The holidays are here, and it’s one of the few times of the year that gives us permission to elevate our style. Years ago, my friend and iconic makeup artist, Sandy Linter, told me, “Less is less.” Sandy was referring to many women of a certain age who stop wearing makeup and no longer make an effort to look nice. While holiday dinners often revolve around family, football, and informal meals, I’m with Sandy. We can still take time to look nice, if for no other reason than, for ourselves. Here are some fashion ideas for the holidays.
Ideas on how to dress up a pair of jeans a little, or a lot.
Elevating your style is easier than you might think. If you’ve followed me for a while then you know I like to wear one thing per outfit that has a wow factor: A pair of silver oxfords or a striking statement necklace can take blue jeans and a white shirt to another level. Given the choice of overdressing, or underdressing, you will never regret looking nice and put together.
The outfits I’m wearing in these photos Jennifer Denton took, last week, are a mixture of old (purchased in my twenties and thirties) and new pieces. I don’t buy a lot of clothes (that’s why I don’t do more fashion blogs), and the things I do buy are nice, and I take care of them so they last me forever. This year since I’m doing lots of speaking engagements and rejoining the world after Covid and writing my book, I discovered I needed some new pieces other than workout clothes, sneakers, and Sketchers. While you may not buy or like what I’m wearing, perhaps they’ll give you some ideas for putting together your own elevated casual look for the holidays.
Other than the older pieces I’m wearing, most everything else I bought online, which is my favorite way to shop.
These fabulous, black-beaded, wide-legged, denim jeans are from Fabrique. I love them so much! They’re a size large, but they’re not “big.” The sequin and beaded collar sweater is from Ulla Johnson. The silver mesh/jeweled belt is 20 years old and from Worth, and the oversized, black silk flower with a magnet on the back I bought years ago on Etsy. Here’s a similar one. My big, faceted glass earrings I bought ten years ago from H&M for $12. My black clutch bag was on sale at Henri Bendell in NYC, fifteen years ago and a steal for something like $25, and it’s still my go-to meeting and dress up bag. The black, Stuart Weiztman, square-toed, kitten heels are 30 years old and are back in style.
Looking our best empowers us and gives us confidence, and that’s not something we want to turn off and on like a light switch. While I don’t dress this way to go grocery shopping, I do make an effort to look put together. And if I don’t, it seems to be a law of nature that I run into every person I’ve ever known.
Fifteen years ago, Vinetta Rosin, a friend who works at Neiman’s, sold me a pair of black leather pants. At the time, I was 60, and thought I was too old to wear them, but I was wrong. I’ll be wearing black leather pants until I’m no longer here. This year, it was time for a new pair of leather pants, but I couldn’t find a pair I liked or could afford. Then I found these Clayton Coated Wide-Leg L’Agence jeans from Neiman’s online.
My shoes are the classic Chanel slingbacks that have been around forever. Last year, I finally decided to buy my first pair with my Neiman’s “points,” thinking I could break them in and make them comfortable by wearing them around the house with thick socks, but it didn’t work. During the photo shoot, I wound up walking around the building, barefoot, because they felt like torture devices from the Middle Ages. My friend in LA, influencer Sandra Sallin, recently bought a pair of Vivaia Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats that resemble these Chanel classics. The price is much better, but unfortunately, they’re way too wide to fit me.
The ribbed, cashmere, Apiece Apart sweater is a size M/L (I could have worn a smaller size), and it’s also from Neiman’s online. Right now many of Neiman’s online pieces are $50-$650 off with the code NOVSAVE. The Ralph Lauren, cream, silk blouse is 30 years old and still looks new, and the black grosgrain bejeweled bow came off a white t-shirt I bought on Mme.Mink.
Last month, Vinetta texted me that I had a $725 gift card I’d earned through points at Neiman’s, and it was about to expire, so that’s how I paid for the silver, Ralph Lauren jeans and the black, Cinq a’ Sept feathered sweater, size M. So fun! It’s also on sale online with the code NOVSAVE. My silver flats are another pair of Stuart Weiztman shoes I’ve had since my thirties.
