STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

bloomie · Marc Jacobs

defining ones style

Domino13 · Nine West

Interesting post. My style has been evolving lately in a very similar way. I have way too many clothes and have historically worn a bit of this or that, but never had any one style or theme to what I wore. I now feel that I am too old to continue in that way, and also, it is becoming too complicated, and I would like to make my style choices easier.

Over the past few months I have tried to only buy classic pieces that are black, navy, white, beige or grey. So far, I have to say that I like the change. I believe that it was Suasora who gave me the idea to narrow my color choices. It may be boring to some (a lot of tailored pants, pencil skirts, white blouses and blazers) but I have to say, I always feel well dressed. Before, there were times when I felt like maybe I went too far with an outfit choice. This way, my outfits become a non-issue. And now, when I do stray somewhat from the classics, it makes an impact.

I am 47 and work in a professional and conservative industry. I don't belive that I would have made this choice if I worked in a more creative environment. I tend to naturally gravitate toward more "funky" styles.

Suasoria · Chanel

I don't consider myself an anthro "hater" but it's not my aesthetic at all. (We are still in their target demographic, though.) Is it your aesthetic, or do you feel your taste is changing? If it's still your taste, it seems like there's a middle ground in here - e.g. pencil skirts with blouses and cardigans, or flowy dresses with a good jacket. Give the florals and chunky knits (or whatever you find to potentially be aging) a rest, or keep it moderated rather than overfussy.

Rather than thinking of it as "I want to look like I'm 41" I'd think of it as "I want to look sexier, sleeker, more sophisticated" or whatever your next phase is.

Suasoria · Chanel

Domino13 wrote:
I believe that it was Suasora who gave me the idea to narrow my color choices. It may be boring to some (a lot of tailored pants, pencil skirts, white blouses and blazers) but I have to say, I always feel well dressed.

Oh, I'm so happy this is working for you. I made the decision to stop buying anything that isn't black, white, or gray a few years ago and I do not regret it at all. (I have slipped a few time for red, though. I still really like red.) But damn it really makes things a lot less complicated - shopping and getting dressed.

atlgirl · Gucci

I feel the opposite - many of the Anthro looks are way too "twee" for me. I have boobs and a butt and a very womanly body to begin with. I love Anthro but I have to choose carefully what I purchase there. I feel like much of what they offer looks good on boyish-type bodies and that certainly isn't me.

What does work for me (and I'm 43): clothes with drape to accentuate my curves. Saturated color (jewel tones). Classic shapes - I like to keep my clothes for a long time (always have; I buy what I love and mostly non-trendy items). My clothing cuts may be more conservative but I love to add some drama with my accessories (this is consistently true too, since I was a teen).

I think the layering can work but you have to be very particular about the layering pieces. I have a few drape-y cardigans and such but they are flattering so that my shape doesn't get lost in them (otherwise I just look like I put on 10 lbs!). I try on a whole lot more than I buy and I only take home what looks really great in the mirror.

As I get older I find I want more sophisticated items. Nothing that looks "cheap" even if I didn't pay a lot for it. And I have added so much more color to my wardrobe in recent years (the opposite of Su, I guess, but I keep it to very specific colors so they play well together) and am having a lot of fun with that.

Hermes

I'm in my forties too, and I have found simple is better as well (and easier!) I still integrate vintage looking pieces similar to anthro. I pretty much march to the beat of my own drummer in the way I dress. I'd consider my casual style as bohemian biker chic, for example, I'll wear a long paisley dress with biker boots ;) I try to go more sophisticated with a hint of 50-60's when I dress professionally, but I change it up a little with platform boots or a statement necklace. Right now, I'm just fat and can't fit into most my clothes (working on this!)

I've found anything too precious or feminine looks odd on me.

gossipgirl · Dooney & Bourke

I think it's fun to change up your style as the mood hits. The element of surprise can be interesting - people are used to seeing you one way, then you wear something unexpected and they look at you a little differently. You can't go wrong buying classic pieces. And you can evolve slowly. Keep some of your Anthro pieces in the mix but maybe pair down the way you wear them. A frilly skirt, with a more basic top - not so many layers. A black pencil skirt with that girly blouse.

I find my syle evolves every few years, as I get attracted to certain styles/pieces then fade out of love with it and in love with something else. I used to be that Anthro girl, but find my style a little more classic/sexy with the unexpected twists thrown in make my outfit not so expected. (A throw back to my Anthro days, I think)

ico · Dooney & Bourke

Whatever everybody said is a good suggestion: keep some elements if your style and start adding something different. The transition will be smoother.
But you should do it because you want it, not because you feel you should because of your age.

As for the colors: I have found I am attracted to a limited set of colors, with a prevalence of white black and grey, and touches of burgundy/red or turquoise/purple. It really makes getting dressed easier, plus it creates your own uniform - meaning: for example, people are used to se me wearing touches of purple, and that makes my style "me".

Lately, from observing how people around me dress, I have "discovered" the power of shoes: a good pair of shoes can make even a beach cover up look elegant and chic...

Boots · Gucci

I think it's natural to evolve your style as you get older. I'm 38 and some individual things that I wore in my 20's would look ridiculous on me now. As styles change, so do people. But my over all look has remained pretty consistent. I've always been attracted to sleek fitted looks without a lot of frills. I'm very much a jeans, cardi, pencil skirt, wrap dress sort of girl. As I've gotten older I've figured out ways to showcase parts of me that I like and to properly fit the parts that I'm not too fond of. That's why I call it evolving and not rebuilding. I know who I am and dress accordingly. The details may change season to season, but the core remains the same.

I think that you should dress the way that makes you feel most like you. If it's in frilly, lacy layers, then wear them proudly. If you feel that this "look" is no longer what you want, experiment a bit until you find the look that makes you feel like the best Bloomie you can be. As for what anyone else thinks, who cares? How boring would it be if everybody looked and dressed the exact same way?