Ah, y'all are so great. Such terrific insights and encouragement. I need to get back to work (been ducking in and out of the forum while some automated tasks do their thing) but I want to respond more thoroughly later.

Angie, yes, BALANCE is a big key. You know me. And yes to the haircut helping a new outlook.

R&J, an artist friend on FB posted something the other day that reminded me that it's been well over a year since I attended a live music event or an art gathering, gallery or museum. I have never gone a year without those things since I was 18. You're so right that this is all an adjustment. Some of my radio friends posted pics from a concert last weekend -- a local band that I like, in an indoor venue. Limited capacity and masks encouraged, but I still will not do that until I'm fully vaccinated + waiting period. Part of me was envious and part of me was a little repelled by the idea. Strangers! Indoors! Breathing! Public! Yikes, I don't want to become a long-term hermit. I'm sure I'll get back out there at some point.

I'm super late to this, Janet, but I echo Angie. The haircut will make a huge difference to how you feel! (And I love those styles you showed -- long shag is fun!)

Also, you do have edge -- you just haven't had any opportunities to display it. As Angie and RoseandJoan said -- you've lost your tribe and most opportunities for dressing. I really feel this, too. Like you, I did a lot more outdoors stuff and it was great and I loved it, but I dressed for it -- and I missed dressing for my urban events with writer and artist friends. Well, that world WILL come back and we will dress for it again. We just need a bit of patience. (Said by one who is chomping at the bit.)

Having said all that -- yes, there is a transition period around or post menopause, a time of reflection on who we are and who we want to become and how we want our style to evolve. Women of a certain age are less visible in the wider culture; as Phoebe suggested, that has some surprising benefits! But also, it may open opportunities to become visible or heard in other ways. We can claim our own power. It is true that this takes some ingenuity on the fashion front. But you are a hugely gifted artist. You'll find your route to it.

I agree with many sentiments above. I definitely still see some of your edge and more will be evident when dressing for different occasions again. You have enviable style!

I am following closely because at 47, I officially went from peri to full on menopause this year (it’s definitely brought on reflection, as did losing my Mom last yr in her 60s and the whole pandemic), and am also an indie band/art lover who is missing getting out in those worlds.

I like the idea of coming into our own as we age. You’re only getting better!

Very late to this too - but a few observations...

- I think you have a natural edginess to your look, and yes it is evolving as you age, and fashions evolve as well.
- the pandemic has changed many things and opportunities - I wonder if you would have stopped colouring without Covid for example - but now you have - it looks fantastic
- I think hair and jewelry bags and footwear are where you get your edge, as often your essentials are more modern classic.

It is a balance - for you between slightly rocker,edgy,modern,classic, and also outdoorsy elements in your style... and when you lean too classic or too rocker or too natural/outdoorsy you don't feel night.

For me I try and balance natural/relaxed, boldness, elegance and a bit of sporty.... I used to try and get a bit of bombshell and retro in there too but this has dropped off a bit.

I agree with the ladies who brought up COVID. when we don’t do sownthing for over a year ( dress ) in a way that expresses our personality , you notice !

I am not a risk taker with clothing. I find you are more Janet. And you lost that this year. We also lost a year of “evolution” and moving into your age .

Though i am not edgy at all .... i think there arent alot of role models our age for that. I find many instagrammers in “fashion over 50 “ are a bit staid or overtly sexy ( look , wear a bustier with a see through shirt ... and its fine and they look fantastic ... but there is nothing applicable to me. ).

And i feel everyone looks the same. And every store has the same stuff.

I’m sure this was helpful ...LOL.

Oh a haircut will make all the difference, Janet.
I think covid is not conducive to edginess! More like squishiness (hello, Snuggy!)

cat2 ‘Marin Therapist’ made me howl with laughter!

Janet you are getting lots of wise input. Sounds like you are not alone in contemplating this issue.

It is a balance - for you between slightly rocker,edgy,modern,classic, and also outdoorsy elements in your style... and when you lean too classic or too rocker or too natural/outdoorsy you don't feel night.

Sally, this is it, for sure. I'm not rocker / edgy but instead of edge I might use the word "sharp" to describe one aspect of my style signature that has basically gone missing in these times. I've gone over to outdoorsy (because it is practical) and I will in fact continue to dress that way for outdoors pursuits, but I would like a few more urban occasions where the sharp bits can poke through! .

so many insightful comments that resonate here.

