Still Here Still Stylish and Definitely Not Done Yet
I recently had the pleasure of speaking at a special menopause haircare launch for Wendy the Brand, where I joined the conversation to discuss something close to my heart: dressing through menopause with confidence.
Menopause can change so much. Our body shape may shift, our hair and skin can look different, our temperature develops a mind of its own, and the clothes we once relied on may suddenly stop feeling right.
That can leave you standing in front of a wardrobe full of clothes wondering, “What on earth do I wear now?”
My message at the event was simple: menopause is not a style expiry date.
A conversation rather than a fashion lecture
I didn’t want my talk to feel formal or full of fashion rules. I wanted it to feel like an honest conversation between women who understand what it is like when your body changes and your wardrobe hasn’t quite caught up.
We talked about breathable fabrics, comfortable waistbands, changing clothing sizes and buying for the body you have today.
We also covered the details that can make a big difference, including supportive underwear, updating makeup colours when your hair changes, and using shoes, handbags and accessories to bring an outfit together.
There were plenty of laughs, hands going up and those wonderful moments when you could see women thinking, “Yes, that is exactly how I feel.”
Confidence can begin with getting dressed
Style may appear to be about clothing, but the real conversation is often about confidence.
When an outfit fits well and feels comfortable, you stop tugging at your top, worrying about your waistband or thinking about the number on the label. You can walk into a room and be present.
You don’t need to replace your entire wardrobe or completely reinvent yourself. Sometimes one well-fitting pair of trousers, a fresh colour near your face, updated accessories or the right bra can change how you feel.
You haven’t lost your style. It may simply need to catch up with the woman you are now.
Style that works with your changing body
We spoke about choosing breathable fabrics and lightweight layers that help when your temperature has a mind of its own. Natural fibres such as linen, cotton and silk can make an enormous difference, while still looking modern and stylish.
We also talked about letting go of the number on the clothing label. Sizing can vary dramatically between brands, and the right size is simply the one that sits beautifully, feels comfortable and allows you to move confidently.
Your clothing size is information—not a judgement.
Start with what is underneath
Good underwear can completely change the way an outfit looks and feels.
Our bra size and body shape can change throughout menopause, often without us realising just how much. An updated bra fitting and comfortable, supportive underwear can improve how clothing sits, create smoother lines and help you feel more confident before you have even added the outfit.
It isn’t about squeezing or restricting your body. It is about creating a comfortable foundation that supports you.
Refresh your colours
As our hair colour changes—whether we embrace the grey, go lighter, darker or try something completely new—the colours that once suited us may no longer have the same effect.
Updating the colours you wear near your face can bring life back to your complexion and make you look fresher and more vibrant.
The same applies to makeup. Sometimes changing a lipstick, blush or foundation tone is all it takes to work more beautifully with your current hair and skin colouring.
It doesn’t mean replacing everything. Small, thoughtful changes can make an incredible difference.
The finishing touches matter
Shoes, handbags and accessories have a big impact on how polished an outfit feels.
You can be wearing a beautiful outfit, but dirty shoes, a badly scratched handbag or accessories that look tired can bring the entire look down.
Before buying more clothes, take a fresh look at the pieces finishing your outfits. Cleaning your shoes, updating a handbag or adding a modern pair of earrings can instantly elevate clothes you already own.
Feeling like yourself again
The biggest conversation of the day wasn’t really about clothes. It was about confidence and feeling like yourself again.
Style during menopause isn’t about following strict fashion rules or feeling that you have to quietly fade into the background. It is about understanding what works for your body now and giving yourself permission to still look fresh, modern and fabulous.
You deserve clothes that support your life, make getting dressed easier and help you recognise the woman looking back at you in the mirror.
The feedback after the event was wonderful. Women shared how relatable they found the conversation, and I loved seeing so many of them laughing, nodding and realising they weren’t alone.
Exciting New Direction
The feedback after the event was incredibly encouraging. Women connected with the honesty, humour and practical advice, and I received some lovely comments about the way I spoke and made the conversation feel relatable.
It also reminded me how much I enjoy speaking to groups of women about style, confidence and navigating the changes that come with different stages of life.
I would love to be part of more events, workshops and conversations where women can learn, laugh and leave feeling a little more confident about themselves.
If you are planning a women’s event, workplace wellbeing session, community gathering or panel discussion and would like a relatable stylist and speaker, I would love to hear from you.
Because we are still here, still stylish and definitely not done yet.
Visit www.editandstyle.com.au or follow @editandstyle.perth to get in touch.
