Summer is still here, but it’s that time of year when we’re starting to think about… and hope for… our first, crisp fall morning. While brick and mortar and online stores have their summer sales going, designers are tantalizing us with glimpses of their Fall 2019 trends, and I’m excited to say they’re feminine.
One of the fashion magazines is even using a term I use all the time, “elevated casual.”
Since we’re entering a key transitional time of the year, it’s not too soon to think about pairing something we’ve worn this summer–like a skirt, a dress or a pair of pants–with a blazer or a sweater that can take us into Fall and well into next year. Again, think “elevated casual.”
I think it’s interesting that both Hildie Plumpepper and I have written about the long, silky slip skirt. Its proved itself to be more than a trend, and designers are continuing to feature it for Fall.
Hildie said it’s “now reached cult status,” and she’s right.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record about this skirt… It’s feminine and one of the most versatile pieces that will give our wardrobe a modern, youthful look, plus it’s great with sandals, sneakers, boots or heels.
This summer women have been wearing long silk skirts with soft cotton tees and sandals, but for Fall…
…pair it with a blazer, a jacket or a chunky sweater and a small bag. No totes!
Nothing pegs us as being “out of step”more than carrying a big bag. This afternoon I went to the nail salon. Every woman there over a certain age was carrying a big tote, while women under 50 were carrying a small tote, a small bucket bag or satchel, or a small crossbody bag.
If you’re short and/or are carrying more pounds than you’d like, wear a longer sweater or blazer. It will cover your hips and backside, but you’ll still see the feminine movement of the silky skirt. Also keep your colors monochromatic. It will give you a longer, leaner look like the cream skirt and sweater pictured above. I especially like that it’s paired with white sneakers and a white bucket bag.
For those of you who don’t want to wear silk, here’s a great denim, maxi pencil skirt with a slit in the front that looks great with a long sweater or blazer and sneakers or boots.
My favorite smaller bag silhouette is this “Small Lee Radziwill Croc Embossed Leather Satchel” from Tory Burch. It’s reminiscent of the $250,000 plus Hermes “Birkin” bag and has the option of a handle or a strap. Tory Burch makes great quality pieces, and frankly, I’m amazed they’re not more expensive.
I hope I’ve given you some ideas!
17 thoughts on “SEASONS OF CHANGE, BUILDING A WARDROBE OVER 50”
The August issue of Harper’s Bazaar shows mostly small handbags. However, a Fendi ad feature’s a model with a large tote from their fall collection. They also show many pleated midi skirts. I’m awaiting the September issue, which is the biggest and best of the year.
Colleen, I’m wearing a pleated midi skirt I bought at Zara’s last year and love it! I hope they never go out of style. XOXOX, Brenda
I’m madly in love with the Small Lee Radziwill Croc Embossed Leather Satchel. My heart beats faster every time I see it! It’s a little above my price range at $1050 CAD, but maybe I can justify it as my 65th birthday present to myself.
I’m right there with you Squeak! The link at the bottom of the blog says $758 but that’s probably wo/taxes. It’s elegant and so feminine and gorgeous! 65th BD only comes around once! xoxox, Brenda
$758 is the American price. The Canadian price is $1050, I’m afraid.
Well darn! Is there a way around that? xoxox, B
LOVE THIS LOOK ESPECIALLY WITH THE SWEATER!
XX
Elizabeth, I WANT THE ENTIRE WHITE OUTFIT! We would be such a contrast when standing next to one another! xoxox, Brenda
Seeing your post on the silky slip skirt has piqued my interest, whereas the slip dress has been a definite no! I would never feel comfortable wearing a slip as a dress at my age. What! No bra! Oh horror!
I especially like the cream skirt with the slouchy cream sweater and paired with a white bag and white runners. I have a pair of cream booties that would be perfect with said outfit. How would I dress that up for dinner on a cruise? Heels, of course. But what about a top?
Joanna, I feel the same way about the slip dress but these silky slips are gorgeous. I’m out of town and where I’m staying there a rusty/coppery one in the store window. I may have to “slip” in and try it on. For a cruise… JEWELRY! Add a pretty long necklace, maybe large baroque grey pearls and a pair of gorgeous earrings. Not knowing your face shape I can’t suggest anything but when I met Diana Ross… checkout that blog… I did two, one was about my dress… I wore an oversized pair of glass earrings from Zara. They sparkle but they’re neutral enough they would be in keeping with the rest of your outfit. They have such great earrings. You might take a look at that blog and then see what you fine online at Zara. XOXOX, Brenda
I just checked out that blog post. I had been travelling for 2 1/2 months and missed it. Your outfit presents wonderful inspiration for me to copy. I have a short sleeved jacket, very similar to the one featured, that would look great with a cream slip skirt. I’ll don statement earrings and a Rock the night!
Terrific! That sounds beautiful. BTW, I wearing that exact same outfit tonight… Hope to have something to share next week! xoxox, B
It’s all about proportion, dear Brenda. Nothing looks more disproportionate than a woman of a certain size carrying a teensy weensy bag. Age has nothing to do with it. Just because a trend is happening, doesn’t mean everyone should jump on it. Some call that mutton dressed as lamb. I think we should take our life experience and wisdom about our body shapes, size, personal preferences, etc. and apply them as we see fit. So if a woman of a certain size chooses a micro handbag, or a petite woman chooses a big bag, it is up to her. Sometime we break “rules” knowingly because we want to.
I will pass on shiny things and tiny bags. They’re not right for my shape, size and real-world life that means carrying some baggage, irrespective of my age.
(Memory floods back of early 2000s, when tiny bags were “in”, so women in the real world who used them carried them in a tote. Oh, great, now we have the extra weight and bulk of two bags, ’cause everyone is lugging around devices and tiny bags don’t work for that.)
Hi Anon, You make some great points about body shape, personal preference and trends. I’m a minimalist so I couldn’t fill up a tote bag if I tried. I’m also amazed at women who carry everything they own in a big bag and can’t find their keys. The only teeny bag I have is one that meets “clear bag” requirements for concerts and museums. If you ask me, they’re too small, but then I didn’t set the size requirement that’s being adopted by venues around the world. Thanks for weighing in! Brenda
I must really live in a bubble. Do tell about the clear bag requirements. I haven’t heard of this.
That skirt is the most flirty thing I have seen in months! Must go search for one! Enjoy your thoughts, as usual!
Thank you, Becky! Flirty is a great word for it! xoxox, Brenda
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