There’s a hard edge vibe this fall and much of that is coming from all the leather we’ve been seeing out there. Leather is extremely popular this season, especially black , because it signifies a strong independent woman.
If you want to buy into this trend, but worry it’s too rock and roll for a grown-up gal like yourself, you have a point! Black leather can look tough harsh and tacky after a certain age, so you have to be mindful about how you incorporate it into your wardrobe.
Here’s a few tips on how to do it without looking like an worn out old biker chick:
| Avoid Head to Toe Leather:
Head to toe leather looks tough and flat. Instead pick one leather piece to be your focal point and mix it up with a dress or skirt in a different material. An all black look always comes across as chicer when you combine varying textures. (Saks) |
 A single leather piece is more elegant than head to toe leather |
| Ruffles
If wearing leather makes you feel too tough, then try adding a feminine detail like ruffles like this great coat is from (Nordstrom) |
 Ruffles take leather to new feminine heights |
| Pair with a Flowy Blouse:
a soft flowing blouse adds softness to hard edged leather.(White House Black Market) |
 A silk blouse brings a ladylike touch to hard edged leather |
| Use Leather as an accent:
If you just can’t get your head around leather, but want to look fashionable, why not use it to accent a part of your body such as your waist. (Saks) |
 A touch of leather is all you need to be in style |
| Don’t choose leather cliches: Do we have to say it? No black leather mini skirts |
 no... |
| No fringe….. |
 no! |
Nothing plain weird!!!! |
 no!!!! |
| Choose Modern Shapes and Styles:
Think elegant, not rock and roll and you’ll get it right. This beautiful quilted, rolled collar jacket is classy, but still very cool.(Saks) |
 This quilted jacket with rolled collar is all class |
2. Wear A Fitted Jacket
Too Boxy
When you have a big tummy the tendency is to hide it under a big boxy jacket, but that is only going to make you look big overall. What you really need to do is buy a jacket that nips in at the waist. After all, your waist is probably still good. It’s the front that is the problem. Patterned jackets are popular for Spring but this one is straight up and down and has no shape. It adds bulk especially if you do it up.
Fitted and Flattering
A better jacket is
shorter and has darts (like this one), or is made of fabric that skims the body. If you usually wear boxy, this might take some getting used to but you will look 10 pounds thinner, instantly!
As the old saying goes…”Women dress for other women”…and we could not agree more!
Recently I (JoJami) went out for a girlfriends, “let’s celebrate someone’s birthday”… dinner at a new “hip” restaurant that had just opened. If your girlfriends are like mine, we LOVE to see what each other are wearing, get the scoop of where we bought it, how much we paid for it, etc….So, I thought I would share some of the fun things I saw, that were a standout, with these fabulous Age-mazing woman! (all photos are from Nordstrom’s)
Dark Stretch Jeans
This seemed to be the favorite choice. (Tips on picking jeans: simple lines, pockets hit you at a good spot, don’t do pocket flaps if you have a large behind, not a lot of decorations, a little flair is usually the most flattering. You can do straight legged, if you are thin and can pull it off, or if you want to tuck in)
Fab Boots, Tucked In or Out
If you want comfort these flat boots are great. Jeans can go in or out.
Or, how about these short boots to go under a boot cut jean or pant. These tall, Joan and David boots are fun too, and not that uncomfortable, since they are suede!
Colorful Jacket
Casual 3/4 Length Sleeve Jacket
Try a colorful Jacket: This red Twisted Heart red jacket you could do any color… yellow, blue, green, hot pink…what ever looks best on you.
We like the idea of a 3/4 length sleeve, worn open with a figure flattering t-shirt underneath.
Style Question: One of our readers sent us this photo and asked us…
Dear Glam Gals,
Thought you would enjoy this photo of a great jacket. I subscribe to your newsletter, and realize that this is a difficult look if one is not pencil thin and tall. I am 5′6″, curvy and busty and love this look. Any suggestions how to pull this off?
Thanks for your help,
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn,
Great to hear from you! You have a great eye and we love this look too!! Belting a jacket on the outside is very big this fall. This look is perfect for those who are thin. For other body types, here are some other ideas:
- The fabric on the jacket is nubby and heavy looking and will add bulk to those who are not pencil thin. Solution: Find a jacket that is made of thinner, smoother fabric. This actually might be a sweater and not a jacket at all, which can be an excellent option, to keep the bulk down.
- Do I need to have a tiny waist to do this look? Not necessary, however if you are more of an “apple” shape (thick through the middle, with little or no waist) you should skip this look. It will not flatter your figure.
