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Dressing

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

And I come crawling back asking for your help :-)

Queen Mum

Veteran

haha- I forgot to mention that I have been doing a series of short fashion-related talks at a weekly summer ladies' night at our church. It has been a ton of fun so far. Last night we talked about bra fittings and it was a scream. I'm so humbled that I was asked to do this, as I certainly know I am not the most fashionable woman in town. It really has been fun though.

Next week I'm going to demonstrate some transitional fall outfit formulas using some summer items. I want to also include on the handout a list of "Ways to add interest to your outfit"

What would you include in a list like this? Simple things that women of all ages (there is a large over 50 representation) can do to up their style quotient. Things to think about as you're putting together an outfit or staring at yourself wondering how to negate the yawn effect of what you're wearing... stuff like that.

I think I have all my outfit formulas, but I'd love to hear yours as well. Fall isn't terribly cool here, so I'm not looking for formulas that include wool coats, but more like denim jackets and lightweight scarves....

Thanks in advance for your input!

Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from Queen Mum

JR

Veteran

Fedoras! And yes, I'm over 50... ;o)

Or how about a single piece of jewelry in a bright colour? Earrings, wide bangle, long pendant necklace...

Mo

(website)

Veteran

A statement belt. Cuff bracelet. Fedora scores with me as well, and you know I'm over 40.

Meredith1953

Veteran

How great that you are doing these weekly talks you stylish creature! I think JR's idea of fedoras is a great one. Of course Angie also mentioned belts and scarves or shawls go without saying. How about different trends in hosiery? or shoes with both color and pattern. Especially if the basic clothing articles are neutral, color and pattern plus texture are great. You do a wonderful job of accessorizing your own looks so I'm sure you wont steer anyone wrong.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

An interesting necklace is my first choice and a non-matching but complementary bracelet is also good for me. I think if you're trying to keep a younger look, you might want to avoid pearls and other pearl-like styles. But that's just my 2 cents. Anything that looks like an eyeglass chain is OUT for me when it comes to necklaces. I like modern pieces and more casual than bling.

It's very warm where I live too, so jackets are typcially really light - even denim is too hot much of the time. I recently bought two very light weight linen blazers (unlined, washable) and I am wearing them often. I don't often wear scarves but in the fall sometimes I will. I have a couple of military inspired cotton twill jackets that are also very light weight fall layers and I wear them a LOT.

I guess I'd talk about using various colors and styles of handbags to up the style quotient too.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Hey lady! Welcome back! Have you checked out Angie's series on her client Karen? She is a role model for us all. Here are some things I've seen:
- spunky colorful shoes
- change your handbag to change your outfit
- add a denim jacket to dress down a dressy outfit

I would also add update your jewelry. Maybe it's time to update your watch?

rae

(website)

Veteran

Wow, what a wonderful thing to be able to do! Congrats!

Hm, let's see... I'm thinking a bold statement piece is what I usually try to add to an outfit for interest. A bright bag, an embellished jacket, a printed scarf, crazy boots...

DonnaF

Veteran

Statement watch. Non-nude nail polish. Interesting glasses. Patterned stockings.

Anonymous

A touch of leopard somewhere, be it handbag, shoes, belt, scarf ....

Nice to *see* you again! These talks sound like a lot of fun and what a compliment that you were chosen to give them!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I think you could add a couple of the easier but impactful scarf knots to your list too.

It is lovely to hear how you have been enjoying style and being so generous with your time.

qpswan

As a 50 year old, I find that shoes often have the power to make or break an outfit. To take fashion from frump to triumph, I suggest stylish shoes: metalic flats, kitten heels in bright colours, and on trend boots and booties. Anything in animal print!

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Anonymous

Let's see:
Add a pop of color thru a bright accessory, i.e. a handbag, clutch or necklace etc
Add structure with a cheeky blazer
Denim and white denim jackets to add a casual element to more formal outfits
Nail polish in interesting colors
Wedges instead of heels for added height without the pain

sarah

Veteran

And we're happy to have you : )

I assume you've seen this with respect to transitioning to fall:

http://youlookfab.com/2010/09/.....to-autumn/

I think many of these ideas still apply. I especially like to add scarves when it's cool and of course changing up foot wear to be more closed toed or even adding boots is a great idea.

