This past weekend, I discussed an article with Mr. Mickey which detailed some of the 2016 Fall trends. He asked me which of those I was going to wear. My answer was, "None of them."
 |
| From Winter 2015 |
The body of the jacket I wore above is bulky, but since the sleeves are sleek faux leather and I wore it open with a slim fitting black low neckline top and slim-fitting pants, this textured jacket worked for me in this case. If the sleeves were also bulky and I belted the jacket, I would look twenty pounds heavier.
While I enjoy wearing classic pieces on most days, I also appreciate the spice of an occasional edgy or trendy piece thrown in for good measure. The most important question to ask when adding something new to your wardrobe is always; "Will this look good on me?" Regardless of styles or trends, the first consideration should always be if the item flatters your coloring, shape, personality, and height.
I never follow a trend just to look current. If, however, the trend flatters me, I might consider it. Great style means knowing what looks good on your body. That means understanding how to use texture and proportion, style the pieces, and what tones complement your complexion.
Below are a few of the Fall trends that I will not be worn with an explanation as to why not.
Statement Chokers
I have a roundish face and a short neck. I should never wear anything that makes my neck appear shorter, and my face appears more round.
The Cape
I carry most of my weight front and center, so a cape would make me look like I was wearing a tent. If I wear a double-breasted jacket, I will rarely, if ever, close it.
Tan Colors
Tans and beiges make me look ill because I have cool coloring. I enjoy wearing trench coats, but I have a white one and a couple of black ones. Never a tan one.
Tans and beiges make me look ill because I have cool coloring. I enjoy wearing trench coats, but I have a white one and a couple of black ones. Never a tan one.
Ruffles
Just no! Ruffles, lace, and gathers do not go with my personality. They add volume, usually around the face or bust, where I certainly do not need it.
Just no! Ruffles, lace, and gathers do not go with my personality. They add volume, usually around the face or bust, where I certainly do not need it.
Golden Brocades
Gold tones will never allow me to look my best. I do have a ruby and black brocade jacket that I may wear again if the occasion arises.
Gold tones will never allow me to look my best. I do have a ruby and black brocade jacket that I may wear again if the occasion arises.
Puffy Jackets and Coats
Why on earth would I ever wear something that makes me look like a bumblebee?
Faux Fur Coats
Faux fur will always look better on the hanger than on my body. Fur adds volume. If you weigh 90 pounds, with a small bust, and you are six feet tall, you might look good in a faux fur jacket with skinny jeans. Any type of fur will always make me look like a huge marshmallow.
Shearling Coats
Shearling is by nature a dull warm color and bulky. Like corduroy, suede, and tweed, shearling is stiff and adds volume. I need to wear sleek, silky, smooth surfaces that add no bulk to my frame.
15 comments:
This made me smile when you said Just no! How inspiring you are, yet again, to show us how well you know yourself and what flatters you. There are many trends this fall I will join you in ignoring. Thanks for being my slightly older big sister Susan. You are great!
So true that we must wear what works for us. However, having said that, I love that Breton stripes are "a thing" because I love them, some say older women shouldn't "go there" and because, hello .. classic and always in style. So I'm treating myself to an updated striped top.
As I have said before, your posts and pictures are tremendously helpful. We are opposites in coloring, but similar in body type. It has been wonderful to begin to understand why some things just don't look right, such as capes. After visiting a shop where the stylist helped me with color and using your template for flattering outfits, I have begun to fashion a really workable wardrobe. I love getting dressed each day!
By the way, thank you for showing the black and gold jacket. It's right up my alley.
All I could say after each . ..'will not be wearing ' was . .me too! ,me too! Heard that pearls are 'strong' guess what, pearls have been my strong for 50 years. *)
I agree with all your " just no" pieces for all the same reasons. I'm short and carry my weight on the top. All these style would do nothing for me. The only trend I'm considering this year is the peep toe bootie. I live in Florida so I'm thinking it will need to be sleek leather not suede and probably in a tan color. I still haven't found the perfect pair yet.
I agree with you on the trends - not the best looks for a lot of us. Although I do have a purple velvet evening coat that I might just have to revisit!
BTW - that is my favourite jacket/cardigan on you. I have been coveting it since the first time you showed it. If you ever want to get rid of it..... :)
Stay tuned Yvonne! :)
When I was a girl I was fortunate enough to purchase the Bible of elegance, "Elegance" written by Genvieve Antoine Dariaux. As we all know, European women don't fall slaves to the latest. As a result, I grew up wanting to be elegant and not trendy. Today at 60, I have a uniform that works for me and for special occasions, I see my reliable tailor who can make anything and we make it to fit me.
Thank you for staying true to yourself. Body shape, coloring and personality are what matters. Some of those items actually work for me, because I'm a pear with "spring" coloring. Trends only if they fit my shape, coloring and personality. Otherwise, I'm not interested. I'm past being a fashion victim, and don't waste money on things that don't have longevity.
I totally agree with you about the furry things, the poufy things, the capes, and the ruffles (I am NOT two years old!) Chokers choke me. I want to be comfortable, stylish, contemporary, and chic. I don't have your coloring (I'm a redhead!) but it helps enormously to see why you make the choices you do.
Thanks!
Another Susan
Funny that you just posted this because I just got a Chicos catalogue. After looking through it, I told my husband there was nothing in it that I would wear, and I usually shop at Chicos. I especially don't wear peasant tops. They make me look dumpy!
Susan, I eat healthy meals but love my evening wine. Does drinking wine make you gain weight? Typically, would you have two glasses when dining out? Do you have wine at home or abstain and is that your secret to not gaining weight? Love your style and inspiration!
I never have more than one glass of wine because I tend to get a headache. It does add about 20 calories per ounce. I rarely have more than two glasses in a week and I don't usually finish the glass.
I was outside pressure washing the driveway and came in to check what was going on in the blogosphere and see these lovely things and thought to myself "oh my"
Just love this post. It is so liberating to be able to say no to the trends and yes to what's right for you. Thanks for the validation!
Post a Comment