My Week in Fashion: Sunday

OK, true confessions time: I didn't post a "My Week in Fashion" for Saturday (yesterday) because I spent the day in lavender bike shorts and a red zip-front sweatshirt. In my defense, I got up super-early to see my husband and son off on a Scout trip, and I never left the house, but it's still not a look I would especially recommend. I was super-comfy all day, and sometimes you just need to do that. So if you ever have one of those days when you NEEEEEED to dress comfortably and not care what you look like, you have my permission. 

Now on to Sunday. I frequently wear dresses on Sunday, but since I just dressed up to go out to dinner on Friday night, I decided to go a little more casual today, especially since I was teaching Sunday School and knew I'd be running around and playing games. So this was today's look:

I'm wearing a colored tank-style cami, a long-sleeved black jersey, tweed wool dress pants, and my black Clarks shoes from Wednesday's blog. 

This long-sleeved black jersey was (I think) a TJ Maxx find a number of years ago when I needed a nice black top for a concert I was performing in. It features a surplice (wrapped) style top with a knot detail at the base of the vee, and 3/4-length sleeves. The v-neck is much deeper than I'm comfortable with, so I frequently use a safety pin to raise it several inches. But I've also found that wearing it unpinned with a colored cami underneath is a pretty and more casual look. Those two options make this shirt versatile enough for a variety of occasions! The top falls to about mid-hip, which is a good length on me. I found a similar style on Amazon for $22. 

I have a couple of tops and sweaters that, like the black top above, are more revealing than I'd like, or that have woven areas intended to show the color of an underlayer. So I found a 3-pack of reversible camis at Costco (peach, as worn in the above photo, white, and grey) for $12. They now seem to be carrying 4-packs of a single color for $17. What makes them reversible is that one side has a scoop neck and the other has a slight v-neck, to create different looks. With the v-neck black blouse, I like the contrasting line of the scoop neck. These camis are also very long, which is nice when I want to let some of the color show below the tail of my shirt. Since this outfit has a black top and rather dark pants, not everyone would be flattered by showing a wide horizontal band of a strongly contrasting color, but since I have quite long legs, it works for me. 

Finally, these dress pants are another favorite from the now defunct (as a brick-and-mortar store, anyway) Dress Barn. They're a soft wool blend, which wears well and has just a little bit of give, and the fabric is a woven tweed that's black on gray, which creates some visual interest without being too busy to wear with a subtle print, and doesn't bring in any non-neutral colors. They're also dressy enough that they're meant to be worn with heels, which means the hem is longer than many pants, and it accommodates my height very nicely. I like the way they have a slight break at the ankle when I wear flats or low shoes. This pair of Magic Waist Barely Bootcut pants for $33 from Kohl's has a similar muted pattern, a comfortable waistband, and a very slightly flared hem that works well with flats, heels, or low boots. 

I have both a black hat and a peach-colored hat that would have worked great with this outfit, but because of the clocks moving forward last night, the hat got lost in the last-minute shuffle of getting ready for church. But I love this outfit, even without a hat to finish it off. 

So that's the end of my week in fashion - I hope you enjoyed it, and even learned a thing or two about how to choose outfits that flatter your figure but are still fun to wear!

My Week in Fashion: Friday

Thank goodness it's Friday!! I'm working from home today (my sewing machine is better than the school's sewing machine), so I'm casual, but not quite as casual as some of my work from home days tend to be. Let's take a look at my TGIF outfit:

The pieces of this outfit are simply jeans, a loose top, and my leopard slip-ons. 

Yet another piece from my COVID-19 Amazon/shopping online wardrobe, I originally bought this Casual V Neck Mesh Panel 3/4 Bell Sleeve Shirt for $26 (now listed at $28) in sage green, but I got so many compliments on it that I decided to buy another one in a different shade. This one is actually described as "tea rose," a color I liked but wasn't sure if it would work with my red hair, but in reality it's more of a terra cotta, which is a terrific shade on me. 

There are a lot of details to this style which work very well for my particular figure issues. First off, I frequently get hives on my upper chest, so a top that covers up to my collarbone without looking too "buttoned up" or matronly is great. The bands at the neck and sleeve hems are mesh fabric, so it covers without really covering. The sleeves are loose enough that I can move without feeling restricted, but they're not so wide that they get in the way, and they end just below the elbow on me rather than being a full 3/4 length, which also keeps them out of my way. And the hem comes right to the fullest part of my hips, which means it skims my body perfectly without bunching or looking overly voluminous.  

