When it comes to clothing purchases, I am usually all about having a lot of plain tops and bottoms so that I can mix them up without drawing too much attention to each of those basic pieces. (Refer back to my earlier style post about stars and understudies.)
However, in the last couple of months, I did something really, totally, and unbelievably radical.
I bought two skits that have patterns!
Yes, You heard me right. No plainness to be seen in this snappy number!
I had actually been wanting to buy a maxi skirt for a very long time but was never able to find one that suited me–style wise and/or price wise. Many maxi skirts seem to be made from a fabric that is clingy and if there is one place I don’t want things to cling, it would be on my bottom half! (Can I get an amen, ladies?)
But wandering through Goodwill one day, I spotted a particular maxi skirt and even though I was initially put off by its exuberant brightness I thought, “Well, it won’t cost me anything to try it on.”
And it actually fit! As a bonus, it is one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing I have ever put on
The colors were a bit of a challenge but I went home and realized I had a blue tank top in the very same shade as the skirt. I can add either a beige sweater or my white denim jacket over it (since I don’t do sleeveless) and I am good to go.
Necklace: $3 Sweater: $3 Skirt: $3.79 Blue Tank: $3
Since I took the above photos in Sarah’s bedroom, I grabbed a few shots of her lovely bookcases while I was up there.
Can you tell that girl loves to read?
This skirt caught my attention when I was browsing at another thrift store. I liked that it had some dramatic flair but also warm colors. It’s a Talbot brand with a touch of Spandex in it. May I just say that the only thing that makes me happier than elastic waist bands is Spandex? Ahhhh . . .
I had to experiment with the skirt a little to see if I could make such a dramatic piece fit into my wardrobe. I found that by pairing it with something subdued on top, it helped to balance everything out and made it work.
I remembered that I had a belt stuck in the back of my closet and I added that to the ensemble which gave it a whole new look. (I actually wear belts very rarely; I need to start experimenting with them a little bit.)
Brown shirt/jacket set: $9 Skirt: $3.79 Necklace: $3 Leather belt: $5 Shoes: $3
I removed the jacket for yet another look. A scarf would also be really pretty with these two pieces.
I tried adding another jacket but thought that the belt, and the necklace AND the big button on the top of the jacket were a bit much.
Chicos jacket: $3.79
I took off the necklace and liked it better. I suppose i could also add a simpler necklace, too. (I also switched my nude shoes to brown, just to show the contrast between those two colors.)
I liked the jacket better open . . .
rather than buttoned up. I felt a little too closed in and I always feel more slender when there is a little more of my neck showing.
One thing I especially like about this skirt is that the fabric is thick enough to provide some structure for some of the jiggly-ness my Grandma Body has mysteriously developed over the years.
I read something on that subject from style blogger, Bridgette Raes, which has stuck in my mind and guides my decisions every time I shop or get dressed. It’s such a great visual–a little humorous but definitely memorable.
She writes:
The only way to describe what happens when a curvy girl doesn’t contain her curvier body parts in fabrics that aren’t substantial enough is my “fat in a Ziploc bag” analogy.
Imagine you stored fat in a Ziploc bag. That fat would be able to wiggle and jiggle any which way it wanted. Conversely, when you put fat in something like a Tupperware container, the fat is forced to take the shape of the container. The same is true for curvy body parts. Curvier body parts are often fleshier and less toned; they need structure. Choose fabrics for these body parts that can contain your body the way you want it to be shaped or else your curves will just jiggle and roam free.
Isn’t that great? Once you read that visual, you will never forget it!
And let me add one more thing on that subject: Don’t EVER go shopping without a small mirror in your purse. With every outfit you try on (especially skirts and pants), turn around and check the rear view mirror. I have almost bought things that looked great from the front but one look in the mirror caused me to run screaming from the fitting room. (Well, maybe not quite that dramatic,but you get the idea.)
Alrighty then–that’s it for today!
If you are enjoying this series and learning anything from it, please let me know.
As I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, I feel entirely unqualified to give any sort of style advice since I am so definitely NOT a style guru. But I’ve been intentionally studying style blogs and reading style advice since turning 50, becoming a grandmother, and being diagnosed with breast cancer. I figured I was at a stage of life where I could start going downhill, style-wise, or I could make the decision to enter the last half of my life with joyful, appropriate-for-my life, stylish panache.
