An overwhelming number of selections in my closet is just that, overwhelming. A carefully edited version of my wardrobe serves me well. When I add something new to my collection now, it is only to replace something starting to look worn.
A simple tank top and straight-leg pants in crepe knit fabric fit in beautifully with my edited version of a wardrobe that works for every season and all my life events. They replace the two similar pieces I have been wearing for three years.
I can never find the right thing when I go emergency shopping for a particular event. I prefer to have on hand the pieces I can mix and match to create the appropriate look.
Necessities for me include a great fitting pair of pants and a black tank top. That is often my starting point for any look, other than in the blazing heat of summer.
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| It's All About That Base! |
When you start out with a great base, you can add a scarf, a vest, a cardigan, or any jacket style. Even a jean jacket and flats can work with your base pieces. Black serves me well, but perhaps brown would be a better choice for your coloring. My point is that if you have great fitting base pieces made from high-quality fabric, you can wear them many times and in an endless variety of ways.
I knew these pants, and this tank was perfect for me the moment I slipped them on. Don't you just love that feeling when you put on an item of clothing, and you know without any doubt that it is right for you? My new rule is that I have to feel confident about something before it gets added to my wardrobe.
One of our favorite traditions includes joining friends for dinner, as we often do on Friday evenings. It is so good for the soul to enjoy a perfectly prepared meal and visit those we love.
For me, the evening is even better because I did not have to prepare the meal and clean up the kitchen or stress about what I was going to wear. That is why we so often entertain at Gourmet and Company.
My necklace and the box clutch are both old from S.M. Bradford. The string jacket is old from Chico's. The shoes are old by French Connection via Saks Off 5th.
14 comments:
As always -- you look wonderful ---it's been great to watch your transition through the years as you have perfected your wardrobe to reflect your style. For awhile I tried to "copy" you....but it didn't work....shorter....my coloring is warm....and I'm a pear shape - but I'm still working on it and you always give encouragement to us ladies who've hit the 50 speed bump and beyond. I wish I could do the black as well...I try to keep it away from my face as much as possible. So I don't often get that same column effect that I think is so flattering. I don't like brown at all. Summer is a bit easier because I can do white. Thanks for your continued posting....I look forward to each and every one!
I love that you are expanding your clothing line with more great basics! Now, if only our Canadian dollar was on par with the U.S dollar.
I usually wear a medium pant (or 10-12 depending on the brand), so do you suggest I buy the medium or large since the description states the sizing is generous (I carry my weight in my hips and thighs)? I love the black tank and pants with the blue top on you! It's a look that could go anywhere! Thanks for the inspiration.
Susan, I would like to see your closet! I'm curious as to how you organize your clothes and accessories. Fifty hit me like a train. I just couldn't wrap my brain around it. Now, two years later, I feel much better about it all. Don't want to lose my sense of style but feel the need to be appropriate. Don't want to look like I'm trying to be 35 but a put together 52 year-old. Thanks for sending out good rays of hope! I would love to see you in Knoxville!
When you bring in "navy" (indigo, whatever) into your shop, I will purchase it all!
DebbieF, I would suggest a medium. All of the exchanges have been for a size smaller.
There is a post on organization here... https://fiftynotfrumpy.blogspot.com/search/label/organization
I have been going through a cull of my closet lately. The last time was three years ago. Most of it has been easy: the items that don't fit go to a charity shop (need to get onboard healthier eating and exercise). The items that are worn out go in the bin. What is surprising though, is that my taste has changed. Quite a number of things just aren't "me" any more. I don't have a huge wardrobe, so this means that very little is left.
I'm on a new threshold. An article in "Globe Style" on the weekend expressed this perfectly. Whether we realize it or not, we dress for our social roles in life: being a mother, a daughter, a spouse, etc. Most of us know when we're choosing a wardrobe for a career, but I don't know if we realize we're factoring in all our other social roles. This is why it can be so hard to change our personal style. The article says we must take a close look at our emotions and psyche if we want to embark on a wardrobe shift. It takes more than simply acknowledging that we want to make ourselves over. Interesting!
You have done this successfully, Susan. It's a process. Thank you for showing us how to take steps in the right direction. Our steps will be our own, but the process is similar for all of us facing this transition to a new understanding of who we are in midlife. We will make mistakes and adjustments along the way, but that is life.
Here's the article, for anyone who's interested:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/fashion-and-beauty/fashion/the-psychology-of-style-whats-the-real-reasoning-behind-yourlook/article31427994/?service=mobile
Loved the clever word play for the title of your post today, BTW!
I knew you had a jewelry business but do you also have a clothing store? I've been coming to FNF for a while and this is the first I've heard of you selling clothing.
Kathy, I do offer a few basic pieces of great clothes on my site.
As an almost 65 year old, I enjoy your blog and try to use your wardrobe hints to look "sixty not frumpy". However, I'm short (5'1"), long- and slim-waisted, and a bit pear shaped. My slimmest look is a dress fitted on top with a bit of room in the skirt (tucks or a tiny bit of flare, not full skirt). I've tried the "long top over slim pants" look and find I have to be VERY careful with that top or I look like a kid who got into mommy's closet. Ditto a long jacket or vest over a slim top. Any suggestions for shops that carry classic items for petites?
Talbot's carries petites. You are so correct that you have to dress for your proportions.
I received the pants and tank top on Wednesday, and wore the pants to work on Thursday. They are extremely comfortable and so easy to take care of. I need to find some nice jackets like the one you're wearing in the post. We have a Chico's outlet about 15 minutes away, and I plan to stop by this weekend. Thank you!
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