Importance of personal style over 60
Happy Fall Fashion Friday, everyone! Today, I want to begin another discussion on importance of personal style over 60!
I have so much on my mind…and I am still fatigued…but will do my best to hopefully inspire women over 60 to look their best.
The discussion yesterday about the differences of how women over 60 dress for travel sheds light on the differences of how we think as we age.
You see women who dress as if they have given up and no longer care…because, after all, we are aging and it just doesn’t matter any more. (their thinking!)
Then you see other women like the ones I observed who see every moment as an opportunity for engagement with other humans and desire to look their best, no matter the occasion.
One of my goals is to show the women who no longer care, to see the benefits of caring to the very end, no matter your circumstances or budgets.
I do not believe this is shallow, fashion thinking…I believe it is powerful healthy minded thinking.
The benefits are joy, confidence, fun, and the legacy we leave behind for family and friends.
We are more likely to stay engaged with life and make a difference in our worlds when we look and feel our best.
It is not about being skinny…or botox…or anything but discovering our own personal style and sharing it with the world.
The importance of personal style over 60 results in ease and freedom to be uniquely you and enjoy who you are created to be more.
IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL STYLE OVER 60: HOW TO BEGIN
If you do not already understand personal style over 60, then start today and do not give up…no matter what.
My favorite style books right now are the older ones…I have not read a current book on style that I enjoyed…man are shallow.
On my recent trip, I re-visited A GUIDE TO QUALITY, TASTE AND STYLE by Tim Gunn.
He confirms my belief that every outfit we put on communicates a message about us.
Gunn writes: “How we dress is a personal form of language; it is highly informed by our society and culture. (After you dress for the day) how will people respond to that image of you, and what assumptions will they make about who you are? You are sending a message about who you are!”
He believes that the dressing down of society began with Casual Fridays at work…I think it worsened during the pandemic.
But, I have never minded being the best dressed in the room.
I am so thankful I began to ask the mirror…what does this outfit say about me?…before I left the house.
It keeps away so many regrets! Why did I do that? After an unexpected encounter with someone.
Several stylists agree that what we wear sends a message, but disagree on how to create a personal style over 60.
That is why I believe personal style shaped with style adjectives works and if you use them with every outfit, you will eventually be known for that style.
I am really enjoying my style adjectives and believe they are uniquely me…I want every outfit to say that I am creative, polished, approachable, joyful, and current.
Photo from Instagram: donnakaranthewoman
In Gunn’s book, he identified the style of fashion designer Donna Karan, as that of a polished bohemian.
Curious, I did some research and saw several similarities between how Karan dresses and how I like to dress.
Mostly in the area of accessories and statement jewelry.
But it was affirming to see another woman who likes to look polished and creative at once!
If I said that I am classic…it would not be correct, because I go beyond that for my personal style over 60.
But, if I say that I am bohemian, then it does not describe me because I do not wear flowy, gypsy-type looks.
The two women who inspired me the most on my trip…were dressed in quality, perfectly-styled looks, with amazing accessories from shoes, to handbag, to jewelry.
I wished I had time to strike up a conversation with them. Their style said they are intelligent, engaged women.
I want to always be approachable with each outfit and send a message of….I want to talk to you!
When deciding what five messages you want to communicate with each outfit, pick what YOU want to say….and not what someone else might tell you to say.
This is a very personal decision and when you hit it, you know it is you!
I hope this makes sense.
IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL STYLE OVER 60: YOU ARE FABULOUS
Women over 60 and beyond are getting kudos for their great personal style.
Vogue Italia has just released a gorgeous cover of Isabella Rossellini, age 71, and she asked that the photo NOT be touched or edited in any way.
She looks fabulous and photos like this should encourage all of us to look our best.
We are famous with our families and friends, and can inspire so many others to enjoy each day of life with our own personal style.
If you do not see the importance of developing a personal style over 60, and want to talk it out…I am here to help.
I hope you will love it as I have once we dive in.
When I think of my grandchildren, I know I am leaving a legacy and desire they remember me as distinctly GIGI!
See you tomorrow with the Style Tips challenge of the week…..
KEEP SMILING, EVERYONE!!
