The other day I was out with a relative of mine that was visiting from another country.  She is quite older than me, has 3 children and 5 grandchildren.  I have 3 children who you would consider as young adults.  She made a comment that got me thinking not only about myself but about what others perceive The other day I was out with a relative of mine that was visiting from another country. She is quite older than me, has 3 children and 5 grandchildren. I have 3 children who you would consider as young adults. She made a comment that got me thinking not only about myself but about what others perceive someone of my age should not only behave but what they should and should not wear.

I have always been a bit of a hippy, a bit left-of-centre, on the edge in my thinking and also what I wear. Now I love fashion, but I love to be different. Always have been and always will be. I will be that grandmother (when the time comes) that will not be wearing twin-sets, toned down colours or the traditional haircuts, styles etc. That is just not me, never has been never will.

But the comment this relative made was that I should grow up and act and wear clothes my age. Being who I am I asked her why? She said because of my age, it is as is done. I answered her the only way I knew, "well that ain't gonna happen." She then said that I didn't want to grow up and there I told her that was so not true.

This got me thinking why is it that there are people who think that when you reach a certain age, you are supposed to act and look a certain way? Why?

I always get mistaken for someone quite younger than my actual age and I have often produced my driver's licence to prove how old I am. I don't look or act what is probably the way women of my age should act or look. I wear what not only suits me, but what makes me feel great. If it happens to be something that traditionally women of my age should not be wearing, then I don't care. I will wear it as long as it suits me.

I have always been told that I am quite stylish and people comment that they way I put things together that you would never think of wearing, works. But it works for me. And that is what I could not get across to this relative. But this is what needs to be gotten across to all women. You need to wear, act in a way that is quite simply...you!

Just because someone tells you that at your age you should be acting and wearing clothes that are age appropriate is rubbish. You should be acting and wearing clothes that suit you. So what if someone much younger wears that same piece of clothing. If it looks good on you..go for it.

Prime example is during winter and sometimes during the warmer months, I will wear dark stockings with shorts and funky looking top and jacket and knee high boots. Love the look and you know what it suits me. It won't suit everyone, but it suits me. Having parents who taught me all about style, quality and looking good, I know about style and quality and what makes me look good.

I don't follow what is in fashion and wear it because it is in fashion, I wear what is fashionable and what suits me. It is not about quantity it is about quality. Quality not only of the garment that you wear, or the shoes, but quality of putting together pieces from your closet that makes you feel great and makes you look great.

So why do women still think that because of their age, they need to follow what is traditionally worn and accept that? Why should a women compromise their personality when it comes to what they wear and how they look, because it is deemed appropriate?

Madonna is a great example of someone who at her age, dresses not only stylish but her way, funky, fun and classy. That is the way it should be and it is the way that I am. I felt sad that my relative felt that way and looking at her I actually felt sorry for her. She is a widow who is young enough to find someone to go through life with, but dresses and acts what she thinks she should be acting at her age.

So girls, down be afraid to express your true self in the way you dress no matter what age you are. Wear what suits you, but be funky, stylish, fashionable and a bit out there....it is quite empowering and a hell of lot of fun and you will be surprised how others react...in a positive way.