Style inspiration

Comfortable and practical clothes.

Comfortable and practical clothes. Words that I find essential these days when planning my wardrobe. I was going to call this post “Comfortable capsule travel wardrobe”. However, under the circumstances, I don’t think many of us are doing much travelling at the moment.

We were planning to go down to the South of France next week however sadly that is no longer going to be possible.

However, in my opinion, we still need to keep our spirits up and there is no reason why we should not continue to wear stylish, practical and comfortable clothes if we are working from home or choosing to self-isolate. This season Hopefashionuk seems to have come up with a collection that is not only comfortable and practical but also stylish. The type of clothes that we will be able to wear for many years to come.

All the styles that I have chosen for this post are in my opinion simple, elegant and chic.

Above I am wearing their Cotton Saddle Stitch Knit Jumper in Cream. The subtle navy saddle stitch detail lifts the sweater from plain to special. The side splits, allow the garment to sit comfortably on the hips, delicately accentuating your curves. I can testify that the 100% cotton yarn is very soft and comfortable. I have completed the look with their Cotton Knit Wide Leg Trouser. Cream and soft pink bead and freshwater pearl necklace available at Chicatanyage Shop.

These really are pull-on and go trousers. The 100% Cotton knit makes them very comfy. They are widish but in my opinion not too wide so would not be overwhelming if you are petite. The subtle but unmissable cream saddle stitch detail along the outer leg creates a transformative illusion that serves to elongate the leg, whilst also providing a modern-chic look. Black and white bead necklace Chicatanyage shop.

The splash of the bright red luxurious cashmere and merino wool sweater really elevates this outfit. Black and white bead necklace Chicatanyage shop.

These days many of us are looking to consume less, purchasing when we need something rather than because it’s “on-trend”; thus helping us to avoid impulse purchases. One of the things I find refreshing about Hopefashionuk is that they launch their seasonal collection later than most brands so that we can make our purchase when we are ready to wear them.

It was a joy modelling these clothes as they were so comfortable I did not want to take them off.

Disclaimer: The trousers and both sweaters were kindly lent to me for photographic purposes and have been returned. They are definitely going on my wish list.

PS. I am not going to specifically take about “the virus” as unless you live on a desert island with no means of communication you will be well informed. However, I am wishing you all well. Due to my age, I will be “self-isolating”. The blog will continue as I work from home. Let us keep connected and I would be happy for you to use the comments section to keep in touch, let us know how you are and to share any tips on how you are managing and what is helping you to navigate these very challenging times. I will be back at the end of this week to share some ideas of my own.

The photographs were taken by Laura Hines. Follow her on Instagram

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

View Comments

  • Hi Josephine. These look lovely and I agree that Hope is an excellent brand. It is one that is worth supporting at this difficult time. I am slightly younger but with a medical condition so while not completely isolating my trips are very limited and I am missing contact with my grandchildren already

    I would like to wish you and all your followers well over the coming period and would be delighted if you keep in touch with us.

    Best wishes

    Margaret

  • Thank you for your comment Margaret. I too am missing seeing my grandchildren. Facetime is the best we can do.

  • Lovely pix of you in Hope fashion, Josephine!

    If, like me, you are cooped up self-isolating, you can find lots of easy exercise videos on youtube. I can recommend hasfit,com which has a huge number of exercise programmes for all ages and fitness levels. I like the 20 minute seated exercise programme that burns 200 calories. There are also easy tai-chi and yoga programmes on the internet.

    Stay well, everyone, and stay fit!

    • Thank you Anna I agree it is so important to keep fit. I will check out the seated exercises. I love my rebounder and bounce on it most days either to my favourite music or to a youtube video. In fact, I am off to bounce in a minute after my nice cup of tea and a small square of raw chocolate (my treat of the day).

  • I, also, am self-isolating. I am older than you, Josephine, and have heart problems so I have to be sensible. No reason not to dress up even if only the cat sees me or the family on Face Time. I have Readly, Prime, and Netflix installed and Younger Son is going to set up the Wi so that I can play games and exercise at the same time, .Loads of book on my Kindle Air will help also. Might even study Italian on line.

    • Not sure what Readly is but have got the rest set up. Never thought of playing games but I might practice my French.

    • The first time I've commentate though I have read your blog for several years, and particularly like your trips round the markets as I used to have an abode in Argeles sur mere. However due to arthritis I had to give it up.
      Unfortunately due to my self isolation I am married to an 86 year old and am 76 myself I have to abide by the rules so unfortunately I will not be able to attend my WI meetings or the committee meetings which I enjoy greatly. Also my Pilates and Physio in my home have to go but I will try and exercise myself!
      I recently placed an order on your website for the black and white pearls so even if not going out I will still look well presented! I wish everyone well and hopefully we can get through this together.

      • Hello Valerie

        I posted your necklace this morning. Hope you like it and it cheers you up.

        My pilates class is also cancelled so I will be going for long walks and bouncing on my rebounder at home.

        keep well.

  • Thanks Josephine for your way to make our terribles days more happys!
    Living in SAmerica and with many problems of sanity in my country and been at risk due my age I self-isolate a week ago
    Thanks again.
    Excusez-moi my poor English

    • Hello BeatrizMaria
      Thank you so much for your comment. Your English is great. Wishing you well. Josephine

  • Dear Josephine,You look great in these trousers and tops.Stay home and take care.My warm greetings from Athens, Greece.Love

  • Reading fashion blogs is the bright spot of the day when we are being drenched in news over which we have very little control. Staying optimistic and distracted from grim news is key. For those in the northern hemisphere take heart that nature is still going about it's business and bursting with new life. For us "downunder" nature is slowing down and preparing for slumber, the days are cooling giving us an opportunity to get on top of jobs. Then it'll be more reading, catching up on movies & documentaries and finally clearing out the cupboards of rarely used items. Oh and preparing for the day when we can safely travel again. Take care Josephine.

  • Dear Josephine, we are self-isolating too. We are cosy in our home and walk our greyhounds twice or three times a day in completely uncrowded places. You look so nice in these comfortable clothes and I am laying out what to wear each day too in order to keep my spirits up! Let's continue to chat online in comments on your wonderful blog!

  • Always enjoy reading your posts and these outfits all look very comfortable as well as stylish. Thanks for reminding us to remain looking after ourselves and keeping up appearances! I live in western Canada in a rural community and am taking the opportunity to clear out cupboards and make lots of art.

  • So enjoy your blog! Keep well as we all get through this around the world. From Canada.

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