*NOTE: THE OUTFIT I AM WEARING TODAY IS AN OLDER LOOK AND NOT ONE I CAN PROVIDE LINKS TO…SORRY!
By Pamela Lutrell
Remember, you can shop ANYTIME with the links under the page at the top called SHOPPING LINKS...and I will receive a small compensation for your shopping.
Also, if I have posted a link on a specific garment, and you use that link to go to the website of the brand, but look around and buy something else, I still get credit…though you do not buy what I am wearing.
Please ask any questions… this income helps keep me here, because even at age 70, Mr. B and I need additional income. He also works two jobs.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who shops this way.
Tim Gunn is correct…”casual Friday” started us down a different road and it seems people just get lazier and lazier with how they dress. We never had casual days in the places I worked, and being someone who loves to dress up, I was thankful for that. It’s so important mentally to not just phone it in, but to put in the effort to look our best, even if no one is paying attention! Like you, I don’t mind being the one in the room who is more dressed up…just be sure to be friendly and approachable because you’re going to stand out. I have landed on adjectives that work with who I am, and it does pay off to think through that method. Can’t say enough about the benefits of having those adjectives!
You make perfect sense! Before, I would have described your style as “pared down Bohemian,” which almost doesn’t make sense, but it did on you. Now I see you as more polished and wearing more fitted clothing, and I think your creative and polished adjectives perfectly describe it. My own style is more minimal, but isn’t minimal because of my sometimes wild and/or large accessories. Therefore, interesting suits me well (I don’t say creative because I seldom wear clothing with prints or unusual cuts). On a deeper level, I’ve had many times in my life when I’ve been so disappointed in myself and my larger body that I’ve wanted to give up. But I refused to be stereotyped as a quitter or a lazy person by the outside world. I decided to speak my inner truth in fashion, and be the best of myself. Now it’s much easier, but it’s hard at first to buy better clothing and realize that you are worth it at whatever size you are.
I think someone is always paying attention…even when we think they are not. I want to be known as the woman who always looked her best at the grocery, pharmacy, post office etc….where we think no one is watching, but they do. Thanks for sharing, Karen. Casual Friday at Mr. B’s office eventually bled into other days…he likes to be the one looking his best too.
When I went through my “reinvention” at age 50, I was much larger. I made the decision to dress my best no matter my size and it was something that motivated me toward better health and care. It might not make sense, but when we dress our best at our current size and age, it helps us in other areas. Thanks Linda…I do like polished bohemian better than pared down!
Interesting post! As the daughter of parents who always ‘dressed up’, I came by it naturally and have always embraced it. I live by my adjectives and find them easy and fun. As a former parochial school English teacher, I set the example and often talked to students about first impressions regarding their looks and speech. I think it is in that Tim Gunn book that he spoke about posture, another aspect of looking your best. That is right up there with your advice about smiling, Pam!
I’ve been retired for 4 years and still struggle to know my style adjectives. How I want to present myself vs what clothes, accessories, etc. I have to work with are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Add my andemic weight gain that I still have and my smaller budget…..it’s tough! I worked in a hospital before so always wore scrubs – not always so stylish but definitely easy (expressed my style then via my earrings and shoes – and loved it!). Appreciate you and your posts even if a lot (most) of it is beyond my budget.
I heard Tim Gunn say one time that it takes just as long to put on something nice as it does sweats and a baggy t-shirt, , I think of this whenever I get in one of those I don’t care how I look moods
He did write about posture and its importance. First impressions without saying a word is an important lesson no matter our age. Thanks Deborah!
All true. Casual days back when I worked me seemed to mean different things to different age groups. Some wore jeans but with a tee and cardigan- cute necklace-looking put together. Others wore sloppy too big pants, stretched out sweaters and looked mildly disheveled. I tended to khakis and a black turtleneck or navy long sleeve tee and necklace etc. In my world today ( retired) I see it all at book club, yoga class or lectures.
It’s so reflective of the womans self-image and personal state of mind I think.
I have gone through many seasons learning to express my adjectives at Goodwill stores, Ross, Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, JCP…it can be done! Have hope and keep pressing forward.
Good advice, Janet…and I do remember him saying that. It is true…and when we have a wardrobe that expresses our adjectives and all work together…it is even easier.
