Another Question from our one of our readers:
I’m really enjoying your blog this morning — your advice is wise and practical, yet fun, too! I’m a 55-year-old empty nester, and a professional freelance writer and artist. For fun, I work part-time as a background extra for feature films.
I’ve always enjoyed clothes and expressing my creativity through what I am wearing. But I can’t tell you how often I’ve been confused by the fashion advice given in magazines and books supposedly geared to women my age. (Most of the clothing for older women is still modeled by MUCH younger women.) One book I recently picked up discouraged wearing prints of any kind; another touted Pucci prints as the fashion solution to everything. So much of what I read for women my age is so contradictory that I remain confused, a little depressed.
At this age, I’ve got the time to reconnect with my creativity and am always looking for new ways to express it. My wardrobe is part of my creativity, and I look forward to exploring new ways to look like me. I’d love to learn how to incorporate trends without looking trendy, and how to wear classics without looking same-old, same-old … I’m especially interested in new ways to wear vintage clothing, as I’ve collected it for years (and often rely on it for my work as a background extra).
Thanks for your help!
Cindy L.
The Glam Gals reply:
The trend these days to looking updated and an easy way to express your creativity when dressing casual is layering. Don’t worry about all the conflicted messages out there… you have to go with your gut when it comes to dressing and if the advice just seems wrong for you feel free to just ignore it!
Now, dressing casual/creative is not as easy as it looks and requires the right basics.
Here are a few of this seasons trends and how to make them age-appropriate:
| 2 Trends that DON’T WORK!
- Drawstring shorts: Shorts with any type of string in the front are all the rage these days, but then you have to keep your shirt tucked in! Much better to go with a flat front short that will give you more options!
- Clunky Gladiator sandals: This trendy style just too heavy-looking with these shorts and they don’t fit well around the ankle. Make sure if you wear this type of sandal you pick a style that is not as clunky.
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| Oh yes!
This is how to go from the boring to FAB!
Let’s break it down:
- flat front short
- cute jacket (might not want to do the belt but the idea of layering with a casual short jacket with sleeves rolled up works well!)
- this strappy sandal is much more sophisticated or you could do a flat nude sandal as well!
- colorful tank (see it peeking out under the jacket?)
- bold necklace and watch
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| Updating your basics!
What better way to show off some of your fun jewelry than with a gorgeous, well-fitting yet comfortable top. This one is from Theory. Classy and a pretty color too! (Nordstrom)
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| Works for us!
Here’s a more casual version of a jacket to pair with shorts or jeans. (Nordstrom) |
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| Is this Pucci print top, over the top ?
Prints are sure in but this top (too short for a dress) is just too much for most to run off to do errands in. (Nordstrom) |
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| Oh Yes to this dress!
This little dress can be machine washed and will always look smart without looking gaudy. These gold shoes dress it up but a cute pair of flat sandals would look perfectly fine too! (Nordstrom)
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Are you sick of winter? We are, and there’s hardly been any snow yet!
It’s that time of year when JoJami and I look out our windows into the cold gray landscape and think, “We’ve got to get out of these heavy, dull winter clothes, or we’re going to suffocate.”
So, what does one wear to feel happy and alive, when it’s still freezing out there, and wearing bare sleeves and bare legs would look absolutely ridiculous?
Color… for one… something lightweight, but not silly thin.. and sleeves, preferably…. if you can find them!!! ( near impossible these days)
Enter Spring’s new bright, bold and graphic jersey shift dresses. Wow, did we get excited when we saw these online! They’re bursting with color, are in fun happy prints, and they have sleeves..yes!
Never mind that they’re showing them worn with bare legs and sandals. Just throw on a pair of dark tights and cute flats and you’ll be good to go.
And they’re so comfy…… the perfect thing to wear when you’re still working on shedding those few extra pounds left over from Christmas, so you can be ready for bathing suit season. Here are a few of our favorite picks from Nordstroms:
| Paisley gone crazy:
A modern update on an old fashioned pattern makes traditional look hip. Brown with white is an ideal color combo to transition into Spring. (Nordstroms) |
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| Edgy:
Black and electric blue give this one cool sharpness. You don’t need jewelry. This dress does all the talking.(Nordstroms) |
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| Caribbean:
Can’t you just feel that tropical breeze? This one reminds us of an island getaway at March break! (Nordstroms) |
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| Arsty:
Looks like someone took the kid’s Spiro Giro to it. The rounded neckline is flattering to all. Graphic and gorgeous! (Nordstroms)
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| 60′s vibe:
Never say never! It’s short, but if you have long shapely legs this Tory Burch dress worn with thick, dark tights and flats or cute boots, will make you look chic.(Nordstroms) |
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On the Border:
Beautiful Bordering at the V neckline, sleeves and hem give this an extra punch. For those who don’t like boatnecks, the V is a great option. It makes any neck look longer and your body look leaner!(Nordstroms) |
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