Style After 50: Reclaiming Confidence and Joy Through a Fall Style Reset

You know how I said last week that fall always seems like the perfect time for a reset? That getting back to yourself moment? Well, this week, we're taking that reset from the inside out.Because sometimes the best way to feel refreshed is to look in the mirror and think, yep, that's me again. The other day, I went into my closet, and, phew, let me tell you, it was a whole situation.I could instantly tell how chaotic my life had been just by looking at it. Clothes everywhere, shoes I haven't worn in years. Scarves tangled together like they were in a wrestling match.And right there in the middle of all that chaos, I had a thought. Maybe this isn't just about my closet. Maybe it's a reflection of where I am.So today we're doing a little seasonal reset, but we're making it stylish.From decluttering your closet with confidence to exploring this fall's most wearable fashion trends, I've got some inspiration to help you step into the new season looking and feeling like your best self.

It's good to be alive, but it's best to truly live. Let your spirit fly. Celebrate the journey every single day. Aging with grace and style in our own space.

Welcome to Aging with Grace and Style, the podcast where we talk about living boldly, aging beautifully, and embracing every chapter with confidence.I'm your host, Valerie, and if you listened to last week's episode, you know, we talked about that inner fall reset, slowing down, finding balance, and reconnecting with yourself. Today, we're kind of flipping it to the outer reset, because when your mindset shifts, your style should follow.So grab your coffee, grab your notebook, and maybe even start eyeing that closet, because we're about to give your wardrobe and your confidence a fresh start. So let's start in the closet. My closet, to be exact. I opened the door the other morning, and I immediately thought, this is a cry for help.I mean, hangers hanging off the rack, clothes I haven't worn in years, a pair of heels I can barely stand up in, much less walk in. What's crazy is that I just cleaned out my closet at the beginning of the year. Obviously, I held on to some of the things that needed to go.And I realized I can always tell how hectic my life is based on how my closet looks. When life is peaceful, things stay tidy. But when I'm overextended, everything ends up in a pile. So I decided to take one small step.I started a maybe pile. Not a keep pile, not a donate pile.Just maybe, because, honestly, Sometimes you need to try things on, not just physically, but emotionally, before deciding what still fits your life. And let me tell you, as I was going through things, I found pieces that represented old versions of me.Corporate vow, church vow, Pre pandemic vow, 20 pounds heavier vow. And then I caught myself smiling at a few things that still felt like me. Now that's when it hit me. This process wasn't just about decluttering.It was about reconnecting. Because your closet tells a story of who you were, who you are, and who you're becoming. Before we talk trends, let's talk mindset.Style after 50 isn't about chasing youth or trying to impress anyone. It's about expressing who you are. Now, for most of my life, I've dressed for me for what I liked and what made me feel confident.Sometimes to the chagrin of others. Now, sure, there were times when I dressed for the role, the job title, the event, the church program, the image that I thought I had to maintain.But at my core, I've always had a strong sense of self when it comes to style. And if you know me, you know I like short dresses. Not untastefully short, not hoochie mama short, but at or just above the knee.I have long legs and honestly, I like to show them in the church world. That's turned a few noses up through the years, but it's who I am.I'm never going to wear anything that disrespects me or my husband, but I'm also not going to dress to make other people comfortable. That's always been my philosophy, though the way I dress day to day has changed a bit. Working from home shifted a lot of things for me.I don't know about you, but after a while the whole business from the waist up thing became my uniform. A cute blouse, some earrings, a little lipstick, and probably yoga pants, sweats or shorts.I think being home so much made me a bit of a lazy dresser. I've stopped reaching for the fun pieces because where was I really going? But this fall, I'm challenging myself to get dressed for me again.Not just for a meeting or a photo or a trip, but because I look good, but because when I look good, I feel more like myself. So I've decided this fall, my reset starts there. And yes, I'm officially on a mission to find a pair of wine colored cowboy boots.Not because I need them, but because they just feel right for the season. They're bold, they're stylish, a little unexpected, kind of like this version of me that I'm growing into.That's the beauty of a style refresh after 50. It's not about trends. It's about alignment. It's asking what feels like me. Now. Now, let's talk about what's trending this season.Because, yes, fashion trends can be fun if you make them work for you. The runways might say one thing, but let's be honest. Most of us want style that's wearable, flattering, and doesn't require a celebrity stylist.Here are a few trends that I'm loving this fall and how to make them midlife friendly and fabulous. Number one is rich, earthy neutrals. So think chocolate brown, espresso, olive and camel.These shades are chic, sophisticated and easier to wear than the black that I so love. They kind of bring warmth to your complexion, and they pair well with gold jewelry and denim.Try replacing your black basics with one of these richer neutrals, like an espresso jacket or maybe an olive sweater. It instantly updates your look