I’ve mentioned in recent trend reports that pleated skirts, specifically “sunray” pleated skirts, are back on the fashion scene. The photos below are examples of sunray pleated skirts, a very narrow, even width style of pleat. Sunray pleating is not to be confused with broomstick pleating, where the pleats are also narrow, but uneven and crushed. Sunray pleats tend to look cleaner, crisper and more symmetrical.

Sunray pleated skirts come in solids and patterns, and all hem lengths: mini, knee-length, midi and maxi. So take your pick. Both winter weight fabrics and lightweight summery fabrics look great in sunray pleats.

Personally, I prefer sunray pleats in dressy fabrications because the pleats hold their shape exceptionally well. Sunray pleats in casual cotton, viscose and linen fabrications don’t look as crisp to my eye because the pleats unfold half way down the skirt. This creates a much more relaxed look, which can work to your advantage if you lead a very casual lifestyle.

I like sunrays best with a tucked-in top, or a very cropped cardigan or jacket. Retro, glam and dressy. Sunray pleated skirts with elasticated waistbands aren’t bad, but those with broader waistbands and zipper closures are better because the pleats glide comfortably over the tummy and hip area. Elasticated waistbands can cause the pleats to pouf in an unflattering way and create bulges in the wrong places.

I’m a huge fan of sunray pleated skirts and will absolutely add a knee- or midi-length to my skirt collection. I just love the way they move and flounce as you stride!  Sunrays make a lovely addition to a classic business casual wardrobe, but of course, they can also be spunked up with the right edgy or arty wardrobe pieces. Versatile and fab at any age. What’s your verdict?

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The fashion industry is often criticized for showcasing women’s clothes on one body type — tall, slim, long-limbed, hourglass-y and about a US size 4. For many reasons this is not ideal. For one thing, it sends the message that there is only one ideal body type. And clearly the world is made up of many body types.

We’ve talked about this before, but today I’m interested in another angle: age.

Most models are in their teens or early 20’s. This works well when the clothing is targeted at that age group. But a teenage model showcase clothing, footwear and accessories that are obviously targeted at a different age group is a strange marketing strategy. We know that very few teens and college age gals can afford a Chanel or Prada handbag, yet it’s a young gal who showcases the product to a much older target market. The worst part of it is, we have grown accustomed to this age discrepancy.

The beauty of youth is undeniable. And it is true that the sight of a young model once again fills our hearts and minds with the magic that is associated with youth, and fond memories of the past. But I’m sure that the overwhelming youthfulness of fashion advertising is also having a negative effect.

In our society very few people are happy to look their age, let alone older. The aim is to look younger, which is why we now have a thriving botox and cosmetic surgery industry. The rarity of older women (and men) showcasing a line of clothing just reinforces this desire. Although we know better, on some level it encourages the feeling that growing older, while inevitable, is a bad thing. Something to be avoided.

Well, I think we need to break out of this vicious cycle. Shopping for wardrobe items, having fun with fashion and getting dressed each day is NOT reserved for a certain age group. I’d like to see a fashion media where all ages are represented. Help us to celebrate the meaningful marks of a life well lived — our wrinkles, changing bodies and less sculptured faces — by surrounding us with examples of stylish older models as well as young ladies.

Youth will always be aspirational, and I would understand if model ages continue to skew younger. I’m just arguing for more balance. And it will be good for business! Older models will allow more people to identify with the merchandise, helping us to visualize ourselves in the items.

Among my own clientele there are many women between the ages of 35 and 70 who have the look and the sass to make exceptional fashion models. I would absolutely LOVE to see them showcase fashion alongside younger gals – and even in runway shows.

My passion for this topic makes me want to start my own modeling agency, just so that I can book women of all ages for fashion shoots. J. Crew recently showedcased 67 year old Lauren Hutton in their online catalogue and it doesn’t look like photoshop was used to iron out her wrinkles. I’m not wild about the photo shoot because I don’t fancy the clothing choices and outfits. But thank you J. Crew for at least showing us a model in her 60’s. To me this is a step in the right direction.

It’s not easy dressing for Spring here in Seattle where it’s still cold, wet and very grey. The sunny days are few and far between, and for some reason the weather right now is particularly dismal. That’s why we have to create our own sunshine with warmer layers and colours that make us smile.

Still true to my recent style epiphany, I want to make clean, simple, modern and bold fashion statements. This is what I wore to see a client yesterday and I am shiny from head to toe: sateen trench coat, silk blouse, brocade skirt, pearls and patent boots. (Clearly I have the magpie gene). But my handbag and hose are matte, and I stuck to dull silver accessories instead of sporting yellow gold.

While this outfit might be too bold, dressy and shiny for some, it makes me happy because I enjoy wearing bright acidic colours and shades of white. For several years now I’ve been besotted with this colour combination for Spring: white, citron and silver grey. I find it fresh and a nice change from my Winter colour palette, which is heavy on the black, grey and cream.

This is my new Bellatrix silk shirt in silver grey, layered over a white camisole for extra warmth. I couldn’t be happier with it because its structured and boxy in all the right places. I tucked it into a cream and silver brocade pencil skirt that I’ve owned for several seasons. The cream, low heeled go-go boots with nude fishnet hose add warmth and drama, as does the citron trench coat. I did not remove my trench coat while out and about with my client. I just kept it open so that it looked more relaxed and appropriate for indoors.

I didn’t want my huge gumball pearl necklace to overpower the outfit. So by adjusting the length, I wore them a little lower down my chest to make them less visible. There was just a hint of the white of the pearl against the silver grey of the shirt, which I think looks pretty. The outfit would have looked just fine without the pearls, but I really wanted to wear these oversized darlings again. And besides, glitzing up a grey day is never a bad idea.

We have uploaded these and a few additional photos to the YLF Facebook page.