Fashion Over 50: 3 Reminders of the Power of Neutrals

I am here today to give your three reminders about the power of wearing neutrals.   We have beautiful styles literally “everywhere” lately in gorgeous prints and colors.  I have also enjoyed pulling out my favorite prints and colors in my own closet.  Many readers have confessed their love of bohemian styles and for all of this I certainly support the joy and creativity we find in colors and prints. 

Due to the pandemic, I think we needed to bring out the colors and prints even more.  Somehow it has brought hope and joy to those of us staying inside the house for a time. 

However, I still love the chic, powerful statements of wearing neutrals.  That is why I have designed the messaging I want to send with my style to include both. When I want to convey strength and intelligence, I always reach for a neutral look.  Typically, I have worn neutral outfits more for work, but since working at home, I am discovering new ways to wear them in a new lifestyle.  I am also taking more time to reflect on my style lately and how it might or might not be changing as a result of all of this.

 REMINDER #1: READ AND LEARN

I have done three things lately which have helped to remind me of my love of neutrals.  First, I am reading again some of the books which really helped me early in my reinvention.  There are about four books I gleaned so much wisdom from and returning to them again shores up my foundations for looking and feeling my best.

One of the two favorites at the top is Forever Chic by Tish Jett, literally an American who chose to move to France when she met her “reason for staying in France.”  She teaches us what she has learned from the stylish women of France.  One of those lessons is the value of a wardrobe with strong neutral foundations and different variations on the styles.

She writes, “It’s intelligent, ageless, and always, always chic.  Best of all, it makes getting dressed so easy.  Within the spectrum of neutrals, there are vast nuances of shades, textures and possibilities.  Basing a wardrobe on neutrals is the only way to produce major returns on investments.  With neutrals, a woman can always pull something out of the closet and pull herself together without hysteria in record time.”

I think my favorite quote in Tish’s book is at the end of this same chapter.  She writes that in a nutshell what Frenchwomen think of clothing is that has the power to transform us, to entertain us, to change our self -images and occasionally even to change our lives.   I experienced this first hand through my reinvention and know it to be true.

On my summer reading list:  Living Forever Chic: Frenchwomen’s Timeless Secrets for Everyday Elegance, Gracious Entertaining, and Enduring Allure.

REMINDER #2:  FOLLOW WOMEN WHO TEACH AND INSPIRE

I have told you before that if I lived in Ottawa in Canada (not Kansas) that I would be on the doorstep of Shepherd’s boutique at least once a week.  These ladies have been bringing fashion to Canadians for 41 years but have also become an inspiration and educators to me and women like me through social media.  I have learned so much from their Coffee Table Talks and weekly Fashion shows and found ideas for styling and information on brands. 

Their fashion shows have been scaled down since COVID-19, but I watched one recently  where they featured Eileen Fisher neutrals.  It just reminded me of my love of wearing neutrals and gave me some ideas.  You can follow them on Facebook for all of this information.

REMINDER #3:  PIN OR SCREENSHOT NEUTRAL LOOKS

 Of course, the modern way to save ideas is through Pinterest…but I have kind of become a screenshot queen!  I Screenshot looks I like and place in a folder on my computer.  Sometimes these are for me and sometimes they are to share.  But, often with neutral styles I hear women say they get bored and uninspired by the clothing.  So, find new ways to wear it if you love it.  Saving looks on a Pinterest Board or in a folder is one way to do that.  Here is one I took a screen shot of recently and thought…I should hold on to that!

I will never apologize for wearing black or other neutrals often.  It is part of me.  In the midst of a time when we are inundated with bright color and prints, remember neutral looks are still important if you want a strong wardrobe.

Do you agree that women are more excited about color and prints this year due to the quarantines?  Please share your thoughts.  I have a neutral-based Fabulous Find slideshow today!  Hope you enjoy….and make sure you

KEEP SMILING!!

JUST A NOTE:

There are several ways that I generate income through this blog in order to cover business expenses and give myself much needed income.  Purchases through the slideshow links is one way, ads on the page is one way and a new way is through ordering or re-ordering the GOLI Apple Cider Vinegar gummies through me with my GOLI LINK HERE.  Again, if you are not familiar with the benefits of apple cider vinegar, you should speak with your personal physician.  My husband and I are sold on the benefits and I am proud to represent this product.  I am going to leave this at the bottom of my posts so that when you, friends or family would like to order you can use my link.  Thanks for the support.  This is a great product.

By Pamela Lutrell