- Don’t try this look with flats! This is a super fashion look, make sure you pair your jacket and belt with a great pair of pumps or high heeled boots!
- Make sure you pair your jacket with a flat front trouser or pencil skirt. Trying to do this look with a skirt or pants with belt loops or buttons, or pleats, will not just look too bulky.
- We like that she has worn a very thin top underneath with a low neckline. This looks very flattering! On closer inspection, it almost looks like she has layered a very thin sweater set underneath. Once again, if this is the case, you would have to be super thin to wear all those layers, and then belt it!
- Keep the belt simple! This belt is not the attention of the outfit. See… you notice the jacket and the detail on the collar and her colorful necklace, first! The necklace is in harmony with the outfit, and does not try to out do the belt!!
- Notice that that there are no buttons on the jacket, or at least you do not notice them. One more tiny detail that makes this look “work”!
- The top under the jacket and the Pants or skirt are all the same color, giving her a monochromatic look that pulls it all together and looks classy
- If you are busty, be very careful, that your jacket fits and does not “pull” across the bust line. A lot of woman that are busty are short-waisted too. Skip this look if you fit this description!
- Her natural make-up keeps her young looking, and her up-swept hair dresses up this outfit!
If anyone knows what brand and where you can find this jacket, please leave a comment below! Thanks! The Glam Gals
Think you might be shrinking? You are. As we age everything decreases from our hair to our hearing, our memory muscles and even our height. In fact after 40 we lose a half an inch every decade, and even more after 70.
If you’ve always been on the petite side, that can really add up. So how can you dress to get back that extra half inch or more?
Here are 9 Fashion Do’s and Dont’s to Make you Look Taller:
1. DO Try Tone on Tone
Dress in one color family from head to toe and you’ll instantly appear taller. For example, an ivory top with ivory pants and ivory shoes will keep you looking long and lean. Worried all one color might look too bland? Be sure to mix up same color pieces in different textures to keep things interesting.
2. DO Create a Vertical Line
A great way to create the illusion of height is to create a simple continuous vertical line with your clothing. A long row of buttons, vertical stripes, zippers, a long scarf, ribbed patterns, pleats, an unbuttoned jacket with a solid color underneath – all allow the eye to flow from top to bottom.
3. DO Wear Heels
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This is an obvious one that many women avoid because they are concerned about comfort, but just remember that you don’t have to wear stilettos to get some height. Platform pumps are in vogue at the moment. Nike makes a fabulous air sole that is very wearable. Taryn Rose is another recent brand that is all about pairing style with comfort.
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4. DO Put your Hair Up
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Sweeping your hair up and off your shoulders elongates your neck and makes you look taller and thinner. We’re seeing a resurgence of updos lately thanks to Sara Palin’s famous updo, so the timing is right for this look. Keep your updo slim at the sides and high on top. A wide hairstyle takes away from your height.
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5. DON’T wear Cuffs
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Cuffs on pants break the line of the pant and make you look shorter. Long flowing pants that touch the top of your foot elongate your legs and make you look more statuesque.
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6. DON’T wear Capris and Calf Length Skirts
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Why cut yourself off at mid-calf when you want your legs to look long and lean? Stay away from these.
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7. DO choose Tailored Clothing
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A simple clean lined shift dress is going to make you look taller than a loose, billowy blouse and tiered peasant skirt. Always keep the word streamlined in mind when choosing clothes like this tailored trench that will make you look a few inches above the crowd.
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8. DO avoid Thick Wide Belts
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Wide belts are in style, but you really have to be careful not to choose one that overpowers you. If you are short waisted then go for a slightly narrower belt. If you still think you look cut off at the waist, then choose a belt in the same color as your outfit so there is very little contrast. If that doesn’t work for you, just ignore this trend. It doesn’t work for everybody.
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9. DON’T wear heavy bulky fabrics and chunky knits
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Thick, textured fabrics like tweed and boucle, as well as chunky knits, create width and make you look shorter and heavier. Instead opt for smooth fine fabrics to create the illusion you are slimmer and taller. |
Hi Deb and JJ,
I’m currently recovering from knee surgery and am facing another surgery due to my rare knee condition. Since I’m been laid up for almost 2 years I’ve lost track of how to dress appropriately even just for casual wear. I’m 47 years old with an hourglass figure. I wear a Canadian size 8 – 10. Since my job was working with kids with physical disabilities I liked to dress casual but still look chic and professional. I need to learn how to dress casual chic when going to physio, Doc appointments and just out in the community instead of wearing athletic clothing.
