One of the things I often hear from women as they age is the feeling of becoming invisible. I’ve shared other women’s content about how to counteract that feeling, and I thought we could challenge the idea with something I termed “dress loud.”
Quote of the day: “If you’re making mistakes, it means you’re out there doing something.” Neil Gaiman
Now here’s the thing. If you’re struggling with feeling invisible, then the idea to dress loud is probably very foreign to you.
And maybe even scary. You’ll probably think the ideas are too much, extreme, and over the top.
You may be right, but let me remind you that style is a tool. Marketing is key. And if you dress like you did in your past, you will look outdated.
That’s exactly where the idea of learning to dress loud comes in. Dressing loud doesn’t have to be about shouting with your clothes (although that is basically what we are showing, to give you a launching pad).
Think of it as unapologetically using fashion as a tool to express yourself boldly and confidently. It’s a refusal to let society dictate that “invisibility” is the expected path for women after a certain age.
We don’t have to be sexy, we don’t have to be classic, we can be something new and exciting.
So join my crew as we took 3 concepts to dress loud, and went all out.
Insider tip: Our examples may seem excessive, but the idea is to take the concept and then make it your own.
Jodie: Statement Accessories
It’s no surprise that I can’t resist accessorizing, and since one of the fall fashion trends was using our accessories in a maximal way, I took the idea and ran with it.
Why wear one necklace when you can layer four?
Why stop at a delicate bracelet when you can create a whole arm party of bangles, cuffs, and textures?
In this look, I let my accessories do the talking. A metallic bodycon dress and fringe vest were the background canvas while my accessories turned up the volume.
Dressing loud here was less about the clothes and more about the extras. If you’re hesitant to go bold with an outfit, start with accessories.
Details:
-This party of necklaces includes 4 different ones: the largest has been worn with a burgundy sweater, the turquoise one, the light blue beads, and then the pearl choker.
-The wrist party consisted of 5 large bracelets. My favorite is the brown and white one that I found on Etsy. You can find loads of inexpensive bangles on Etsy for yourself or as gifts.
-Then I decorated my purse with a necklace, scarf, and loads of charms.
Yes, it’s over the top, but I was trying to make a point. You can easily change a focal point by piling on the accessories.
Lesley: Monochrome
Lesley took a different route with a monochrome outfit.
But not a neutral monochrome outfit. She chose a rich, vibrant turquoise color and made it the star of her look.
A simple silhouette in a bold, saturated color says: I’m here, and I’m not afraid to take up space.
I absolutely love that she went with a perfect, unexpected contrast with her shoe choice. (Not much different than how Tresi & I showcased how shoes can make a difference).
Monochrome dressing is often thought of as subtle, but when you pick a color that packs a punch, it becomes impossible to ignore. If you’ve been playing it safe in black or navy, why not try a single-color outfit in a brighter color?
Details:
-The top and skirt match perfectly, even though they weren’t purchased together. It’s a good reminder that often we can put together “sets” with what we have. It’s no different than putting on a dress.
-Lesley comments that “vivid colors paired unexpectedly make a bold statement without being garish or too in your face.”
Charlotte: Unexpected Combinations
Charlotte’s outfit is a masterclass in the unexpected. The idea is to do the opposite of what you “normally” put together. It’s creating that yin/yang or dichotomy in a look.
I had my mom pair her utilitarian cargo pants (that she detests) with her sequined silver top. Talk about a twist! This isn’t a combination we’re conditioned to see, and that’s exactly why it works.
Dressing loud here was about shaking up the “rules.”
Sequins are usually saved for evening wear. Cargo pants are often styled casually. But put them together? You get a look that’s sparkly, playful, and utterly modern.
Details:
-My mom made this sequin top for New Year’s Eve in 2000. It used to just sit in her closet until I twisted her arm to wear it with jeans, or when I borrowed it.
-Glitter sneakers are such an easy way to combine “fancy” with “casual”
-The rhinestone jewelry is older than old. My mom used to wear it for fancy events, and she kept commenting that it felt weird to wear it in daytime.
That idea of feeling weird wearing something fancy in the daytime? WELCOME to 2025!
Why Older Women Feel Invisible
Why do so many women feel invisible as they age?
Some of it comes from external factors like advertising and media that glorify youth and ignore older women.
Other thoughts could be those internalized “rules” we grew up with or read about in those clickbait articles. For example, those articles with the title “Don’t wear this after age 50,” which includes wording that says “don’t look like you’re trying too hard.”
(I’ve always wanted to know why it was bad to try too hard? It seems very snobby and arrogant.)
After those outside factors marinate, we reach a point where it feels safer to play small, blend in, and avoid standing out. But here’s the truth: we have too much wisdom, too many stories, and too much life experience to be overlooked.
I believe one of the most joyful, visible, and fun ways to push back against invisibility is to dress loud. It’s inexpensive (especially if you thrift), it’s easily reversible, AND it applies to women of any size and shape.
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To Dress Loud is More Than Fashion
At the end of the day, dressing loud isn’t just about clothes.
It’s a mindset.
It’s deciding that you are no longer interested in shrinking or apologizing for taking up space.
I like to think of it as embracing joy, creativity, and visibility at a time in life when society might expect the opposite.
Fashion is one of the easiest and most fun tools we have to express our personality. Each bright color, bold necklace, unexpected pairing, or pattern clash is like a little megaphone, broadcasting that I’m here.
Insider tip: Think about how much money, time, and energy BIG companies spend on marketing. That’s exactly what your outfits are. Marketing for yourself.
This is not my first article talking about our age and style options. Make sure to get more positive ideas soaking in your brain:
–Ditch the age dress code
–Mindset in fashion
–Rethinking flattering
A Gentle Challenge
So here’s my challenge to you: the next time you get dressed, pick one way to dress loud.
Maybe add an oversized necklace or two.
Wear a head-to-toe color that scares you a little.
Throw a leopard scarf on top of a striped blouse.
Step out in sparkles for the grocery store.
Insider tip: Dressing loud involves self-confidence, and you can read my journey about this issue.
You might be surprised at the reactions you get. We’ve received smiles, compliments, and even conversations sparked because of our outfits.
But more importantly, you’ll feel the difference. You’ll feel visible, vibrant, and a little more like the unapologetic, fabulous woman you’ve always been.
Because I bet you dollars to donuts that you’ve already played it safe. Been there, done that, right? And if you have ever thought that you were invisible, then you’d better change it up. Because playing it safe got you to the invisibility stage.
Or as one of my favorite sayings goes, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
This advanced age is a season of life that is about freedom, joy, and boldness.
Hopefully, this will give you the kickstart to dress loud. Start small and then take over the world.
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