14: Midlife Style Makeover — Embracing Your Changing Body with Confidence

In this episode of Midlife and Glowing, Alicia and Nicole get real about how our relationship with our bodies and style shifts during perimenopause and beyond.

From grieving old versions of ourselves to embracing the women we are now, they explore how style can be a powerful tool for self-love, identity, and confidence. You’ll walk away with fresh inspiration and practical tips to help you feel amazing in your own skin—right now.

00:00 Welcome to Midlife and Glowing
00:24 Embracing Body Changes in Midlife
05:00 Shifting Your Style with Confidence
05:40 Fashion as a Tool for Self-Expression
09:52 Finding Your Personal Style
18:23 Practical Style Tips for Midlife Women
19:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

📌 Resources:
🛍️ Alicia’s favorite versatile midlife style staples on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedailyglowlife/
👗 The Midlife Glow Edit → https://stan.store/thedailyglowlife/p/the-midlife-glow-edit
🪞 Our free Daily Glow Rituals Guide → https://stan.store/thedailyglowlife/p/daily-glow-rituals-guide

Transcript

Alicia: 0:00

Hey there. Welcome back to Midlife and Glowing. I'm Alicia.

Nicole: 0:03

And I'm Nicole. And today we're talking about something that hits so many of us in this season of life. How Our relationship with our bodies and our style evolves as we move through midlife.

Alicia: 0:14

We are getting into the real talk, grieving old versions of ourselves, embracing who we are now and how style can actually become a powerful form of self-expression and self-love.

Nicole: 0:24

Let's start with the elephant in the room. Our bodies are changing and not always in the ways that we expected or wanted. For a lot of women, this brings up frustration, comparison, even grief.

Alicia: 0:37

Right, and it's okay to miss how you looked or felt in your twenties or thirties, but you can't get stuck there. Midlife isn't about going backwards. It's about learning how to feel amazing in the skin you're in now.

Nicole: 0:49

And it's not just about looks, hormones, weight shifts, bloating, skin, muscle tone. It's all changing. But what if we started approaching our body with curiosity instead Of criticism? I think a lot of us have a tendency to be hypercritical of ourselves, which is really just such a disservice to our mental and emotional health, our self-love and compassion for ourselves. Like how can you be happy when you're constantly unhappy with various aspects of what you think you should see in the mirror?

Alicia: 1:22

Totally. I feel like there's this invisible expectation that we're supposed to look the same forever and if we don't, we've somehow failed. But aging isn't failure, it's evolution. Our bodies are changing because it's part of the natural process of aging, not because we've done something wrong, and honestly, it's a privilege to age.

Nicole: 1:42

Absolutely. And when you start viewing your body as something to take care of and be grateful for, rather than something to fix the whole dynamic shifts, like instead of looking in the mirror and immediately zoning in on what you wanna change, like what if you just appreciated all that you've been able to do in your life because of your body. Sometimes in my meditation, I'll focus my gratitude on how capable my body is, because that really is such a blessing.

Alicia: 2:10

I couldn't agree more. And you know, I feel this, especially after I've been sick. Because when you're sick, you're laying there you're like uh, you know, you, you just

Nicole: 2:19

Right.

Alicia: 2:19

wanna feel better. So, you know, after you're sick, you really gain a new level of appreciation for your health and abilities. And you know, what if we celebrated the strength we're building now? So many of us are stronger, more resilient, more grounded than we've ever been. And I think that deserves to be reflected in how we see ourselves and how we dress ourselves too.

Nicole: 2:41

Right. I think midlife is a chance to start embodying the version of ourselves that you are today and let go of the version of you that felt the need to shrink or hide or feel small. It's okay to take up space and feel good in your own skin.

Alicia: 2:57

And you don't have to love every inch of your body to respect it, to honor it, and to start showing up in a way that reflects who you are now, not who you were or who you think you're supposed to be.

Nicole: 3:07

Yeah, I definitely agree with that. There's plenty of aspects of my own body that I'd like to change, but it's not helpful to dwell on that or let that control how I show up every day or how I feel about myself on a deeper level.

Alicia: 3:22

Right. I can relate to that and I know most women do. Most of us have something about ourselves that we wanna change. You know, it's like we're zoning in on the cellulite, the rolls, the stretch marks, you know, the things like that, that show that you've lived life. And everybody has it. And I think we should embrace that and not be so self-conscious about it. And I know that's easier said than done, and I'm very guilty of being self-conscious of it. But it just shows that you've lived your life.

Nicole: 3:49

Yeah, definitely. I, you know, I agree. I mean, we all have it and we each have something about ourselves that we wanna change. And sometimes it's like, it's funny because I worked with someone that had she had this head of thick hair with these beautiful curls, and yet she wanted it straight. And then people that have really stick straight hair, want it curly, right? So there's always something that you're gonna wish was different.