I think you clearly still have that artsy, rocker, creative edge and it really shows in your accessories and in the way you put it all together--and I love the new hair inspiration! I feel a little joan jett ass kicking there...cant wait to see the new 'do

I too just entered the other side of 51, while in a pandemic and living in the burbs I also am aware things are changing for me, Im a little softer in middle age, the stress of aging parents has shifted my priorities. Im not quite the same wild girl in the seattle singles scene of the 90s, but Im also not ready to blend in

I also am wanting to find ways to keep my edge....and in the summer with a little boho lite and my blonde hair It can be easy to slip a little into beach barbie territory........which is a bit opposite of my style. I realize going for a walk in the neighborhood just doesn't work wearing a leather jacket, and I can see the practicality of the gear despite how un-edgy it may be.

I SO miss all the gallery walks and live music! Like you it has been such a part of my life since I was a teenager, and it feels a bit unsettling not to be out experiencing art and travel. For SO long.....and to be teaching online all year, ugh. I miss the studio and darkroom with my students. just being messy. Part of my style has always been a bit of a creative, rocker edge. lots of black, leather, accessories, the city, a little vintage. I find as I am getting older I am preferring a bit more streamlined look, sometimes "too much" just doesn't feel authentic, seems trying too hard. I think the IJDGAF has a lot to do with it too....

I haven't worn a center part since grade school, & I think i'm pretty fine with it....

Janet, summer dressing is hard and something that I never feel I get right. Your recent purchases, the black jumpsuit and cool sandals and those boots have edge. The haircut is going to be fab, the haircut inspiration photos are very cool.

The hair colour issue is interesting. I can see me being one of those little old ladies who continue to dye their hair, as blonde hair is part of my signature style and makes me feel like me. I accept that clinging onto hair colour is likely to be ageing, but in order to feel like me, I may stick with it. I really loved Alaska Girl’s oil slick hair colour for a cool riff on natural grey hair with edge.

This getting older biz is tough. From my perspective you are doing that with amazing style that is true to a youthful spirit and conveys your artistic and rock and roll outlook without trying to look like your in your 20’s.

I always love it when Angie gets bossy.

I do agree with Cardiff girl that the hormonal upheaval that is menopause is as big a change as puberty, and with some similar emotional upheavals. FWIW I see not covering your grey hair as edgy in itself - as long as the haircut is kept intentional (one reason my recent cut bothered me so much). You will feel so much better after the haircut.
As for edgy as we age I submit Michele Lamy.
Anyway, turning 55 next month and following with interest .

Gah! Lost my text! Well, so much wisdom here. I don’t think you’ve lost your styling mojo - you just haven’t had the opportunities to exercise it.

Ditto what everyone else says. I see plenty of edge. I don’t think dabbling in a pink or green dress now and again is unfaithful to your “true” style. It just means you are open to experimentation and variation.

One practical piece of advice I’d like to offer. I usually find summer really hard from a style perspective but this last summer went better for me. One of the things I discovered is that wearing a worn, stretched or faded tee near my worn and faded face made me feel less than fab on a hot, sweat inducing day. I feel like summer sets a higher bar for wearing clothes with obvious signs of wear or “patina”. In winter I’m quite happy to wear faded denim, a worn leather jacket, battered boots. In fact, it feels quite authentic to me. But in summer worn out clothing really saps my self confidence.

I know you love your band tees, but can I suggest you review them for wear and tear? Start saving your favourites for occasional wear or, better still, replicate your favourites so you have a few in “as new” condition for going out. (I know that means they are not genuine souvenirs anymore.) Last summer I was surprised at how much having a bunch of sparkling new tops in great condition lifted my spirits.

And I do have similar struggles! I console myself that style is a journey and not a destination.

This is such a great thread! I know it has been said but summer is definitely harder for edgy style than winter is. But I think you have that look naturally and with a new cut (love the idea pics) and your new sandals it'll feel more you.

I love the comparison of puberty to menopause - I need to think about that (actually kind of hard for me to remember puberty though!).

So many great and thoughtful responses here! I am on my phone as usual and not able to respond to each comment as much as I’d like to, but know that I have read and appreciate every one! It does seem to be pandemic-related and a feeling that many of us are struggling with. I’ll keep plugging away, and looking forward to that hair appointment!

oh yes the power of the graphic concert tee! always makes be smile to think about the show when I pull them out, and gives a little pep. and I have to admit I always look when I see someone wearing one, even if its just at the grocery store

As Im wearing my husband's vintage sonic youth t, I see on ebay they are going for a pretty penny--upwards of $300 sometimes. Oh the retirements savings in all those concerts Tees.......