If the looks so far are too overdressed for you, what if you wear a great pair of plain black jeans with a pretty white blouse and and a fabulous belt? In the outfit below, I’m wearing the same Clayton Coated Wide-Leg L’Agence jeans, with one of Sarah Alexandra’s white shirts—the buttons are hidden—size 10. She makes the most beautiful blouses, and you can never have enough white blouses.
I already mentioned my gold, Mary McFadden belt I bought in my twenties on the long, black, silk cord. It’s signed on the back, and is now a collector’s item, but I’ll never part with it.
I don’t have many purses (they all fit on one small shelf), but the ones I have are all tiny. I’m crazy about this vintage, Valentino, leopard print, calf hair bag from the 60’s. Don’t you love the pair of leopards, standing guard on the top clasp, and the beautiful gold chain? I bought it on one of the online auction websites a couple of years ago, and it’s in great condition. This time last year, I wore it around my neck, like a piece of jewelry, to Bergdorf’s in NYC, and the people in the purse department went wild over the bag and how I was wearing it. Truth be told, I stole the purse as jewelry idea from my friend, the always fashionable, Lauren Ezersky.
Remember Lauren from the TV show, Behind the Velvet Ropes, in the mid-80s. I love this interview I did with her 10 years ago.
My “Mr. Evans Wingtip” brogans I’ve had for years, but they’re a staple shoe from The Office of Angela Scott. BTW, they’re on sale right now. Scott designs fashionable, innovative shoes, boots, and sneakers, but make sure you study the “lasts” so you’ll know which designs are best for your type of foot. The last on “Mr. Evans” is one of the few they make that fit narrow feet. Surprisingly, these were tight on me when I first bought them, so I wore them around the house for a week with thick socks to stretch and break them in.
I hope I’ve given you some elevated fashion ideas for the holidays. Please let me know what you think of them!
52 thoughts on “FASHION IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS”
I love the Brogan shoes! I have a couple pair that I wear with jeans and a jacket when I travel on airplanes. It always elevates my look without being too much. While I’m not one for dressing up (it just doesn’t fit my lifestyle), I absolutely agree with you on making an effort to look as well as we can (within reason) most days. Maybe it’s because I am a product of the 80s (the fashion – whoa!), but when I compare my mother in her 50s (who always looked cute and put together) vs. some other women her age (who made no effort), it made an impression on me. It said to me that they had “given up” in life. I am now in my mid-50s and after surviving menopause I am now getting back into life again (traveling, classes, new friendships, activities) and I want my exterior to mirror how I am feeling internally. Refreshed, renewed, hopeful, grateful… not exactly beautiful like my 10-year-old niece is, but beautiful in that I see beauty in myself and in the natural life around me. I don’t want others to look at me and think that I have “given up”. I am still alive, still enjoying life and myself, and I have a husband who I love very much and want him to not look at me like I have given up either (we met when I was 19!). My mother used to say, “a little goes a long way”, meaning: make a little effort. It’s worth it.
Hi Stacia, Brogans… Like your mother said, a little goes a long way. Whether it’s a great pair of shoes or a pretty necklace, it does take much to elevate your look. I love your thoughts about looking nice and that your mother was a great role model for you. My mother was for me as well, but she wouldn’t like to see me wearing jeans of any kind. Equally important, you’re still enjoying life and being attractive for your husband. They all go hand in hand for a life well lived. Yes!! This is exactly what I wish for all of us. Thanks so much for leaving this comment. You’ve inspired me, and I hope other women. xoxox, Brenda
Love your style.
Thank you, Daphne! I appreciate that!
Agree with you about the CHANEL SHOES!Way overrated and incredibly UNCOMFORTABLE!Mine just sit there in the closet collecting DUST!
You look FANTASTIC!!
You have so much Zest and Class!
Our buddy Sandra just turned 85!!
You TWO are aging SO BEAUTIFULLY!
I wish I saw women who LOOK like you in my daily travels!
Xoxo
Thank you, Elizabeth. Sandy and her zest for life is an inspiration to all of us, so I’m flattered you think of us in the same breath. About those Chanel shoes… Ugh! I wish I’d known this before I spent money/my Neiman’s points on them. They may be the most uncomfortable shoes I’ve ever bought, and that’s saying a lot! xoxox, Brenda
Yep!!
