Ovinophobia

Source: Pinterest

What in Karl Largerfeld's Fan is Ovinophobia, you ask?

Well, I'd say that as a personal stylist, it's one of the most common problems that I see with. Ovinophobia, you see, is the fear of sheep, or, in this case, more specifically, the fear of mutton.

"Oh I'd love to wear that dress, but wouldn't it be a little 'mutton'?"
"Oh I can't possibly wear hot pink, I'm far too old!"
"I saw a fabulous jumper in Topshop/River Island/Warehouse, but I couldn't possibly wear it at my age!"

Again and again I hear it, it seems that once women get over the age of around 35, they become absolutely terrified of people (read other women) viewing them as mutton dressed as lamb. Now, I'm all for people dressing in a way that they feel comfortable, but the problem is that these women then become crippled by that fear, and refuse to take any risks at all with what they wear. They tend to retreat into a shell of middle-aged (and I use the term as a state of mind, rather than an actual age) drabness.

So here's my advice to you if you're suffering from a little Ovinophobia.

1. There is no such thing as being too old for a colour. It either suits you or it doesn't.
2. Looking good is all about dressing appropriately for your body shape, not your age. There are plenty of 50 year olds who can rock a short skirt better than me.
3. Expressing your sense of style makes you feel more confident. Embrace it, and if that top you love happens to be in a 'young' shop, who cares?
4. Other people look at what you're wearing a lot less than you think they do, and if they are going to look at you, wouldn't you rather they think 'oh wow she always looks so happy in what she wears', rather than 'oh she always wears the same thing'.

I know that it's hard to try new things as far as what we wear is concerned, but maybe try with a little new colour, then progress on to those kick ass boots you've been eyeing up. You never know, you might stop hearing that bleating in your head that holds you back.