Alicia: 4:12

Yes, definitely. Uh, I desperately wanted to have blue eyes, uh, and even tried color contacts, not realizing that I had an allergy to the contacts and couldn't wear them. So I have to have special material contacts and they don't come colored. So I've learned to embrace and love the color of my hazel eyes. I also really wanted my kids to have blue eyes too, because my husband has blue eyes, so I was hoping they would take after him. But they didn't, and of course I still love them.

Nicole: 4:41

Funny enough, I actually, um, used the blue contacts a time or two myself, but it was when I was, um, trying to use my older sister's ID to get into bars when I was still underage. So she has blue eyes. So I can relate to wanting blue eyes, but for a different reason. Uh, funny enough. But in all seriousness, when it comes to our bodies changing, once we stop trying to force our bodies to look like they did 10 or 20 years ago, we can actually start getting curious about how we wanna show up in this next chapter. Because the reality is that this is the chapter we're in.

Alicia: 5:18

Yes, because how we dress ourselves is often the first step in how we express ourselves. And if our body is changing, it makes sense that our style would shift too.

Nicole: 5:27

Yeah, totally. Style doesn't have to be about trends or trying to look younger. It can actually be about feeling more like you, more comfortable, more confident, more aligned with who you are today.

Alicia: 5:39

So let's talk about that. Let's talk about how we can use fashion not as a mask, but as a tool for self-expression, creativity, and confidence, especially in this midlife season. Okay, this is where style gets powerful. For so long, fashion might have been about fitting in, or name brands. In our twenties, we dressed for trends, in our thirties, maybe for function, but in midlife you get to choose how you wanna show up.

Nicole: 6:04

Right, and that doesn't mean giving up or dressing your age like in a boring way. It means finding pieces that support your current body and identity. Clothes you feel good in.

Alicia: 6:15

And that process can be so liberating. You start asking, what do I actually like? What feels like me? And you stop dressing for approval and start dressing for alignment. I can't even tell you how many times I've come downstairs in something that I felt good in and members of my family have a different opinion and uh, you know, have something to say'cause maybe it's something a little different or, you know, whatever. And I'm okay with that.

Nicole: 6:40

And midlife is such a good time to let go of the old rules too. There's no fashion police if it makes you feel confident, comfortable, and creative. Then it's a win. It's for you. Style can become a daily ritual of saying, this is who I am today.

Alicia: 6:57

And the beauty is style evolves just like we do. It doesn't have to look one way forever. What worked for you last year might not feel right now, and that's okay. Just like we change our mindset, our wellness habits and our relationships, we can change our wardrobe to reflect our inner shift. And style might even shift from day to day. One day I might wanna go all glam and the next I might want something more comfortable. You know, when I was younger I didn't care so much about comfort. If it was cute, I wanted it. Even if it was uncomfortable, and now when I'm making clothing purchases, I tend to have comfort be higher up on my list of requirements. And that's not to say it's not cute, it's just also comfortable.

Nicole: 7:37

Well, I love that. Best of both worlds. You know, I'm all about that comfort. It likewise wasn't as much of a priority when I was younger as it is now. Um, now it's pretty much at the tippy top of my list of requirements. If it's cute, like that's a bonus. So if you're standing in your closet thinking. Uh, I don't even know what feels good anymore. You are not alone. This is where so many women find themselves during perimenopause, and honestly, that frustration usually isn't just about the clothes.

Alicia: 8:08

Right, because when your body changes, your identity shifts and nothing fits the way it used to. Shopping and getting dressed can stir up a whole lot of emotions.

Nicole: 8:16

Yeah, totally. So let's talk about that, the emotional side of the style shift and how to move through those sticky moments with more self-compassion and clarity.

Alicia: 8:26

Shopping and trying on clothes can be such an emotional trigger in this season. Things don't fit the same. You may have to change sizes. Current trends don't look right or feel good on your body.

Nicole: 8:37

Right, and both of those changing sizes and opting out of the hot trends can be really tough. You wanna be able to wear what you used to be able to wear and feel confident, but you end up feeling uncomfortable. A lot of women say, I don't even know what to wear anymore, but it's not about the clothes, it's about how they're feeling?

Alicia: 8:56

Right. And if you don't feel good in your body, it's hard to feel confident trying new things, and that's why it's so important to take the pressure off. Style is not about perfection. It's about feeling good. It's a form of self-expression. There have always been certain things I've just never felt totally comfortable wearing. And it's funny because I've always been pretty petite. But I've still felt self-conscious in leggings. Then I'll see someone with a completely different body type, rocking them with total confidence, and I honestly. Admire that. You know it's such a good reminder that style really isn't about size. It's about your mindset. It's about how you carry yourself, how you feel in what you're wearing. Confidence is the thing that makes an outfit work.

