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Less Is More! 4 Reasons Most Older Women Need a Fashion Formula

By Penelope Jane Whiteley October 28, 2024 Beauty

If you are a woman who follows the blogger, Instagram, and Twitter fashionistas of the world, you have probably gained the impression that you need to wear something new and different every single day. Wrong!

There are a variety of reasons this will not work for you, or most people you know. Not the least being lack of space, lack of time, and lack of money!

I worked out my own personal style many years ago. I continue to wear what suits me and what works for me, although it may not be fashionable. But it is stylish; which, for me, is more important than fashion. What’s stylish for you?

My body has changed shape with the onset of the years. But I use the same formula and vary it to suit my new body type. I’m sometimes challenged to decide if I’m an Apple or a Rectangle as I’m most definitely not an Hourglass any more.

Why Have a Fashion Formula?

Do you have a formula and stick to it? Or do you play swings and roundabouts? You know, having a fashion formula to use for dressing yourself works for most people. It alleviates the pain and suffering of the “I haven’t got a thing to wear” syndrome. It has other benefits too:

Save Money

You will no longer be overspending on clothes that aren’t right for you just for the sake of buying something new. Buy what is right for you. Invest in clothes that co-ordinate with the rest of your wardrobe. I’m, a great fan of mix and match.

Buy items that are expensive enough not to break the bank but are a high enough quality that they will provide you with plenty of wear. Make sure you like what you buy!

Avoid Waste

When you buy clothes that never really work for you, they either go to the local charity shop (which is good) or to a landfill (which is bad). If your wardrobe is bulging at the seams, how many of the clothes in there do you really wear? That is a waste of time, space, and money!

Find Extra Time

You probably don’t have the time, or maybe even the inclination, to spend hours on shopping, and putting different outfits together. Time is precious and you need a simple and convenient way to get dressed.

Be Comfortable, Stylish, and Happy

Do more of what works rather than trying something new all the time. If you’re not being fashionable or especially creative, you will feel good about yourself. But of course, trying something new can be very exciting!

A Fashion Formula Should Be Simple

It may seem very basic; it’s supposed to be. Depending on your body shape, you will need only the 10 following items:

  • A white t-shirt – with elbow length sleeves
  • A pair of boot-cut jeans – high-rise is usually better and more comfortable
  • A plain white shirt – with button down collar
  • A black jacket – single breasted with a little shape works best
  • Black pumps – lengthen those legs
  • Crew neck sweater
  • A wrap dress – for everybody but an apple body shape
  • A skirt – pencil or otherwise
  • A trench coat or leather jacket
  • A pair of sneakers, ankle boots, or both

Yes, with these items, you can dress stylishly and in great comfort every day, especially when you choose the right accessories.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What makes up your list of basic wardrobe items? Is there something missing from the list? Personally, I doubt if I could live with one pair of shoes and one pair of boots. How about you? If you’d like to know what goes with what, let me know and I shall see if I can help. Please join the conversation.

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Ann Daniels

A white shirt is not for everyone. Being a blonde with fair skin, I have tried the white shirt thing numerous times and it’s a fail. Picking tops with color works better for me.

Rebecca A Sanborn

I would add to the list: black slacks (well-fitting and correct length for shoes) and a jean jacket. Otherwise, the above list fits my wardrobe.

Linda

A couple of good pairs of black trousers go with just about everything.

Linda

At 63 I just wear what I feel like. I believe pumps are what British refer to as court shoes, that is heels. Not for me as I have an arthritic bunion on my left foot.

I know what I like so that’s what I buy and I keep a collection of nice scarves and jewellery to accessorise with. Anything decent I know longer wear is laundered and donated to my local Red Cross. If it’s tatty it is sent for recycling.

Lee Ann Phinney

Sadly, at 67, I am very unhappy with my weight, and feeling “attractive “ isn’t easy. However, my goal is comfort, plus looking “put together “ whether it’s a dressy occasion or a senior DanceFit class. I have many more choices than you’ve described, but have learned which styles feel and look best.

Mindy

Aging Disgracefully? Now there’s a bandwagon I want to jump on right now! Good for you, Penelope. PS: I do have a style “uniform,” and it works very well for me.

The Author

Penelope Jane Whiteley is the self-appointed Queen of Aging Disgracefully. A writer, international speaker, clothes designer, stylist and traveller, she helps other women to live their lives on their own terms. Her courses include “Lose 10 pounds in 10 minutes,” “The Reboot,” “Just Write the Damn Book.” Find her on http://www.penelopewhiteley.com, Twitter, and Facebook.

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