With age, your tastes and style change, and they most likely won’t adapt to all the new crazy fads in fashion…and that’s perfectly OK. Check out some of the suggestions from Caitlin on where to get all the classics/basics.
Dear Ellie,
I have always thought of myself as somewhat fashionable. Lately, I am not enjoying the new clothing styles.
Do you have any suggestions on where women in their late 30s early 40s should shop for clothes?
~ No Satisfaction Nancy in Nashville
Caitlin, today’s Dear Ellie columnist, has all kinds of clarity for us:
Dearest Fashionista,
Thank you for your question today! I think you are speaking for a lot of women right now, including me. As much as I may like a new style or trying them out, I keep going back to what works for me.
I’d say by your question that you can have fun with your wardrobe. Love it! Fashion is about fit, style, and flare. A classic outfit with a dose of your personality will always have you feeling like a million bucks while the girl next to you at the coffee shop embraces the changing trends.
Basics and Classics
Getting down to the basics, if you’re looking for places to shop, I suggest going classic:
- Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack (your staple base)
- Banana Republic, Express, or J. Crew (all about the classics)
- Madewell, Topshop, or Zara (they have a lot of the classics, as well as the trends)
I also love the personal shopping companies that have come up in the last 5 years or so. There are others out there doing the research on the pros and cons of these services, so that will give you an idea of where you want to spend your dollars.
Personality Style
Now onto your personality. Do you have a signature point in your outfits and/or appearance? Do you like to wear bold lipsticks, do you sport blazers or light jackets, do you wear jewelry? I have a sense that you do, so that’s something to have some fun with while designing your looks.
Many women enjoy going to vintage or thrift stores to add a few pieces to their collection that provide flare. I have a few things in my closet that, even as a classically dressed person, I just can’t live without and find them fun to add as a surprise to my weekly rotation. I would suggest finding classically designed pieces that have an artistic flare. Example: a blazer that has been embellished with either additional fabrics, patches, or even painted. Find a couple of classic silk tops that can be worn under your standard denim jackets, and for fun, add either a bold necklace, a big costume jewelry pin, or a scarf. You’re bringing that edge to an outfit which is really all that new trends try to do…break the norm of standards.
Fashion Influence
Trends are all over social media and so are fashion bloggers and YouTubers. I’d say find a couple of gals who match you to inspire your next look. I love promoting people who embrace their style, so here’s a fun plug to checkout, KarenBritChick (Instagram and YouTube @karenbritchick). She’s in the same age bracket, embraces classic design, vintage shops, and knows how to keep on trend.
Trends come and go like the seasons, but a well-dressed and bold woman is a force in the world.
Enjoy being even more fabulously you!! Hope these ideas help inspire you.
Hugs + Lashes,
Ellie + Caitlin
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