Do You Struggle With What Clothes To Wear?

My twin sister Jill always told me I needed to dress sexier, that I dressed too conservative and classic. We had very different personalities; she was the extrovert and I was the introvert, and we chose our clothes accordingly.

Today I know that each person’s version of sexy and style must fit her personality. Bradley Bayou notes that “when it comes to dressing well, it boils down to two things: Dress to balance your body and learn to conceal your flaws and reveal your assets”. By doing this you will create a figure that looks beautifully proportioned and gets attention in the right places. That makes sense!

But, have you ever opened your stuffed closet searching for a Saturday night outfit and thought “I don’t have a thing to wear , and after age 60, comfort and style may be more important than looking sexy anyway.”

Do any of these complaints sound familiar?

1. My feet hurt; I can’t wear heels anymore.
2. No one sees me; I’m invisible.
3. I look at styles in magazines. I don’t fit in anywhere.
4. I never find anything in stores.
5. I’m bored with my clothes.
6. I don’t want to dress too young, but I don’t want to look like an old maid.

Here are some solutions I found to those complaints. Put on an outfit that you like, get out in the world and you will be taken seriously. Start with the act of wearing what pleases you and makes you happy! Women in hats get compliments like crazy (I love wearing hats!). You can be stylish and look beautiful and be comfortable. Don’t wear clothes that tug or pinch or make you second guess ordering dessert. Find stylish oxfords, flats, slip ons and sneakers instead of heels (I love my Clarks). Don’t fit in with fashion… stand out! Women over 60 have lots of stuff. Go shopping in your closet and look at it with loving eyes and wear it.

If you need some guidance, here is a list of top 10 wardrobe essentials:

1. Denim jacket: looks good with a dress, jeans, crops perfect layering piece.
2. Black pants: when in doubt, reach for black. Look for different textures (wool, faux leather) and different shapes. Wide leg pants are on trend now.
3. Dark denim: looks great with pumps, boots, sneakers. Can be casual to dressy.
4. White shirt: I am always on the hunt for the perfect white shirt. Buy one oversized, a cotton, a silk.
5. Shirtdress: this silhouette compliments every body type. Choose solid or pattern and wear over leggings too.
6. Blazer: Perfect for work, laid back weekend or dressy for a special occasion.
7. Striped tee: Sailor tee with a pair of jeans or under a blazer for casual chic.
8. Ballet flats or loafers: much more comfy than heels.
9. Vibrant scarf: in silk to dress up any outfit or cotton in a fun print for casual wear.
10. Classic pumps in black or nude are most versatile or add a pop of color for fun. Great with jeans or dresses.

Whew. I feel better already! Remember your style mixed with fashion from your closet and a few new additions from stores (I like Chicos, on sale of course) will free you, bring pleasure and make you feel visible for all the right reasons. Please share if you have a love/hate relationship with your clothes and what you like to wear. Next step is the closet purge. Stay tuned for next week’s post. XO Penny

Resources

10 Fashion Tips For Every Woman Over 60 by BrendaKinsel.com

Tips for Everyday Looks by Susanafter60.com

Style at a Certain Age by Beth Djalali

The Science of Sexy by Bradley Bayou