You have such great style as is, and it can be really tough to start anew.

Is body image the only concern holding you back from other styles/pieces? Or might those other pieces cause other forms of inconvenience/annoyance with regard to fit or feeling that you brush aside?

Look within, as Angie says! You have a strong sense of style, so honour that. Be ok with that! Call it your signature style and do what you’ve got to do to be happy. Think about gryphin and how stylish she is. I don’t think she’s ever thinking that she’s boring (just a guess ;-)).

Aso, I have a minimalist wardrobe (by American standards ;-)) and I definitely get bored. I still prefer this method to having too many clothes—like I want to be able to update my wardrobe without feeling like I’m throwing new items out, you know? so I take the good with the bad.

I don't know, it sounds kind of exciting to me.

It's possible that a lot of your self doubt is because you're trying to dress the person you were rather than who you are now.

You may not look and feel the same because you're not the same at all! Luckily, you're very attractive RIGHT NOW and that's always nice!

Maybe you could take a little time to really think about who you really are now and how best to package that person.

Maybe some cream, silver grey, or even a very soft pink blouse or sweater to add some luminous to the black?

I may have more thoughts over time, I also know that for some reason you lost all your old veteran status posts. But even in your new profile you've written a few posts and responses. I suggest going back and reading them all. For instance, in one I remember when we were interacting back and forth about shoes, you said you'd never met a stud you didn't like. And I agreed that nor had I. So if that was true, which I feel it was, nothing boring about that! And you may have some idea of other interesting things you can do with black items with embellishments. I am still evolving my style with the help of YLF, in my case paying more attention to the fit and flattery of items than before when it was mostly colour that I paid attention too. Also, I have mostly accepted my new fatter body because I am not prepared to work hard on trying to lose weight. I prefer reading than exercising to relax after all my hard emotionally draining work. And so I will live with being an apple shape and not beat myself up about it. Of course I get insecure at times about my shape and my grey hair, as the forum knows. But mostly, evolving my style over time for this body, this hair, trying to pay attention to sustainability and cost, is working and I do hope the good advice from others on this thread may help x

Be confident and smart.

Start your trends with florals maxi's. You can go for linen as well. Try to make the great combination of dresses from your wardrobe. Explore some latest trends and colors in the market.

I vote introduce more white and light neutrals. And metallics. The colours you mention - black, olive, navy, grey - can feel dark and drab without some lighter colours or shine to balance them out. Although I know that you do have some bright outerwear, I am not sure whether bright colours are really a big part of "your style". I think they are more an accent for you than a signature item. I think you should focus on adding items that offer something interesting to you in terms of texture, pattern, quality, originality of design or design details. That's your signature. I don't think you have to be colourful to be interesting.

Just my 2 cents of course.

And your style is not boring!

I have a friend whose advice is always, "You've got this." You've totally got this. I think your style has always been cohesive and you have great intuition for all the details. If you want to change something, I suspect if you listen to your gut, it'll get you there. Some people benefit from learning to think more about their outfits, and some of us (ahem, points at self in the mirror) do better learning to think less and trust ourselves more.

And oh man the number of times I've left the house and realized I hated my top or my shoes or my hair and had to fight the urge to drive straight to the mall to fix it... There are days that just aren't fab no matter what we do.

Can I just add that I learned today that 'Lily' is #19 on the list of top 100 dog names? This means I'm in the top 20 of unoriginal names! Omg. Now I have to laugh 'cuz that's so sad... dang.

Lisa, I read this earlier today and I have been thinking about it since. Hope you don't mind me saying but this seems to be a little bit of cycle for you, and maybe it is just part of the journey.

I have just reviewed you recent WIW's and I am not seeing what you are feeling. I feel I am seeing a very cohesive, modern and elegant collection emerging. There is definitely a grown up sophistication in your style.

I think you really need to ask yourself what you want to project. Even revisit what words you would like to describe your style. What do you wear that makes you happy?

