I love this direction or capsule for you!
I like the suggestions so far. Would also note that watching out for fit and proportions can be important for petite or small- boned grandmas! Also juxtaposing “ mountain “ elements with some more tailored or dressy items.
In pandemic- retirement I think I accumulated sort of a Woodsy Grandma collection— think Eddie Bauer, Faherty, some Athleta sweaters, along with some TJMAXX finds, .
In particular we had one of our coldest, snowiest winter spells on record and I bundled up a lot.
It is very easy fir me to get swallowed up in looser, thicker items. I actually live shackets indoors because run so cold, like a shirttail hem, can button up or wear open, but taking a step back , it is easy for me to look frumpy in some of these items or the outfits I put together.
It often boils down to item- specific details like collar size or lack of any shaping , or fabrics too bulky, or a plaid that is too large and bold for me, or pants fit too baggy, so I am learning to be more discriminating. For example, I found a Faherty plaid shirt with a smaller collar, more subdued plaid, in a fabric with some stretch that gives a bit of waist. In addition, I was not always holding out for better colors to come along in time, so had some good outfits but not as mix- and - match as I wanted for traveling ( to see the grandkids !) or just as “ best” colors.
It is also less of my style in summer because is so hot, yet I want a little tailoring, so I have to watch out for looking sloppy & wrinkled in shirts as 3rd layer.
I still have some workwear items in silks, cashmere and wool that I can mix with sportier items, and I still swoon over new styles in such fabrics, , but now I need to be practical and washable for things I expect to wear often. Merino layers are still an option- I find them pretty tough and easier to wash- but I have to carefully store such items for half the year.
Anyway, that has been part of my learning curve as I grabbed up some items and then gradually learned that I wanted to look a bit more polished - “ sharper”, maybe- but still comfortable, active, outdoorsy. Fit,fit,fit!
