Krish - very well put , and I agree with your take on cool 100% .

That’s an interesting thought. Remind me not to say cool to anyone Maori, ahem! But it’s interesting, because no one likes the ‘cool kids’ in school, but when you say someone has got cool, it means they’re amazing.

krishnidoux, I'm sorry if that came over as insensitive to what you're trying to achieve here, which sounds like fun, and quite right for you at this point in your life. I've been going through something very similar myself lately (puberty in reverse) and now that I'm on the other side of it I feel like throwing a party.

I'm very prone to overthinking these things and frankly allergic to the kind of fashion writing that aims to make me envious of other people. "Cool=in-crowd" is definitely the impression I get from Andrea Linnett, who may be a very stylish woman for all I know, but no thanks, I don't want to be her.

rachylou: well in that case, there must be multiple different meanings to the concept. Perhaps cool is like greatness: some are born with it, some achieve it and others have it thrust upon them. Or maybe it's like true love: if you go looking for it, you're doomed never to find it....

Interesting! I'm not sure I could really achieve cool no matter how hard I tried. But of course that's the point, right? Having to try hard probably means I don't have it!

Krish, your point about a "make under" resonated too. And that's where I think I'm at. I'm not trying as hard to present myself in that very feminine, conventionally pretty way. In this maximal fashion period, I'm almost going the opposite way. Less jewelry, less makeup (ok, still plenty of eyeliner!), more natural hair, and just more simple outfits. And while I"m enjoying the change, I'm sort of struggling with which of these is more "authentic" to myself. Yeah, that overused word!

Interesting thread - I love these threads that go in a few directions.

A couple of comments and observations;

Approprio - I have never heard that. "Cool" is a commonly used word here - as in "Your new haircut is cool", "That was a cool party" or even, as an affirmative answer to the question "Shall we meet at 4pm?". I have never heard of it having negative associations - it is possibly a bit overused and ubiquitous and as with lots of words, it can mean different things. It can mean an edgy sense of style, or someone who has that X factor, but it can also mean "That was a fun/happy/awesome night" or "Yes 4pm works".

Where it can be disparaging is in the statement "Oh she is in the cool crowd" - in a school situation for example.

Some people do have a cool, "not trying too hard", fun edge to their clothing... but it is such a hard concept to pin down. Being cool in your dress to me shows a lack of affectation - not showing too many brand names or too many trends at once. And it is a style that appeals to me more than the Real Housewives style (to take the opposite end of the spectrum).

None the less I like the sound of the direction you plan to take Krish and think it sounds a fab style that I hope to adopt too (in my later 40s - or does 47 still count as mid 40s).

Such an interesting read and thread and one I identify with - as the real aim is to be happy at all ages and achieve self acceptance and a congruence between our visual identity and our inner self.

I do not mind being older and enjoy being in my 40's and don't see that changing as I move into my 50's. As I age I want to learn more, get wiser and have more patience... all attributes that more than make up for losing my youth. However, I do want to be current. That is, I want to be open minded, accepting of new ideas, at the cutting edge of my profession and not closed off to the possibilities of the future.

I really applaud all the women on YLF as each and everyone of you have great and unique style. It is fun to be on this journey with you and I have learned so very much and enjoy participating in discussions such as this.

This sounds like a good book. I like the idea of combining strict pieces with more humble ones. I think that adding jewelry is also a great way to elevate the humble, casual pieces.

Where I come from, "cool" is viewed as a good thing. Sal explained well how I think of the word. I think it can also take courage to try to look "cool" and stand out from the crowd. I'm so glad this is injecting some excitement into your fashion journey.

Sal: FYI, I picked up the Maori reference here:
https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/.....vel-movie/

In contemporary Māori culture there are few burns that scald quite so deep as being called “a cool guy”: “Far, what a cool guy”, “Cool guy is it?” There is no sin so cardinal as attempting to claim power or status that doesn’t rightly belong to you. Very broadly, it’s seen as a misappropriation of mana.

OK, I think I figured out what I am trying to say.
I used the word "cool" because it's in the title of the book, but I think that what I am trying to channel really is badass.

Thanks for sharing the article....

Interesting perspective (I agree with the take on the film - it is a lot of fun and has a definite Maori flavour to it, especially in the sense of humour). I hadn't heard that regarding "a cool guy" but I can see that said in a sarcastic tone in could be insulting. I will ask a few of my friends who will know more!!

Nice pics Krish.

Ooh, those snakeskin skinnies in pic 4 are to die for!

Aren't they Gigi? I want everything from that outfit.

Great thread. Thanks for your perspectives, ladies. I enjoyed reading them.

Krish, you express yourself very well - it's hard to believe that English is your second laguage. I'm glad you enjoyed the book.

FWIW, I found myself nodding along with Liz (Approprio). I also believe that "Authenticity" is the single word that best defines a great personal style.