I inherited this pair of jeans from a friend, but I may need to buy another pair in this cut and color, because I really like they way they look on me. Macy's carries similar curvy-fit bootcut jeans that - importantly for me - come in long (as well as regular and short) lengths, and are currently on sale for $30 (usually $40). Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear taught me about the importance of a nice dark-wash jean. It looks much dressier and more polished than a lighter wash, and I always find darker bottoms to be more flattering. In addition, the boot cut style - as long as the hem is the right length - adds just a hint of flattering curve, lengthening my legs and deemphasizing my big feet while also somehow calling attention to whatever cute shoes I pair with them. The low rise means I have to be careful not to wear too short of a shirt, but since I prefer hip-length tops most of the time, it's rarely a problem, and the lower waistband is more comfortable when I'm doing a lot of sitting, standing, crouching, and crawling (which I do a lot). 

And of course, a simple outfit with only neutral jeans and a solid-colored top needs a pop of visual interest, in this case, once again the leopard print slip-ons I wore yesterday. But they also look great with low boots, loafers, athletic sneakers, or even low heels. 

Happy Friday, everyone!

My Week in Fashion: Thursday

My interest in improving my personal style was strongly influenced by the television show What Not to Wear, in which stylists and hosts Stacy London and Clinton Kelly ambushed an ordinary person who had been nominated by their friends due to their lack of fashion sense, and then teach them how to create a wardrobe that works for their body and personality. One of the frequent comments was that you shouldn't look sloppy or shabby, even when you're just running errands or (as my mom used to call it) "banging around the house." 

Today was a banging around the house day for me, and although I don't consider myself to be sloppily or shabbily dressed, Stacy and Clinton would probably not be overly excited about my look. 

Please forgive the presence of the cat. He really, REALLY wanted to "help."

The pieces in this outfit include athletic leggings, a short-sleeve print top, and slip-on shoes. 

These basic black yoga leggings are $20 from Amazon. I love the high waist, which minimizes a visible waistband line if I happen to wear a narrower top, and I also love that they have low side pockets that are large enough to hold a cell phone and low enough that they're easy to access even if I pair them with a tunic top. (I only wear them to work with a much longer top than this one.) This particular pair is just a little bit short on me, so I tend to wear them with ankle booties or full-length boots, but they're not so short that I can't pair them with flats now and then.

This top is a workhorse that I wear all the time, paired with anything from a long, straight skirt to jeans, to flared yoga pants, to navy dress pants, to shorts. I got it at Amazon for $18 a few years ago, and although this particular print is no longer available, they carry a variety of similar styles, such as the one above, for $25. I like the three-button detail, the low scoop neckline, and the flared but not overly full body. It's a nice length with jeans or dress pants, when I like to wear slightly shorter styles. And the sleeves have a little flare to them, which looks a little dressier than plain t-shirt type sleeves. 

As I've mentioned, I have some difficulty finding shoes that fit me well and are comfortable, and I can no longer wear high heels, so I love finding cute, fun shoes that are also comfortable. These leopard-print slip-ons by Dr. Scholl came from Amazon for $60, but this style is no longer available; however, they do have a cute alligator print version that's a bargain at only $35, but is not available in wide widths. I love a pop of animal print, so I wear these shoes frequently with monochromatic outfits, especially blacks and browns, as well as with black pants and an animal print top (of which I own several). 

But, wait! I am going to Ladies' Night at my husband's Masonic Lodge this evening, so you get a double dose of fashion today. Here's look #2:

The black boots are the same as Tuesday's outfit, and the dress is a Roz & Ali fit-and-flare from Dress Barn, which they no longer carry. Luckily, fit and flare styles continue to be popular, so you can find them all over, with various hem lengths, various sleeve lengths and styles, and details such as keyhole openings, notch fronts, and belts. It's a flattering style for every figure, and you can dress it up or dress it down for many types of occasions. I recommend it as a basic style to keep in your wardrobe for those times when you're not sure what to wear, because it's always a winner!

 

My Week in Fashion: Wednesday

Happy Hump Day! I'm going in to work for a short day today, and since the heat in my office was a little wonky yesterday, I'm wearing layers. I'll probably toss on a hat for the walk in from the parking lot (it was snowing lightly a few minutes ago), but I'm having a very cute hair day so I'm leaving it off for now.

Let's start at the top and work our way down through my look! 

