Facing Fashion

By Annette Sanfilippo Photos Yanni

Wear it well’ they say. Confidence is key! Do our clothes give us that feeling or do we need the attitude first? A good dose of self-confidence can really help us be the best version of ourselves, helping us to take risks, achieve our goals, and project a desired image that may not necessarily be in our comfort zone.

So, what do you need in order to gain it? Thinking and behaving in a specific way where we believe in ourselves and act accordingly helps build a good skill set that will enable this widely sought after emotion.

With our world leaning heavily into ‘AI’ it can often make it a little hard to keep it real. Granted, our internet feeds us with information like an encyclopedia, but not all of it helps our self-confidence. It’s hard to keep up with our everchanging environment. Trends come and go quickly. Cultures change, and new lifestyle habits evolve, but one thing is always a given: we continually get older…and hopefully wiser. As much as I aspire to wear a cute bikini or pour myself into a smooth pair of leather pants, I don’t think I’m going to wear them well. Staying real is OK. In fact, it’s actually a new trend. As I enter into my 60th year of life this month, I can’t help but reflect on the need to be the best me that I can be.

Ageism suddenly becomes a hot topic and it is not a nuance; it seems to be commanding and demanding serious attention and action around the world. I like to think that I am someone who stands up for my beliefs, so when I hear ‘you’re too old to wear that’ or the other common idiom ‘you look like mutton dressed up as lamb’, I like to prove that you can be and wear whatever you like with good styling and a touch of flair. Feeling good in our skin can give us the confidence to enjoy who we are at any age. The fashion and beauty industry has been pressured into acknowledging these culture changes and as a result we are seeing a major shift in attitude and actions.

Ageing doesn’t mean we need to be fixed. For so long the stereotypical phrases attached to beauty like ‘antiwrinkle,’ ‘ageless’ or ‘regain your youth’, are being redefined with inclusive language like, ‘celebrate you’ and ‘age-perfect’. Campaigns like #keepthegrey and #powerofageing, from global brands such as Dove, Avon and L’Oreal are brave and are helping trailblaze a more confident and healthy mature community. Hollywood celebrities are using their platforms to display a more minimalistic presence, condoning a more ‘beauty from within mentality.’ We are setting a growth mindset with a strong desire to take a more holistic approach to reaching our peak, like ‘eat the rainbow’ and moving increasingly away from surgical help to a more topical approach with the belief that we are about progress, not perfection.

We are seeing a major shift in attitude and actions

Modern technologies and directions are certainly helping us ‘get the look’ to take pride in our image with a bit more ease. This focus, which is usually targeting women, is starting to shine a little light onto the male domain. It’s a very balanced conversation now and it is wonderful to see so many people feeling comfortable and taking pride in their grooming and apparel, opening up a free, experimental, and playful display of style.

Booking a manicure, facial, or a hairdressing appointment is something we all do from time to time to make us feel fresh and help boost our confidence and they are minor contributors to the bigger picture. Everyone has their thing, like always wearing a coloured beanie, donning a hat and holding a walking stick, having pink hair, or getting tattoos; and these choices create our fashion identity. I love that we have arrived at a time where we can celebrate being unique and quirky and not have to conform to a mainstream ideal. It makes it easier to just ‘be’.

Accessibility to fun fashion and accessories helps and there are so many unique ways to express the inner you. If you want to show your confidence with colour, vintage clothing, designer brands or luxurious accessories then head on down to the newest boutique on the peninsula that is causing a bit of a frenzy. Katra Collections in the heart of Rye boasts an eclectic selection of all of the above. It’s 360 degrees of eye candy that will help you bring your look to life. Peruse pretty, textured handbags, shoes, scarves, hats, and jewellery with labels like Steve Madden, Armani, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Tiffany and more. With stock coming in weekly there is always that element of surprise with each visit. You may even walk in to champagne and charcuterie and feel very much the VIP just for being there at the right time. Customers are treated to attentive service, friendly conversation and with so much to forage through you may even get time for a coffee while your there. I’ve never seen so many denim jean brands in one place and, if you’re a North Face fan, get ready for some rare finds. There is no excuse to walk out of there without something to love.

As we move through the deepest month of winter it’s a great time to wear it all. Layer up and show off those fabulous coats, knits, boots, and bags. Don’t be afraid to wear that colour that someone said didn’t suit you, those earrings that you’re saving for the right look or that outfit you think you needed a special event for. Show off your wares and dress well to feel great. Attract good energy. Keep breaking your boundaries and remember that a mirror only reflects, it doesn’t comment. If it did it might say 'be kinder to yourself and trust in your choices'. It’s for your eyes only so own your look, do whatever brings a smile to you and keep challenging yourself. For me, this month I have a wedding, a few fun dinners to attend and a birthday outfit to find. Let’s see how well I take my own advice.

Fashionably yours, Annette