Changing your style after years of the same look takes nerve. People adjust faster than you think.

A look people have grown used to becomes a kind of agreement, and breaking it feels like announcing something. The adjustment period is almost entirely yours; other people register the change, comment once and move on within a week. The weight you are anticipating belongs to you rather than to them.

Make the change and give it two weeks before assessing. Answer any comments briefly rather than justifying the decision. If you still like it after the newness wears off, that is your answer.