Why So Many Women Feel Invisible in Midlife — And How to Reclaim Your Visibility

The mirror, that silent and impartial observer, often reflects more than just our appearance. For many women in midlife, it echoes something far deeper: a cultural narrative that suggests a slow fade into the background. This experience does indeed have a name and it’s called the Invisible Woman Syndrome, which is a social phenomenon where women in middle age report feeling unseen, overlooked, or ignored in both personal and professional settings.

This isn’t simply a matter of perception. A survey by Gransnet revealed that 70% of women feel they become ‘invisible’ from the age of 52. It’s a sobering figure that speaks to a collective reality: the world, once so responsive, begins to look right through you.

But let’s make no bones about it. Midlife is also a time of power, and not decline. Women in their forties, fifties, and beyond have weathered storms, raised families, navigated careers, and gained incredible wisdom. In fact, midlife is a time of growth, resilience and reinvention. These years should be celebrated as a period of confidence and clarity, and not of retreat and obscurity.

So the real question becomes: how do women challenge this narrative of invisibility?

Colour as a Quiet Rebellion

Society often nudges midlife women toward muted palettes of black, grey, and beige - reliable, yes, but also reflective of the very invisibility so many feel. Against this backdrop, bold colour becomes more than a fashion choice; it’s an act of reclamation.

Author Nicky Hambleton-Jones captures this poignantly in her book Bolder Not Older: Dull to Dazzling, where she explores how midlife women are often made to feel unseen. She champions colour not as camouflage, but as celebration. So, armed with this information, what is the best step forward?

The simplest place to start is often at our feet. A pop of colour in shoes can transform an outfit and, more importantly, a mood. A scarlet flat against a navy dress, or a joyful trainer with weekend denim - these aren’t trivial details. They’re signals of vitality, visibility, and presence.

It’s not about trying to look younger, but about unapologetically expressing who you are through playful and confident tweaks in your attire.

Beyond the Wardrobe: Midlife and Reinvention

Fashion is only one piece of the picture. Midlife is often a time of profound re-evaluation, of growth and embracing change.

The RED Magazine Power Survey found that 73% of women still feel they must choose between work and family, even in midlife. Many are simultaneously caring for children and aging parents while holding down demanding jobs. It’s a stage laden with invisible pressures.

At the same time, 71% of midlife women feel pressured to reinvent themselves to remain relevant - professionally and personally. And yet, while that pressure can be daunting, this reinvention often brings liberation: 62% are taking power into their own hands, whether by starting businesses, pursuing education, or prioritising self-care for the first time in decades.

This is the quiet revolution of midlife: women rewriting the script on their own terms.

From Pressure to Purpose

So, how does one navigate this chapter without being overwhelmed? Often, it’s the smaller, intentional choices that create the biggest shifts.

• Prioritise Comfort and Quality: Midlife bodies change. Shoes that pinch or fabrics that irritate are no longer tolerable. Comfort is not concession; it’s self-respect.
• Choose Versatility: A pared-back, thoughtful wardrobe. Shoes or clothes that work across contexts brings calm and clarity. And remember: versatility doesn’t have to mean plain neutrals.
• Embrace Style as Self-Expression: A vibrant scarf, a pair of playful trainers or metallic ballet flats can be daily reminders that style – and visibility - belongs to every age.

It’s in these little details that many women often rediscover a sense of joy, confidence and presence. Visibility.

The Cocorose Connection

For nearly two decades, Cocorose London has heard from women navigating exactly this stage of life. As a footwear brand, some of the most common queries we receive revolve around comfort and the desire to combine effortless comfort with style. With age, feet tend to widen, bunions become more present or quite simply, there is a need for shoes that keep pace with demanding lives. It is clear that more and more women are seeking stylish shoes that prioritise comfort and increasingly, sustainability too. 

Our role isn’t to dictate style. It’s to create beautiful and comfortable footwear that supports the life you already lead. Soft leather ballet flats that cushion and move with you, or colourful trainers that inject playfulness without compromising comfort.

For some, slipping on a pair of red ballet flats or heart-printed trainers has been more than just a style choice. It’s been a statement: I am still here, and I am still vibrant.

A Call to Visibility

The feeling of invisibility in midlife is real, but it doesn’t have to be the defining story. The data from Gransnet and RED Magazine are indeed statistics; but they are also reminders that we live in a moment of cultural shift. They urge us to ask not just how society sees us, but how we choose to see ourselves and society.

There is a strong case that this generation of women are rewriting the narrative. They’re choosing to be seen on their own terms, with colour, confidence, reinvention, and purpose.

Visibility is all about stepping into the space you already own. And sometimes, that begins with the simplest of choices - a bold pop of colour, a style that feels authentically yours, or even a pair of shoes that remind you with every step: I am here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) around the Invisibility question for women.

Q: Why do so many women feel invisible in midlife?

A: Societal attitudes often devalue women as they age, especially after 50. Research shows that 70% of women feel less visible from age 52, reflecting both cultural bias and personal experiences of being overlooked.

Q: What role does fashion play in reclaiming visibility?

A: Clothing and accessories can be powerful tools of self-expression. Even small choices, like adding a pop of colour, can challenge the muted tones of invisibility and project confidence.

Q: How does reinvention feature in midlife?

A: Surveys reveal that 71% of women feel pressured to reinvent themselves, but many use this as an opportunity. From launching businesses to prioritising self-care, reinvention becomes a pathway to authenticity and empowerment.

Q: How can comfort be empowering?

A: Midlife often brings physical changes, making comfort essential. Choosing well-made, supportive shoes or clothing is an act of self-respect; it affirms that style and comfort can, and should, go hand in hand.

Q: Where do I start if I want to reclaim visibility?

A: Begin with small, manageable changes. Experiment with a pop of colour in your accessories or footwear. Invest in versatile, comfortable pieces that support your lifestyle. The key is to make choices that reflect your individuality and bring you joy.

✨ Midlife doesn’t mean fading away. It means stepping forward - visible, vibrant, and radiantly yourself.

If you have enjoyed reading this blog, or you would like to express your opinion or experience, please leave a comment below. Alternatively please write to me at janan@cocoroselondon.com.

I highlighted Red Ballet Flats in my article above, and I would be honoured if you would take a look at my Pimlico design in red, here is a link. Another favourite of mine that adds colour to my outfit and certainly gets seen is our Hoxton white leather trainer with red hearts, please take a look here.

Thank you for reading. Please use the code VISIBLE12 for 12% off any full price designs that I am sure will make you feel wonderful. Please click here to start browsing and shopping.