I really don't want you to think I am saying I am 'there' (cos I'm not) but I am in a really happy place with my style and I have gotten there by going with my instincts. If something doesn't feel right I don't wear it. I have had people say that I look 'pretty' in colour and I should wear it more but you know 'pretty' is not what I aspire to. I have put outfits together that look perfectly fine but I feel weird in them... they don't really reflect 'me' so I don't wear them lol. Occasionally I feel as you do, absolutely bored with my wardrobe but then I spend an hour or so re-organising my closet, reminding myself how carefully I have chosen what I now have and refresh my thinking seeing new possibilities for mixing pieces and creating new combos and with a wardrobe full of neutrals the combos are almost endless. It's usually my mind messing with me, not my wardrobe. Does that make sense.

Why do you think it's not ok to have a variety of versions of the same thing? If something works for you, why not? What can freshen up those pieces? Your fabulous jewellery, a great print scarf, some statement earrings?

I think that sometimes our style actually comes to us so naturally that we fight it, thinking that it needs to be harder to come by or figure out.

xxx

I hear you. I can relate to what you're saying, and I also had this "moment of truth" a few times in the past- when you see yourself through someone else's eyes, or you see yourself in a big mirror somewhere and realize: I don't like what I'm wearing any more! This used to work, but it's not working any more! You're looking for an advice, but you already said it all in your first post, and you know what you need to do... I checked out the blog that you mentioned, and what is really attractive about it is the happiness and contentment that Shauna is radiating. So maybe the real question is how to make you happier? More confident? The others already gave you tons of good advice, but I would still like to add my two cents: start with one item, something inexpensive, cross the border of your comfort zone either in style or in colour (but not both), wear it when you go for a walk or to buy milk, not for the whole day, and see how you feel about it... Then, if you feel terrible, change it. And repeat. And if you don't feel good wearing something, think about why is that? Maybe you're not used to seeing yourself in that color? Or someone said to you (maybe a long time ago) that this is not for you? What I find useful is to take a photo, as they seem more realistic than mirrors, don't know why.
Good luck. Trust yourself.

More thoughts, thinking about it over a few hours... I looked at the Chic over 50 blog and she certainly has a colourful style, but she may not own all those clothes or would wear all those if not for the blog. And, that looks like a lot of work. What a lot of fuss for the hair, all that product, all the working out, it makes me tired just looking at it.
I feel like Deborah, that in old posts ( no longer available to read), you may have had similar dissatisfaction. And I've only been reading since last year and joined in January. The yellow jacket in your last WIW was not black and not boring. The Zara top is fast fashion and trendy and not boring. The windowpane dress is interesting how it was styled. So may some of the problem be just looking in your wardrobe like we can all do and feeling bored because you can't buy a new item every week just like most of us can't? And if we do, don't we have a shopping problem? Contentment can't be forced but I can honestly say that I've never had more compliments in my whole real life than this year and maybe last, apple shape and all, since I have learned my style and embraced it. I will not try to be something I'm not. I'm not classic and elegant, I'm colourful and eclectic and the happier for following that style in my day-to-day life.

Lisa, your style is absolutely not boring. It's sleek, modern, sophisticated and elegant. Had to get that out of the way first.

You've had a boatload of great advice here and I'm doubtful I can add to it, but I'm going to try anyway, This may sound odd coming from me, because the two stumbling blocks you identify (body image and fear of looking kooky) are both completely alien to me, as you might have guessed.

However, I do think we're both dealing with similar underlying issues of self-acceptance. This is not easy to come by (I've been through enough therapy in the last couple of years to know this) but one of the best things about growing older is that we get to know ourselves a little bit better.

Style is one way for us to achieve this, but there are no short cuts in either self-knowledge or wardrobe management. You have a great foundation to build on, so allow yourself the freedom to explore. Your boredom will pass, the effort will be rewarded.

