Fashion Over 50: The power of vertical stripes

How to Wear Vertical Stripes on Over 50 Feeling 40

Yes, there is magical power in wearing vertical stripes when selecting our fashion over age 50.  I have been pleasingly plump…well, most of my life, really…and learned how vertical stripes pay off, while horizontal stripes most often give us an appearance of being larger. It is all about eye line and a vertical stripe draws the eye downward and does give us a slimmer appearance.  I displayed it yesterday with the custom fit tunic with a print that had vertical lines at the top. 

And today, I am showing you a Ming Wang top I purchased on sale at the beginning of being sent home to work.  At that time, I did not realize just how long we would be working from home, so I thought this was an excellent top to have for summer professional work.

 

NOW, I AM RE-EVALUATING MY WARDROBE

Ming Wang top on Over 50 Feeling 40

As I told you, I am currently re-evaluating what stays and what goes in my wardrobe…as I transition to new phases of life.  I do own excellent, quality brands for my professional life, and I have decided it is good to continue to hang on to most of these…especially as long as I am working.  This outfit is one that will stay.  The top is 97% cotton, very lightweight and I can wash it.  The sleeves on this top also make it unique and fun….that creative adjective I go for with my style.   I like the fact the stripes are not overpowering…that gives more of the elegant style I am seeking these days.  If I wanted to, I could open the top of the necklace, iron it to stay open and create a V shape.  I have lost a little weight since I first got the top and it is roomy, but for now I like the polished style of it.

Unique Ming Wang Sleeves on Over 50 Feeling 40

Favorite Eileen Fisher pant on over 50 Feeling 40

My love of the Eileen Fisher crepe pants has been shared with you for years.  I have them in 7 colors and though they have been a foundation of many professional outfits, I will continue to use them over and over again to upgrade my more casual lifestyle.  They are comfortable, cool and easy to wash at home as well.  I have been wearing them for working at home because of that cool, comfort.  Also, I topped this off with my Rockport ballet flats…another brand I have promoted and worn for years….. a simple Chico’s necklace, and James Avery cuff bracelets.  

 

 

FROM AN EXPERT

I am currently reading one of the books a reader recommended which was originally published in the 1960s,  so the advice can be very interesting when applied to our lives today.  A Guide to Elegance by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux recommends all vertical lines for women who carry extra weight in the middle.  Her list of what we should always wear includes:

 

-V Necklines

-Dresses which button down the front

-Single-breasted coats and suits

-Draped bodices which break up the size of the bust

-Straight skirts

-Straight coats

-Tailored suits with collars and lapels

-Crepe, and other soft materials. (YES, to me keeping the pants!)

 

“The general principle is to hide what is most generous and to accentuate the slimmest part of the figure.” – Genevieve Antoine Dariaux

 

I also plan to mix some of my nicer pieces with denim and see how it works.  Before I completely purge the closet, I want to pause…ponder…and then proceed, so that I do not regret tossing or selling pieces I may want to have later.  I know that has happened to me…and some of you, before.   

Today’s Fabulous Finds slideshow includes a touch of casual chic.  

Would anyone like to add to the list above with techniques to help trim down your style?  Or “tossed-too-soon” stories.  I love to hear from you…and thanks for being here.

KEEP SMILING!!

JUST A NOTE:

Pamela Lutrell for Goli GummiesThere 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; as well as, the ones below!

 

Mr. B and I love our meals from Sun Basket!

Sun Basket on Over 50 Feeling 40

 

Sun Basket is a delicious, easy, fun home delivery meal plan

 

My Complexion Loves Chamonix:

Chamonix on Over 50 Feeling 40

 

All natural, plant-cell technology skincare

 

By Pamela Lutrell

16 Comments

  1. Susan: Nice, versatile top with a little sass! I am looking for the perfect white button up top to wear under jackets or jeans. It is hard to find while avoiding stores. I did make a Dillard’s run last week and got 4 John Marks pieces and a Karen Kane top.

  2. Hi Nyla, this is Pamela…sounds like you had a fun shopping trip! I know finding the perfect white blouse can be tough. I will put some in the Wednesday slideshow for your consideration! Thanks for mentioning it.

  3. Pamela, you look lovely in this outfit. Just my style. The top is very flattering. Would wear this to lunch with the ladies and also to church.

  4. It sounds like the underlying guidelines for enhancing ones body through style haven’t changed. I do find that scoop necks or a soft v-neck can be more flattering to a large bust than a V though depending upon your jaw shape. All work though! Nice top for you and very professional look for virtual meetings yet summery and comfortable.

  5. Ohhh….been there, done that. However, in the long run I’m always glad that I did trim the piece away. If you think before tossing, then ultimately your good reasons will ease the twinge of “Oh rats! I wish I had that (whatever it is you gave away).”
    You’ll remember that it wrinkled too easily, or it hung better on the hanger than it did on you, or the color was just a shade off to really go with everything else.
    White blouses can and should get purged and replaced without recrimination. Over time as we have them they are such workhorses (usually) that they tend to have cuffs that just won’t come clean or collars that are too limp or won’t lay right due to so much laundering. So, toss or retire to your “housecleaning” wardrobe and then replace with clear conscience.

  6. Pam—what a great outfit on you. Classic and elegant!

    Thank you so much for this series on developing elegance in our lives. Very inspiring , with very helpful content and suggestions.

    If you have classic clothing pieces of good quality, you may want to consider altering them to fit your current self rather than giving them away. Often, just a minor adjustment in fit changes the look completely.

  7. Beautiful top, and I’m also sold on the Eileen Fisher pants. I tried the ones from The System this past weekend when on my shopping weekend with my sister. I was instantly convinced these pants are the way to go. My goal is to have a pair in my three neutrals. My sister bought them with a gorgeous EF top! I’d love to see that book…I’m certain that it’s still relevant because grace and elegance don’t go out of style! I’ll be writing down those tips for dressing and choosing clothes that flatter, thank you for including those!

  8. Thanks! Maybe you can inspire me to fall in love with a white blouse! You did inspire me to make an inperson Dillards visit! I really miss the old life! Looking forward to Wednesday; I too am a Dillards, Chicos, Macy’s shopper like you!

  9. I love v-necks, draped fronts, straight skirts, and soft fabrics! When I was younger I had an hourglass figure but even then some styles looked better on me than others. Now that I’m 75 and weigh 30 pounds more than my Dr would like, I always try to “hide” my middle by wearing tops or dresses that flow softly over my body. Recently, I bought and returned a trapeze dress because the organza fabric just didn’t work on me. A knit dress that fits well at the bustline and skims the rest of my body looks much better on me. I gave up on buying a nice summer dress and bought a pencil skirt in a pique-look knit that I can wear with flowy tops. I’m going bridal dress shopping with my granddaughter on Friday so I’ll actually have a chance to wear my new skirt and a colorful crepe top!

  10. Pam, that outfit is just perfect on you! Sharp, elegant, slimming (not that you need that) and so well put together! I will have to check out EF crepe pants! I e always thought her items are a bit out of my price range, but I will start watching the sales. Our Von Maur store carries some of her things in petite as I am 5’2″”. Again, you knocked it out of the park with this one!

Comments are closed.