Do you plan your wardrobe in advance?

Are you a planner or a last minute impulse purchaser? I am probably a combination of both.

At this time of year I am getting a little bored of my winter wardrobe and my thoughts turn to the coming season. This is mostly in my imagination as it is still cold outside and I continue to need to wrap up against the elements.

Eileen Fisher has a particular ascetic, which either works for you or not. Unefemme.net is the best role model I know for wearing Eileen Fisher superbly well.

I tend to pick and mix. I do like their jeans and leggings and tend to favour their slightly more waisted jackets.

I went to Fenwick and had a good try on. As I tend to choose more tailored styles it took me a while to get into the more relaxed layered vibe! Below are the final two outfits that I liked.

Don’t you hate harsh changing room lighting!

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.

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View Comments

Pam@over50feeling40 says:

20th March 2015 at 14:08

Since I come to work every day I really try to plan what I will wear the night before...saves time. A good dressing room makes a lot of difference...doesn't it. One of the reason I like boutique and finer department store shopping are the dressing rooms. Good light, nice size, great mirrors, plenty of hooks and even pleasant decor make all the difference in a good vs. bad shopping experience!
Terry says:

20th March 2015 at 15:46

Love both of those outfits, but adore that kimono cardigan.
une femme says:

20th March 2015 at 18:27

Thank you so much Josephine, and you look smashing in both of these outfits. I'll bet that light aqua color really brings out your pretty blue eyes.
D. A. Wolf says:

20th March 2015 at 19:25

When I went to an office every day, I was much more of a planner. I tended to purchase a lot of separates that could be mixed and matched and layered, and would travel easily.

I still love mix and match separate elements (EF has such wonderful options, and so comfortable), but as I don't work in an office any longer, I'm more of an impulse shopper/dresser or, before a specific event, a last-minute-whatever-will-I-wear shopper... *sigh*

Love these outfits on you!
Barbara Harris says:

20th March 2015 at 20:42

You look beautiful in that pale blue tunic, Josephine.
I agree about the more tailored look---there is something about a well tailored jacket which is always chic, even if its a ' dressed up casual '.
Bonnie L says:

20th March 2015 at 22:15

Love, Eileen Fisher, particularly the silk slouchy pants that travel like a dream. Subscribe to their web site to keep current on sales for substantial discounts. Gilt.com just had an EF sale which is quite rare. Whenever I can get EF pieces at a good price, I snap them up. Love her shoes, too! You look great in those outfits!
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  21st March 2015 at 12:48
  
  Hi Bonnie L Gilt.com looks interesting. I sometimes use Vente Prive, the same sort of idea.
the hipsterette says:

21st March 2015 at 03:03

Like you, I am a bit of both - a sometimes planner and sometimes an impulse buyer ... which I think keeps your "look" a bit fresher and a bit quirkier than one planned with military style precision. Love the languid looseness of EF tops - although I think my lack of height might not show them off to maximum effect. And, I am 100 per cent with you re changing rooms - avoid them whenever possible - fashion is about escapism - not staring harsh realities in the eye!
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  21st March 2015 at 12:42
  
  Hi Hipsterett I think some of the Eileen Fisher styles can be adapted if you are not very tall. It is a matter of getting the proportion right.
Chicatanyage says:

21st March 2015 at 12:41

Hi Lyn
I know Unefemme is quite petite and she manages to look good in Eileen Fisher. Nordstrom offer petite as well as regular sizes in many of the styles so you could give it a try.
wendymm says:

21st March 2015 at 13:12

You look beautiful! I have a couple of Eileen Fisher pieces - a gorgeous pair of black silk palazzo pants and a simple ponte knit skirt - not exciting but a wonderful staple! For me it depends on the piece whether or not I can wear it. Eileen Fisher and Brynn Walker can overwhelm my frame, especially the tops, but you look wonderful in the pictures above, so obviously chose well for your frame!
Mary says:

21st March 2015 at 16:40

Hi Josephine, you look lovely in those Eileen Fisher outfits. I especially love the kimono cardigan. Did you order from Nordstom.
Thoroughly enjoying your blog !
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  21st March 2015 at 16:59
  
  Hi Mary
  Glad you like my blog. I am based in London. Eileen Fisher has a couple of shops here and a concession in Fenwick. I wish I could order from Nordstrom, the prices are much better and they often have sales however we have to pay tax and import duty to import anything from the Us.