what you like. If you want to play, have fun with fashion and wear a tutu as a skirt at age 60, rock it. Sartorial septuagenarian (and undisputed fashion designer extraordinaire) Vivienne Westwood, has been known to wear platform shoes and  body con clothing. IN HER SEVENTIES. WITH HER 25 YEARS HER JUNIOR HUSBAND. AND ROCKS IT. Proving that as long as your dress reflects yourself, and you rock, you just can't go wrong.

WEAR RED LIPSTICK: If red lipstick is your thing, wear it, no matter your age. Or its equivalent, which is whatever thing is that makes YOU feel like you: purple eyeshadow, a sequin top, platform shoes, ugly sweaters, short shorts or long flowing dresses. Celebrate yourself and your style however you see fit!

Cathartic Color: Catherine, Lissy, Judith, Shelley + Ally Revitalize in Vivid Color

My favorite "rules" come from one of my favorite rule breakers. Vix aka The Vintage Vixen is always railing against some ridiculous rule put forward by well meaning mavens who espouse  their beige advice like "hide your upper arms," "don't wear white after Labor Day" or "don't wear mini skirts." Her reaction  almost always includes gorgeous outfit posts showing her breaking the rules, and looking fabulous doing so. She, among others, prove real style, in a way those stodgy mavens miss: REAL WOMEN don't rely on rules but on what works. If you can rock a mini, a sleeveless shirt, red lipstick, or a pair of high heels, then do so. REAL WOMEN WEAR WHATEVER THE HECK THEY WANT.

Gracefully Disgraceful: Desiree is the Poster Child on How to Wear What Not to Wear. She Rocks. And Wears Red Lippy.

Getting older doesn't have to mean giving up your fashion flair. In fact, let me make a case FOR tight tops, mini skirts, bright colors and red lipstick by saying REAL WOMEN WEAR RED LIPSTICK.  At age 59. And skinny minis, and maxi skirts, and clashing prints, and short hair, or long hair, or anything else they feel like wearing, because it makes them feel good. And the people I most love to watch are people who dress with character and panache, often times are breaking the rules while making a big, bold and beautiful fashion statement. 

So, go ahead and wear red lipstick. Real women (of all ages) do.   

What fashion rules do you like to make, or break? Share them in the comments.   

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Style 360: Dusk Devi, Sarah, Sacramento, Mrs Allnut, Helga, Adrienne, Shelley + LV Show Us Style From Front to Back