~M.T.
Hi M.T.! We know that we all love and need to be comfortable, but we want to assure you that comfortable can still look great! We are going to assume that high heels probably won’t be an option for you, but you’re in luck, since the biggest trend this fall is the flat boot.
We suggest that the first thing you do to update your wardrobe is to throw out anything that you feel is not making you feel like you look great. Once your closet is organized and looking a little barren, then you are ready to fill it back up with some new updated items! (For help organizing your closet, check out our DVD, The Ultimate Cure for the Disorganized Closet!)
First off, for a professional office look, try some pants in a micro fiber. These never need ironing, and have some stretch in them for a slimming, super comfy fit.
Next, find a great blazer that will either match or coordinate with the pants. We want to make sure you show off your great waist, so opt for one that has some darts in it, that is a shorter style and fits well.
Another option for the run around days is a comfy skirt with flat boots, and a nice fitting cashmere sweater or vest. If you wear jeans, just make sure that you buy a new pair that is updated and in style. You will want to opt for one with some flair to balance your figure out. Also, do not be tempted to tuck in! Just make sure that your top is fitted and throw that new great fitting blazer on top.
Do not wear tennis shoes with this. Go for the flat or short boots with a wedge, or even a low heel. Don’t forget to update your make up and lipstick!
We came across a great thing over at Nordstrom’s… They have something called The Top 10 where they list the top 10 fashion trends and then you can shop the trend. We have done all the work for you…
Here are our top 5 trends out of the of the 10 including what we would buy and why. Have some fun, check out the site and comment below. We’d like to hear what you would choose!
1.The Stand Out Coat: Everyone needs one. In the fall and winter you will wear it almost daily. Here is one we like. It’s a modern pattern and color combination, but the cut is classic.
2. The Pencil Skirt: A pencil skirt should be simple and fit well. We liked this one the best, especially the way the hem falls at just the right part of the leg.
3.The Statement Necklace: We strongly agree that a statement necklace is a must have in your wardrobe. The neck is one of the areas on a woman that stays sexy the longest. Let’s celebrate it with sparkle!/p>
4. The Short Jacket:
Its hard to see it in this photo, but this jacket has a lot of detail to it. The sleeve has just a bit of flair at the cuff. We like the overall fit too!
5. The Bootie: This was a hard choice, but this one is a great price and has lots of class.
1. Swap your jeans for a skirt
Yes, we know it’s the weekend, but why hide behind jeans just because they’re easy and familiar? Instead try wearing something that will put a little swing into your precious days off like a feminine flat yoke skirt skirt with soft pleats. Pair your skirt with a cozy casmere sweater to feel comfy, but still look chic. A pretty solid scarf in one of your favorite colors tied at the neck will punch up the look, or you can add some smart ballet flats by day, or sexy heels by night.
2. Be Bold in a Bright Jacket
Weekends are play time and what better way to send that message than to add a shot of color. The simplest, most up to the moment way to do that, is to wear a jacket bursting with color. This season we’re seeing jackets in a deep rich rainbow of colors from burnt orange to plum, ruby red, teal blue and saffron.
These emerald colors work really well with all neutrals, especially the new Grey which can be difficult and draining to wear. The key to making this look work is to buy a jacket that fits you absolutely perfectly. Fit is everything especially after 40 to help add structure to a softening body.
3. Play with Scarves
Wait, aren’t scarves for old ladies? Depends on how you wear them. Scarves can be a great way to jazz up an otherwise ordinary outfit. Start with a crisp white blouse, unbutton the first few buttons and tie a long thin scarf a few times around your neck and knot it. Keep your blouse untucked and team it up with a pair of slim fit pants or jeans. Or, you can even try draping a large colorful scarf across a neutral top for a more dramatic look!
If you don’t have a knit top and matching pant or skirt in your weekend wardrobe, then fly out the door and pick one up! These outfits are casual but smart and are the perfect thing to wear shopping, to dinner or on a weekend getaway. Pair a knit skirt with opaque hose , boots or a pair of shoes with one of the new chunky heels.
5. Have Fun with Flat Boots
As the weather turns and the leaves begin to fall, Flat riding boots are a great weekend footwear choice. Rugged and Strong they look best paired with jeans or knit dresses plus opaque stockings. Be aware that your daughter’s heavy Frye boots (yes they’re back) can sometimes look too heavy on 40+ legs if so you may want to opt for a slightly finer version to achieve this look.
