Fashion and Aging: The Power of Self-Liberation

 Fashion and Aging: The Power of Self-Liberation

As women, we face societal expectations from the moment we're born—how we should look, act, and even think. But as we age, something remarkable happens: we begin to approach life, and fashion, in one of two distinct ways. We either shed those expectations and become more liberated, or we cling to them, seldom allowing ourselves the freedom to truly live. These paths not only shape our sense of self but also manifest in the way we present ourselves to the world.

For the liberated woman, aging becomes a journey of self-discovery. She reinvents herself, wearing her confidence like a bold accessory, unapologetically choosing vibrant, fearless fashion. She’s the 90-year-old we see rocking neon green, soft pink, or embracing her natural white hair—her outfits a reflection of the freedom she feels inside. You can feel her energy, see the self-assuredness in her eyes, and feel inspired by her presence. She knows who she is and what she wants, and she isn't afraid to go after it. Her fashion tells the story of a life lived authentically, a celebration of self.

Then, there’s the woman who remains shackled by society's expectations. She molds herself into what others want her to be, viewing her identity through the lens of others' opinions. This woman is rigid, adhering to rules that no longer serve her, and bitterness grows within her as she ages. She may look polished, but there's a disconnect. Her outward appearance doesn’t match the inner frustration she feels. Her clothing becomes a costume for the life she feels she’s supposed to live, instead of the one she truly desires. With each passing year, she’s weighed down by invisible chains, blaming the world for the freedom she never seized for herself.

So, what is the key to ensuring you age like the liberated woman, instead of the one bound by expectation? The answer is a spark—a spark that ignites within and makes you question everything you’ve known.

In the past five years, I’ve come to realize that this spark isn’t about clothes or external validation. It’s about illuminating the darkest parts of ourselves. It forces us to confront our shadows—the demons and dragons we’ve left to rot in forgotten corners. It’s not a pretty process. You come face-to-face with the parts of yourself you’ve ignored, the areas that need healing. But before you can heal, you have to see them clearly.

When you finally examine those ugly parts and stop being repulsed by them, something powerful happens. You become acquainted with your demons. You can begin to ask the important questions: How did you come to be? At what age were you formed? What triggers you to appear? What calms you down? As you make peace with these parts of yourself, you soften. You start to honor them, understanding that they’ve played a role in shaping the woman you are today.

This process isn’t fast or easy, but it’s worth every moment. Because at the end of it all, you realize that the only thing that truly matters is how you feel about being you. When you can embrace your entire self—flaws, scars, and all—you begin to grow. And that’s where true grace lies: in the ability to age on your terms, unburdened by expectations, dressed in whatever makes you feel like the most authentic version of yourself.

In the end, aging is less about how you look and more about how you live. Fashion becomes a reflection of this internal journey, a mirror of the freedom you’ve fought to claim. When you wear your truth, you wear it boldly. And that is how we age gracefully—by embracing ourselves fully, every step of the way.

XV Canales