Hot Flashes & Haute Fashion
Hot Flashes &
Haute Fashion
by Renee Deeter
Ah, Gen X— the middle child of the generations, wedged between the two loudest siblings: the Boomers and the Millennials. The smallest in size, but the toughest by far, because ultimately, they raised themselves.
They’re also the most overlooked. Tune into any story about the generations and you can almost guarantee Gen X will be left out. But they don’t mind. In the background, while you’re not remembering them, they’re quietly figuring things out and making the world better—one conversation at a time. They are the people who can still read cursive AND knows how to share a Google Drive document. Beware, Boomers and Millennials. Hands down, Gen X will survive an apocalypse.
And yes. I am one of those people. How did you know?
Let’s talk menopause
Our mothers warned us about boys, bras, and bad bangs—but not a word about menopause. That silence? One of the biggest disservices to our generation.
But it’s okay. We X’ers are taking it on. We will be the generation that makes real changes for our female children. We’ll talk about what was once uncomfortable—loudly, often, and without apology. We’ll demand more answers and share what works. We’ll make menopause a normal part of conversation, stripping away the stigma. We’ll fight for more funding for women’s health research. We will make our doctors listen. And yes, we’ll make it perfectly acceptable to talk about fashion and menopause in the same magazine article. We’ve got you.
Now, let’s talk fashion
The basic premise of fashion during this glorious second act is that anything goes. The best part? We get to throw those words “age-appropriate” right out the window. Love it? Wear it. It also takes getting to this age to truly realize that if you’re not comfortable, then you’re not happy. Let’s break down some universal “haute” fashion “Do’s” for the midlife mavens.
- Do embrace sleeveless shirts. We need to stop caring about what our arms look like! We are always one hot flash away from wishing we could rip all our clothes off. In public. Sleeveless tops are the better option here.
- Do come prepared in layers. Bring a jacket everywhere. Our body temperature is a zigzagging mess and even after a power surge, there is a chance you may catch a chill. Come prepared.
- Do embrace elastic. Buttons are confining and constantly remind us of the body we had last year. Now, I’m not talking sweatpants here, because we aren’t animals. (We will leave that to the Gen-Z’ers. I read somewhere that Gen Z always dresses like they have the flu. I gave birth to two of them, so I know this to be true.) Many brands are catching on to this elastic trend (thank you, pandemic) and creating bottoms that are luxe AND comfy.
- Do cotton, linen, and fabrics that breathe.
- Do wear that red lipstick. Wear those fun, colorful, take-up-your-whole-face glasses. Buy all the funky sandals. This is the time. Get that mini-personal fan out and think of what a rock star you look like with your hair blowing in your artificial wind. Embrace the bold and the weird.
- Do dress for the body you have. We need to give ourselves grace and a little more breathing room in the waistband. Feel good in your clothes. Go up a size.
And un-fashion related-
Do talk to your doctor. And if they brush you off? Thank them for their time, grab your purse, and find one who listens—whether that’s a new MD or a naturopath. We do not have to suffer, and we sure don’t have to do it alone. There are entire online communities where women are cheering each other through this new chapter.
It’s not just helpful—it can be life-changing.
Contact me if you would like more tips and resources.