sending teachers back to school in style: part three
Last week I featured the second teacher from the National Education Association’s back-to-school makeover video series. I wrote about plus-size style, my dos and don’ts. This week we have our last teacher in the series, Dora.
Dora is a 60-something teacher in El Paso, Texas. After years of being on the administrative and curriculum side, this fall she is back in the classroom. When I met her, she could barely contain her excitement over getting to work with kids again. It wasn’t long before Dora and I were joking and ribbing each other like old friends. One of the first things she said to me was, “Hey, I’m not young, ok? So don’t put me in clothes that look ridiculous!”
She also gave me some parameters to work with: no heels, no dresses, no skirts, no sleeveless tops. She wanted to feel comfortable and pretty, but not exposed. I field requests like this all the time from my clients that are 60 and older. In fact, I did a post right here on Alexandria Stylebook addressing some of the style issues women in their 60s commonly want addressed.
Color
Like Dora, an issue my clients 60 and older want addressed is the lack of color in their wardrobe. The easiest way to brighten up your face is with a blouse that has color. Some universally flattering colors that work on most all skin tones are cobalt blue and melon.
Pattern
It’s easy to get stuck in buying and wearing solids only. But don’t be afraid to experiment with pattern. Start with a smaller pattern like the mini-houndstooth trousers I had Dora wear. It doesn’t scream like a bold pattern would, but it still adds another layer of interest to your look.
Fabric
I usually pick blouses that skim rather than hug when I am dressing an older client. That exposed thing? Yup, they are feeling that when they are in fine-knit pieces of clothing that hug every lump, bump and curve. I am not talking mumus here, but silk, rayon or woven cotton blouses that drape down and lengthen.
This is the last of a three-part series where I discuss, in detail, style tips I used when I worked with three El Paso, Texas teachers earlier this summer. The videos produced by Sapling Pictures are for National Education Association’s Back-to-School series.
- About the company
DC Style Factory is a personal shopping and styling service for men and women looking to add polish and individuality to their wardrobes. We believe personal style is for anyone who wants it — regardless of age, size or budget.