What about you?
What is YOUR viewpoint on style in relationship to the stage of life you are in? Are you happy with where you’re at? Do you feel like you have stopped trying? Are you interested in learning new ideas? Do you dread or look forward to getting dressed in the morning? Are there style tips you have learned that you would like to share with us?
I’d love to hear from you; we are on this journey together!
Find the other posts in this series: Small Changes Favorite Style Bloggers Stars and Understudies Proportions and Alterations. Mom Jeans In the Middle Patterned Pieces
Hmm. I’m still sad that you made me get rid of the jacket with the Everette style elbow patches.
Steve,
Deep down, I know that you were actually grateful I didn’t let you be seen in public in that thing.
I love your style posts and find them very helpful. Thanks for sharing your skills and insights with us!
Love, deb
Deb,
Glad I can be just a little bit helpful! Still don’t feel like I know very much but it’s fun to learn!
I LOVE that long shirt and it looks so nice on you! I wear long skirts also and really enjoy them. Elastic waistbands are awesome!!! The brown outfit also looks very nice on you! Thanks for sharing!!! Thanks also for all of your wonderful posts!! They make my day!!! Love to you and the family, and Summer too!!! XOXOX
Bea,
Hooray for long skirts and elastic waist bands! 🙂 Love back to you from the Smiths!
To Leslie who mentioned she was losing weight, the thrift store is the perfect place to purchase clothing while you are losing weight or even when you’ve lost the weight you needed to lose. So much cheaper than buying clothing in a regular store. Becky, I really like the blue skirt and the top unbuttoned. Have purchased tops I didn’t try on and got them home and then stand there shaking my head, wondering why I didn’t try them on at the store. You are really helping many of us trying to be fashionable in our purchases at thrift store.
Sharyn,
I agree with your advice to Leslie; who wants to spend $50 on a pair of pants that won’t fit in 2 months? Thrift stores are the way to go for those who are losing weight–AND for those who aren’t! 🙂 Glad you are enjoying the series.
Becky, I am loving your style posts! The last one about stars and understudies did wondrous things for me!! It really opened up my eyes and helped me discover the problem. I found that my very small wardrobe consisted of mostly understudies and when I got dressed I felt very plain and blah. Since that post, I have done some reconfiguring, tossing and adding and it has made a world of difference. You see, where I work we wear jeans, etc. (We are a trucking company with an attached diesel repair/truck & trailer repair shop…..no dressing up; there is a distinct possibility of getting grease on yourself. Of course we are very careful but it can happen!) Our office is very casual and I love that. One wouldn’t think that it should be that tough but for me it was. I am 56 and feel quite young at heart and don’t want to look ‘dowdy’ however I don’t want to dress like I am 25 either because I am not. I also work out religiously and am in pretty good shape for my age and enjoy wearing things that are flattering. Anyway, I am happy to announce that I now have several stars (tops) and I have updated my shoes and plan to wear boots more this winter as well. So exciting! I finally feel like I am ‘with it’ and current. Oh, I can’t tell you how very happy that makes me. 🙂
Now, putting together something dressy is really, really difficult. My job doesn’t require that type of clothing and even church is rather casual for me since I am in the choir and am always wearing a choir robe. 🙁 We are heading out of town to Colorado this weekend for a wedding. It’s at 3 in the afternoon and will be outdoors. It will, more than likely, be pretty cold out since it’s in the foothills. I am thinking of wearing a skirt, tights, boots, etc. The top part is still a work in progress but with your advice and tips I feel confident that I will pull something together! Oh and whatever I wear needs to be able to withstand 2 babies and 2 toddlers since their grandpa and I are in charge while the moms are in the wedding and the dads accompany them. 🙂
LeeAnne,
Wow–your comment made my day!
I am so very, very happy that sharing my small bit of knowledge has made a real difference in your wardrobe and your day-to-day dressing process. It sounds like you are taking huge steps forward and are loving the process. So excited for you!
I like your idea for the wedding outfit; sometimes for me, getting the bottom part of an outfit figured out is the hardest thing so you are well on your way to getting the whole thing put together. Enjoy those grand babies!
Thanks again for taking the time to leave such an encouraging comment. It made me smile.