I like shevia's suggestion of checking out your local consignment stores, but my experience from years of thrifting is that it takes a lot of patience and you have to enjoy it for its own sake. Ditto with sewing, another thing I've been doing for years.

My one piece of practical advice to you is this. Be proactive about plugging into your local fashion network. Find your local designers and ateliers. Look for meet-ups in your area around the topics of sustainable fashion. You have a wealth of knowledge and you will be welcomed.

Also... boy this thread here has rung some bell for me, hehe... I cannot tell you how many times since I instituted the ban on red and blue plaid shirts - that I've caught myself with such a shirt in hand saying, 'Hey... wait a second... this is red and blue plaid!'

I'm telling you: It's a chronic condition
for me. I need an ointment for it...

What a fabulous post. I have learned so much that I personally can't add a thing, but three ideas speak to me.

(1) Consignment shops to experiment.

(2)  Adding in white and metallic silver. Both of the colors will enliven your wardrobe of fabulous neutrals.

(3)  The difficulty of dressing for "in-between" weather and how it affects our overall view of ourselves.

Lots of fantastic advice here. Just a thought — I’m from Manitoba and many of my family members are in the Winnipeg/Kenora area. They all seem a bit out of sorts right now and it seems to pertain to the short fall and weather transitions. I see them go through this every October, in part anticipating the winter and snow to come. It’s hard to get your wardrobe right for this period. I can also sympathize with the lack of clothing choices there, but there are some boutiques and I remain a loyal fan of Cleo and Laura stores.

You always strike me as a very moody dresser, Lisa. You want a classic uniform one day, and a kooky avant garde outfit the next day (yes, I’m totally exaggerating to make my point
My point is, maybe a big wardrobe would be best for you, to pick from it the different looks you need to suit your mood.
I know that makes wardrobe management more complicated, but it’s doable - I see some forum members do it successfully (Tanya and Janet come to mind).

Reading with great interest. I think there has been some wonderful insight and advice given here. I always find it interesting that what we (outsiders) see versus what you (the subject) feels because this is not what I would have predicted at all. I see you as so put together and a risk taker in terms of style. Are there a few points that hit home with you, either the causes of these feelings or a few steps that need to be taken to bounce back?

There is so much great practical advice here (metallic! white! velvet!) but also really solid emotional advice about self-trust and acceptance. I won't try to add, mostly because I am deeply struggling myself with all of the above. But I will share this little story. I am heading to Boston for a birthday overnight with two friends, and my first inclination is to shop for something to wear on that trip - because I am so BORED with everything I have, and I feel like I have no discernible interesting style anymore. So, yes, I can relate. I'm going to spend some time with my closet today, probably purging, probably trying on, probably crying. Ha.

You are always a style inspiration to me, and one of the reasons is that there is a clear narrative thread from outfit to outfit. But maybe you need to cut loose from your own style rules? I hope you go to a consignment shop and try something purely because it speaks to you on a gut level. Don't intellectualize the item; if it speaks to you, try it on. And when you look at yourself in the mirror, turn off that judgmental voice. You have a truly commanding beauty and a killer shape (I know, I've seen you) and you can pull off anything you want to.

I love this thread, it covers so much that most of us deal with. I also fight with my body, my style, what I am projecting about myself. You have really gotten some great advice here. I will be re-reading it for myself. I don't have a lot to add but I will echo everyone else and say that I love your style and I don't think it would take much to tweak it to where you love it too. I agree that it could very well be seasonal, these in-between periods are really hard.

I empathize a lot with what you're saying here, bit not regarding my wardrobe - regarding my hair and the fact that I've kind of let things like makeup (feeling ambivalent about it these days) and skin care go a bit. Not to mention my fitness routine.

In my case, I know what some of the answer is for me, which is to take some effort out of fashion and into these other areas.

For you, I think you've had some great advice here, and I don't have much to add except that I've found some wardrobe joy this year in trying things in dressing rooms I didn't think advance I would like. Sometimes I ended up laughing at myself a lot in the dressing room, which was fun! But I also got some stuff I wouldn't have touched a year ago.