Although I'm not against traditional knit cardigans, long or short, I find they can get in my way at work, and are often too heavy. So I've become a big fan of lighter-weight jersey cardigans, especially drape-front cardigans. I have no idea where I got the one I'm wearing (probably Dress Barn) or how much I paid for it (probably $20-$25), but I found this similar drape-front cardigan from Kohl's for $26.99. I prefer the vivid turquoise, mainly because I wear a lot of dark blue, which can be hard to match, but the vivid color allows a lot more forgiveness of the shades with which it can coordinate. Because of the stretchy fabric, I can wear the sleeves down without feeling that they're too short, but more often I push the sleeves up, and because the sleeves are fairly snug, they stay up, which I love, because there's nothing more annoying than spending all day pushing your cuffs up out of your way! The pointed front panels also extend down, creating vertical lines which always make you long longer and leaner. 

Finally, a piece that I know exactly where I got it and how much I paid, mostly because I bought it for a trip we look this past Christmas. The basic navy top I often wore with these pants had gotten a bleach spot on it, so I needed a replacement. I paid $20.40 for this Amazon Essentials women's sleeveless woven shirt, but the price has since gone down to only $18. If they had it in white, I'd buy another one, because it's a terrific basic piece that works under a lot of other pieces, or by itself. I love that even though it's sleeveless, the armholes (fun fact: the sewing term for an armhole is the "armscye") aren't cut in especially deeply, so I don't have to deal with my usual issue of my bra straps peeking out. In addition, the slit at the neck creates a nice line without being too deep, and the gathering at the back of the neck allows for comfortable movement when I need to reach and stretch. And the hem is curved, so it gives it a polished look when I leave it untucked (as I nearly always do). 

I'm pretty certain that these pants were also a Dress Barn find, which tells you how long I've owned them. Wide-legged pants, especially in a fabric that isn't overly drapy or clingy, are a good look on me, as they camouflage my heavy thighs and thicker waist. The waistband is elastic but also has a drawstring which ties in a bow on the outside, which makes them look less matronly and adds a little feminine touch (if it shows). Amazon and Kohl's both carry similar styles in multiple fabric patterns, including these wide-leg elastic waist pants from Amazon for $28.99 (about what I paid for mine). They're often available in cropped and ankle styles, which don't look good on me but might be just your thing. 

One more item that I know where I got and how I got it is this pair of Clarks Hope Shine Loafers, which I bought from Amazon for $60 two years ago. Unfortunately, this style of Clarks is no longer available, but Amazon does carry a somewhat similar style called the Channing Ann Slip-On Loafer for $46, and if you prefer brick-and-mortar stores, Macy's carries quite a few similar styles, including Emily Cove Slip-on Shooties (with a slightly higher heel), and the Emily Step, both currently on sale for $45. I highly recommend Clarks for anyone with foot problems, as they are very comfortable, reasonably stylish (at least as good-for-your-terrible-feet shoes go), and wear very well. Incidentally, if you do have foot issues and want some really excellent help in finding a style that fits you properly, go to Nordstrom's. The sales staff in their shoe department is very well-trained and helpful, and they carry Clarks as well as other brands of sturdy, supportive shoes. 

And since I'm not wearing much for jewelry or other accessories today, I'll just mention that my watch is an Anne Klein Genuine Diamond Bangle Watch from Amazon (I paid $44 three years ago but now it's only $30). I like this watch because the strap is a bangle on the outside but has links inside the wrist so the size can be easily adjusted (I have bony wrists that sometimes swell due to my arthritis, so comfortable watch bands, especially bangles, can be hard to find). It also has a large face and good contrast between the thick gold hands and the black face (which makes it easier to read at a glance), and I love the little diamond chip at the 12 o'clock position (it's a shameless ripoff of the famous Movado watch, which I love but am too cheap - and too hard on watches - to pay for). 

So that's me for the day: casual, comfortable, and cute! Or at least, that's what I'm aiming for. Let me know if you think I hit the mark or if I missed it today!

What Not to Wear: Home Edition

Much to my husband’s chagrin, I am a huge fan of the television show, “What Not to Wear.” Hosted by fashion stylists Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, each episode features a complete wardrobe makeover of a single fashion victim, who is given advice on styles that work for her age, lifestyle, personality, and body type, then sent out with $5,000 to replace her entire wardrobe over the course of two days. The final step is a new hairstyle and makeup session. Over the years, I have picked up quite a few fashion tips from watching the show. In honor of the recent announcement that the show will be going off the air after 10 years, here are my top 5 basic fashion rules that apply to all of us – even the celebrities whose photos I’ve used as examples of “What Not to Wear.”