Me too and I was mad!
I got two pair for A gift one year!
Take yours back!
I bought them last year and I’ve worn them so I’m taking them to a great resale place here that brings good prices.
Well just wow! You look amazing and I love your looks. I, too, will wear my leather pants forever.
Happy Holidays!!
Thank you, Gray. I can see you wearing leather pants. Oh, yes! And they’re a wow for you as well. Happy Holidays to you! xoxox, Brenda
I totally agree! It takes little time to put on minimal makeup, have a current hairstyle, and wear proper pants. I really don’t understand why women think yoga pants are pants to wear everyday. I follow fashion bloggers so I’m aware of the trends. I don’t follow them all as some are best left to the younger generation but my clothes are updated with the times.
I have narrow feet, so well fitting shoes are hard to find. I find booties are best this time of the year. I refuse to wear uncomfortable footwear even if they are pretty. I have one pair of brogues that I’ve had since the early 2000s. I would buy more if they were readily available but I need to try them on before buying. Narrow shoes have become so hard to find. We are not a big enough share of the population to make it profitable.
You look wonderful in all your outfits. Love the leopard purse!
Thank you, Joanna! I think the leopard purse is the bomb and was flattered beyond belief when the sales associates at Bergdorffs loved it! That’s like getting the Good Houskeeping seal of approval. Narrow feet are a curse although they’re good for my wallet because I have so few of them. Even Stuart Weitzman doesn’t sell as many narrow styles as they once did, so I’m grateful I’ve taken great care of the ones I have. Be well. xoxox, Brenda
You are a knockout! If I did my math correctly, you’re 75? No way!!! Tell me what you do and what you eat? It may be too late for me but I will share it with my daughters.
Hi there New Reader! Thank you for the compliment. I’m 76. My mother and my grandmother (my father’s mother) always had great skin and looked younger than their age, so I think I inherited that from them. Goodness knows, I’ve had more than my share of stress–the death of two husbands, had bodyguards twice in my life, taken at gunpoint, and breast cancer–so I should look like the old lady who lived in the shoe: grizzled and worn. I do exercise three times a week, faithfully stay out of the sun and/or wear huge hats, drink lots of water, and eat lots of fresh fruits and veges and no fast food or junk food. Thanks for leaving a comment, and I hope to see you here, again. Brenda
I agree about the Chanel shoes. Pain City! What fab fun looks!
Glad you like the outfits, Joanne! Thanks! You’re the second woman in today’s comments that think the Chanel shoes hurt. Woah! We need to spread the word to keep other women from buy them. xoxox, Brenda
Okay, so my sister just sent me the link to your blog…. I don’t dress up or wear makeup, but what ever you’re wearing doesn’t look like a lot of makeup so I think I could do that! Please tell me what to do. Thank you. Erline
Hi Erline, My thanks to your sister for sending my blog to you. I have good skin, so other than moisturizer, I don’t wear much makeup base. I do wear Tarte Concealer, and if I had to pick between eyeliner and lipstick, I’d choose eyeliner every day. Without it, I look like a blank wall. You’d look right past me. I also use one or two coats of Maybeline Mascara, and since I have very few eyebrows, I use Anastasia’s Soft Brown Brow Powder Duo and apply it with a brush. Makes such a huge difference! Also a pop of Bobbi Brown’s Powder Pink cream blush. For special occasions or a night out, I spend more time on my eyes and use several eyeshadows, but blend, blend, blend. There are a lot of makeup tutorials online for women over 50. You might check some of them out. Nikol Johnson is a good source. Thank you, Brenda
You look great Brenda! I love all your choices. Hope your holiday season is joyful as you enjoy wearing all your exquisite wardrobe pieces. God bless!
Marcie! Hi sweet lady! Thank you! God bless you as well. I hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday. xoxox, Brenda
Brenda!!! You look fabulous! Just beautiful as always, but I’m with A New Reader’s comment… You’re a knockout girl! Xo, Barb
Awe…. I appreciate your compliment more than you know, and I always love seeing you here. Take care! xoxox, Brenda
Thanks for the ideas Brenda. I don’t see myself wearing anything dressy or maybe it’s that I don’t know how to put outfits like these together. You have real style. Your style isn’t trendy with too many patterns and colors. It’s classy. Very classy and elegant.
