Some of my Spring 2016 picks.
Do we as mature women follow the latest fashion trends? The 50+ demographic, in my opinion, want to continue to look elegant and up to date. This does not always mean that we follow the latest fashion trends. I do not see this in my friends or my readers.
A percentage of women when they reach fifty give up on fashion. They may continue to wear styles that they have worn for many years. If they are happy with this status quo who are we to judge.
Today I think there is a growing number of women over fifty who continue to take an interest in current fashion. We want to look the best that we can. Many of us have identified our signature style. We know which jackets and trouser shapes work for us. We want to find clothes that fit well and are suitable for our changing body shapes. Brands are beginning to wake up to this fact and are designing desirable styles for older women. They include in their ranges dresses with sleeves and skirts that cover the knees.
Many women are beginning to break the old rules and wear what they want. They are choosing clothes that suit their personality and tastes. This might be vintage, boho, classic or whatever styles they love. Some are creating their own trends rather than following what fashion dictates.
As older women I believe that many of us still want to look “au courant”. This can be achieved by updating a “look” with the right on trend accessories. Perhaps this year a new bag, piece of jewellery or up to date shoes. See my selection of comfortable shoes for Spring 2016 here.
Where do you consider yourself on this continuum. Do you follow fashion trends? Maybe a few key looks or not at all?
Over the next few weeks I will selecting some of the Spring 2016 trends and exploring how they can be adapted into a classic wardrobe.
SPRING TRENDS
PS. I have updated my shop and have now listed my choices by category. Pop over and take a look.
In one way I have not changed; I look at the new trends, buy the ones I like, but feel no need at all to buy the ones that make me look silly. Yes to yellow jumper, breton striped T, no to bomber jacket and “awkward length” trousers etc. But, at 58, I’m getting more “less is more”. I default to classic colours and less pattern as I really don’t want to look “try hard”.
I don’t follow fashion trends and my style has always been a bit “wacky” – I never ever shop in High street stores, tend to buy brands like Comme des Garcons, Sarah Pacini, Sonia Rykiel, Vanessa Bruno – a bit of a mish-mash really. That doesn’t stop me watching style blogs and (interestingly or oddly?) having watched yours for some time, and thinking your style is plain and boring, probably during the last year or so I find your choices interesting and quite amazing – plain clothes with a twist. I think your clothes suggest you are probably one of the best dressed bloggers out there. So does this mean that I am ready for a complete style over-haul or does it instead mean that you do follow fashion (only the best bits of course)? Anyway, if I could afford to replace my wardrobe, I think I would probably follow bits of your style – only if the clothes are black, white, red or purple of course!
Hi Roz
I love all the brands you have mentioned especially Sonia Rykiel, my favourite way back in the 70s. I also used to wear Sarah Pacini. I will have another look at it. At some stage I found it a bit too draped.
I do find that these pieces you feature today are more interesting than what you’ve been posting. I would like to see more of them, on YOU.
Always done my own thing. I thinks outside the box and don’t dress like a carbon copy of others. But then again I am french and we celebrate our uniqueness. I am horrified when I see the majority of young women with blond hair, breast implants etc… Blue eyes look great with brown hair, my father had blue eyes and black hair! I truly believe everyone is beautiful in their own way. Be who you are…
Always done my own thing. I think outside the box and don’t dress like a carbon copy of others. But then again I am french and we celebrate our uniqueness. I am horrified when I see the majority of young women with blond hair, breast implants etc… Blue eyes look great with brown hair, my father had blue eyes and black hair! I truly believe everyone is beautiful in their own way. Be who you are…
This is a tough question. It depends on the trend. Trends are recycled so quickly these days that I’ll skip it if I already know the style/color doesn’t look good on me. Also, if it’s too similar to what I wore in high school or college, well, I don’t feel like I want to go there again. I also don’t like feeling like a clone. For example, last summer at a restaurant I noticed that nearly every woman over 50 was wearing a Breton Tee (sometimes 2 to a table!) I wasn’t wearing one -in fact boat neck, boxy tees don’t look good on me- but even if they did, I would try to find some alternative.
I know what you mean Anne about Breton Tees they don’t suit me either. Even though they are very prolific in the South of France where I go and they are on sale in many of the shops I have tried them and they are not for me.
I think that it’s great to indulge in fashion trends while you’re young,and that’s the time to do it. Having said that, I still take an interest in my apoearance and try to dress in a stylish and contemporary way. I shop for clothes much less than I used to and buy better quality. I have a better idea of what suits me and I stick to clothes that I enjoy wearing and that make me feel comfortable and attractive. I love concepts like ‘shop your wardrobe’ as I do that all the time.
I loved the 1970s boho look when I was young and I still like to incorporate boho touches into my look, maybe a scarf, some jewellery or a pair of well-cut flared jeans! But I would not dress top to toe in the boho look; at my age it would look a bit weird. It’s important to remain self aware when buying clothes.
Excellently put Carol.
i think that using some elements of current trends helps to keep your style fresh and you can still wear your old favorites without looking outdated. but you do need to be selective and thoughtful in how you do this.
I am 51 years old but am told I look much younger. I think part of the key to this is keeping up with fashion in some shape or form. I have been a sneaker wearing girl for years now – no Stan Smiths (as my 14 year old has a monopoly on them in our house) but lots of vans and converse. I think it helps if you look at the fashions in the higher end stores, then search for the more trendy items in the lower end stores, (as long as they don’t look like they will fall apart). I think Rena was right about being selective and thoughtful in how you wear trends. But also don’t be afraid to try incorporating something new and different!
Very good advice Nola. I am off to put on my sneakers to go the the supermarket!
I always know what’s on trend, but add only those pieces that fit my personal style. Luckily, my personal style never seems to go out of fashion too much; a little tweak keeps things modern.
That said, a varsity style jacket and laser cut lace up brogue style shoes are “now” and very much on my radar!
I like that woman “our age” wear what they like! I know friends who love exercise clothes. Other friends wear low-neck tops to show off their (still amazing) décolletage and flowy everywhere else. Myself, I have no décolletage (!) so I opt for ankle pants and tunic-length tops and sweaters. I’m excited for warm weather so I can get back to my linen shirts and flip flops and pedicures!