Dress For Your Age…NO…Dress For You

 “I don’t think a number defines your age, your lifestyle and energy do.”…. Marissa Webb – Designer

I enjoy evolving and updating my style. It’s certainly not as frequent as it was when I was working. And I do miss that. I was creatively involved with product development, design, and merchandising, allowing me a wide range of personal looks. Since childhood, I loved dressing up, dressing my paper dolls, and decorating my dollhouses. I was just a little too old when Mattel launched Barbie. Yes, she was/is a bit voluptuous, but I loved her wardrobe! And I’m happy that the joy of dressing up still resonates with me. Now, it just has a new look and a new lifestyle.

It’s Time to be Modern

As we progress in birthdays, it’s important not to think about the old adage of dressing your age. It’s outdated and no longer applies. I don’t think we have to go full-on with trends in each new season. But staying in touch with fashion keeps us modern. Modern denotes keeping a more youthful outlook and attitude. Having younger friends in the friendship mix keeps us open to different points of view. And not just about fashion, but about all that surrounds us. 

Retire and Replace

Many of the classics we once loved now seem more aging and not working with our current lifestyle. Retire- the fitted, shorter blazer it’s past its expiration date. Replace with- an oversized blazer. Fitted through the shoulder, longer in length. What does continue to work is updated basics with style and a bit of an edge. 

One of our biggest obstacles right now is moving away from a highly casual style – who doesn’t like to be comfortable, but wearing comfy clothes that do not enhance your look is not taking the best care of yourself. Everlane https://www.everlane.com/womens. Is a good stop if you’re looking for a casual look with style. Plus, they have an excellent selection of 100% cotton and cashmere sweaters at a reasonable price point. While on Everlane, look at their Midi Cotton Shirt/dress. This is a great look, unbuttoned over jeans and a tee shirt or crew sweater. It’s going to be a go-to item in my closet.

What do you get when you cross a jacket with a shirt? A Shackit. I first noticed this hybrid in February in California. I met a stylish friend for lunch, and she had one on – why are you wearing that? “It’s an easy and comfortable alternative to a jacket.” It is usually in wool and/or leather. Most that I saw were wool and in a blanket plaid or solid. Alo online has a stylish selection: https://www.aloyoga.com.

It’s time to rethink what you’re wearing

We’ve been out of the house for a while now, and it’s time to put more thought into what we’re wearing – outside. It’s also an excellent time to take a walk around your closet. Clothing has an expiration date, and hopefully, we will not have another time of confinement, so perhaps there are several items you can bid farewell to. Someone once said…When life changes, change the clothes you’re wearing to meet those changes. Excellent advice.

The most challenging item to retire– is the legging. I can hear a collective sigh and see the protest lines forming! Fun and comfy around the house, at the gym, running, or in a yoga class. But it’s time to retire this look, so let’s take it up a notch – maybe two notches.

 Replace with- a casually sophisticated slim pant in stretch Ponte/ a double jersey fabric made with sustainable Tencel. The Ponte/Tencel blend creates a soft feel against the body and a slim drape from the top, usually with an elastic waist. Eileen Fisher has an entire collection devoted to comfort with style. Check it out. Eileen Fisher  https://www.eileenfisher.com. This style of pant comes in all price ranges and does come in other than black!

Another good option instead of leggings replace with- puddle pants. It grazes (puddles) the floor and has a slightly relaxed fit. It’s more forward than flared yoga pants or a bell bottom. It’s more casual than the slim Ponte pants above. Another replacement- still, L-A (legging adjacent), the flared trousers in a Ponte or Rayon. Most come with an elasticated waistline. Take a look at Zara https://www.zara.com/us/ and & Other Stores https://www.stories.com. Another good replacement is jogger pants. More refined, again, in the Ponte/Tencel fabrication, which allows a faltering, simmer drape from the elasticized waist to the ribbed ankle and usually with side pockets. This is also a good “gonna go out” look, especially with a stacked-heel shoe. And any day is fabulous with a white sneaker.

These replacement suggestions are even more comfortable than leggings and much more forgiving. Let’s be honest: most of us do not have a perfect legging body. And, the big plus is these pants will take you anywhere…Still working – dress it up. Running errands, tidy it up with a nice quarter-length sleeve tee-shirt and a cardigan – how easy is that?

Jeans are Ageless

Jeans…are ageless and here to stay, with a few exceptions. Retire- your skinny jeans. Replace with- Slim straight jeans or cigarette jeans. What’s the difference? Skinny jeans below the knee will become smaller and smaller with a tight fit around the ankle. A Cigarette jean is cut straight down from the calf. A slim pair of jeans runs straight from the knee. There is such a multitude of jean styles that it becomes a bit overwhelming. It is an excellent look for any age. I have a white exaggerated wide-leg/high-waisted pair and a less wide dark rinse, high-waist pair of jeans. Cinched with a belt, for me, it’s a favorite look. When we’re sixty+, the fit becomes even more critical. Try to avoid the relaxed fit. 

Four pairs seem to be the magic number. A dark rinse. A bit lighter denim shade. A white and a black pair. Mix and match the styles. You’ll want to have a high waist. A lower rise. A wide leg. A slim fit (1” above the ankle.) Four styles, four colors. And no ripped jeans.

Add a swing to your walk

Many of you love dresses and skirts; this is the season to add a little swing to your walk. Retire, the asymmetrical cut, the tiny multi-colored flower print, and a style above the knee. This is your season to embrace your inner color wheel. Replace with- any length from below the knee to just above the ankle. Long sleeve, quarter length, or no sleeve (maybe not). Chico’s has a great selection. https://www.chicos.com/store/ For added variety, look at Anthropologie https://www.anthropologie.com. It’s always a fun exploration.

The Retire and Replace Edit…

Retire the knit sleeveless vest – Replace with a men’s style suit vest. Buttoned over a shirt (turn up the collar) or a tee shirt is a sexy look. In a pin-stripe is even better.

Retire the oversized and the boxy tops. Replace with a more fitted look and add a belt. All too often, we think big will hide “stuff.” It just adds a heavier impression. Sling the belt a touch lower, if not around your waist.

Retire the Capri pants. Replace with- the full-length Ponte pants or something similar. Remember, 1” above the ankle is the sweet spot.

Retire the flat flip-flops. Replace with- a sandal with a little stacked heel and maybe a jewel or two.

Retire the bulky, heavy running shoe (other than exercising.) Replace with- a slightly slimmer style in white. It goes with everything. There is also a rainbow of happy colors available,

Bring in- an oversized loafer with a buckle.

You might ask – why bother with all this? Because you are worth it.

Every day is good when we begin by taking the best care of ourselves. When you dress for the day, you tell the world how you view yourself. It’s a time for personal expression. Feel pleased about how you look and proud of your age. Yes, those years keep knocking on the door. Welcome them with delight. It’s a gift to be here and to be healthy. So, why not style up? Throw those shoulders back. Hold that head up high. No matter your age – you are a modern woman living in the 21^st Century. Please take full advantage of it. Smile at the world, and the world will smile back at you.

And while you’re smiling, make sure you look smashing!