MY 6IXTIES FASHION TRANSFORMATION
In transforming myself from sombre to swinging I discovered that my style choices elevated the everyday grind into a happy adventure.
Before my 6ixtysomething fashion transmogrification (as Calvin & Hobbes would have it) my wardrobe was as interesting as a ham sandwich. And that's just about how I made my daily outfits — put one piece on the bottom, slap something in the middle, and finish with a top piece that may as well as well have been made out of refined flour.
I had some "nice" dresses and some finer pieces, but I rarely wore them. Like many women my age my staples included yoga pants, a basic top, and the ubiquitous matching scarf forming a huge fluffy pile up against my face.
During the year before my sixties kicked off (and before they were swinging), I stumbled on a handful of inspirational fashion articles and videos that turned my head and made me look at myself differently. I learned about wearing colours to bring joy to myself and to others. I learned how to express myself through clothes. And I learned how dressing can be a joyful act to look forward to each and every day.
I decided to transform myself from frumpy to fab, from sombre to swinging. I discovered that my clothes, my hairstyle, and my makeup choices could elevate my everyday grind into a happy adventure... every day.
Is it a good colour for me? Is the shape flattering? Does it bring me joy?
My first step was to replace those yoga pants with real trousers that had style & shape and that fitted me well. I next added tops, skirts, and sweaters in my best colours. I re-discovered houndstooth, faux fur, animal prints, and sequins.
My fashion transformation spilled over into skin care where I unraveled the mysteries of creams and potions and modern devices. I created a brand-new & invigorating skincare regime. (I'll write more on my skincare revolution in future articles.)
Now when I shop — which is a lot more frequently than before — I try on new & exciting colours, shapes, and sizes. I take risks. I seek out sexy. I have more fun.
I ASK THESE QUESTIONS ABOUT EACH PIECE
Is it a good colour for me?
Is it flattering?
Does it bring me joy?
As I've discovered answers to these questions, my wardrobe has expanded. I've added sequins, shine and shape, texture and variety. And lots and lots of colour.
Now when I get dressed in the morning I experiment with pieces until I've created an outfit that brings me absolute joy. When I'm out in the world, compliments find me. The satisfaction is enormous.
My favorite compliment came when I was wearing this Zara orange blazer. A woman spotted me from across the street, stepped off the sidewalk, and braved traffic to come over to say, "Your coat brings me such joy!"