Autumn has arrived in SWA, and I don’t know about you, but I love this time of year because it means I can at last start covering up the tell-tale droopy bits of my body that try to tell me I’m getting older.
The strappy summer dresses and short sleeved shirts can thankfully be packed up and put away, and instead be replaced by soft layers and funky scarves that hide a multitude of sins.
Look Good – Feel Good
The truth is, when I feel that I’ve made an effort to look half decent, then I feel more confident.
It’s not entirely about vanity, and I find as the years go by that just throwing something on doesn’t look okay anymore – not like in my twenties or thirties for instance. These days it takes a bit of time and attention.
But is it just vanity? I read an article about narcissism the other day and with all the bloggie fashion stuff I do on Lifestyle Fifty (alone on my balcony with my camera and tripod) I broke out into a cold sweat – which (cough) I assured myself was just my hormones going haywire.
So anyway, today I rifled through my wardrobe for something lightweight but comfortable with a big scarf suitable for draping around my shoulders in case the sun went in (it did) to wear for lunch with a friend.
Seeing as I was tarted up a bit, and not in my normal computer attire of dressing gown and slippers, I had to bring it to you dear Lifestylers, for your um, edification?
I picked out: Suede look grey Ankle Boots which I found in a sale in England recently, 8 British Pounds (Yes, really, and comfy as anything) at Marks and Spencers. The soft cotton top is a few seasons old from M&Co. Scarf was a Bali find and is huge so that I can drape it around my shoulders.
The floral print trousers are soft and pliable (would be great for a plane trip) are current at the time of this post – you can check them out at Klass they’re 20 British Pounds (around $40).
Still mad about clothes after all these years
But I love fashion. I also enjoy bouts of intense retail therapy in Perth with my daughter – who is hyper critical and very discerning – which means there is no dressing like a teenager or an old woman when she’s around, and on more than one occasion I’ve been told to: “Take that off at once, Mum!” She gave the nod to the floral trousers above though, but my husband didn’t 🙂
Most of the time though, I slob around in jeans and sweatshirts, and on writing days I can spend nearly all day at my computer in my dressing gown and pink fluffy slippers drinking strong coffee and hoping nobody knocks on the door. When I’m travelling, clothes need to be non-iron, smart, comfortable and versatile.
I do love Ponte Pants … check out this post about Ponte Pants for the full lowdown on why they are great for work, leisure and travel.
Hints and Tips (works for me)
1. Wear block colours (especially on top).
2. Spend money on shoes that are stylish, but comfortable and go with a lot of outfits rather than just one.
2. Get your bra fitted by a professional.
3. Follow fashion, but don’t be tempted to dress like a teenager.
4. Don’t discount denim because the spandex and lycra it often includes can help with lumps and bodily bumps.
5. Accessories such as scarves are a fun way to add new interest to an old outfit and can cover the tops of your arms and shoulders.
I’d love to see what you’ve been wearing recently (#lifestylefifty on Instagram) or otherwise pen a reply in the comment box and tell us your best style tips.
The 7 Ages of Travel by Red Nomad OZ
I really like your style! Isn’t it interesting how everyone seems to have a different style? My daughters are very similar sizes and shapes, but they never borrow clothes from each other because of this very reason. Personally, I love to buy jewelry and accessories. This is trickier to do as I get older without looking goofy, do you have any tips for me?
Hi Brooke, thank you! Yes, I agree, everyone has their own style – it’s just something inherent that you can’t quite put your finger on. I think when buying jewellery as you get older it’s okay to buy costume jewellery to go with various outfits, and a pair of eye-stopping earrings can really lift an outfit if you’re having a bit of a ‘blue’ day 🙂
Thanks for the great read Jo. Always nice to read this blog in my lunch break at work, its makes me forget I’m sitting in the office XXX
Thanks Christine! It makes my day to think that I might brighten someone else’s too. Thanks for popping by with your kind words 🙂
Hi Joanna, I love your pants, by the way I’m 56 and a grandma with sort of dilemmas when it comes to fashion. I like to dress smart casual but don’t like the granny look. I’m petite (1.55 tall) and weigh 55 kgs. Finding clothes that suit me is challenging. Hope I can benefit from your fashion tips and I’m glad to have found your blog.
Hello Margarita, nice to meet you! I’m so glad you found Lifestyle Fifty too and I hope I can help you with your fashion dilemmas too 🙂
I’m starting to feel a lot more comfortable in my style. I’m a lot less worried about what’s in style (not that I ever really cared before), or what’s out of style. Rather I would just dress how I want! Even when it means people look at my purchases with skepticism.
I’m all for great shoes though. I think shoes can make you feel awesome all over.
