she looks good for her age
“Life shapes the face you have at 30,” Coco Chanel once said. Shouldn’t life also shape your wardrobe?
A while back I was catching up on my “reading” which consists of Vogue, Elle, Bazaar and sometimes Runners World. I’ll admit it: I like to limit my current event knowledge to these magazines and Bravo after 10 pm these days.
There was a recent article in Elle by Amanda Fortini that resonated, called She’s a Woman Now.
Amanda, a reporter in her mid 30s, was lamenting the aging process and how it alters what you can and cannot wear as your age increases.
As my 40th birthday approaches, I can relate to these concerns.
I have always asked my husband when women reach an age where instead of people saying “she’s pretty” they switch to saying “she looks good for her age.” Being a wise man who plans to be with me well after I hit the second category, he never gives me a straight answer. I am sad to say I think the pivotal age on that question is 40.
I wanted to shed some light on this dressing dilemma since it is something with which I struggle, along with my wrinkles, of course.
As we get older, the time comes when one must invest in some quality pieces of clothing. The thicker fabrics, quality tailoring and cut just make a difference. We all need help hiding some things and these material qualities help with that effort. I am not saying we all need to run out and buy designers like Chanel and Armani, although that would be nice. I just think for some items in our wardrobe we may need move beyond Old Navy. Here are some key pieces in which we all need to invest:
Trench Coat – I am guiltier than most of running out in my workout clothes. I have found one solution to trick people into thinking I am not a dirt-ball all the time — a great coat. Think about it: when we are dropping off kids or out running errands nobody knows what’s on underneath.
Blazers – I am a believer that you can never have too many but there are 3 that are a necessity. The style and cut is based upon body types but I think a fitted version to wear over dresses and shirts is a must in black and white and then one special statement blazer that can dress up jeans or a simple dress.
Great Dark Jeans – It’s time to be honest and accept that our needs for the color and cut of jeans change as we get older. The waist needs to get a little higher and the wash a little darker. The dark wash has a more polished look and the added bonus of a slimming effect.
Blouses – I sound like my grandmother when I use that word but we all need some. It just elevates the sophistication of every outfit. Paired with jeans and a blazer, it is the picture of effortless style and with pencil pants, heels and a great clutch you are ready for a night out.
If you find any magical secrets that can reverse the aging process supernaturally, by all means let me know. But until then, I’ll just keep retooling my wardrobe to keep people guessing as best I can.
- About the boutiques
Heard the buzz? The Shoe Hive & The Hive are a pair of luxury boutiques in Old Town Alexandria. Featuring both big name designers like Rag & Bone and Stuart Weitzman and smaller brands like AGL and L'Agence, our unique selection and impeccable service are what set us apart.
The Shoe Hive The Hive
127 S. Fairfax Street 301 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314 Alexandria, VA 22314
703.548.7105 703.548.7110
