Outfit Formula: Solid Neutrals

Neutrals are versatile, grounding, and widely available. There are warm, cool, light, dark, and mid-tone neutrals, so take your pick. Remix two of many neutrals in one outfit. Remix warm and cool neutrals in an outfit too. Create high or low contrasts with neutrals to suit your mood. 

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Hooded Trench Coat Cape
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Leather Ballerina Flats
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Tide Wide-leg Jeans
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Longline Wool Waistcoat
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Alcove Tote - Leather
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Onto some outfit inspiration. Earth tones like browns, tans, and olives form part of the neutral palette.

1. Olive, Cream and Chocolate

A pair of wide, pleated chocolate pants is paired with a cream tucked knitted top. Brown pointy toe pumps continue the long line of brown. A cropped olive trench coat tops the lot. You could add a solid brown or cream belt, or wear an untucked top with no belt. Cream shoes can work well too. Add a bag that works with the palette.

Olive, Cream and Chocolate

2. Browns, Greys and Black

This outfit combines six neutrals. Two polo collar sweaters in different shades of grey are layered on top of one another. The short sleeved polo sweater is layered under the long sleeved polo sweater. Both are tucked into a skirt in a cool shade of brown. A warm cognac jacket tops the combination. Dark grey socks that match the sweater are worn with taupe pumps. A black belt is worn over the skirt and matches the black bag.

Browns, Greys and Black

3. Browns, Black and White

An untucked white shirt is worn over a pair of wide chocolate trousers at a puddle length. A tailored black waistcoat is layerrd over the pairing. Black loafers match the black waistcoat. A cognac bag complements the brown bottoms.

Browns, Black and White

4. Denim, Navy, Cognac, and Cream

Last, some blue for Team Blue. Jeans are combined with a navy semi-tucked sweater. A tan trench coat creates a high contrast with the blues. A cognac belt and bag add an earthy warm touch. Cream sneakers add a crisp integrity, while their gum soles work with the browns in the outfit. Add jewellery, watch, and eyewear as desired.

Denim, Navy, Cognac and Cream

Wardrobe Capsules For Your Life

Wardrobe capsules break up your wardrobe into manageable chunks. There are mix and match capsules, category capsules, colour capsules, travel capsules, occasion capsules, and activity capsules. Items are frequently used across multiple capsules. 

Think in Capsules

When you have a range of capsules that are suited to your needs and preferences, your wardrobe is easier to manage. It is clear how each item plays a role in different outfits, and in the various aspects of your life, creating stylish calm.

Capsules promote mindful shopping. You know how each new item will fit in with the rest. Unnecessary duplication and wardrobe holes are prevented. Storage spaces are de-cluttered and more organized. Outfit creation is faster.

Assorted Fab Finds

Here’s a list of top picks that are sporty, comfortable, and feel good on your skin. Click through to browse the colours and sizes. Feel free to share your own fab finds in the comments section. Always good to share information that’s helpful to others. 

1. Track Pants

Athleta’s Venice High Rise Track Stripe Pants are winners on many clients and friends because they come in a range of colours and sizes across tall, regular, and petite. They tend to run more TTS than too roomy. They fit an assortment of body types because the fabric glides and eases over the curves and straighter lines of your figure. Stretchy, soft, and easy to launder. They are made of manmade technical fabric that is wicking and breathable. Great for Athleisure and Sporty Luxe looks, or loungewear, travel, and sporty settings.

Venice High Rise Track Stripe Wide Leg Pant

If those don’t float your boat, Free People’s Movement Champ Is Here track pants might be more to your taste. They’re maximal and the diagonal stripe is unique. Roomy and more of a statement. Works particularly well on curvy petites. Super cute on straighter body types too.

2. Cutemol Cream

This is exceptional hand and foot cream for dry skin. Particularly effective for dry and cracked heels, and very dry cuticles. Apply twice a day and notice an immediate difference. Unscented, but doesn’t smell medicinal. Absorbs quickly, and a little goes a long way.

3. Boden Emilia Cotton Crew Sweater

This Boden cotton crew sweater feels absolutely GORGEOUS against the skin. Super, super soft, fantastic quality, and very comfy. The neckline, welt and cuffs have pretty pointelle stitch detailing. Fluid fit and not too boxy. Layers well under jackets and coats. Machine washable and perfect worn on its own. Boden offers 15% and 20% discounts regularly. Value for money.

I have the Poppy Red and Scatter Bow sweater, which I got with the matching silk scarf for a twinset effect. Awfully pretty, a little retro, and somewhat romantic. Love it.