I think dressing how you want Jess is an implicit aspect of personal style. It shows the real person, I’m all for it too 🙂 Yes, shoes ahhh shoes. If the shoe doesn’t fit, so to speak, the outfit is worth little 😉
I really do make sure I get up and get dressed every day, it’s a key part of my mental health and personal motivation. I love fashion and I try not to get to locked into what’s age appropriate (although I can’t contemplate drop crotch pants). I wear what suits me, follow my Mum’s advice to buy the best I can afford and pop on some lippie (that in itself helps my mood). I have found that wearing the right patterns on top can actually disguise some figure flaws so I don’t totally agree with you on that one but good bras, comfortable and stylish shoes – absolutely.
Hello Jan, thank you for your insightful thoughts – I love how you say that wearing the right patterns on top can actually disguise some figure flaws – because you are so right 🙂 Yep, and again, we come back to stylish and comfortable shoes as a prerequisite, always.
Fab tips as always, Jo. Like you, I always feel more confident when I dress up a bit. I spend so much time at home (on the computer!) in my track pants that it’s nice to dress up a bit when I venture out. Buying clothes is definitely harder these days when you don’t want to dress like a teenager but you don’t want to look like a granny, either. I find solid colours that can be tarted up with accessories for a different look, the way to go.
Hi Carolyn, I agree and it amazes me often how simple accessories can totally change the look of an outfit.
Thanks for sharing your tips Jo. The patterned pants do look lovely on you. I agree about investing in good quality bras and shoes.
Over here on the Qld border, we’re just starting to get a few cooler mornings, but the days are still quite warm. I can’t wait for the cooler weather so I can get out the jeans and boots – my personal faves for everyday in winter.
Hi Lyndall, thank you 🙂 Glad you like the patterned pants – oh yes, me too, can’t wait to get out the jeans and boots 🙂
Hello there. Enjoyed this post. Brief and really to the point. Love the tip about the scarves. And that pic of you holding the camera and wearing a scarf is a beauty. Well done!
Hello Wanda 🙂 Thank you – thank you 🙂
Great tips Jo! Like Lisa, I still haven’t gotten into the patterned etc pants thing. Though this week I *did* buy a patterned skirt so it’s pretty close 😉 . It’s different to my usual style, yet the hubster loved it! So I guess my tip today is, to not be afraid to try something different sometimes!
Thanks Janet – oh the patterned skirt could be considered *close* maybe! Can’t wait to see. I’ll go with your tip of the day too 🙂
I still have not brought any patterned pants, drop-crutch pants or soft pants yet. I feel like I am wearing pj’s. Not that it would matter much as a SAHM. Looking fab as always Jo x
Hi Lisa, and Thank You 🙂 Me to, I’ve also reneged on the drop crutch pants – just can’t see myself in them! But love my soft pants and as long as you’re not wearing a sloppy Joe T-shirt I think you can safely feel not in your PJ’s – give them a go. Great for SAHM’s.
A most helpful and encouraging post Jo. Since retiring to the coast and giving away all work commitments I am loving my casual look. I have lost of a lot of weight over 2+ years…no diet, more about anxiety and new ways of dealing with emotional health issues…and suddenly I have something resembling a body I am proud of again. I have given away the bags and bags of the big and no-longer fitting clothing and happy to accept that the way I look now with more wrinkles but less ‘baggage’ makes me more comfy all round. Cheers, Denyse #teamIBOT
Hello Denyse, and thank you. Ohh retiring to the coast sounds lovely – how’s it going? Well done you on losing weight and feeling less anxious. I hope you’re going to really enjoy dressing your new body, but also accept how you look and just enjoy. I know it’s hard isn’t it. Every time I grab my spare tyre and remonstrate with myself I just think, ‘slowly does it girl, you’re okay!’
Ha ha. Like you I’m normally slopping around the house in my nightie or gym clothes after I’ve come home from a class. I do have the occasional coffee with a girlfriend or dinner out with my husband and friends and so I do need some clothing for these outings. I love fashion, but have found that after putting on a lot of weight last year I’m less enthusiastic about shopping for clothes. I wish someone had a magic wand to make all the extra rolls of fat go away! My style tip is to wear good quality and good fitting clothing, even if that means paying a little more. I love your floral pants Jo. They look very fashionable.
Hello Kathy, I’m glad to have a kindred spirit in the pyjama wear 😉 I concur with your tip to wear good quality and good fitting clothes because they do make you feel better and for me, that means not tweaking at a garment all day long. Thanks, the floral pants are comfy and Emma (my style guru) likes them – Dave notsomuch!
“Look Good, Feel Good” is so true!
I also love investing in good quality bags which help dress up even my most casual outfits.
That’s a great tip Ingrid! A good quality bag always pays.