Meet The Late Bloomers

Its never too late to learn new skills or develop new passions, as these three writers discover...

- Stephanie Van Der Plank

THE MIDLIFE FASHIONISTA

‘ Clothes have given me a newfound sense of confidence’

LUCY CAVENDISH, 52, is a journalist and author. Her latest book, Jack and Jill (Penguin), is out now. She lives with her husband, Nick, and their four kids.

“The other weekend, I totally outdid myself. I got up, curled my newly cut-and-styled hair, put on make-up and slipped into the most prized possession in my wardrobe:a jumpsuit from Zara. I’d popped in a week before and seen it – a thing of beauty with its dark-blue stripes – and I knew then that I had to have it. Since then, I’ve hardly been out of it, despite the fact it takes me an age to go to the loo. But, it makes me feel fantastic – and I’ve had loads of compliments. For now, in my very early fifties, I have finally become fashionable.

I have gone from being someone who was completely disinterested in fashion to knowing what’s in and what’s out. I read fashion magazines and trend reports in the papers. I follow skirt lengths, possess oversized glasses, and have even been known to sport a kaftan as a coat (last season, of course).

In truth, I’m a late bloomer. For most of my twenties I lived in ‘leisurewear’ – tracksuit bottoms and baggy T-shirts. But now I have blossomed. Whereas once I would look in horror as women galloped off to Topshop at the first sign of the new season’s clothes, now I’m first in the line. Not only that, but over the past few years I have also dabbled in ‘investing’ in designer clothes: a Vivienne Westwood jacket, a simply beautiful Diane von Furstenberg dress. I feel amazing when I wear them and I team them (a very ‘fashion’ term) with my less-expensive pieces.