When I met Kristin Battersby at a party, I was immediately struck by her style and confidence. Even from a distance, she seemed like someone who truly knew herself—bold red lipstick, thick curly gray hair, and chic clothes on an “unconventional” body type. After getting to know her, I discovered Kristin is much more than her appearance: she’s an advocate for body and age positivity with an Instagram following, a published poet, a dance teacher, an executive, and a mother of two.
Kristin’s journey toward embracing her personal style deeply resonates with me, and I’m sure it will with many of you. Through her Instagram account, she shares an honest, raw glimpse into her life as a 55-year-old woman navigating reinvention and self-discovery. Her posts often feature her getting dressed, paired with insights into her emotional state that day. Fashion, for Kristin, serves as both self-expression and a reflection of her emotional landscape.
Fashion as a Path to Self-Acceptance
Kristin, like many women, grew up with the message that only thin, conventionally attractive bodies were celebrated. Shopping became a painful reminder of this—smaller sizes were at the front, larger sizes hidden at the back with fewer options. This reinforced feelings of inadequacy and shame.
But as Kristin moved through life’s transitions—healing from a divorce, emerging from the pandemic, and working with her therapist—something shifted. Her outward appearance began to mirror the healing happening inside. After months of living in sweatpants and T-shirts, Kristin felt an internal shift that inspired her to dress differently, more intentionally. Fashion stopped being about external validation; it became a tool for expressing the joy, confidence, and self-acceptance she was cultivating.
When Kristin began wearing her favorite red lipstick or vibrant orange boots, something magical happened: people noticed her in a positive, affirming way. This outward expression of self-love had a direct impact on her mental health. Feeling seen can enhance our emotional well-being, and Kristin’s red lipstick became a symbol of her journey to self-expression and healing.
Dressing as a Daily Mental Health Check-In
Kristin’s approach to getting dressed for the day is to use it as a daily mental health check-in. Every morning, before choosing her outfit, she reflects on how she’s feeling, both physically and emotionally. Some days, it’s a playful “skater boy” vibe; other days, something bolder or more feminine. Her outfits are far more than clothing—they’re a visual representation of her emotional world.
Many of us can relate, though we might not always think about it this way. When stressed, we often default to comfort over style—grabbing whatever’s easiest. But as Kristin shows, getting dressed thoughtfully can be a way to reclaim power and practice self-love, especially in tough times. Fashion can help us reconnect with ourselves.
The Power of Personal Style in Midlife
In her mid-40s, on a whim, Kristin took a teacher training for dance. She started teaching a weekly dance class wearing shorts and a sports bra with knee high tube socks and ponytails. At the time, there were few instructors her size who could confidently pull off that look and she soon developed a following due to her body-positive, age-affirming approach. Her students appreciated seeing someone who looked “normal”, especially in contrast to the young, conventionally skinny teachers they were used to.
Initially, Kristin felt uncomfortable when people mentioned her size but she soon realized that her body was exactly what her students needed to see. She was teaching them to embrace their own bodies—no matter their shape, size, or age—and showing that movement and joy are for everyone.
The Confidence That Comes from Being Seen
For Kristin, there’s something empowering about wearing bold lipstick or attention-grabbing boots. It’s not about seeking validation, but about embracing the attention that comes from allowing yourself to be seen unapologetically.
Her Instagram account celebrates this philosophy. Kristin doesn’t just showcase her outfits—she also shares her inner world. She’s open about the highs and lows of her emotional journey, allowing her followers to connect with her on a deeper level. This blend of vulnerability, authenticity, and self-expression makes her style—and her entire journey—relatable. As she puts it: “I’ve done so much work on the inside, but I’m starting to realize that getting dressed and looking nice can help heal the inside, too.”
Conclusion: The Healing Power of Fashion
Kristin Battersby’s story reminds us that fashion is more than clothes—it’s a powerful tool for expressing our inner selves and reflecting our emotional growth. For women in midlife (or at any stage), getting dressed can be a form of self-care and a way to embrace who we are at any age or size.
Next time you get dressed, take a moment to check in with yourself. How are you feeling today? How can your outfit reflect your inner world—and maybe even boost your mental health? Just like Kristin, you might find that the act of getting dressed can be an act of healing.
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