Welcome back to the Joy Boutique, friends… a place where we can sit, sip tea, and discuss inspiration for our wardrobe and personal style. Basically, for my New Year’s resolution, I picked a word…COURAGE. I want to live more courageously this year in all aspects of my life. Taking a few fashion risks can definitely be fun.
However, let’s keep the fundamentals in mind. None of us want to waste money. Right? Therefore, remember the dressing room is not our enemy, but our safe haven. It is the place where we must take time to really evaluate a piece of clothing before we buy.
I agree with stylist and designer Rachel Zoe when she says, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” We should look in the mirror every time we dress and ask, “What am I saying about me with this choice of outfit?”
Now, here are the places I want to test the waters just a little this year:
- Better Fit: No matter the size of our bodies, wearing clothes which fit the figure just looks better. I think many of us tend to hide inside of over-sized clothing because of fear and insecurity. There was a time I was fearful of pencil skirts. After stepping out of my comfort zone and trying them on, that is now my go-to skirt choice. It is time to boldly wear clothes with better fit and enter the room with our heads held high. I will be practicing this courage particularly with tops and dresses….it is time for a form fitting LBD in my closet!
- Pop a New Color or Two: I began the year with a new look at the color pink, a color I have loathed for a long time. For some reason, I am completely into it now. I love the Pantone Color of the Year, Marsala, and currently, I am on a treasure hunt for it. Select some colors not living in your closet and spend time with them in the dressing room. Be open minded to change.
- New Pant Lengths: Harper’s Bazaar reports 2015 is the Year of the Pant. Just about anything goes. We are going to see culottes return with trendier names. I plan to spend time looking at the different lengths and pant widths to see what flatters me most. I am certain you can tell, if you follow my blog, I prefer pants.
- Resort to Resort Wear: Almost every designer has a resort wear collection for Spring 2015. Perhaps you are like me and do not travel that often…so… look at these collections any way. You will be inspired to take your casual styles to some fun new levels. There are great designs with gorgeous colors and prints. No cabana necessary…wear these outfits on a date!
- Thoughtful Accessories: Here is where our personal style can really shine. Our jewelry, shoes, bags, scarves, even glasses can make or break a look. I want to put more thought and planning in this area…especially for my work outfits.
As always, I will strive to send five basic messages with my wardrobe selections. Dressing with strength, confidence, classic style, creativity, and a touch of courage has helped me to develop Pam-style.
How can you be more courageous with clothing choices this year? What messages are you sending with your current choices? Join in the conversation!
In order to get your mind and excitement going, I have put together a Pinterest Board for MIDLIFE STYLE. http://www.pinterest.com/over50feeling40/midlife-style/
You might check it out before your shop.
Have a great week and I will see you again, around our virtual table, in the Joy Boutique
Pamela Lutrell
Pamela Lutrell began her blog, over50feeling40, July 2010 with a desire to encourage women over 50 to walk in strength, confidence and joy. Of course, head turning style makes each day fun!
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Carole Weaks
Wednesday 7th of January 2015
Hi Pam.....I loveed this article, and one of the first things on your pinterest board is something I already have and love. I guess midlife carries on until you get too old to care...which I hope never happens for me. I wish I were midlife, but I well over that. Thanks for this article. PS....I wear almost all pants as well....and love them. I never really liked dresses and skirts and now that I work at home, I never ever wear anything but pants. I think I will do what you did and do a fashion board for the over 70 and feeling 50 group! LOL Carole
Kathy
Tuesday 6th of January 2015
They were all useful tips but number 2, adding color, especially appealed to me. As I went through my closet I was shocked at the lack of bright colors. Blue and black seemed to be dominant. I just added a pink cardigan and it really brightened my outfit. Thanks for sharing
Jennifer
Tuesday 6th of January 2015
These are great tips Pam! I've been looking at pink more favorably lately too. A pink coat might be fun. I think we can all use more courage in the dressing room. It's so easy to settle into fashion ruts! Have a great day!
Karen
Tuesday 6th of January 2015
Your list is thought-provoking Pam! One thing I can say with certainty, I will NEVER do culottes no matter what they plan to call them!! I'm with you on the color pink, but I have always loved it and think that it flatters all skin tones if the right pink is chosen. I've developed a style I'm comfortable with and feel good in, so I'm not sure where I would need to have some courage. Maybe adding some bolder colors, but I think I aready do that to some extent! Courage for me takes the form of sticking to my goals and not giving in or becoming fearful when I'm tired or feeling defeated. That said, courage in the dressing room is something I'm familiar with! Trying new things for a little fun with my casual wardrobe (where I am able to take a few risks!) Thinking, 'this IS me' without hearing my mom in my head telling me I can't do it!
Karena
Tuesday 6th of January 2015
Great tips for us all Pam. Thank you again for the encouragement you bring!
xoxo Karena The Arts by Karena