I agree with your last statement so much. A joyful state of mind is reflected in what we say about ourselves with our daily choices of what to wear. Add a smile…it is powerful inside and out.
I always dress to look appropriate when I go anywhere. I don’t leave my house without at least minimal makeup and nice clothing, no holes, not sloppy or oversized. Long ago I realized that when I dress each day, I add some makeup, and usually put on shoes that tie so I’m ready to go quickly if my Mr. B wants to go somewhere on the spur of the moment. He’s most often dressed in shorts and a tee or polo shirt so he’s ready to walk out the door. I dress to feel confident and comfortable but stylish so I usually am more dressed up than he is. I learned long ago that it’s best to let him be, and so I rarely suggest what he should wear. He has definitely adapted to the casual lifestyle of many.
The casual lifestyle can be seductive. Shorts and tee shirts are on boomers everywhere.
What you help us do, Pam, is feel good about ourselves and our bodies. I found your blog and enjoyed reading it. And I realized that I can look nice every day without breaking the bank or being uncomfortable. I’ve been to all the resale and thrift stores where I live to both recycle and save money on fashion. My idea of what I consider “looking nice” through my style adjectives. I have 4 now, considering what number five will be.
I have two friends and one always looks polished and fresh (fashionable) without being high dollar. The other is wearing clothes from 20 years ago. It ages her. In my older woman’s bookclub, some of us make an effort in our clothing and look and seem vibrant. Others roll out of bed and arrive in yesterday’s outfit. Sometimes depression hits us as we age with illness, so I’m not passing judgment. I’ve always noticed what people wear and how it fits. And how their spirits shine or not. Just saying thank you.
You are welcome, Babs. One way to set a woman in depression on a new path is to help her discover a new look. I have done this with women and even shopped with them in thrift stores…it does give them hope that their lives can turn around. It is a small part of their journey to joy, but it does help.
Though I like Isabella Rossellini’s side-long gaze I do not care for this photo. Her face looks orangey, her hair looks oily and there is an unnatural shadow over her neck. I looked at some other photos of her and her skin looks more natural, her hair looks thicker and her neck is on full view. She looked healthy and beautiful.
The power of a touched up photo. She desired this one to be untouched or filtered.
I really like when you find older fashion books to share with us. I agree many of the newer tips lack depth. One of these days, would you put a list of your favorite books all together? Hugs!
I wanted to respond to Julie, above. Your post is totally relatable. I can’t come up with 5 adjectives to describe myself. I do know what I like and what looks the most flattering. It’s depressing to view beautiful clothes that we can’t afford or justify purchasing. I stopped buying fashion magazines because I found myself becoming dissatisfied with what I had. When I was younger I never set foot in a thrift store because of the stigma. My wardrobe is now heavily thrifted with name brand clothes in new condition. You were used to wearing a uniform, but you added unique touches with shoes and accessories. Perhaps that will work for you now. Plenty of famous people wear the same basic outfit, jeans and a black turtleneck for example, and add personality with accessories.
Hi Lily, the five adjectives are what you want to communicate to the world about you. What do you want to say without saying a word. One of my favorite things to do is take a magazine style I like and go recreate it in a thrift store. It is so much fun and can teach us so much about fashion. I encourage both of you to have fun with experimenting and pondering the world of style adjectives.
Pam, I agree with what you said. We do need to care how we look. Your right when you say people do pay attention to us. It is sad to hear that some women just don’t care anymore. I do agree that the pandemic did a lot to most people not caring what they look like. It is so easy to just throw something on and go out. But yes we do feel better when we at least take care of ourselves. I feel this is should be true no matter what age we are.
Coincidentally, I wrote about Isabella Rossellini and the Vogue cover on my blog today too! My post was inspired by the fact that I turned 71 yesterday!
Tim Gunn is correct. We started with casual Friday & went downhill from there. In the season of my life in which I now find myself, I am dressing for me. I deserve to look nice even if I’m staying home to clean the house. I have had more than one person tell me that I dress up to go to the grocery store. I take that as a compliment. As an addendum to yesterday’s post on travel looks, I was looking at another site for women of a certain age, & the writer was wearing the exact outfit you described, a double-breasted blazer, a striped top, dark pants (I believe they were knit) & white sneakers & looked fabulous. Thanks for encouraging all of us to look our best every day.
