Sure, we want to look contemporary and fashionable. But for many of us who have changed jobs, retired, or simply switched our lifestyle recently, runway trends just don’t seem to have much to do with our lives. The down economy plays a big part in our style decisions, too. Here’s my “reality take” on fashion now.
- Shop your closet more than browsing in stores.
For many of us, store prices are way too high and the looks too trendy for the most part anyway. 
Wait for clothes to go on sale – or better yet, have the sales come to you.
Stalk specific items at outlet malls or at online sites that post sales alerts.- Buy fewer clothes, but choose classic, high-quality pieces when you do need an update.
Classic clothes with clean lines always are a sound investment and do last years. I have been wearing the same Burberry trench, Barbour wax jacket, black cashmere sweaters and perfectly broken-in Levis for a decade, and love them even more now than when they were brand new! - Embrace neutrals.
I’ve just given my daughters all my pastel and bright sweaters since I now stick to neutrals no matter how tempting they look stacked on a table at J. Crew. - Choose a daily “uniform” – then personalize with accessories.
I live in jeans, sweaters and tees a lot. I think personalizing whatever you wear these days as you daily “uniform” is what gives women real style. Jewelry is no longer an add-on for many of us. It’s the part of fashion that allows us to show our creativity, history and individuality, whether you wear jeans and tees or a more tailored work look (for those who are still going to offices, meetings, job hunting.) I collect bracelets too and love stacking them on each wrist. I do save my chunkier ones for summer when they are more visible and I don’t have to deal with winter coats!
[These tips were originally posted as part of this conversation. ~ Eds.]
How have you “trend-proofed” your style?
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I have many comments regarding yoga in schools, particularly since my primary job is an elementary teacher. Not everyone is receptive to the idea. Keep the positive energy flowing and perhaps more will see benefits.
Sonho, I hope that you are not the only one explaining all this to your kids. At first, I would tell them to go ask their father when they ask questions. Don't let him get off scott free without having to explain himself. None of this is your f
I'm a librarian, Haralee. I love to share books!
I so agree with you on this!
I too am retired, and i stay with classic styles. I may add a new brooch, or earrings, bracelet, but simple. I am loving neutrals too as I get older. This year, after Christmas, i would like to find a new coat. Everything goes on sale after. That’s when I shop for what i truly need!
This is my formula, as well, including the post-Christmas sales. And in the past couple of years, I’ve begun to pop into thrift stores that hang shirts and sweaters by color. I head straight for the neutrals, nearly always find a good quality nearly-new T or classic shirt to supplement what I already have. Jewelry is where I splurge: once or twice a year, when I run across it, I purchase a unique piece by an artist friend or earrings from a funky shop I love — there is no need to constantly troll for these treasures, as they simply appear. My favorite jeans are 11 years old; I wish I’d bought another pair or two back then, because . . . you all know how it goes. As soon as you land on the perfect pair, they stop making them.
I agree with everything said except about the neutrals. Wearing beige and black makes me feel colorless and bland. Occasionally, of course, with a bright scarf, but I love color! Green makes my eyes sparkle, purple makes me feel dramatic, red is sexy! Bring on the color! If you shop thrift stores, as I do, beautiful colors are easy and affordable.
I agree with you. Colours and styles ( doesn’t have to be trendy or flashy ) give us lift and liveliness.
Hey fischerpat — I’ll bet you are a “winter” like me. I really look best in jewel tones, but have discovering navy — or better still midnight as my best ‘black.’
I found a very red vintage Worth jacket for $2 at a thrift store. With jeans and a T this is so-o elegant. I feel like a million bucks.
Lois-
We are on the same page.
I also realize that every woman reading this envisions her own interpretation of your visual words.
That’s why I felt it was important to have so many photos in my books–at least to give the readers an idea of what I mean by classics, and great ageless and modern style.
Style is a language–and like English –it’s in danger of not being spoken well ever again.
Sherrie (www.sherriemathieson.com)
I too live in earthy neutral colors although occasionally will find a jewel tone that brightens my skin and attitude. Jeans, tees, sweaters, linen tops & jackets are my weaknesses….oh, and boots! And most of these items I find while treasure-hunting in thrift & consignment stores. I use the neutrals as a backdrop for my jewelry, which as Lois stated is a great place for individual creative taste to be shown. You can also find plenty of gals on Etsy who handcraft differing styles. The important thing is that we always have choices in our fashion styles and that’s where our spark of fashion creativity really shines. That, and our beautiful smiles! ^_^
I LOVE bright, beautiful colors. Neutrals including anything in the beige or grey family make me fade into the woodwork with my pale skin.
I will NEVER give up my Vibrant Colors!!
Yes do not give up on them good for you. Colours lift up our spirits, and tell the world who we really are.
Navy, Khaki and white….. What more can I say? Navy works better than black for my complexion but black is doable at times. Khaki has to be more Taupe than tan and I keep it away from my face. Throw in a colorful scarf, some bangles, classy shoes or boots and there you have it. Of course, jeans are a staple….. period. The idea of a “daily signature uniform” is perfect.