How To Not Look Like a Crone When You're Honing in on 60

Oh God...even she knew about neutral dressing.

I'm actually over 60 and I'm finding it harder and harder to get dressed everyday.  Once I reached 60, things started to change drastically...overnight.  And unlike the weight gain during pregnancy, this is something I can't exercise my way out of.  Few of my go-to outfits fit anymore.  Blouses don't button over the breasts that I had during that last pregnancy and I don't think I can get away with saying there's a baby in there this time.  Combine this with all the other shrinking and expansion that's going on in my body and the overall effect is...that woman sitting on the bench.

With age comes wisdom and I've migrated into a somewhat unexciting but stable wardrobe direction.  First of all, I dress minimally.  I only wear a few neutral colors - black, white, gray and tan...and only solids of these colors.  The only print I wear is an animal print or a maybe a subtle paisley in a scarf.  Wearing these solid neutral colors seems boring to many, however, I think they are classic and always look good when mixed and matched or worn color on color. Dressing like this also eliminates that Twilight Zone intro thing that went on in my head as I tried to put another outfit together.  Everything goes with everything in this case.  It's almost foolproof dressing.  Check out this Pinterest page for endless neutral inspiration.  Every look is wearable as they are or with minor substitutions or modifications depending on how trendy one is.  Also, I wear jewelry every day.  I don't wear as much as I used to wear, but I never leave the house without earrings, at least one bangle bracelet, a ring and a good watch.

I think the following suggestions are all good investments that will stand the test of time and not make you look like Uncle Tonoose as you age.  Most of the items are designer labels but I'm not showing most because you can find these looks just about anywhere and for considerably less money than couture.  Shop Nordstrom's, Macy's, Bloomingdale's and online.  When shopping online, be sure to create an account in the places where you find items you like. They will send you more offers than you know what to do with.  And always checkout sites like RetailMeNot where you will find coupons for a percentage off or at least free shipping. 

.

Get a few turtlenecks (black, camel, gray - a little longer in the back if you can find them) but don't wear them exclusively or you will look like Kathryn Hepburn, who didn't wear anything else because she never got a neck lift.  Look for cardigan or boat neck sweaters (post neck lift) and wear with pants in the same color scheme for an elongated and sophisticated look.

A sedate neutral pallet.

A hipper look shown with the coat closed and worn with booties.  This coat would also look great worn open and with flats instead of boots.

Ferragamo Riding Boots - worth the investment at full price but you can find last year's version on sale.

Celine Bag.  Expensive but too gorgeous not to own.

Louboutin Black Pumps.  This height is very manageable - even for the over 60 set with the bunions and weird feet issues.  Well, maybe not the bunion people.

Good white shirt.

Great black pants.  These are St. John Emma Modern Tropical Wool Crop pants.  They are worth it because they fit like no other pants in the world.  In this image row, the bag, the heels, the blouse and these pants make the perfect outfit.

You can never go wrong with your animal print thing being a scarf.  Just be sure to only wear one animal at a time.

 

Another reason to have a leopard coat - it guards the bag.

This is what we call a "Glamour Don't"...what was she thinking ;0)

Short leather jacket or blazer.

A few long scarves - silk or pashmina will do.  Watch this handy video from Nordstrom on how to tie a scarf and allow this to be the color you add to your wardrobe.

Diamond stud earrings.  Buy the biggest you can afford.  Hang on to your receipt because most jewelry stores allow you to trade up in size. 

This is a combination of classic gold hoops but with diamonds.  Keep them on the small side - nothing over 40mm in diameter.  David Yurman 18K Gold .45tcw 23mm Diamond Crossover Hoop Earrings.  Available at bellatutto.com

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff in sterling silver.  Most don't realize this cuff is made for the right wrist and also for the left wrist.  Be sure to get the right one or it will hurt like hell.

And last but not least - The Little Black Dress.  There are so many to choose from you should have a few!