1. A really great-fitting dress or suit.
Lifestyle or location aside, sooner or later we all have to wear a version of a professional or business outfit. Not even for work; business casual is the norm in many offices.
What often comes to mind, unfortunately, is the passing of a someone near to us. Family, friend, neighbor, colleague. It may happen suddenly or at the end of a long illness. Either way, no one feels like dashing out to find something to wear. Poor choices about ill-fitting clothes at "Yikes! This is expensive, but I don't have time to look around!" prices are never satisfying.
If you are still working, even in a casual or uniform-required setting, there will be some occasion to upgrade: a conference, a luncheon....and yes, perhaps a job interview. It happened to me at age 62.
Other times: Out for a nice dinner? Lunch at a snazzy restaurant? Theatre? Church? Graduations? Wedding guest? You get the idea...it's that perfect no-brainer choice you can always rely on. Dress it up, dress it down. You're a smart girl. I don't have to explain.
There's no need for a vast selection. One piece/suit that you can adapt with a scarf, necklace, or top. And you needn't look like an old-maid school teacher. Pick something that reflects your personal style, in a neutral color that flatters your skin tone. Professional does not equal frumpy. Take time! Shop around! Then get it tailored to fit you, not the imaginary female that the designer invented. You know, the flat-chested, waistless, hipless, 12 year-old? (I will not budge on this. Pay the money, girlfriend.) Then wear it thin over the years, because it's comfortable and makes you feel classy, maybe even sexy, when you have it on.
2. A classic raincoat.
Remember those London Fog ads when we were in high school? They evoked a sense of mystery. Trench coats, I think they were called. Doesn't matter, I know you can picture them. Tan/Beige, buttoned, with a collar and a belt. Not expensive. Never goes out of style. Never. Once more: Never.
If you didn't keep yours, get one. The belt flatters any waistline. It has pockets, often lacking on current styles...something I will never understand. A collar you can turn up, a zip-in lining if you're so inclined. Add sun glasses and look mysterious. Add a scarf to keep warm. And still look mysterious.
Personally, I imagine myself as Catherine Deneuve's doppleganger when I wear mine.
3. Scarves
For years and years, I collected pins. Loved them, still do. They add a sassy statement to outfits. But scarves?? There is a reason the entire nations of French and Italian women understand the "secret" of scarves. They are the essential and eternal statement of femininity.
You should have at least half a dozen. They perk up a drab hair day. They create a glow on your face. They look complex and interesting...just like you. And,they can keep you warm! Since I know too much about air travel, I always carry a Pashima onboard as my cover-up. I strongly encourage you to do the same.
I once took the TGV from Paris to Brussels, sat across from a French woman. She took off her scarf at the start of the two-hour trip. Nothing special, a blah-blue with some vague-green accents. As we entered Brussels, I never took my eyes off her, determined to learn the secret of French scarf-styling. We pulled into the station, and poof! Before I could figure it out, she had taken her scarf, whipped it around her neck, and looked exquisite.
Thankfully, someone has invented "Infinity Scarves" which make women look like we were born in Europe. I suggest you to add a few to your collection and learn to wear them. As the late Nora Ephron said, they hide the neck wrinkles and the color near your face makes you look pretty damned beautiful.
Recent Comments