I agree that you've got this! I think you have an innate sense of style that can get you over this rough patch.

I don't know that I have much to add, but this thread is a treasure-trove! I'm going to come back and read it more carefully later.

I will add that I've always experienced the effects of a certain sartorial stodginess; I always attribute it to growing up in New England with its Puritan roots, but who knows.

Ex: I wore a lot of purple up 'til I hit 30, and over the past year any purple that isn't almost-black just doesn't feel right anymore. I shy from animal prints. Or really most prints that aren't stripes or plaid (but plaid is just stripes in both directions!). I had a thing for printed leggings, but that has passed -- I can't make them work any more, so the remaining pairs are for loungewear only. I can't chalk these preferences up to any one cause -- age, or body issues, or class pressures, or what have you. I feel more confident than I ever have. It's really just ingrained stodginess.

The only solution I can offer up is finding minimal-commitment ways of exploring the edges of your style Venn diagram -- the stuff that isn't an obvious "yes" but isn't an emphatic "no". There's a been a lot of talk of "shadow personas" on the forum lately -- maybe you have one you want to indulge/explore/give permission to? (Mine apparently wears fisherman's caps and lace-up boots, like a sooty young lad in a Victorian drama, a la Tiny Tim...).

lisap - I wonder, do you have one favorite non-neutral color? I felt like I was having a hard time getting some color back into my mostly neutral closet over the past year or so and finally I decided to just try a slightly dusty shade of coral top to see --- right away I realized how much more "alive" it made me look. I've worn that top at least 4 times already. And there I was thinking maybe it was my choice of blush color making me feel washed out. lol. I added another patterned top with some of the same coral color and again felt much happier when I put it on. I'm only making small steps because I rarely find the "just right" shade of color that I enjoy, but I think it's important to focus on adding color slowly and maybe only in small doses (part of a pattern instead of the whole top for example).Or a necklace with some color to add just a touch...

I echo others suggesting adding more shades of white to your wardrobe too as it's a great way to add some vibrancy without color. I like to add various shades of white jewelry too - but it has to be the right piece, I don't like anything that looks plastic or overly embellished or too ethnic as it seems to overwhelm me. I like organic, natural looking pieces mostly.

And as to body image - hanging out over the weekend with a group of friends and some new people in a similar age bracket (some older too) was a nice thing to remind me - we ALL are getting a little older, softer (both in a physical and social sense), rounder in many cases, a little wrinkled, etc. - - - while I was there I can't really remember feeling any concern about what I was wearing or how I looked. No one made comments about other people's clothing - no questions like "Oh that looks great, where did you get it?" -- I thought back to about fifteen years ago when that would have been asked multiple times at most gatherings.

Also, can I just add that for me, one of the challenges to feeling good in my clothing is that my shape seems to fluctuate very slightly but meaningfully almost on a DAILY basis. So something that fit well and felt great a couple of days ago just will not work on my body today. I know that's not about style, but it is about dressing and about the emotional component of working with what's in the closet, and it makes it all harder in the 50+ world.

Lisa, I'm sorry you are feeling so frustrated. I don't see boring at ALL when I look at you; I see impeccable fit and tailoring and fun, arty accessories. I see what I wish I was able to pull together but end up being more kooky and playful.

I'm "favorite-ing" this thread because even though I am having a lot of fun with style at the moment, that's not always true and I felt like I was bored/boring/not feeling it for most of the past few years. A lot of wisdom in this thread that I can't add much to.

