'The fashion rules I stopped following after I turned 40.'

When I turned 40, something shifted.

Not overnight, and not dramatically — but quietly, like the slow unbuttoning of expectations I didn't even realise I'd been wearing. I stopped caring so much about what I should wear and started dressing for how I wanted to feel.

Now, at 71, that mindset is stronger than ever.

As the founder of Motto Fashions — still creating, designing, and walking into the office every day in outfits that make me feel bold, vibrant, and unstoppable. I don't dress to look younger; I dress to feel empowered.

Watch Fashion Critical's hot takes on Mamamia's Nothing To Wear podcast. Post continues below.

For most of my life, fashion had been a mix of creativity and compromise. I loved colour and texture, but I also played by the so-called "rules": don't wear short skirts after 30, tone it down in your forties, and stick to neutrals if you want to look "elegant." It wasn't until I hit that milestone birthday that I started to see how silly all that was.

Now, three decades later, I've proven that those "rules" were never worth following. Here are the ones I happily stopped obeying — and why I'm better for it.

1. "You can't wear bright colours after 40."

If there's one rule I've gleefully thrown out the window, it's this one. Somewhere along the way, women were told that colour should fade as we age — as though confidence and vibrancy belong only to the young. I couldn't disagree more.

A bright cobalt jacket, a hot pink pant, or a splash of emerald — these aren't "too much"; they're statements of joy. At 71, I wear colour louder than ever. Colour doesn't highlight your age, it highlights your energy. And mine's not going anywhere.

2. "Cover up your arms, legs, or anything that 'shows age'."

This one used to trap me. I'd stare at a sleeveless top or a knee-length dress and think, "Not anymore." Then I realised: no one else was actually thinking that — only me.

These days, if the fabric feels beautiful and I love the cut, I wear it. My arms and legs tell the story of a life lived, and I'm proud of that. Confidence doesn't come from hiding; it comes from embracing every part of yourself — wrinkles, curves, and all.

Image: Supplied.

3. "Trendy clothes are for younger women."

I used to walk past a rack of edgy denim or leather and think, "That's not for me anymore." But I love trends! The trick is to interpret them in a way that feels authentic.

Now, I'll take a trend and make it mine. I'll pair a statement cargo pant with a structured blazer, or balance a bold print with a timeless neutral. Style doesn't have an expiry date. If anything, the older I get, the more fun I have with it.

4. "Comfort means giving up on style."

When I was younger, I thought "looking stylish" meant sacrificing comfort — squeezing into shoes that pinched or jeans that barely let me breathe. But being over 40 (and 71!) has taught me that confidence is comfort. The most stylish women I know radiate ease. That's why I design (and wear) pieces that move with you, not against you. Soft stretch fabrics, breathable layers, and flattering cuts are my go-tos. When you feel good in what you're wearing, you look good — every single time.

5. "Dressing up is only for special occasions."

Nope. Dressing up is for you.

There's something so powerful about putting on an outfit that lifts your mood — even if it's just for the school run, a Zoom meeting, or coffee with a friend. I've learned not to save my "good" clothes for later. Every day deserves a little flair, whether that's a statement necklace or a fabulous pair of pants.

Image: Instagram/ @fayebrownmottofashions

6. "You should blend in, not stand out."

For years, I believed that being "age-appropriate" meant being understated. But blending in felt like shrinking myself — and I've worked too hard to do that. Now, I aim to stand out — not because I need attention, but because I want to express who I am. I still walk into the Motto office in leather pants and a sequin jacket if that's what makes me feel alive. Women don't owe anyone invisibility. We've earned our confidence, our voice, and our style.

7. "Fashion is about looking young."

This might be the biggest myth of all. True style has nothing to do with youth — it's about self-awareness. When I stopped dressing to look younger and started dressing to feel empowered, everything changed. I no longer try to chase trends; I chase how I want to feel — powerful, creative, vibrant. That's why it's important to me that our clothes are designed for comfort, yet bring out confidence through bold styles that encourage women to be a little more rebellious and challenge the status quo.

Listen to the entire episode of Nothing To Wear featuring Fashion Critical. Post continues below.

The freedom of dressing for yourself

Turning 40 gave me the courage to start breaking fashion rules. I've spent decades in an industry obsessed with youth — yet here I am, leading a fashion label, still learning, creating, and wearing exactly what I want. Because real style doesn't fade; it evolves.

And if my wardrobe can remind even one woman that age is never a reason to dim her light — then I'll keep dressing my truth every single day.

Faye Browne is the Co-Founder of Motto Fashions. You can see more here.

Feature image: Instagram/ @fayebrownmottofashions