1.      Dress Your Age

Whether you’re a 20-year old wearing hand-me-downs from your grandmother or a 60-year-old wearing miniskirts and Justin Bieber concert T-shirts, dressing too old or too young is not flattering. There are certainly times when you want to look a bit older or a bit younger than your age: If you’re a 25-year-old working in a company full of 50-somethings, for example, or if you’re a 50-something working in a company full of 20-somethings. But there are more successful and more flattering ways to do it than by channeling a generation other than your own.

In this photo, actress Christina Hendricks’ black lace suit looks like it might have come out of her mom’s closet, and the ruffled blouse is straight out of Grandma’s. The little black tie at her neck might even have been stolen from the wardrobe closet on the set of her television show, “Mad Men,” which is set in the 1960s. The outfit makes her look frumpy and significantly older than her 37 years. A better choice would have been the more classic black suit below. It’s demure enough to add maturity and respectability but stylish enough to avoid straying past “mature” and into “old” or “frumpy” territory.

Similarly, dressing younger than your age usually succeeds in making you look older, rather than younger. Lean towards the classic, but add some contemporary or trendy details and accessories to keep your look stylish and youthful without being inappropriate.

2.      Dress For the Task at Hand

There is a time and a place to wear clothing like yoga pants and sweatshirts, and it is the gym. Do not wear them to the office or the supermarket or a job interview. And there is a time and a place for a sequined minidress, and it is also not the office or the supermarket or a job interview.

Gwyneth Paltrow may have been on the way to or from the gym in this outfit, but there’s a reason that gyms have changing rooms. Many WNTW “makoverees” wear similar outfits running errands, out to dinner, and occasionally even to a business meeting. The excuse that nearly every one of them gives is that it’s comfortable. But there are plenty of comfortable outfits that are more appropriate for going out in public. Stacy and Clinton’s suggestion for casual outfits is generally something like this:

Start with dark wash jeans and a cute top, then add in some accessories appropriate to what you’re doing. Add fun sneakers for running errands, sensible but stylish flats for an informal meeting, and bright wedge sandals for a night out. Throw on a leather jacket or a cardigan sweater, add an oversize bag or a bright clutch, wear a bunch of bold chunky jewelry or a single gold chain. A few minor changes help make sure that what you’re wearing is right for where you’re going and what you’re doing. And it’s still comfortable!

3.      Wear Clothes That Fit

Jessica Chastain has an amazingly toned body. But that’s no excuse for wearing a dress that is too small, like the gown she wore to the SAG Awards this year. The seams at the waist are visibly straining, her belly button is clearly outlined through the fabric, and there are telltale wrinkles across her groin that indicate a poor fit (and probably some degree of difficulty in sitting down). Not only does she look uncomfortable, she looks – let’s face it – a little paunchy. And if SHE can look paunchy in badly fitting clothes, what hope is there for we mere mortals? There is hope in tailoring, that’s what. Well-fitting clothes – even if you don’t like seeing that larger number on the size label – are always more flattering than poorly-fitting ones.

Fortunately, her Oscar gown redeemed her, with its fitted but figure-hugging (rather than strangling) cut. Clothes should skim, not cling. She looks like she lost 10 pounds between the SAG awards and the Oscars, but I bet she didn’t. A good tailor is better than a good diet.

4.      The Devil is in the Details

Small details like color, trim and accessories can make or break an outfit – they can let it fade into the walls, or they can play up your personality. A classic outfit jazzed up with accessories is the best way to both stay trendy and express your personality without having to spend a fortune or replace your entire wardrobe every season.

I love Adele, and I think that she is stunningly beautiful as well as charming and funny. But at the Golden Globes, her fashion did not reflect either her beauty or her personality. Her face was colorless, her dress was colorless (and voluminous), and there were no accessories to brighten her up or make her look interesting.

Jessica Alba, on the other hand, chose a flattering color gown highlighted by a pop of a more intense shade of the same color in both her bright lips and her feathery clutch. The simplicity of her bodice and neckline set off the beautiful V-shape of her diamond necklace. Obviously, most of us won’t be picking out million-dollar diamond necklaces as our go-to accessory, but a single inexpensive but eye-catching piece of jewelry can make anyone look – and feel – like a million bucks.

5.      Be Yourself

The final – and possibly the most important – piece of fashion advice I have is to be yourself. If you’re a tomboy, you don’t have to wear frilly dresses. If you’re a bohemian at heart, you don’t have to wear a tailored suit. If you don’t like bright colors, don’t wear them. There are a million variations of just about every piece of clothing that exists. It takes time to find what suits you, but it’s time worth spending.

What suits you??