I will share a little about what helped me.
• Just exist in my current wardrobe for a while and not feel that I have to feel/dress fabulous every day. Sounds dumb, but giving myself permission just to have a basic, ok, not perfect outfit felt freeing. That's partly why I took a lot of time off here. The drive to have fun wasn't there. Give myself permission not to feel "current" or trendy.
• Consider which current pieces I actually don't like, and why. Cut, fabrication, fit, color. Sometimes a piece wasn't right. So I would prioritize those pieces to replace with something that was ideal and checked all boxes.
• Consider which pieces most impact my feeling confident/good. For me, eyewear and bras have a big impact on this. I don't skimp on my budget in those areas and slow-buy only when something is a perfect 10. Certain colors-forest green, burgundy, cobalt-impact this, and a HUGE part of my wardrobe contains those colors.
• Acknowledge that a big part of my style persona is dressing the way I want to feel/project externally even if I often don't feel that way. I love rich or bright colors and many bold prints; they project happiness to me. However, I'm not a naturally very happy, buoyant, optimistic person. Visuals actually can kick me out of a shallow funk or make me smile when I otherwise feel lousy. I know that about myself and go with it.

Since late 2015 or so, I reached a point where I'm pretty happy with the "staples" of my wardrobe, but if you look at the overall shapes and colors I wear, it's very consistent, and could be "boring." I have two basic uniforms and only vary the exact pieces or the accessories, or replace what's getting worn out. But I don't feel bored wearing it.

VERY happy to hear that you've edited, Lisa. Now I don't need to fly over. *smiling*.

I've read the thoughtful responses. AMAZING. Thanks for the kind words Krishnidoux and Smittie.

Personally and professionally, I am sticking with look inward because that's where effective, authentic, manageable and killer style starts and ends. Many touched on this in tangents. Good job!

Time to review and assess the wardrobe. UNDERSTAND what you are feeling and what you want to project with your style. Be honest, but not overly critical. Channel your emotions into organized energy and get going.

• Skylurker is bang on the money. You are a mood dresser who likes modern classic one day, trends the next, and avant-garde after that. (You also used to like Athleisure but I'm not sure where you stand on that now?) Sometimes colours, always dark neutrals. Lots of attention to make-up, jewellery and shoes. A bigger wardrobe is not a bad idea - but you have to be organized about it. Tanya comes to mind immediately. She has a huge wardrobe and lots of shadow styles - and manages it absolutely perfectly.
• I loved what Janet said about "settling" - like she has, and is reaping the reward. And also with a big wardrobe.
• Approprio's reference to self-acceptance is important. You will find settling on a style and shadow styles easier if you accept that who you are is fabulous - YOUR way.

Practically, I would like to make the following quick suggestions on how to start:

• Pinpoint WHERE do you want variety? Is it colour, item, texture, silhouette, accessory, footwear, or vibe?

• Think about your figure flattering priorities. Make sure you pander to them.

• Pull out what you have and look at the palette. Is it too dark? Do you want to add a little bright? How about light neutrals? New to you neutrals? PATTERNS! (Separate Fall & Winter to make it more manageable).

• Look at your bottoms - what's missing? Make sure you relate bottoms back to footwear because you are particularly picky about the shoes you wear in a season. And Canadian Winters are rough.

• Assess your footwear. What is missing?

• Look at tops. What do you need? No more black sweaters! Try something new!

• Build complements if capsules are too complicated, especially when you're adding a new colour to your wardrobe.

• Be PATIENT (I know it's hard). Create something you can build on season after season.

Creating pinboards is all very well - and so is looking at what other bloggers or Fabbers wear. But you have to relate it back to YOU, your wardrobe, and into outfits that you can wear daily.

As for shopping - agreed. Canada hasn't got what the US has. I want to encourage shopping online because there is a MUCH larger assortment. But you need to do that the suitable Canadian way. Canadian bloggers might be helpful there.

I cannot get over how smart and insightful you ALL are. There is a reason I keep coming back to YLF for help when I need/want it. Also kind . Did I mention that? And I am laughing at skylurker's suggestion that you all have heard this refrain from me before. I think she's right - about once a year I have a meltdown and hate everything I wear. Must stop that.