When I read “When I think of my grandchildren, I know I am leaving a legacy and desire they remember me as distinctly GIGI!” it brought back memories of my very fashionable grandmother “Vi”. She was probably usually the most dressed up woman in the room and always in a classic and understated way. Right into her 90s she was always current and wore fabulous shoes. I know she influenced my sister & me in many ways beyond style but I’m sure she’s a big part of the reason we have always taken care with our appearance. My beautiful mother was more casual in her style but always perfectly groom which was pretty amazing with 6 of us to look after. I know you are setting a great example for your grandchildren not just in your style but in your warmth and caring heart. Thanks for making my day again today.
I always dress to look appropriate when I go anywhere. I don’t leave my house without at least minimal makeup and nice clothing, no holes, not sloppy or oversized. Long ago I realized that when I dress each day, I add some makeup, and usually put on shoes that tie so I’m ready to go quickly if my Mr. B wants to go somewhere on the spur of the moment. He’s most often dressed in shorts and a tee or polo shirt so he’s ready to walk out the door. I dress to feel confident and comfortable but stylish so I usually am more dressed up than he is. I learned long ago that it’s best to let him be, and so I rarely suggest what he should wear. He has definitely adapted to the casual lifestyle of many but knows when nice dressing is required ( funeral, church, dressy party).
Thank you for encouraging us to take care of our appearance wherever we are even home alone. At almost 79, I dress for myself. I keep my hair in a current style. Nothing dates a woman like a stiff teased big hairstyle of yesteryear. Clothes that fit, are comfortable and are classic are my adjectives as well as in my color palette would describe my style. Sales at JCP, LandsEnd and Chicos are my go too shopping for good fit, comfort and casual style for my retired budget and lifestyle. My best friend dresses like a bag lady in old ill fitting clothes. She is very clean but her hair is usually in a stubby ponytail under a baseball cap. She has never worn makeup. And didn’t start taking care of her skin until recently. But that is her style and at 77 she just can’t be bothered. I love her as she is which is cute, old athleisure, practical for yard work and comfort.
Thank you for sharing your friend with us…I am certain she is a special lady!
Love the outfit you’re wearing, Pam! I’m so sorry my filters make it difficult to view your posts! I have found them so very beneficial to my on line activity that I really won’t change them — the last change you made with all the pop ups is the problem
This was a very good post — thank you & hope my response gets to you.
Your response got to me..I have made no changes…the ad companies do that. But, if you are patient and X out of the pop ups, then all is well. Thanks Lois
I’ll never forget the time I was at the grocery store in the fall of 2000 and a woman came up to me and said I was the best-dressed person in the store. I was wearing light wash jeans, a flannel shirt, suede booties, and a long cardigan, nothing dressy. But when I looked around the store, I realized she was right. Everyone else seemed to be wearing black legging, black sweatshirts, black North Face jackets, and sneakers—Covid outfits.
I love it when someone says that to me! Good job!
Thank you Lily & Pamela! I plan to start thrifting and watching sales. It’s hard to break the habit of buying lower priced/quality clothing that doesn’t last beyond a season (if that long) – but I know I’d be happier with better quality clothing that reflects my style adjectives (in process – so far I have current, happy, comfortable). I’m also giving major consideration to my retired “uniform”…..some of the classiest ladies I know practice this! I appreciate your comments so much!
I love thrifting…it is a treasure hunt for me! Have fun, Julie!
I appreciate your take on style so much–it is so practical and “real.” I’m 59 and have worked at home for many years as a freelance writer and editor, so I have a lot of very casual and comfortable clothes. I’m in the process of trying to revamp my wardrobe to reflect who I am now and who I want to be as I get older. I’m working on my own style adjectives (GREAT idea) and dressing a body that has changed after menopause. Comfort is very important, but I’m working to find comfortable clothes that also look neat and put-together rather than sloppy. Thanks for your inspiration, and how you write about and treat others with respect.
Hi Kathy, when you decide on your style adjectives, consider emailing me what they are and what are your best colors to wear. I will help you find some options. I love to do this.