And in terms of adding interest to an outfit, I think that shoes make all the difference. You are the queen of necklaces, so why not talk about jewelry, as well?

Anonymous

Heh! I just love how your passion for fashion has been redeemed!

I would add a great leather jacket (can be lightweight and worn into the winter or for nighttime events if it's too hot for day). Also belts. Many of us have been allergic to belts for years and that would be a fun thing for them to add back in.

I'd LOVE to see your outline Kim. A friend of mine is the women's ministry coordinator for a large congregation near me. They are thinking of holding a women's expo and approached me about doing a clinic on budgeting or style or style on a budget. I'm sure some of the things you'll be talking about would overlap.

qfbrenda

Veteran

The other gals have your advice covered... I especially like the list sarah posted. I just wanted to say I'm happy to see you here! You've been missed.

Inge

(website)

Layering with vests is very on trend this year too, and I really love the look of a fun button-down underneath a vest.
How wonderful that you are doing these fashion talks, Kim!

Queen Mum

Veteran

Thanks for all the great suggestions so far ladies. I knew that you all would not disappoint!
I love every single one of your points and will include them all.
Inge, the vest idea is great. I need to make sure and include a vest in one of my formulas.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I don't know if this counts as "adding interest to an outfit", but I sometimes make a point to pick up a new lipstick or nail polish for the upcoming season. Seems silly, but believe it or not - wearing a trendy tangerine coloured lipstick through spring and summer actually seems to add some flare, especially in the too hot weather, when you can't accessorize quite as much.

It's fun to look at things like the following (NARS Fall 2012 Color Collection, for example) and either get one of their new lipsticks or polish, or just simply keep my eye out for similar colors in a drugstore brand:

http://www.narscosmetics.com/t.....collection

I don't use much in the way of colorful eyeshadows or blush etc., but it can be fun to have the "latest" lipstick or polish. I can always tone down the lipstick color by applying lip balm first, before applying the lipstick.

A french blue button down shirt looks a lot more interesting (to me anyway) with my slightly trendy tangerine lipstick!

Just thought I'd throw that in there

Carole

Veteran

Just had to say "hi" Kim! I have missed you on the forum but understand how it can take more time than you realize or can afford to spend. How wonderful to be able to practice all the great things you have learned in such a supportive setting, they are lucky to have you!

I think scarves are the number 1 on my list, as well as a great pair of fashion forward shoes.

Hope we get the pleasure of your company at least from time to time.

JulieJohn

Veteran

Mum, I find great inspiration comes from unexpected pairings.

One was because I just needed to see a pair of elegant pale grey slacks with heels, any heels. I grabbed the nearest big chunky gold wedges and it was a match made in heaven.

Another time I was on video, and I looked washed out. Hubs grabbed a fuchsia flower hair clip to contrast my neon lime blouse, and they looked great together. Who knew?

So my new method is to try unexpected pairings, contrasting colors or styles, and be thrilled with what your subconscious can put together for you.

Oh, and another idea is let your accessories be a foray into a new look. Interested in the gothic vampire look but don't want to scare your boss at work? How about a darker red lipstick, or a black beaded choker? Small touches can completely update an outfit to "on-trend".

Have fun!

Jjsloane

Veteran

Have a clothing swap - what's new to you is not boring!

Oh and so many good ideas posted before me I will let you sort through them.

Anonymous

Jeanne is right, a church clothing swap would be a blast! It would have to be a separate event, but you could see if there is interest in having one during your talks. Good luck! That is SO exciting.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Usually I try to have a fab jacket that I can put over anything. If it's just a simple jeans, tee and sneakers but I add my distressed denim jacket with the brass snaps or a leather moto jacket I automatically feel more fab.

I also second the idea for adding colored shoes! And avoiding footwear that screams "gear." Look for more polished footwear, even if it IS gear.

I've also recently begun to wear jewelry and have a couple of statement necklaces and cocktail rings that I love to use to add interest. These are very large and statement-y, though; delicate jewelry doesn't really do it for me in terms of really adding anything to an outfit.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Thank you all so much for such great input. I have included every one of your ideas in my list. My idea is for them to have a simple list that they can hang in their closet and refer to quickly when they are wanting to add a bit more fabness to their outfits.
Thanks again to everyone who added their 2 cents