Angie - I have ventured into on-line shopping more this year, and have had some success with it. Of course, we have to pay for shipping and returns so it's still not the great option it is in the US. I like the idea of building little complements instead of entire capsules - that I can do. I used to do this years ago and stopped doing it when I got into my minimal mode. I still push back at having a large wardrobe and I do not want to go down that path at this point in my life. I am quite fervent about it as it goes against many of my values . Because I don't work in an environment where I see the same people 5 days a week, and need to dress up for those 5 days, I don't need nor want a bunch of clothes that won't get worn very often. It's interesting about being a moody dresser. I never considered that, and I realize how true that is. Maybe that's part of the issue: not having a certain look to rely on? I am particularly drawn to the idea of pale neutrals. I was looking at some photos this weekend of fall outfits based on taupes, ivories, pale greys etc - all with texture and lightness. So pretty. This is really appealing and should be easy enough to experiment with . Metallics and velvets too. Sigh - I only wish I had the big budget to go along with it!

Kari - I really like your thoughts on paying attention to what makes me feel good and WHY. Underwear is a big part of that, and an area that I'm not good at. Need to priorize this.

Vivian - YES to having a different body daily. This up and down business is so weird. Which is why my dressing is so moody - definitely influenced by how puffed out I feel on any given day. And thanks for your ongoing support and commiseration, my friend - it means a lot. I'll be crying in my closet along with you today

Texstyle - I agree with the idea of adding in a small amount of one specific new colour. And I can definitely see how coral would work for you . It's one of my favourites in summer.

LaP - I'm going to check out some consignment and even vintage shops (as to your comment about finding a low-cost way to experiment) . We have one particularly renowned one here in Wpg that visiting movie wardrobes use. Could be a fun hobby too.

ChristinaF , Robin F . Muffin , Sterling - glad some of this resonates with other women too , and yes , I'm considering the internal reasons for my sense of frustration - lots to consider here.

Toban - nice to hear from a fellow Manitoban! I wonder if it is weather/seasonal. Very good point.

approprio - wow, thank you for your thoughtful comments, and I particularly like the idea of becoming more involved in my local fashion design scene. I follow it peripherally, and am totally interested, as you can imagine, but always feel shy about getting more involved because I can't back up my interest with buying stuff. I need to investigate this more..... And as to self-acceptance? I don't even know what that is. Seriously.

Gradfash - interesting question ...not sure what the answer is.

smittie - yes, you and i with our smaller Canadian wardrobes And your reasoning for a smaller wardrobe is the same as mine.

Isabel - your comments are so thoughtful, thank you. I think you have something about looking at the here and now, rather than always wishing for what was in the past. And yes to softer neutrals!

Jenni - I deleted my old profile and started again. Don't ask - I'm an emotional wing nut sometimes . I am not one to settle for anything - but that's my personality - which can be a problem, I know.

Brooklyn- you're right in that brights are not my thing other than in small doses. Again - loving the suggestion to add in pale, soft neutrals with some texture. Boy I want to go shopping right now!!

Deborah - you're so insightful, as usual. Lots to consider in what you've written. Thinking about who and what I want to project is a key thing .

greyscale - " think less and trust more". ME?? I think you're right - ha. I'm not looking for an immediate fix - and thanks for reminding us all of that.

I think we all find ourselves in that spot. Your style is great, it should be you not what anyone else thinks. It's not whats on the outside, but inside that counts. You seem to have that going for you. Stiff upper lip as the English say. And we can't compare ourselves to bloggers, after all that is their job, Fashion, so they do need a more expansive wardrobe than the average person.

Lisa:

"about once a year I have a meltdown and hate everything I wear. Must stop that."

I wouldn't say stop it so much as realize that this IS a typical pattern for you, and don't be thrown when it happens. Maybe you'll notice what tends to lead up to that dissatisfaction, or maybe it will just be like "ok, that happened before. It's not fun, but Here's what helped me get through it last time."

Just an idea (thinking of my own seasonal struggles and identifying triggers over time!)

Angie -- your point-by-point practical suggestions are GREAT. I too am saving this post for future reference.