Meet Cathy Williamson, the voice behind The Middle Page!
A wife, mother, and grandmother based in Dallas, TX, Cathy is proof that style doesn’t stop with age. Through her blog and social platforms, she connects with women over 50, offering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle inspiration.
In 2013, Cathy was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer called TNBC. This year, she’s celebrating 12 years of life after cancer. She uses her platform to advocate for women’s health, encouraging regular self-checks and mammograms.
We caught up with Cathy to talk all things poolside — from her favorite Helen Jon swimsuit picks to the confidence-boosting advice she lives by.
Tell us about your brand! How did you get into fashion and styling online?
I got into this whole crazy business right before I was diagnosed with breast cancer (2 months before). Twelve years ago, there weren't many "over 50" influencers (bloggers at the time), and I decided to start a blog because I couldn't find one to read for my age.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to every woman when it comes to styling?
One piece of advice is to wear what makes you feel good and confident. If your legs still look great, then wear a shorter skirt. If you want to wear shorts and you feel good in them, do it. Style is about expressing yourself through your appearance, and whatever gives you confidence is style!
What’s your go-to poolside look? Any favorite cover-ups?
My go-to poolside looks are Helen Jon tankinis and bikini bottoms. They are comfortable and don't show my stomach, but they are so easy to get in and out of (for bathroom breaks). They are so flattering. Here are my favorite combinations:
o Bandini Top + Shirred Bottoms in Textured Seafoam Aqua
o Mara Tortoise Tankini + in Textured Chocolate Brown
I also love the crochet dress for a cover-up. So chic!
What are your go-to essentials that you always have in your pool bag?
I always pack these items in my beach tote:
o Sunscreen
o Lip gloss
o Sunglasses/readers
o A book
o Magazines
o Water
o Mints
(Here are some of my tried and true beauty products and clean beauty picks!)
Do you have any advice for other women about feeling your best, most confident self in a swimsuit?
Swimsuits are tricky. Sometimes it requires trying a few on to see how you feel in them. Anyone can wear a swimsuit; it's just a matter of deciding to do it!
If I don't feel particularly great on a day I need to wear one, I always wear a cover-up and keep it on. There's something chic about sitting under an umbrella in a cover-up, a big hat, and dark sunglasses!
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Cathy’s mission is to help women feel confident, stylish, and never alone in whatever they’re going through. Follow Cathy on Instagram @themiddlepageblog for more style and real-life inspiration.
Stay tuned for the final feature in our “What’s In Your Beach Bag” series, and shop Cathy’s favorite Helen Jon picks to channel her effortless style.