Thank you, Miriam. Perhaps it’s my own personal taste, but I think most women wear too many multicolored prints and clothes that are too baggy. IMHO, both are a sure fire way to make us look frumpy. Even young women get overwhelmed and lost with multicolored prints, and you don’t see the woman. My philosophy for dressing is no prints, good fabrics (skip polyester), clothes that fit, and two colors per outfit and that includes shoes and bags. Hope to see you here again! Brenda
Brenda,
You look HOT in these outfits. Love your Worth belt, Mary McFadden belt and Valentino bag. I prefer accessories that make a bold statement. Don’t you just hate shoe issues?
Colleen, Thank you for the HOT compliment! ❤️ And I’m with you about stunning accessories. With my Mary McFadden belt and fun bag, I could wear blue jeans and look great. Shoes… If our feet aren’t happy, we’re not happy. I sometimes wonder if men, who don’t have to wear these shoes, are the ones designing them? If you and I started a shoe company, I have a hunch it would be a rousing success, don’t you? xoxox, Brenda
You always look so fabulous!!!!
Thank you, Debbie! I always get excited when I see you’ve left me a comment. Hope all is well with you! xoxox, Brenda
Brenda, you look classic in all your clothes and accessories. I hope you feel as good as you look. It’s so important that we take pride in ourselves. Hey, we could be sistas. I’m 74 years young. I’ve been looking for a beauty pageant sponsor because I’m considering running for the lady in my age bracket for the most sunken eyes. Would you like to sponsor me? Ha ha Ha. It’s important that we never forget to continue to develop our sense of humor.
Take care of your beautiful self and stay safe out there.
Katherine, you’re hilarious, and yes, our sense of humor will always serve us well. Do you have anything fun planned for the holidays? If so, have fun and stay safe and well. xoxox, Brenda
Brenda,
You are so right about fashion! You look wonderful in everything you shared!
Love the style, and love making it yours! I have things in my closet that are soooo old, but so beautifully made. Pieces I love and never get tired of. I have purses and shoes from 30 years ago as well. Quality is the best economy is my motto!
Thank goodness there isn’t that old stigmatism hanging around about having to only wear the styles that are current! I love mixing and matching pieces that are from the 80’s,90’s onward!
About 10 years ago, I decided to pull out all of my old jewelry and wear it! Why not! Mixing the fine pieces with much less expensive pieces, and getting such nice compliments about what I’m wearing. You know the old Chanel costume is so sought after! Still wearing it today! Someone once told me, “Wear whatever you want, to anywhere, any event, and let them figure it out! Style never goes out of style!!!” Can’t wait to dress up just to go to friends for dinner and be out and about for the Holidays!
Thanks for another inspiring post! Love the Valentino!
LOL! “Let them figure it out!” That’s so funny, but you’re right. We should wear what looks good on us, ditch most of the trendy things, and buy less stuff so we can afford to buy quality pieces we’ll have for decades. I love the idea of wearing your high and low jewelry. That’s what I do. For the most part, I wear the same two really nice necklaces and the one nice bracelet I have, and mix them with a pair of Julie Vos earrings. Last spring, a fellow author gave me a blue bead bracelet on a stretchy cord, and I wear it next to the bracelet that’s much more expensive, and they look terrific together. I think that’s a more practical way of accessorizing, plus it shows we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Love you, my friend! xoxox, Brenda
You and those beaded pants! Wowee!!! And I love the one with the bow at your neck and the Chanel shoes! You’ve got such class and style Brenda! You’re one in a million and we love you for being so genuine and caring. You’re right about dressing to give ourselves confidence so thank you for all the support you give women by encouraging us to be strong and resilient. You’re our cheerleader!
