First, I want to say thanks to everyone on these boards. I have mostly lurked here the past couple of years and have gained wonderful insights and knowledge. I now pay attention to what I’m wearing even when just running errands or working from home. I don’t think I’m a candidate for What Not To Wear anymore.

And yet . . . I feel like I’m going to be asked to leave the “GIRLS” club. Two incidents/revelations in the past week got me pondering this.

First was a jewelry party that I attended (I despise these things, but it was my best friend’s party). Almost everything was blingy and (to me) over-the-top. Everyone else was having a grand time trying on and ordering the jewelry. I finally found a pair of subtle stud earrings (silver with small faux pearl) that I’ll wear at work. I just don’t wear much jewelry, usually a watch and earrings. Anything more and it hurts my brain to try to coordinate it. Strike one, I wear minimal jewelry.

Next, I went to the nail salon to get a manicure (French mani, short nails only). It was very crowded that day. Everyone else in there my age (51) or younger had shoulder-length or longer hair. EVERYONE. Only one older lady had short hair, and it looked matronly. I have a short pixie cut, dark blonde with highlights. I haven’t had longer hair since the early 80’s. My hair is very fine (pony-tail thickness would be less than ½-inch) and keeping it short with layers and using product is the only way I can add body & texture to my hair. Strike two, I have short hair. Did I miss the memo that said we all had to have long hair? And am I looking matronly, too, for having short hair?

Statistcs: I’m 5’5”, 120 lbs., A-cup bra. I’m shaped like a stick – thin and straight. I prefer wearing solid colors, neutrals with a pop of color (usually citron or lime green, my favorite color). If I wear prints they are almost always geometric. I rarely wear florals, ruffles, lace, and if I do I feel like a fraud. About the only nod to girly is that I’ve really taken to wearing skirts this past year. But only pencil/straight styles, solid or geometric prints. I don’t do heels over 2”, prefer flatter shoes. Handbag is usually a neutral leather bag, no bling. Makeup is subtle and neutral; lipstick color enhances natural lip color. I even prefer men’s colognes (clean, herbal) over women’s (floral).

I’m pretty happy with my style; at this stage in my life I’m probably not going to change much. But I feel like THE GIRL TRAIN HAS LEFT THE STATION AND I’M NOT ON IT! Anyone else want to join me in the Tomboy club? Then maybe I won’t feel so peculiar!

Here’s some pictures for clarity (freakishly tomboy or not?)

1. Short hair (it’s been shorter!)
2. Body shape: stick with lanky arms and legs
3. Typical errand day outfit: Ann Taylor Loft Modern Slim jeans, grey tshirt, light grey cashmere sweater (worn backwards, I’m weird!), TOMS grey suede desert booties.
4. Work day outfit (casual office): Chevron skirt (thrift store find), black draped neck tshirt, lime green cardigan, Clarks booties.
5. Booties up close