If you were also in high school in the early seventies, you might be like me in that you find the ultimate comfort is that "uniform" you wore for much of that time.
Occasionally I still see one of my high school friends wearing the same look we loved at seventeen but a Harley tee and faded out jeans with shoe muffins (athletic shoes) will not work for me anymore. Comfort now has to do with more than just how it feels on my body. I want to celebrate that I have been on a tremendous journey for these past forty years. I have traveled the world, owned several businesses, lived in great cities, and learned volumes since I graduated from high school in 1974.
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| My Junior Class Picture 1973 |
I still wear jeans and a tee quite often, but my comfort zone now includes great fitting dark washed jeans, a slim-fitting tee with a scoop, or V-neck with a nice jacket or open cardigan sweater. Knowing my body shape is key to putting together comfortable outfits. There is a "sweet spot" between mid-hip and mid-thigh where I like my jackets to end. They should be neither too short, showing all of my flat bottom, nor too long, making my short legs appear shorter.
The jeans should fit my body, neither too tight nor sagging in the back. Dark wash looks more appropriate and much better with most of my jackets, but I have one faded pair of classic Levis, which I wear with flats and a navy blazer on sunny fall days. The NYDJ cropped jeans I am wearing below remain one of my summer favorites also.
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| Autumn of 2013 |
I hope that sharing my inspiration sets from Polyvore and explaining why I make certain choices helps you put together great outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Here's to our next forty years!
I am the Class of '74 as well. I have honed in on a particular style too but I still get nostalgic when I see an old picture of me from high school. Anything looked good then even no makeup! Now, I feel that my particular brand is a culmination of many years of learning about myself and I simply do not FEEL GOOD in anything but my authentic style: jeans (when not working), t-shirts, and pretty cardis in lux fabrics such as cashmere. Still nod to my little girl self with a simple headband or piece of jewelry. Right now I sport a 1933 art deco watch. It reminds me of the romantic idealistic girl from the Class of '74.
ReplyDeleteDonna
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeleteYou could tell that you were going to be a gorgeous lady by your high school pic. So cute!
Okay, I have a question...if you live in the South - I mean humid, hot South Florida - it's usually too hot to wear a blazer. I've been solving this by buying Chico tees but what would you suggest for a super warm climate in regard to our beloved jeans?
Thanks again for your blog.
@Alison Fey, I love to wear light weight khaki capris in summer. I have also ordered some light weight khaki ankle pants from Chico's. I'll let you know how I like them when I've had a chance to wear them.
ReplyDeleteAre you still wearing the pant style and shoes that you have on in the picture? I thought you stated in a previous post that you had evolved your look to longer slacks and flat shoes.
ReplyDeleteDawn
I will still wear my ankle pants and heels when the weather is warm but for colder weather and everyday wear my look may include flats and more tailored jeans or pants.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I continue to wear sneaks w/jeans a lot of the time, but I'm making the effort to "dress up"/look nicer when out&about. You set a fine example for this Baby Boomer! Food for thought! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how we look back at high school years? When I attended high school in th late sixties and early seventies the girls were not allowed to wear slacks (not even to evening sporting events), the boys had to wear their shirtstucked in, and the girls were reguired to wear nylons with sandals - and this was a small rural school of less than 400 students in the entire freshmen through senior class. The curious thing is I still prefer skirts/dresses over slacks/jeans... Take care.
ReplyDeleteYou always look so "put together" Susan.....This year I am looking forward to changing up my wardrobe. Since I retired it's been the basic jeans and top looks.....when working I wore very tailored clothing. It's frustrating to go shopping now...feel as though I am caught between "studda bubba" (old woman) or twentysomething clothing...drives me nuts! Thanks for all your positive tips! Ellen......ps your high school pix is gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteAwww.. I love "then and now" photos! You were a pretty teen-ager, but an even more beautiful woman, I think. You inspire me. Class of '77. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous in your high school picture, but after 40 years of life journey you look even more gorgeous .
ReplyDeleteHi Susan. Have to ask if the khakis you ordered are the Casual Cotton Everyday Ankle Pant. If so, I sure hope you like them. As a serious collector of Chico's Cool Cotton pants, I have tried them on and they are great. Think I need a pair in black. Two of the gals in St. Armand's Circle were wearing them yesterday and they were beautiful. One had them with the Zip Shoulder black & white top; marvellous . As on page 19 of the latest catalogue. Let us know your thoughts when your khakis arrive.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great blog.
So pretty then...so pretty now! Jeans, a tee and a jacket is one of my all time favorite looks! You look amazing, Susan!
ReplyDeletelovely in 1973 and lovely now
ReplyDeleteYou look like a very charming, beautiful young lady! Gorgeous hair! Your choices for casual wear are spot-on. I see so many gals around here wearing Colts or Pacers tees. Even if a person's budget is limited, there are inexpensive options other than "sports" wear. I certainly appreciate the work you put into your blog.
ReplyDeleteAnother class of 74 here! I'm so glad to have found your blog. It's difficult to dress at this age, but you have given me good ideas and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post.
ReplyDeleteMy homepage - summer fashion