Nicole: 9:41

Yes, let yourself evolve. Style can be your mirror of your growth and an opportunity to feel good if you're choosing things that you feel confident in. And that can look different for everyone. So, all right, Alicia, you are the Daily Glow fashion expert. Fashion is obviously something that lights you up, and I feel like it always did. I remember growing up you always had like three outfit changes in a day. But can you tell us how your love of fashion started?

Alicia: 10:08

Well, as far back as I can remember, I've always loved fashion and all things girly, and yes, you're right. I felt it totally necessary to change my outfit many times a day growing up, uh, probably to mom's annoyance, having to wash all the extra outfits. So I was the third girl and I always got the hand-me-downs, so I wasn't able to have my own sense of style and identity, which I think made it more of a focus for me. I wanted that I liked different things and I had a different style that I didn't get as much of an opportunity to express when I was little. So that became kind of front and center for me when I was able to pick out my own clothes and explore fashion and makeup. You know, I remember when our little cousins would come over and I would love to dress them up and do their hair and makeup, and that really hasn't changed in my adult life. I still love all those things. My love for dressing up, uh, really has not changed except now I have to buy my own things.

Nicole: 11:05

Yeah, well that's true. You've even done makeup for several people for weddings and proms and different things, so that's definitely continued to be something that you clearly have a passion for. Okay. So obviously your love for fashion has always been part of who you are, and I feel like that passion really shows in how you help our community today. Your passion really shines through in what you share on the Daily Glow Life Instagram account. So let's tap into that fashion brain of yours for a minute. What do you think makes someone stylish in midlife? Because I think a lot of women assume it's about trends or keeping up with what's in.

Alicia: 11:40

Honestly, I think confidence and alignment. When you wear something that feels like you, not what someone else says you should wear. It shows. It doesn't matter if it's trendy or not, it's about putting on something and thinking, this feels good. This feels like me. And to me, that's stylish.

Nicole: 11:59

Yeah, for sure. Now let's talk about the flip side for a second. What are some of the biggest style mistakes you see women making in this season?

Alicia: 12:08

Um, I think one of the biggest is dressing for a former version of yourself. You know, holding onto clothes that don't fit anymore or wearing pieces that used to work, but just don't flatter the body you have now. Another is hiding in oversized clothes or pajamas. I get it when you're not feeling confident it's easy to want to disappear, but that actually draws more attention to the discomfort. Finding pieces that fit well, not tight, just tailored to your shape makes a huge difference.

Nicole: 12:37

Hmm. So good. And I know a lot of women are standing in front of their closets right now thinking I hate everything I own. If someone's in that space, where do they even start?

Alicia: 12:48

Start with one outfit. One look that you feel great in. Whether it's a great fitting pair of jeans and a tee or a flowy dress that feels like a win. Build it from there. You don't need to overhaul everything. Sometimes it's just one power outfit helps you remember what feeling good actually feels like. And if you find those pieces, buy them in multiple colors. And if it's not in the budget to overhaul your whole wardrobe right now, start by going to the thrift store. I love thrifting. It's the thrill of the find, and you can find some amazing pieces at a price that you wouldn't be able to get in the store. And be sure to try on styles that you wouldn't normally, because those might be the pieces that you wind up loving the most. Step outta your comfort zone. This is the time to do it. You know, the prices are right for the most part. And don't worry about the size. A lot of times, you know, if things are vintage or older, you'll have to get them in a bigger size because I find that sizes ran smaller you know, in some of the more vintage type clothing. But yes, step outta your comfort zone. Have fun with it and make a day of it.

Nicole: 13:48

Well, I love that. That sounds super fun. Uh, so what's your personal power of it? Like the one thing that you reach for when you wanna feel grounded and like yourself?

Alicia: 13:58

Um, I would say definitely a, a pair of high wasted jeans. Um, maybe a, a crisp oversized button down a pair of kitten heels. Of course, I gotta have some heels. And a red lip and great accessories. I love accessorizing outfits. It's such a fun way to jazz up, maybe a, you know, more plain outfit. With the right accessories it really can take it to the next level. To me, this outfit is classic, polished, but still feels creative and playful, which is definitely me.

Nicole: 14:30

Okay, so here's a big one. How do you balance comfort and confidence? Because midlife is that weird place where you wanna feel pulled together, but you also wanna feel comfortable.

Alicia: 14:41

Right. And I don't think you have to choose between the two. It's about fabrics that feel soft, pieces that move with you and silhouettes that give you shape without being restrictive. My rule of thumb is if it pinches, rides up or makes you feel self-conscious, it's a no. You can feel confident because you're comfortable.