Thank you, Regina. I’m glad to see you here, again. I know!! Those beaded pants!!! You can take everything else in my closet, but please leave me those pants. And encouraging one another works both ways, so thank you for being my cheerleader! I know a woman who would never give another woman a compliment, and I find that terribly sad. Women have more in common than we think. We’re encountering similar experiences as we age, and it only makes sense to rely on one another for comfort and support. Life is difficult enough without going it alone. Happy Holidays if I don’t see you, again! xoxox, Brenda
Thank you. Less is less. Do it for yourself even if there is no one else. You just feel better. ♥️
Thank you, Sandy! “Less is less.” I learned that from you! I’ve learned so many things from you, so thank you!!! Stay well. xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda,
We have lots in common, we both eat healthy. That is so important, like you, I drink lots of water too. It hasn’t stopped those sunken eye issue, or the cat whiskers around my mouth too and bottom. No one notices them but me. Thx mom!
We have almost no family, sad right?
We have been invited to my nieces extended family in Scottsdale, AZ where we live. I will bring my loved Pumpkin Cookies and the younger ones love Chocolate Chip cookies and a good bottle of wine. They usually invite up to 40 people. Can I borrow your clothes. Size 4 pants, I’m 5’6, my waist has expanded in advanced age, shucks. No more Dolly waist line.
What about you and the holidays, any special plans? The holidays can be a lonely and blue time for people.
Oh, I’m hosting a “welcome back Christmas tea” for a friend and our ladies group in the neighborhood the first week in December. I enjoy entertaining, it’s the people that come together that make the gathering so special.
Take care and stay safe out there.
I hope book sales are still happening for you.
Katherine, You’re funny, but I’ve hear you about the sunken eyes. I think that happens as we get older. At least you can shave the whiskers off. That’s what I do with mine. And about clothes to wear. Here’s what I did that spurred on my recent purchases. I thought about future places and events on my calendar, and checked what I already had in my closet. It’s been since before Covid that I’ve bought any clothes, so I made a mental note of pieces I was missing or needed, and when I saw something online that might work, I ordered it. Sometimes in two sizes if I wasn’t sure, and didn’t hesitate to send them both back if they didn’t work. That way, when an invitation or a speaking event occurs, I don’t have to settle at the last minute for something I’m not crazy about. “Be prepared.” The Girl Scout motto! Oh, and book sales are doing great, thanks for asking! xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda:
Your style is always amazing and you can completely rock any look!! I love every outfit you modeled in this blog…and the jean with the sequins…wow!! I have a pair of silver jeans and maybe I will be brave enough to sport them for the holidays this year. During Covid, I found that no matter what was going on, I woke up and put on my makeup because it helped fight depression that might be creeping in. I found that if I made the effort to look nice, it made a difference. If I saw that my makeup was on, I absolutely felt better. There is not a day that I don’t get dressed and put my makeup on. No one ever sees me wearing sweats. I have a collection of black pants and sequin tops. It’s my “uniform” of being a special needs mom lol. I admire you and you look AMAZING in everything you wear!!
Hi Sweet Lady! Thank you for the compliments. You’ve figured out how to keep going every day when most of us would have folded long ago, so keep dressing up and wearing makeup because you inspire all of us! Love you!! B
Ho do you do it, Brenda? It’s as though time’s stood still with you, but I know you haven’t done surgery, fillers, or Botox. I’ve done them all, and I wish I could take them back, because the fillers are migrating, and my face looks worse and worse to the point I don’t want to run into anyone I used to know. I feel the pressures of growing older, and it’s messing with my self confidence. I could use your advice.
Thanks, Janell. I appreciate that. You’re right. I haven’t done anything except color my hair. Years ago, Sandy Linter told me horror stories about filler, plus I have a heart condition that won’t react well to Botox, but I get what you’re saying about the pressures of growing older. I’m just glad I’m not in the beauty business where you’re on display and judged for how you look. Actually, I’m grateful to still be here. If you think about how the crazies on the freeway–there seems to be more everyday–or being diagnosed with a disease like cancer… There are a multitude of things that could take us out on a daily basis. When I think about life that way, I’m literally thankful to wake up each day, so most of the time, aging is the least of my concerns. I think aging is all about gratitude and prioritizing… like we should be grateful someone invited us to an event, and we should say yes and go as opposed to staying home because we don’t like how we look. That’s missing out on life, big time, and that’s not living. xoxox, Brenda
Please take me shopping and help me find something like these outfits to wear. I don’t have a clue of where to start. Shopping for clothes has become something I hate doing because I don’t know what’s appropriate for me anymore. What’s too young looking? What are colors that look good on me? I have a long neck and I like to cover it up, but there are only so many turtlenecks I can wear. How should I approach this?
