Ten Things I Learned About Fashion in my 50's
What finally clicked after years of chasing trends
Instagram - @country_and_hygge
Welcome back! I’ve been thinking a lot recently – yes really! And, I came up with this little list of ten simple things that I learned about fashion in my 50’s. Style lessons that came with age, confidence and a great pair of boots! Some of these things may or may not resonate with you, so, here goes…..
High end Designer Clothing and Footwear Isn’t Everything
But quality is.
I’m stretching the truth here because actually, this isn’t something I learned in my 50’s, it’s something I became aware of a lot earlier on. It’s this: designer clothing can sometimes wear you, if you’re not careful. Especially if you buy multiple statement items with lots of logos.
In reality, I found a lot of designer items previously bought, difficult to wear and style. Why? Because I was shopping for my fantasy self, for the things I liked, rather than what suited my lifestyle and needs.
I wasn’t being chauffer driven, red carpet to bar. Instead, I needed to walk between tube stations and wait for trains. Sometimes it was cold. I soon found many of my shoes and boots to be useless uncomfortable things that caused immense pain when pounding the pavements.
Also, very high impact statement pieces can often end up clashing with statement accessories, in the end coming across all a bit OTT. I later learned to shop for my lifestyle and needs.
These boots are not high-end designer with heels that I can’t manage, in a design or colour that only goes with one item. Instead, they’re useable and fairly neutral - the mahogany leather goes with a lot of things. The mid-heel is practical and presents a timeless style that is also flattering.
Simple Styling Techniques Work Wonders
Leaving things to casual chance does not.
Seems obvious now, but it wasn’t always! I’d put on the items and wonder why sometimes things looked off – a jumper over some trousers/jeans, a shirt over some trousers/jeans. That’s because I had no concept of proportions, or how to style the item so that it actually worked for me.
Paying attention to body proportions, for example, can really make a difference. Or just the simple hack of rolling your sleeves to help balance the outfit visually. Accessories like belts can break up proportions and shift visual balance. So, rather than cut myself in half with my old dressing style, I’ve tried to work in thirds when addressing proportions. Suddenly the tops and the bottoms work much better when some of these simple techniques are applied intentionally.
Here, the belt defines the waist and breaks up the proportions. The addition of the bag and it’s size also play with proportions. The top styled over a white shirt adds interest and texture. The wrists (thinnest part) are exposed. Although I’m already fairly tall, the trousers are high waisted to give an illusion of more length in the legs. Sneakers are neutral and logo free making for a simple and classic style that isn’t too shouty.
Colour can be Great
But not the wrong colour.
Colour analysis? What’s that all about then? I had no idea this was even a thing until relatively recently and that actually, it makes a huge difference.
There are certain colours that will suit specific skin tones, especially when the colour is worn next to the skin/face. With this in mind, it’s well worth getting a professional colour analysis done. Costs are usually around £125.
Once you’ve been through this process you will then know your specific ‘colour season’ and therefore, what colour palette best suits you. If you’re not confident with colour then you can stick to neutrals and just add accents – scarves are great as they sit close to the face. Once you’ve found your colours, you will never look back and shopping will be so much easier!
Capsule Wardrobes Rely on Neutrals
And not multiple mixed patterns and colours.
I learned to utilise neutrals and understand how they work within the context of a capsule wardrobe, and that such neutrals are the glue that binds everything else together. It’s been a bit of a game changer.
It’s actually okay to have multiple items that are very similar, however, the key is in the utilisation of different weights and fabrics. This is essential for a capsule wardrobe. I used to think that if you had one item you wouldn’t get another that was too similar, but actually, yes, you should have similar items but in those different weights and fabrics. Neutral footwear is also a versatile addition, for example, a neutral pointed toe shoe will elongate your limbs.
Tucking-in Works
Adding Bulk to problem areas does not!
I learned that doing a little tuck - just enough to show the hint of a belt, really works and that high waisted trousers can be really flattering. Previously I may have had a tendency to ‘cover up’ the stomach area by leaving the garments to fall over it (thinking this was a good thing), which didn’t just cut me in half (NB proportions) but in fact, only added to the illusion of bulk in specific areas.
