How to Make Casual Outfits More Interesting

 

I don’t think there’s an expiration date on enjoying and wearing fashion. Seth Ari Cohen with his books, like Advanced Style: Older and Wiser, shows us all kinds of profiles of women and men, older and wiser, who have fabulous style and aren’t afraid to flaunt it. I gave a copy of it to my friend’s mother, Dena, who is turning 93. She still never leaves the house without looking great. Dena’s daughter, Debra, who is in her sixties, texted me and said, “My mom loves the book and so do I! These women and men are so inspirational. I want to be like them!”

I was interviewed this week by a woman from the Council of Aging in Sonoma. We talked a lot about the challenges women face dressing an “older and wiser” body. When it’s published, I’ll be sure to share it with you. I was on a roll!

I’d say my #1 belief is that women, especially now, need to be celebrating their radiance and enjoying the freedom fashion brings. What I told Cheri, who interviewed me, is that really, my philosophy is the same as when I started my business. I help women show up in life in outfits that suit their bodies, personalities and lifestyle. I know comfort is high on people’s list of what they want from clothes but comfort doesn’t have to look like giving up.

 

I think there’s nervousness about bringing attention to oneself at this age. There’s a lot to be confused about. Certainly, in this blog, we talk about ways to get unconfused.

This may be a repeat but being visible doesn’t have to mean wearing over-the-top attention-getting outfits. It’s just getting noticed in a positive way. People would say about women who are visible:

Gee, she looks great!

She looks like someone I want to know.

See that woman over there? She’s got style!

When my clients are out and about wearing the outfits that I’ve styled for them, they notice the difference! They report back to me.

I got so many compliments. Thanks for making me a star!

It’s thrilling to wear items that are able to reflect my personal expression.

Thanks to you and Erin for today’s closet appointment! What thrilling outfits you created!

 

Women are enjoying style at all ages.

Every outfit needs a decorative friend or two

I’ve been trying to think of an easy way to point out the difference between something that hardly gets noticed and something that gets noticed for all the right reasons. I’d say it’s about creating interest, having focal points in an outfit, giving people something to appreciate about how you look.

A lot of us are in more relaxed clothes these days. Many lunch dates with friends are dressed up casual affairs, not pretty suits or dress like in years past. But those simple casual outfits could use an artisanal cuff or an interesting handbag or perhaps a shiny shoe to help the eye travel up and down and all around your outfit. Think about what catches our eye: shine, shimmer, texture, sparkle, a collection (of bangles for instance), color harmony or contrasting colors. Those elements will bring interest to any outfit. When you’re wearing simple pieces, they become your decorative friends.

Want some examples? Here you go!

 

 

 

Jewelry can bring just the right attention to an outfit

This year I had the joy of meeting the Sol Sisters and I’d say their necklaces have spruced up my outfits so easily. When I’m in jeans and a sweater, all I do is reach for one of their necklaces and I’m set. Do you have pieces like this that add instant interest?

 

 

 

 

Trying a new accessory

I never expected to be someone who wore hats. I’d convinced myself that my face was too wide. Hats are great for a bad hair day; we all know that. But they can be an unexpected style element that completes your look—like the cherry on top of the sundae or the frosting on the cake.

 

Is there a hat in your future?

Going for comfort and style

People are demanding comfort clothes. I suspect if you stopped anyone on the street, mid-day, who is still in their yoga clothes, they’d tell you they’re dressed for comfort. I think it’s hard to make yoga clothes look interesting. They just look like yoga clothes. But if comfort is what you’re after, try a microfiber T-shirt or simple sweater with jeans that have stretch. Then add interest. You’ll be comfortable and stylin’.

What are you wearing right now that adds interest to your casual outfits? I know we’d all love some new ideas. Please share!