The Budget Fashionista

MizHalsegan - 04 July 2008 03:53 PM

That said though, I guess if what makes you "happy" makes you look like mutton dressed as lamb, then maybe you aren't really happy in your mature skin, and you haven't made peace with being over 40, or over 50. Wardrobe won't fix that problem. Being kind to and accepting yourself will, I think.

First of all, there are no dinosaurs around here ;) I think the term "mature" fashionista refers to women who love clothes and fashion, but who are over 21 and want to look youthful and "with-it" without looking like they're trying too hard. I'll be 32 in two months, and I don't care if people know how old I really am, but I don't want anyone thinking that I'm trying to reclaim age 16.

Second, I think many "mature" women go one of two ways with clothes. Either they try too hard to look younger and wind up looking ridiculous, or they give in to age and wind up looking dowdy. In my circles, the latter is far more common, and it leaves me disappointed. Life doesn't end just because you reach a certain age, so there's really no excuse to let yourself go.

a 50 plus woman checking in here with what I've learnt:

#1 tip of all time is get a great purse. Not the "it" purse!!!!! Buy one that is expensive looking, great style, and isn't easy to date. It doesn't have to be Hermes, but look at Danier, or Coach or the like. You may find that a pebbled texture, fine stitching, streamlined design, not too much extra decoration and little metal feet on the bottom plus a good lining are what calls out expensive and luxurious. Put a good wallet inside along with a good pen, and key fob.

#2 find some good shoes that feel great and look terrific. Keep them in tip top shape and replace early if signs of wear begin to happen.

#3 get a top quality coat and or jacket. --Ideally several. Whatever you wear under it will look great by association.

These are the 3 items to spend big money on, or better yet, find at markdown and clearance sales. These will make everything you wear look expensive, and quietly luxurious by association.

Other things that up the visual cost of an outfit are a great watch and a top quality silk scarf. Hermes, Etro, Dior. I got a really good Oscar de la Renta from before the label went down hill. It has that lush cushiony silk quality of Hermes, unlike the current Oscar scarves. I got it on clearance for a pittance, and have used it OFTEN since. Like Hermes, it upgrades anything I wear it with.

#4 Buy classics in the pants, skirts, and dresses that go under that coat or jacket. Look for neutral colours in quiet textures like gabardine or crepe. Stick to classic lines and hemlines.

Waistlines should be at the waist not masquerading as bust supports or threatening to reveal plumbers cleavage or whale tails.

Hemlines vary but classic skirts usually are at or near the knee with most people's best lengths being just under the knee where the legs narrow.

Make sure the fit is neither skin tight or billowy. Lining is optional but preferred. Lining keeps seats and knees from bagging out and makes sure the clothes skim over the bumpy bits.

These form the backbone of the wardrobe. Cared for they will wear like cast iron for years and years. They are worth a moderate investment.

#5 Trendy items should be cheap, and can be considered disposable. Blouses, tops, some scarves, costume jewelry are great to spice up the wardrobe by adding a trend colour, print or cut to the classic basics. When the trend is dying, look for new things and let go the old.

#6 GROOMING: It is essential to an older woman. The nails, hair, skin, teeth and general look (pressed, spot free, run free) telegraph power and status or lack of. It is no accident that people treat some older women like dirt, while others they are very cautious with.

If you analyze it, you will usually find that the woman who projects quiet strength, doesn't get there by screaming or throwing tantrums, but she projects a firm warmth that won't take any nonsense, and is always ready for a little fun. She projects that thru clothes and grooming.

Younger women can get away with a few rare lapses in grooming and clothes, while older women find they are treated better when they dress well.

When I go shopping and want good service I dress the part. When I deal with mechanics, and service people ditto. Church and other social situations it is imperative. It's not just that you never have a chance to make another first impression, it is also the fact that you prevent people from trying to take advantage of you such as a mechanic padding a bill, a taxi driver taking the long and scenic route and other examples. It won't stop all such misbehaviour, but it certainly makes people think twice about tangling with you. It doesn't have to make you look icy or grimly perfect or unapproachable, just on top of your game.

Dressing well pays off on the job, but even more so in one's personal life.

#7 AVOID MATCHING the shoes and purse or the earrings and necklace. Matchy matchy is old looking. Tone in yes, match no. By toning in together you will still look great (avoid clashes) but it will look like you just casually KNOW how to mix it up.

#8 Mix silver and gold. It's ok and it looks younger and fresher.

#9 Black and navy or black and brown are great together and look fresh.

#10 Mix costume jewelry with the good stuff. It's ok, Chanel did it all the time, and it makes everything look good.

These are great tips, ESPECIALLY #6. You are so right, a woman should treat herself right and she'll project that she deserves respect. And like you say, it's not a matter of being an unapproachable ice queen, it is the idea of projecting that you value yourself and you expect to be treated well. The Golden Rule with a twist. Bravo, Ms. Overtaken. You've said it all!

Hi There. What a really great and thorough post, especially for the styles referred to in How to Be a Budget Fashionista as Conservative and Socialite. I do more of the style the book calls Romantic, with a bit of Urban Trekker thrown in. I do fashion for fun rather than status. I think you're totally spot on stating that older women should project a sense of their own power, but I think that personal power really comes from being personally genuine rather than dressing for status. When I think of the people I know and love, actions speak louder than words, and louder than nice clothes. But I gotta say, you really give great advice about how to look great!