by Nicki Smith
No one is exempt from getting dressed, so we might as well do it to the best of our abilities, whatever our date of birth. I recently celebrated my 60th birthday. I have to admit, I have always thought 60 was old – like “over the hill” old. I am rethinking that philosophy. Being well dressed does not begin or end at a certain age; it evolves over a lifetime. And it cannot be done without a healthy dose of fashion.
Many stylish women have a uniform they stick to – a look that is theirs. But uniforms need to be adapted and updated. It is important to re-evaluate each season. Carolina Herrera, still a thriving fashion designer at age 79, said, “What is fashion if not change, newness and experiment? It keeps you youthful.” Her fashion tip – eye-catching sleeves are important because they frame the face.
Nothing will age you faster than revealing too much flesh or clinging on to a past look – hippie, rocker chic, grunge or girly girl. Fashion is a way of feeling relevant in the same way that art, movies or books are. Fashion is as much about how clothes make you feel as how you look.
We need to look for the following when adding items to our wardrobe – fabulous cut, the finest fabrics, impeccable fit and comfortable. Seek out timeless pieces that always look modern such as…
- Black leather jacket (brown if you just won’t do black)
- Animal print – jacket, skirt or accessory (please only one at a time)
- White shirt (remember interesting sleeves)
- Black pants (fit is everything)
- Dark wash jeans (skinny and bootcut, no rips please)
- Leather or suede boots
- LBD (little black dress – or navy)
- Pearls
If you have these basics, you can add a few fashion items every season to let your personality shine. We no longer have to turn into little grey-haired ladies at a certain age. Fashion will always keep you young.
About the Author:
Nicki Smith has been in the fashion industry for 35 years. She is the owner of and buyer for Pappagallo, located at 2020 Scottsville Road in Bowling Green (The Pines Shopping Center, next to Chico). She is also available for in-home closet makeovers by appointment.