Carmine, I don’t subscribe to the “you’re too old to wear that” theory unless you’re into wearing junvenile looking outfits. Which reminds me of all the stuffed animal charms I see hanging off of women’s purses. I’ll say no to those. Part of looking good is feeling good about how we look. For instance, when’s the last time you updated your hair and makeup? It’s easy to get stuck doing the same thing we’ve always done. When I was signing books at Barnes & Noble a few weeks ago, I saw women who were in their 60s and 70s and I know they were still wearing the same hairdo they had in high school. So what if you start there? If you see a woman who’s hair you like, stop and ask for the name of her hair stylist and then make an appointment. If you don’t like it, it’s just hair, so it will grow out. Then you might stop in at a department store you like and find a woman who’s about your age and ask her to help you find an outfit. Tell her you’re not sure what looks good on you. If you don’t like her suggestions, you don’t have to buy them, but it might be interesting to get her opinion of what might look good on you. Hope these ideas help get you started. xoxox, Brenda
Brenda – I’m impressed that you still fit into clothes from 20 years ago! I found that at 65 I lost my waistline (which used to be small) and my stomach (which used to be flat). I found an old pair of loafers and even those, even though they look current, are too tight. What in the world??? So I just attempt to camouflage; I do receive comments about how well-dressed I am so I guess something is working.
Love your common sense about everything!
Margiemi, If you’re still getting compliments, then I think you’re doing a lot of things rights. Common sense applies to just about everything and for me, it’s the best way to think and evaluate things. Common sense boils everything down to it’s basic, simplest form. Even though it’s easier to put on weight after we reach a certain age, I’ve always exercised and watched what I eat. When I cut out salt and sugar, and eat foods that are as close to what God made as possible, I’ve found my weight takes care of itself. In other words, no canned, bottled, frozen dinners, or fast foods. And don’t feel bad about the shoes. Our feet spread and get wider as we age. xoxox, Brenda
Brenda love all these looks! I was gifted those L’agence jeans and I need to have them hemmed! I don’t have your nice long legs. Love the Ralph Lauren silver jeans, such a great look, and I love that you wear things forever! No Chanel shoes for me-anything with a logo sends me packing! Isn’t it irritating when you spend a lot of money on something uncomfortable!!
Thank you, Cindy. LOL! I avoid logos as well, so no one’s more surprised than I am that I bought those shoes. FYI, this afternoon I took them to a chic little resale store here. They’re almost brand new so hopefully someone else will love and enjoy them. xoxox, Brenda
I just found this blog in my email. Better late than never because you look spectacular Brenda! No matter what you wear! Regardless of what you wear, jeans and a tshirt, you look classy. I think I fear being noticed. I’ve always been this way. My sister is a showoff and the family’s always disapproved of how she dresses and acts but you’re not showing off. You’re just beautiful and classy.
Thank you very much, Reggie. Have you figured out why you don’t want to be noticed? Shy? Self-esteem? There’s a lot of room you can occupy between being shy and being a showoff. Are there things about how you look (hair, makeup, yellow teeth) you’d like to change? Those are easy to fix. You might think about making some little changes and then see how you feel. xoxox, Brenda
Very much enjoyed this post! Being stylish in our older years does take some effort but so worth it. So nice that you have your friend Ms. Rosin to help you. Is she available to help other women and if so can you share her contact information?
Thank you!
Thank you, Patti. Ninety percent of everything I wear I find by myself and buy it online, but Vinetta Rosin at Neiman Marcus, La Cantera, San Antonio, TX sometimes texts me photos of things she thinks I might like and she either sends them to me (if I don’t like them I send them back), or I’ll drop by the store and try them on. You can reach Vinetta at vinetta_rosin@neimanmarcus.com or (210)240-0460. Tell her I (Brenda Coffee) referred you from my blog. She’s a woman over 50 as well, and she knows every piece of clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, belts, etc. that Neiman’s carries, plus she’s great at finding pieces you may want. She’s a treasure to have in your fashion arsonal. Thanks, Brenda