As I am in the process of losing weight, I am waiting before I make new purchases. Love your choices, like the beige sweater unbuttoned. And look at you with the fancy belt, great look. I also am thinking about the maxi dress/skirt issue, and will keep all this in mind. Love these posts!
Lesley,
Happy, healthy wishes coming your way as you lose weight! As Sharyn said in another comment, this is a great time to delve into thrift/consignment store shopping if you haven’t already. And now that you’ve moved to a large city, I’ll bet there are fabulous stores everywhere you look! (I’m jealous!)
You’re the second person who liked the beige sweater unbuttoned so I’ll listen to my readers. :-
I so enjoy your blogs on style…Well, I enjoy all your posts 🙂 I wear pretty much the same ole thing up here in Northern MN. Jeans..ha! I do tend to wear some brighter colors the older I get. My mom told me she liked the brighter colors as she got older cause her hair was grey/white and she was paler skinned so wanted to not look all washed out…That has stuck with me too.
I LOVE Sarah’s bookcase. I have too many bookcases full of books that I cannot part with 🙂 But, I also love her teacup on the bookcase. Her diploma, willow tree figurine. He typewriter. All things that mean so much to her. Wendy
Wendy,
I love your mom’s philosophy on bright colors and it is so true! Sometimes I do see older women with pale skin, white/gray hair and very light colors and they sort of fade into the background. But I believe t those hard won years of wisdom and experience need to be celebrated with some brightness!l Tell your mom I like her style. 🙂
Yes, Sarah’s bookcase is full of wonderful treasures along with the books. I’ll be sad when she leaves and takes all that precious-ness with her. You’re very observant to notice all of that!
Enjoy your comments and pictures. I need to de-clutter my closet. That is on the “to do” list.
Ann,
Yes, a de-cluttered closest is a great joy.
Very nice, Becky. I do enjoy and learn from your style articles because they are so real and down to earth. I think the maxi skirt, patterned skirts look terrific. I do like most of your choices.
I think that with a maxi skirt even, a longer top can really divert the eye. I have a cousin who is built far more generously that you are in the areas of her body she does NOT want to focus, and she looked fabulous in a bright print maxi similar to your first pick with a simple but longer than usual shirt with a loose belt or sash or something at the waist line Really gave it a smooth flow. I don’t like your white cardigan with that outfit, by the way, but love the outfit and colors on you.
Cath,
So glad you’re enjoying the series!
That’s an interesting concept about wearing a longer top with a maxi skirt; I’ll have to keep my eyes open for a top that I can experiment with.
As for the beige cardigan, I would love to have a cardigan that matched the skirt exactly, but until I run across one at a thrift store, the beige will have to do! (Otherwise, I can’t wear the skirt at all, which would be sad.) 🙂
Try buttoning the dark brown jacket (the set) & belt over for another look!
Glad you’re having fun styling/shopping! You make such great choices!
Do you wash/clean the items b/f you wear them? I know when I HAVE to shop (I’d rather have a root canal than go to a store) I always think about those things & often do since I do a lot of online shopping!
Jodi
Jodi,
What a great idea; I never would have thought of that!
As for washing clothes before I wear them, sometimes if I’m in a hurry to wear an item I don’t. But I usually try to.
I really like the blue skirt- I think it brings out the pretty colour of your eyes. I also like the second rejected blouse.
My style has changed over the years. When I was younger I had a very specific style of coordinated clothing items in neutral coliurs from which I barely deviated. It was uncomfortable for me to try bold new styles much less go out of the house without my hair and makeup!
Thankfully I’ve mellowed over the years! I still own lots of neutrals, but I am a lot more comfortable in both my own skin and what I wear.
I think one of the greatest things about being in my mid thirties now is the diversity of friends- and that is reflected in my clothing. When I was younger all my friends were very much like me in terms of age and lifestyle (ie all students etc). Now I’m blessed to have friends raging from 19 to 82. (Plus my 100 year old grandma and best friend). And likewise my clothing has evolved. Over the past week I’ve gone out in everything from all formal wear consisting of a black top and skirt that i jazzed up by pinning a shiny red necklace across the bodice (for the aforementioned grandmother’s 100th bday party) to my coziest flannel shirt over jeans and pretty much everything in between.
Jenna,
It’s interesting you liked that second blouse. I just felt like I disappeared behind so much pattern but when I went back and looked at the picture again, I guess it would have worked if I had my hair and make up fixed and was wearing the right pants.
