The 51 and Fab Woman: Looking Your Age Has Long Past

How old are you again?

There was a time when a woman in her 50s was considered prehistoric.

We were seen as fossils, and terms like “matronly, dowager, or spinster” were thrown about with abandon.

Women dressed in depressing colors, exposed little to no skin, and finding love at that age was damn near inappropriate.

Fast forward to today.

Such words would draw a room full of laughter. I wish a mother-father would refer to me as a quinquagenarian (woman between 50–59) or suggest that I looked rough, frail, or every bit my 51 years! “Put up your dukes!” (In my Daffy Duck voice!)

Look, I get it. As women, we go through the gambit. We don’t put ourselves first between work, family, and other responsibilities. As a result, we suffer for it, mentally and physically. Mother Nature may give up on us because we’ve given up on ourselves.

How can you change this?

These days there’s no excuse to look your ‘actual’ age if you’re interested in appearance. Among exercise, developing healthy eating habits (moi), extensive, affordable clothing lines in all shapes and sizes, make-up, and a plethora of hairdressers, you too can make a remarkable transformation and shock your friends and family. (Sounds like an old commercial, doesn’t it?)

There’s something awesome about hearing, “Gurl, I thought you were younger!” Or standing in front of your mirror, being happy with what’s inside and out. When you exude confidence and pride, those around you will notice it too!

I have several beautiful friends who are regularly approached by younger men, much to their chagrin. “Dawlin’ I’m old enough to be yo momma!”

Your Resume vs. Your Attire

Even in the workforce, where ageism is an issue, should you find yourself in a situation where you must return to the job market or decide that it’s time to change course in your career, an adjustment in your attire could benefit you.

Sadly, our sparkling resumes aren’t always enough.

Instead of looking at your skills, the interviewer may get caught up in the fact that you still dress like it’s the 80s, and you’re determined to bring back the mullet. (Though I must say modernized versions of the mullet, wolf cut, and curly shag are making a comeback! Thanks, Miley, Rihanna, and Zendaya.)

Easier said than done!

Now, for some of us, adjusting our appearance is secondary. You’re probably giving me the side-eye. “Lady, I have more important things to worry about!” Just because we don’t leap onto the newest trends does not mean we don’t care about how we present ourselves.

We have obligations that take precedence; a new look is not at the top of the list. In my “growing up days,” my mom did her best with what she had and still turned heads. She cared more about finances, what we ate, and whether my brother and I looked appropriate for school and church.

If you are not in a position to invest in yourself right now, no worries. If you don’t feel like changing at this moment, that’s fine too. Creating magic with what we have is a unique ability and an innate skill many women are known for.

So, ladies, there is always time to make a change.

If you’re unhappy with your appearance, and someone dares to call you “old” (hopefully, it didn’t come from your tactless offspring), do something about it. Then they’d have to yell, “Mom! Stop shimmying and act your age!” Which is a comment you can flat-out ignore!

Until next time, ageless beauties!

Sharon-

Thanks for taking the time to read my piece! If you are interested in more, I invite you to check these out!

Sharon Mitchell is from Richmond, Virginia but was born and raised in The Big Apple. She’s a freelance creative writer actively working towards publishing her first book Amachi’s Hope.