How Midlife Women Can Embrace the Individualism Trend in 2025
‘Tis the season for a lot of noise about what you should be doing when it comes to your body and your style. “New year, new you,” closet purges and the like. I can’t remember the last time I made a New Year’s resolution and gleefully, I’m no longer forced by my employer to select my word of the year.
Don’t get me wrong, I see value in making thoughtful changes and self-improvement, but I’m not going to arbitrarily do it when the calendar flips to a new year because I’m “supposed to.” I guess that’s the rebellious youngest child and/or midlife mindset in me, but I’d rather define my timeline on my terms.
No surprise here—I’m not typically eager to jump on the latest fashion trends—be it in the new year or otherwise. This year, however, there’s one trend that piqued my interest. It’s a concept I already champion with my clients, which is why I think it’s worth your attention too. It’s individualism—the 2025 trend that feels less like a fleeting fashion moment and more like an invitation to explore your authentic self. If you’ve been waiting for permission to redefine your personal style, consider this it.
Why Individualism Matters for Midlife Women
Midlife isn't about fitting in—it's about standing out. I wish that was something we learned much younger in life but better late than never? It seems that once you hit 40, you ascend into the zero f*cks club. You’ve earned the right to stop apologizing for who you are.
But while many midlife women say they’re done with people-pleasing, I’ve found that not everyone practices what they preach. And if not now, when? This is your time to embrace the unique woman you’ve become.
Think about style icons like Diane Keaton, Pamela Anderson, and Helen Mirren. Each has a distinct, unforgettable style. Sure, two of the three are beyond midlife, but the point remains: they’ve mastered self-expression and embraced their individuality. You can, too.
The trend of individualism isn’t just about fashion—it’s about crafting a visual narrative that’s all yours. Let’s explore how to make it happen.
Embrace Individualism in 3 Steps
Deconstruct Your Current Style
Take an honest look at your wardrobe. What pieces make you feel alive? What feels like a costume? What feels snooze-fest?
When we go through Style Discovery I ask my clients, “How do you feel when you get dressed most days?” and the answers are often a total bummer. “I'm not wearing my most fun or flattering clothing, going for blah colors and things that are easy to throw on.”
Here’s the thing: easy doesn’t have to mean boring. The goal is to curate a wardrobe that’s 100% YOU—pieces you actually enjoy wearing.
Challenge the "Age Appropriate" Myth
Forget outdated rules. If a piece makes you feel good, it's appropriate. Period. Wear the leather pants. Rock the bold patterns. Stop letting someone else’s expectations dictate your choices.
Build a Signature Style, Not a Uniform
Creating a capsule wardrobe might work for some, but individualism is about embracing what makes you unique. Here are some ways to craft your personal aesthetic:
Mix high-end pieces with vintage finds or frugal favorites.
Play with unexpected color combinations.
Incorporate pieces that tell your story.
For example, I’ve been experimenting with color combinations ever since last fall’s fascination with red + burgundy. Today I’m wearing a soft grey V-neck sweater with corduroy pants in a hue J.Crew has dubbed “rich coffee,” and a beloved, cozy Old Navy shacket in shades of pink, cream and tan. Perhaps that sounds about as groundbreaking as florals for spring, but it’s a pairing I’ve never put together and I really like it—especially when I add my plum-colored Sorel boots. It feels like me—and that’s what matters. You might be surprised when you try new things.
Practical Tips for Getting Started
If you’re thinking about purging your entire closet, pump the brakes! Personal style isn’t Amazon Prime; it’s not going to appear, perfectly curated, in two days. It’s a process, not a quick fix. So take your time to discover what makes YOU feel amazing by starting small:
Choose one statement piece: Find something that feels a little rebellious but still true to you.
Experiment with accessories: Look for items that spark conversation or make you smile.
Play with new combinations: Be it color or pieces, try pairing items you’ve never worn together before.
The Confidence Catalyst
True style is about feeling powerful, seen and most importantly, yourself. The individualism trend is your invitation to stop apologizing and start celebrating your unique journey.
So, how will you explore individualism in your personal style this year? Share your first step in the comments below or tag me @jgpstyledme on Instagram with your favorite outfit inspired by these tips. I can’t wait to see how you make it yours!