4. Softt Vivi Platform Wedge Sandal

Wedges are trending. If you like wearing wedges and enjoy the gladiator look, these sandals are very comfortable and quite supportive. Cushioning footbed. The wide straps are super soft and don’t dig into your skin. They fit a medium volume foot. Works for higher arches. Heels are just under two inches. Attractive on the foot.

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Repeating Outfits and Outfit Formulas

Outfit variety can prevent a style rut, but some people prefer the simplicity of wearing a similar outfit day to day. Outfit repetition strengthens your signature style and can make life easier. Find the stylish sweet spot between outfit variety and practical repetition. 

Repeat To Maximize

Wearing the same kind of outfit too often can also feel uninspired. Before buying something new, experiment by mixing and matching your wardrobe in ways you may not have considered before. Options will encourage creativity and reduce boredom.

When you feel fabulous in an outfit, wear it repeatedly. You may feel social pressure to always wear something different, but in truth people seldom notice the repetition. This mindset shift reduces stress and promotes a healthier attitude toward fashion.

Style at 55 According to AI

Since we unveiled AI Angie in an April Fools post, generative AI has made a lot of advances. ChatGPT is one of the most popular AI chatbots, and it uses natural language processing to mimic the way a human might write text or create images. I recently asked it a few fashion and style questions and the responses were everything from brilliantly insightful to hilariously inaccurate.

I turn 55 in July, so I asked chatGPT what a 55 year old woman should wear to look stylish. ChatGPT’s response started out with this paragraph:

Style at 55 (or any age!) is about confidence, comfort, and personal expression. Modern fashion embraces ageless dressing, meaning you can wear anything that makes you feel empowered. The key is to balance elegance, sophistication, and a touch of trendiness while ensuring comfort and practicality.

This is sound advice. I love the first sentence.

ChatGPT then went on to recommend wardrobe essentials for a stylish look.

Tailored Blazers – A well-fitted blazer instantly elevates an outfit. Opt for classic colors like black, navy, or beige.

Dark-Wash Jeans – A good pair of straight-leg or slim-fit jeans creates a polished yet casual look.

Classic White Shirt – A crisp button-down or soft blouse works for any occasion.

Midi or Wrap Dresses – Flattering and versatile, these dresses work for both day and night.

Elegant Trousers – Wide-leg or tapered trousers in neutral tones create a sophisticated look.

Knitwear & Cardigans – Choose high-quality fabrics like cashmere or merino wool for a luxurious feel.

Statement Accessories – A structured handbag, a beautiful scarf, or bold jewelry can add personality.

Chic Footwear – Comfortable yet stylish shoes like ankle boots, loafers, block heels, or elegant sneakers can complete an outfit.

This part of the answer struck me as overly generalized and impersonal. Definitely not evergreen advice for all, because wardrobe essentials differ greatly between people. Relating these to my own style, the advice about Statement Accessories and Chic Footwear are bang on the money. Knitwear and Cardigans were pretty good suggestions, although it left out cotton. Elegant Trousers was an okay suggestion, although most of my trousers are non-neutral, and some are hectically patterned. I wear dark wash jeans, but white and light washes are well represented. I wear shirts, tailored blazers, and blouses, but they are bright and many in loud and big patterns. I look awful in a wrap dress.

ChatGPT wrapped up its answer by sharing tips on how to look modern and chic.

Prioritize Fit: Well-tailored clothing enhances your silhouette and looks more polished.

Neutral & Classic Colors: Black, white, navy, beige, and earth tones create a timeless and versatile wardrobe.

Mix Classic & Trendy: Pair classic staples with one or two trendy pieces to keep your look fresh.

Layer Smartly: Layering with a stylish jacket, vest, or shawl adds depth and interest to your outfit.

Choose Quality Fabrics: Investing in good fabrics like silk, wool, and cotton gives an elegant finish.

Confidence is Key: The most stylish outfit is the one you feel great wearing!”

I think this is better advice than the list of wardrobe essentials. I agree with all of the points, except the one about “Neutral & Classic Colors”. Personally, I think ALL colours can look modern and chic. Although I love wearing shades of white, blue denim, and navy, most of my wardrobe is non-neutral and colour-rich. This mix is what makes me feel great in what in what I’m wearing, which is to the last point on the list.

This was interesting. ChatGPT is amazing technology, to be sure. It’s advice can provide a helpful starting point, but it will only take you so far. Take from it what is helpful and sensible for your style, and leave the rest. Do your own thing.