Nicole: 15:00

Hmm. I love that. And what would you say to someone who says, style just isn't my thing.

Alicia: 15:06

I would say it's not about fashion, it's about self connection. You don't need to love shopping or following trends or brands, but how you dress yourself is your style, and it's a way of checking in. It's saying, I see myself, I'm worth showing up for, and here's how I wanna present myself today. That's what style really is.

Nicole: 15:29

So good. Okay. If you could give every midlife woman just one piece of fashion advice right now, what would it be?

Alicia: 15:37

Um, I would say dress the body you have. Not the one you used to have or the one you hope to have. The more you honor where you are, the more confident you become. Let your clothes reflect your power, not your insecurities.

Nicole: 15:55

Mm. That is so good. Say it louder for the women in the back. I love how you make style feel empowering, not overwhelming.

Alicia: 16:03

Well it should be. You know, style is a way to celebrate yourself. It's not about being perfect. It's about feeling good in your skin and showing up with intention.

Nicole: 16:14

Right, which is what we talk about in all facets of our wellness, right? Being intentional with your nutrition, your movement, stress management, your self care, and speaking of self-care, style, or fashion, really is a form of self-care.

Alicia: 16:28

Oh, definitely, yes. This makes me think of, when the pandemic hit. Like so many others. I went from working full-time in the office to working entirely from home. You know, at first it was so easy to slip into the comfort of sweatpants, you know, pajamas, no makeup, messy buns every day. I stopped getting dressed and I stopped putting in the effort. And after a while, I really stopped recognizing myself. My confidence plummeted, my mental health followed. And one day I looked in the mirror and I said, this is enough. I'm not liking what I'm seeing. I stopped caring, you know, and I decided even if I wasn't leaving the house, which we really couldn't at that time, I realized I needed to show up for me. I started getting ready again, not for anyone else, but for myself, you know, makeup, hair, a cute outfit. It became a daily ritual of care. A way to remind myself of who I am and who I'm still becoming. And now I treat these as rituals, as essentials. You know, not for vanity, but vitality. You know fashion and style is definitely a form of self-care for me and I notice when I don't take the time, I definitely feel more confident in my day when I, you know, it's like armor for me, you know, when I have my armor on. So I definitely try to take the time to do my makeup and put on an outfit, do my hair. It just makes me feel better and gets me ready for the day.

Nicole: 17:55

So I have a friend that I met with a while ago shortly after the pandemic kind of hit, and she said the same thing to me. She said that she felt like she needed to get ready and put on an cute outfit and, and do her hair and makeup and everything in order to feel a lot better. So I definitely know that, you know, there's a lot of people out there that feel the same. Like it makes a difference in how you show up and how you feel, when you're taking the time to be intentional about how you show up, you know? Okay, so Alicia, can you share some glow friendly tips to help us reconnect with our style without overhauling everything?

Alicia: 18:31

Yes. These are things I actually do and you can start with just one. Find your go-to power outfit. Something that makes you feel strong, confident, and stylish. Next. Shop for your body now. Not your goal body. Your body now. Try a mini closet refresh with one new piece that excites you. Next, let comfort and confidence guide your choices, not trends, not name brands, comfort and confidence. And lastly, pay attention to textures, cuts, and colors that feel good on your skin. You know, I've seen a lot of color analysis is very popular right now, where, you know, everybody's getting their color analysis done to see what color looks good on them. So definitely pay attention to what colors really flatter you, because it makes a big difference. You know, I've seen some of them do that and it's like, wow. You know, it can make your eyes stand out, your hair color, your skin tone. So definitely pay attention to the colors that suit you, because they will definitely make your features pop. I totally believe that how you dress can shift how you feel. You deserve to feel good in your clothes right now, not someday when. Now.

Nicole: 19:41

So whether you're in a season of rediscovering your style, grieving a former version of you, or just figuring out what feels good again, just know that this shift is normal, and embracing it can help you reclaim your power, so you can feel good in your body. And if you're craving more support and style inspiration on this journey, check out our Instagram account at the Daily Glow Life where Alicia regularly shares affordable outfit ideas. You can also check out the show notes for the midlife glow edit, which is our fashion as self-love style guide for support in connecting with your personal style.

Alicia: 20:14

You are not losing your glow, you're evolving in a new version of yourself. Style can be your way of marking that transformation with grace, strength, and a little sparkle. Thanks for hanging out with us on Midlife and Glowing.

Nicole: 20:26

If you love this episode, it would mean the world to us. If you'd follow the show, leave us a review or share it with a friend who's glowing through midlife right alongside you.

Alicia: 20:34

Let's make it our best era yet. We'll see you next time.