We highly educated civil servants have never been known for being cool, what can I say. My clothes and shoes are not name brands, and for bags I am very much on the DC "backpack with business clothes" bandwagon. I also tone down my impulse to dress more uniquely because conservatism helps with being taken seriously.

So OP, please describe a couple of outfits that you think are stylish AND look ok on a reasonably toned middle aged women AND reasonably affordable AND appropriate to wear to a professional office job. Am really curious as to what you come up with. I’d been checking out some of the ANn Taylor fall outfits (my shoes, bags, and watch are probably even less stylish that what you cited, but I’m not looking to change those at the moment). - always happy for other ideas that are within my budget. Thanks!

We know it’s not the epitome of stylishness but we also know it’s what fits in around here and what we can afford. Lots of government workers, government contractors, non-profit types and lawyers. Contrary to popular belief, the pay is fine but not Armani-fine.

As a manager in her 30s of a technical team of 40ppl some of whom are much older than me, i have to play a very careful game of not dressing too fancy and inaccessible and still be non dowdy or boring. Many are old school or just nerdy. So fashion intimidates some and makes them think I don’t have the technical chops to know what I’m talking about. Took me years for people to stop raising eyebrows at me wearing a dress.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Explain to me why being fashionable matters.

This explains it

I want to know as well.
And the answer, is that it doesn't matter.
But, I'm a believe in frivolous things. So, being fashionable doesn't matter, but it's an indulgence, something that sets us apart and allows us to show our individuality more.

That said, it should be a tool to feel "superiority".....

Because we are smart. I was just in Chicago and was commenting to my friend who lives there now how attractive everyone was. And she was like, yep. But smart they are not.

OP what is fashionable to you?

Because of many workplaces and professions. Even if you have money and are not wearing the above, you may be in an Akris suit, Blahnik heels, Armani silk blouse and carrying an expensive tote. Tasteful hair, makeup, and jewelry. You probably look great, but you're not going to be at the height of "fashion" because that doesn't make sense for your life and work. DC has a lot of this type, and a lot fewer creatives, trust fund babies, foreign money with no jobs types who can wear whatever, whenever they want.

Anonymous wrote:Explain to me why being fashionable matters.

This explains it

Explain to me why being fashionable matters.

Anonymous wrote:in my 20's fashion was a way of guessing - who was interesting, who was successful, who had ambition, etc. With a few more decades of life experience none of these things are true.

In D.C. this is the case because almost everyone got where they were by being intellectual or marrying someone who was intellectual. Fashion and keeping up with trends has nothing to do with how your brain can get you where you need to be. I think San Francisco is also that way but to a far less extent. That's not necessarily the case in cities like NYC/Paris/London/Hong Kong.

in my 20's fashion was a way of guessing - who was interesting, who was successful, who had ambition, etc. With a few more decades of life experience none of these things are true.

I guess they're too busy getting their educations and working to stay up to date on fashion.

None of them wear makeup either.

I’m sorry the dmv area women’s fashion is HORRIBLE!!

Women here consider an Ann Taylor dress, kate spade watch and purse and Tory Burch flats with a balayage hair in loose waves the epitome of being stylish.

Like ewww? For the most educated and wellnoff part of the country why is everyone here southern sorority girl??