Timeless wardrobe pieces question - YouLookFab Forum

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Timeless wardrobe pieces question

Anonymous

Angie's blog post about the timelessness of the moto jacket and my husband's desire to retire soon is prompting this question. The day is going to come in the next few years when our income will be slashed by retirement and medical and travel expenses will take priority. I'd like to have some fab timeless wardrobe pieces in place that can be worn by an older woman for years, if possible, and still be stylish. Besides the moto jacket, what would you suggest as timeless in an older woman's closet?

Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from

Vani

Veteran

Joy, how about an excellent quality and superb fitting sheath dress in a solid, foundation color of your choice?

Laura

(website)

Veteran

What a good question, Joy. I'm going to be watching your thread for answers!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I think it depends on each person. A few things I can think of that are timeless must haves for me are:
o Great fitting denim - A staple for me are bootcuts and straightlegs in a dark wash denim. I have more, but if I had to live with only a few pair that's what I'd go for.
o Black blazer - I wear this with denim or over dresses or with skirts.
o Solid or textured dress in a classic fit - Mine is a black sheath dress that fits impeccably.
o Outwear - You already have the moto on your list, but maybe opt for a trench that's appropriate for where you live.
o Button down - I've seen this on (and off) a lot of those "must have" lists, but this is something I do wear a lot. Mine happens to have a cumberbund style waist, which is a perfect fit for me.
o Black pencil skirt - I have four in various cuts and textures, but I wear them a lot. I couldn't imagine not having one in my closet.
o Handbags - Something non-black that will pop against your timeless wardrobe - I think of red, purple, dark teal, or something fun like a coral/orange.
o Watch - I got this watch recently
http://www.fossil.com/webapp/w.....ath=ES2442
but my sister still has her gold Gucci that has never gone out of style.
o Footwear - I tend to avoid black if I only have a few bucks to work with. Nude, deep red, purple, metallic, and faux snakeskin print are top on my list of timeless must haves.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I would think anything that you would use for your wonderful travel opportunities, since you mentioned that that will be a priority in your budget -- classic, warm coat (bonus if it happens to be waterproof); excellent quality, super comfy walking shoes/boots that will last forever and go with everything; ditto on the very versatile sheathe dress; and well-made straight/boot cut jeans in a dark wash. Maybe I am erring on the practical side -- such is my nature. I am excited to see what others might say, so I can get ideas for the mother figures in my life!

Anonymous

My mom is currently living the new retiree lifestyle. She's built up a nice wardrobe of "basics" that is working for her. She has a couple volunteer positions with some naturalist groups, she plays in an orchestra/band, she volunteers at a charity thrift shop. She travels every other year. She's way too busy IMO. Her favourite items are...a denim jacket, denim straight skirt, several cardigans for layering, tall black boots, black straight skirt, trench coat. She's been collecting tops that can be mixed and layered with her cardis and jean jacket. She has some jeans but she's never happy with them...she is on a constant hunt. I sent her the posting for the YLF smart casual formula and she's been pretty much sticking to it. It seems to be working for all the various items on her calendar these days.

Kristine

Veteran

If I could only have a few things, I'd pick:

Dark wash jeans with a slight bootcut and some stretch. I like skinny jeans too, but boot cut look more elegant and can go absolutely everywhere.

A dark or grey denim pencil or a-line skirt, depending on what looks better on you.

A black, brown or grey simple dress.

A cardigan in a natural fiber like wool.

A corduroy blazer or similar jacket that fits your style.

Equestrian boots or a similiar simple style. They're functional for weather, but also stylish and timeless.

A puffer coat if you live in cold weather.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wow. Sarah!!! You just lightened my load. You astute little thing. To add onto Sarah’s list:

o A suit – 150%

o Red shoes

o Coat

o Trench

o Non-black handbag

o LBD – or grey.

Fab question, Joy. When are we going to see pictures of your outfits again? I am getting withdrawals.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I learned from the best, what can I say. I still need to get my suit...

Isabel

Veteran

I would suggestion that you put some money away in a "retirement wardrobe " account now, so that when the money is tight, you will have saved some to spend on your wardrobe needs as you settle into your new lifestyle.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I just thought of another one:

o Fryes: Every lass needs a pair of Fryes. I’m going shopping with my 69 year old client tomorrow whom I adore. And we are coming home with a pair of Fryes.

Sarah - big hug!

MNsara

Veteran

Joy - What an excellent question as these pieces would also form the foundation of anyone's super functional wardrobe.

I love hearing everyone's answers as they include the classic basics (LBD, pencil skirt type items) and the more stylish basics (Fryes, moto jacket, watch type items).

Angie - have you already blogged about what to look for in that must-have suit. . .?? How do you keep it from looking dated too soon?

Anonymous

This list that you all have given me and your comments have given my much to consider. Thank you all so much for your input.
I hope the next NAS sale has some great grey sheath dresses again. I've been on the lookout for red shoes or faux snake with a small heel and haven't found them yet. I also love the idea of great shoes in nude and of Frye boots. And I'm still looking for that red suit. Maybe I need to look for a pin stripe instead? So many good ideas from all of you!
Angie, DH is building a new computer so I hope to be able to post pictures soon. I really want your opinions on some outfits and what should kept and tossed.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds like you have a stellar plan, Joy :0)

Sara, I haven't blogged about "the perfect suit" because much of that depends on your individual style. I've had my suit for 4 years, and I'll probably have it for 4 more. I could offer tips if you think that would help?

Mac

Veteran

Oooooh, Angie! I'd love it if you could blog on suits one day (or, more than one day!) Eg. would be fun to see some examples you like in both the quadrants of creative formal workplace and noncreative formal workplace.

stringy

Veteran

I think a post about how to figure out your own best suit would be so useful - as you say, everyone is different.

Anonymous

I'd love tips on buying a suit too. I'd really like two, the ellusive red suit and a neutral color, in a fab seasonless fabric.