Rebekah, oh, some of my good concert tees disappeared when my stepsons were teenagers, grrrr. I’m not surprised about the Sonic Youth tee. I wish I still had mine (Goo era). Some of the truly vintage ones (Siouxsie and the Banshees, REM, etc) I have turned into quilts (one is band tees, one is tees from the radio stations where I worked). I tend to stop wearing them before they get truly worn out, and save them for another quilt.

I saw a woman in a store last week with an OMD shirt and I had to compliment her on it, LOL.

I do tend to juxtapose items — band tee with pants that are something more polished than distressed jeans; casual tee with skirt; or a slightly dressier blouse style with more casual summer shorts or pants. I’ve finally figured out that a dressier top with a skirt in summer makes me feel like I’ve lost my edge.

Janet, from what I’ve seen in your recent photos, your “edge” is alive and kicking. From my perspective, it’s always been YOU who put the edge in your outfits, not the other way around. Or, to be blunt, on another woman your band T-shirt would look like any other logo T-shirt sold in a mass market shop. It’s your eye for putting together new ways of harmonizing your femininity with your rocker soul and outdoor girl vibe which provides the Janet “edge” to your outfits.

My take is that “edge” needs to be current to be truly “edgy”—otherwise we risk looking like we walked out of a time warp. As a photographer you might revisit a past location, but I doubt you’d try to replicate the same image. Replication seems to me to go against “edge”, and, besides, it never really looks as fresh as the original version, does it?

Over the years, I’ve always been fascinated by how your photographer’s eye is reflected in your sense of style. Can I suggest, instead of trying to figure out how to go back to your former 2019 “edge”, you focus your talented gaze on giving the rest of us a post-pandemic 2022 version of Janet “edge”? I’m keeping my fingers crossed you’ll accept the challenge.

Gaylene, that is so astute of you. Last year spurred some shifts in my artistic work — a result of having to turn inward and stay closer to home, as well as some acute personal losses, and some subsequent study and work.

I can already sense that some of my old things are not going to quite cut it for 2021+ Janet. Part of me is reluctant to get rid of them because I am a big “just in case” practitioner, LOL. And I don’t want to be too hasty and throw out the baby with the bathwater, because I do sometimes go hot and cold, and then hot again, on a item. The styling is key.

I was just pulling some pants out of the holding zone that I completely forgot about — last year there were zero wearing opportunities. And I kind of assumed that they would be too tight but I put them on and they are fine. They’re a sort of linen wide leg five pocket cut — lightweight, full-length, comfortable, flattering. And I’ve been thinking of them as “dressy” for some reason. I took the time to try them on with some sandals and a couple of different tops, and there is no reason why I can’t wear them casually. I’m moving them into my closet where I can see and wear them.

I think that rethinking some of my stuff is helping me mix items in ways that work better for where I am now, and helps keep me from wanting to shop too much.

OMD!

Forever Live And Die is now spinning in my head, lol.

As I entered retirement and turned 60, I have found that simpler is better for me. Less makeup, jewelry and accessories, fewer (if any) heels, a more defined color palette that flatters, and a cleaner, less cluttered closet...letting go of things that no longer serve. Comfort is paramount. And I put more energy into my skin care and hair, if that makes sense. Right now, post-Covid, my hair is long (for me). My family loves it, but I’ll be back to my signature short in a few months. I haven’t embraced the grey yet, but am sticking with blonde for the time being. That’s just how I feel the most me, and I’m willing to invest the time and money to keep it up. You have a very authentic style, Janet. I think if you stay true to that, adjusting as you evolve, your uncertainty will disappear.

I have nothing smart or insightful to add. Just want to say that I appreciate Janet for kicking off this thread, all the smart women who have commented and Angie for making this possible.

This is such a great conversation. I struggled with keeping my edge during the year of staying home. It was surprising how important it was to me, and how a few subtle things really helped -- like a new pair of Birkenstocks that I wore as house shoes instead of the boring flip-flops I had before. Not that Birkenstocks are edgy per se, but the combination of black jeans and black sandals was just enough "me" that I felt happy when I saw myself in the mirror.

I imagine that as life keeps returning to normal, you'll naturally get a better sense of what has actually changed in your style and which parts of your pre-pandemic style you want to pull back in.

Summer is the perennial unresolved problem for me in this regard. But also: I have this idea that when I get old, really old, I’ll dress like a preppy nun. Quiet down. Black skirts, woolly jumpers, sturdy shoes. Like my architect cousins! They look fab in my book. Or David Bowie - the most successful transition ever if you ask me. But every time I ask myself, how about now? I answer, how about tomorrow?