without overhauling your whole wardrobe. Number two, Call it a pop of personality.Fall doesn't have to mean muted tones.This year's dated colors are chartreuse, which is a vibrant yellow green hue chilly pepper red, which as it sounds, is a bold red and a deep aubergine, which is like a dramatic purple. But here's the trick. Don't overdo it. Pick one piece that pops. Maybe a scarf or a handbag or those wine colored cowboy boots that I mentioned earlier.Yes, I am stuck on them and I think I found some. A single bowl accent can make your entire outfit feel modern and alive. Number three is texture. Texture is really having a major moment.Say faux leather, suede, velvet and chunky knits. These materials add richness to your look and they photograph beautifully. My tip? Mix one standout texture with one classic piece.Say, like pairing a suede jacket with denim or a soft knit sweater with a leather skirt. Too cute, and it's that effortless balance between cozy and chic. Number four is relaxed tailoring.Can we just agree that tight, uncomfortable work wear is a thing of the past? This fall is all about relaxed tailoring, like wide leg trousers, which I love, softly structured blazers and flowy silhouettes that move with you.I love this trend because it's power dressing with breathing room. You can look polished and feel comfortable.Add a bold earring or a crossbody bag and suddenly you're walking into any room looking like the elevated version of yourself without sacrificing comfort. Here's the thing. When you reset your style, you naturally start looking at the rest of your world differently.I always say your environment mirrors your energy. As you're cleaning out your closet, take that same approach with your home.You don't need a full makeover, just small, intentional touches that help you breathe easier. Maybe swap your bright summer throw pillows for something textured and caramel or cream. I'm about to do that.Add a lamp or a candle that smells like cinnamon and cedar or your favorite fall scent, Bath and Body Works is waiting for you. Or clear off one surface, just one, and let that space remind you that simplicity feels good. Here's something that I'm not sure I've shared before.I'm actually a certified image consultant. Years ago I trained formally and even shadowed a very well known celebrity stylist in Dallas.I haven't done anything professionally with it in quite a while, maybe since right before COVID Workplace image, which is where I focused, has really changed over the years, but the foundation stuck with me. That experience taught me something powerful. Style isn't just about clothes. It's about confidence.The way you present yourself on the outside influences how you show up on the inside. And that's why I say style is a form of self care.Even though I don't keep up with every trend like I used to, that training still shows up every time I pull together an outfit. It reminds me that fashion can be fun again. Not a chore, not an expectation, but an expression.So if you found yourself in that same pattern, working from home, feeling uninspired by your closet, then maybe it's time to play again. Try mixing textures, throw on some boots just because wear perfume for no reason at all. Getting dressed isn't about impressing anyone.It's about saying I'm still here and I matter. And speaking of self care, I've gotten something exciting coming soon. I'm releasing my new ebook, the Midlife Wellness Reset.It's a practical, inspiring guide to help you refocus your health, energy and mindset. Because wellness isn't a trend, it's a lifestyle. Be listening for the official launch date.And because you're part of this podcast community, there will definitely be a special discount just for my listeners. So stay tuned. Here's your reflection question for the week. What part of your style no longer represents who you are today?Maybe it's that stack of clothes that you keep hoping you'll fit back into. Or maybe it's a habit of saving your best pieces for special occasions. We've all done that, and then they never get worn.What if that special occasion is right now? Choose one thing. One outfit, one color, one texture that makes you feel alive. And wear it this week. No waiting, no permission needed.So here's the takeaway. You don't need a new wardrobe to feel renewed. You just need to reconnect with the woman wearing it. Fall is the season of transformation.The trees aren't afraid to change unless you're in Texas and neither should you be. So clear the clutter. Mix it up, add that pop of color and walk into this new season with your head high and your confidence higher.Because Aging with Grace and Style isn't about staying the same. It's about evolving beautifully. One outfit and one mindset at a time.If today's episode gave you that nudge to do your own style reset, then share it with me. Tag me @iamvaleriehatcher. I want to see your fall outfit, your closet progress or your dream item for the season.And if you find those wine colored cowboy boots before I do, don't gatekeep. But when I find them, I'm going to post them on Instagram. So if you're not following me at I am ValerieHatcher, be sure to do so.Be sure to follow Aging with Grace and Style wherever you listen to your podcast, because next week we're tackling wellness and energy hacks to help you stay grounded, glowing and energized through the holidays. Until next time, grace up, glow up and keep showing up. Thanks for hanging out with me today.If you love this episode, do me a favor, share it with a friend and leave a quick review. It's a small thing that makes a big difference. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And hey, let's keep the conversation going.Join me at pod.agingwithgraceinstyle.com for more tips, stories and a whole lot of connection. Until next time, keep shining with grace, style and a touch of sass.