Confidence Over Trends: Dressing for the Body You Have Now

We talk a lot about the "external" ways to stay youthful - the Botox, the fillers, the facelifts, and the peptides. And while I’m a fan of all of the above, lately I’ve been thinking about something that can age us just as much as a fine line: the way we dress.

In today’s short and sweet episode, I’m getting a little personal about my own journey with fashion. From growing up with a mother who was a professional model and always dressed impeccably, to finding my own "relaxed" version of style at 60, I’ve realized that fashion isn’t just about the clothes, it’s about the confidence.

I’m sharing why I still wear my jean cutoffs (despite what my mom might have said!), the simple AI tool I used to finally find my perfect color palette, and the "uncomfortable rule" I use to clean out my closet. We’re diving into why you shouldn’t try to copy your 30-year-old daughter-in-law, and how to embrace the body you have today while still staying relevant and chic.

If you’ve ever stood in your closet and thought, "I have nothing to wear," or felt like your clothes were wearing you instead of the other way around, this one is for you. Let’s talk about how to simplify your wardrobe so you can show up as your brightest, most confident self.

In this episode, we cover:

• Lessons learned from my pageant and modeling days.

• How to use "Color Theory" to instantly look brighter and more awake.

• The fashion choices that accidentally age us (and what to wear instead).

• Why "Butter Yellow" is my current obsession for Spring.

Connect with Deanna:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellandworthylife/ 

• Shop My Style: Amazon Storefront / ShopMy

  If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend! Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss our weekly chats.

• Read the Transcript

  Hey friends, welcome back to Well Worthy Life. Today I’m doing things a little differently. Usually, I have notes and I try to keep on a schedule, but this is just going to be a short episode because I've been thinking about how our style choices can actually age us.

  You guys loved the podcast I did on my facelift, Botox, and fillers. We’ve also talked about peptides, body composition, and belly fat. But I don't talk a ton on this podcast about fashion, even though I am definitely into it. When I was a little girl, I did some modeling and was a pageant girl for a while. My mother was a model; she modeled for Parisians and Lovemans back in the day and did some commercials.

  My mother always dressed impeccably. She didn't even wear jeans until she was in her fifties. She was always put together and never left the house without her makeup on. I am quite the opposite. I don't always look "perfect," and that was a big shoe to fill. I have an early memory of looking in the bathroom mirror while my mother stood next to me. I thought, "Man, she is just beautiful." She is the one who really got me into loving fashion.

  She was very into outward appearance. Even when my boys were young, she didn't want them going out with her if they didn't look cute! I think there’s a bit of rebellion in me now because, while I definitely want to look good, I don't feel like I have to look "done." I’ll get on Instagram without makeup; I’m much more relaxed.

  Dressing for Your Body Today

  Past 50 or 60, it is really important that we find the style that works best for our bodies. My mom once asked me, "Deanna, how long do you think you can wear your cutoffs?" I told her, "As long as I feel comfortable and confident in them." I’m 60 now, and I still wear my jean cutoffs.

  However, we can dress in ways that age us. For me, if I wore baggy clothes all the time, that would age me. If things hit you at the wrong length or are too boxy, it can have that effect. One thing that makes a world of difference is wearing the right colors. I recently used ChatGPT to find my color palette—I am a "Warm Spring." I saved the color chart to my phone, and now when I’m shopping, I stay within those colors. When I wear that periwinkle blue or those buttery yellows, it makes me look brighter and more vibrant.

  My Rule of Thumb: Confidence and Comfort

  If I wear something and I don't feel confident or it’s uncomfortable, I get rid of it. I don’t care if I spent a lot of money on it; if it bunches or doesn't feel right, it goes in the giveaway box.

  I am so happy mid-rise jeans are coming back! High-waisted jeans are so uncomfortable on me. I also think it’s important to dress to fit your own style, not to copy your 20-year-old daughter. My daughter-in-law can wear cute leather shorts at 30 that just would not work on me at 60. Embrace where you are.

  Quality Over Quantity

  I have a lot of clothes, but I probably only wear a fourth of what I have. We tend to repeat ourselves—I probably have five white button-down shirts! My mother was notorious for buying multiples of the same item if it was on sale. When she passed away, I found the same pair of shoes in five different colors that she never even wore.

  As we approach a new season, go through your closet.

  • Get rid of the outdated: Replace old white t-shirts that have worn out.

  • Invest in basics: Spend your money on quality basics.

  • Trendy items: Don’t spend a lot on trends you won’t keep for long.

  I’m most comfortable in a great pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. You can change that look in so many ways by adding a different belt, a jacket, or a scarf. Don't think about quantity; think about quality.

  Simplify Your Life

  Over 50, we need to think about simplicity, not complication. I hate the questions, "What am I going to wear?" and "What's for dinner?" Those two drive me crazy! By cleaning out your closet and finding your key pieces, you make your life so much easier.

  If you don't feel like you have much style, get someone to help you. Go to a department store—here in Birmingham, we have Gus Mayer, which is a great place to go. Find those key pieces that make you feel confident.

  I’ve evolved as I’ve gotten older, and I’m more comfortable in what I like and what I don’t. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can follow me on Instagram or check out my Amazon storefront; we’ll link all of that in the show notes.

  Thank you so much for listening. If this resonated with you, please connect with me on social media or email me at deanna@wellworthylife.com. Make sure to hit subscribe and follow so I can keep bringing you these weekly episodes.