I love your insights about how relationships and clothing evolve. In both of those areas, it is so easy to get stuck in ruts and not branch out beyond what is “safe” and comfortable. Good for you for having so many interesting people in your life (from ALL generations) and also moving beyond the basic neutrals to embracing all the fabulous ways of dressing you have discovered. I love that life never gives us a dull moment if we choose to live adventurously.
Hi, Becky – I’m very much enjoying your posts on style. I recently “KonMari-ed” my wardrobe, and have found my “style” to be “classic” and “casual” with a few “trendy” things (occasionally). Like you, I’m a Goodwill/thrift store shopper, and have been lucky to find things that fit me AND my “look” for $3 or less.
That said, I’ve also been working (very!) hard to lose weight, and am down 16 (of 26) pounds since July, so I haven’t been really looking for new-to-me clothing recently. I do have several items on my “next size down” shelf that I’m looking forward to wearing.
Luckily, I work in a pretty casual office environment, and wear jeans or slacks most days. Some days, it’s a skirt and tights or a long sweater with leggings (both outfits with boots – either ankle or knee). I buy high-quality tights from Uniqlo, and I’m a fan of their HeatTech line, which is nice and warm. They’re also great for layering under jeans for extra warmth in the cold Midwest winters. Since we also go to Europe in the winter, they’re extremely helpful at keeping me warm on travels.
It’s also been a little bit of a struggle for me to be sort of “on-trend” with clothing, without looking “too young.” I don’t want to dress like my 25-year-old daughter, but I also don’t want to look dowdy… I enjoy browsing through the “More” magazine (aimed at the 40+ demographic) for ways to be current with my look, without looking like I still shop at Forever 21. 🙂 I’ll be 49 in a few days, and I’m thrilled and thankful that I’m looking at that number, knowing I’m still privileged to be walking the Earth. 🙂 But I don’t want to be walking the Earth in the wrong clothes. lol
Since I KonMari-ed my closet and drawers, I’ve found I definitely have cut my clothing inventory by more than half, and I also don’t buy things at my favorite thrift shops just because they’re the right “brand” and are a bargain. I take the KonMari admonishment to heart with every item of clothing I pick up: “Does this item bring me joy?” If the answer is no, or even if I have to think about it for too long, I put it down and don’t look back. I got rid of eight black trash bags full of clothing and shoes that didn’t bring me joy, and getting dressed in the morning is now so much easier! Everything in my closet and my dresser makes me feel good and, as importantly, LOOK good.
You have a good eye for what looks good on you, and I love the colors you can wear. I’m a “winter” and can’t wear yellow, bright green, or pastels. My collection is mostly black, grey, navy, deep purple, hot pink, red, and white. Very few patterns, but they typically show up in blouses I wear under a jacket or sweater.
Thanks for sharing your posts!
(Stefanie in St. Louis)
Stefanie,
What a great comment! Lots of food for thought.
The KonMari method is interesting, isn’t it? Especially the question that you mentioned, “Does this bring me joy?” I haven’t read her book but have read many blogs and articles about it and think I would really enjoy the book.
I have also gotten rid of a ton of clothes over this past year and there are few feelings better than letting go of stuff that no longer suits who I am at this stage of my life.
And speaking of which, I could really relate to what you said about trying to stay current fashion-wise without looking like I’m trying to erase 3 decades. Not frumpy but not too overly youthy, either–that’s the goal! (And the challenge.)
Congrats on your weight lost and your wardrobe pruned and your new inspiration to go into your 50’s with confidence and panache.
I enjoyed hearing your thoughts; thanks so much for taking the time to leave such an insightful comment.
My viewpoint on style: I wear what I’m told to wear. Nuff said.
Steve- I love your viewpoint and I know exactly who tells you what to wear!
Becky – I love that outfit that you added the belt too – changed it so much and looks great on you
Happy day you all Becky in Kenly
Becky,
Actually Steve has excellent taste in clothes and I rarely tell him what to wear. However, once he gets totally dressed, he usually asks for my opinion to make sure everything “works.” 🙂
Glad you liked the belt; it was a fun addition.
Steve,
The main thing I like about your wardrobe is that you are more than willing to wear thrift store finds!