A high waisted trouser makes the legs look longer and definitely helps to make an outfit look more put together. High waisted items also work much better with shorter or cropped style jackets. They also accentuate the smaller waist area (especially with the use of a belt) which is more flattering.
If you are straighter in shape, just add width to your top - the simple hack of adding in shoulder pads, for example, will broaden that area and as such, create a more hour-glass figure by giving the illusion of a slimmer waist. Bravo!
Accessories Add to the Finishing Touches
But should never be overdone.
I learned that accessorising is as important as deciding what clothes to wear. Accessories will always enhance the outfit, resulting in a well styled and polished look. Subtle designer accessories add ‘just enough’ to an outfit while bringing in some lux, but also, cheaper accessories can work just as well, as long as they’re tasteful.
Accessories, therefore, are always key, and might even be more important than the clothes themselves, given different accessories can transform the same set of clothes. With that in mind, they’re worth investing in.
Over-Consumption is Uncool
But slow fashion approaches are often rewarding.
I learned that slow fashion is actually a thing. That’s after I learned that the fashion industry has one of the worst impacts on the environment. Over consumption is at an all-time high in the UK, fuelled by the fact that people find it easier to sell on goods/fashion mistakes, which could eventually and most likely end up in landfill.
I like to think that I’ve always naturally exercised a slow fashion concept – perhaps without ever realising it. I shop mindfully and with purpose, and when I look around (and no, as a rule you should never compare!), I definitely don’t over consume!
I love fashion, but at the same time don’t feel the constant need to keep buying ‘stuff’, mainly because I try to buy the right pieces in the first place.
You will see me a lot with this bag - most of the time in fact. Cost per wear is very low now. The bag’s great, as it just goes with everything! I’m not against alternatives and choice, I have a couple, but I can’t wear more than one at once, and I just seem to keep reaching for this one at the moment! It’s been in constant use for 16 months!
Say ‘No’ to Shouty Logos
And yes, to quieter, classier luxury
When it comes to the excessive display of logos and branding, I learned to appreciate that less is definitely more. There’s nothing more ‘entry level’ than persons of a certain age displaying ‘loud’ and large logos on multiple items worn at the same time. Phew!
While a subtle logo on a piece can work well, I learned to avoid the really shouty ones, particularly on leisure focused, lower end products. Keep it classy and don’t fall foul to the cringe factor!
White Shirts are a Style Staple
Even if you don’t work in an office
I never used to like them. That’s because as crazy as this sounds, I never really knew how to wear them and consequently, they just never looked or felt right.
Here’s the thing, though. A crew always looks best over a shirt rather than just worn alone. A shirt always looks good tucked in, rolled sleeves, for a really simple clean, and flattering look, as well as working well with a waistcoat and/or scarf. Again, high waisted items are your friend.
Remember, its essential to ensure the garment is steamed and well presented – creased shirts will never look elegant. Why did it take me so long to understand the gold weighted value of a simple shirt?
It’s Hard to Beat In-store Shopping Experiences
Shopping local, supporting the high street and jobs equals a win-win.
The older I get the more I value old fashioned ‘shopping,’ meaning I like to go into a store and try/buy items there. These days it feels like a slower approach. It means I’m not overwhelmed with choice. Also, I’m not stressed, because yes, I can try things on and generally, it just feels like a more cohesive experience.
If you’re about to make a large investment - money is money, right? Then it makes sense to be super sure you have the right size and the right item. You don’t want to be worrying about returns and you definitely want the opportunity to try a couple of sizes to ensure you have the best one for you. Remember, sizing can be variable.
Factor in a spot of lunch and some book browsing while soaking up the atmosphere, and really, you can’t go wrong. Beats staring at a screen, sizing disappointments and possibly getting scammed - if you’re unlucky, any day!
Comfort is chic, and so is knowing what works. I hope some of this resonates and as ever, thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d enjoy this type of content, then please do ask them to subscribe - it’s free!