Anonymous wrote:as i get older, i try to stay hip through my accessories because sometimes if you are also going for it with the clothing, it can be too much. i keep my clothing rather simple and try to dress it up with boots, scarves, jewelery. at this age, this seems like the best approach without screaming "trying too hard!"

This is often my approach too. I like simple basics like jeans (prefer boot to skinny), wrap dresses, pencil or a-line skirts, chunky cardigans. I then accessorize with a bit more "funk". Really though, style is so personal. I'm a little bit "crunchy" in my style, and I think it works for me.

Anonymous wrote:as i get older, i try to stay hip through my accessories because sometimes if you are also going for it with the clothing, it can be too much. i keep my clothing rather simple and try to dress it up with boots, scarves, jewelery. at this age, this seems like the best approach without screaming "trying too hard!"

I like your approach. What boots, scarves, and jewelry would you recommend to update a wardrobe?

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one who looks ridiculous in scarves?

No, you're not.

what are shooties? shoe booties?

Anonymous wrote:dark wash jeans
cashmere sweaters
scarves, scarves, scarves
fur or faux fur vests
shooties or platform shoes
structured handbag
rich, glossy haircolor
polished makeup

What kind of scarves? Silk or large cashmere type?

5:02 here. I was responding to OP's question re favorite pieces and what I am buying this year. This wasn't an outfit ensemble! Besides, I'd die if I was wearing a cashmere sweater and wrapped in a scarf and fur vest!

Mix 1 or 2 pieces with what you currently own to update your wardrobe and remain modern. You should always be wearing something a little unpredictable and unexpected.

Am I the only one who looks ridiculous in scarves?

9:29 here again. A couple of other thoughts:

A good place to look for ideas is Nordstrom's "Complete Looks" Page: http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-complete-looks?origin=leftnav. You'll notice that on the left side, you can select different kinds of looks based on whether you're more classic, trendy, etc., and by occasion. This was helpful to me to develop an eye for proportion, and what items look good together. You obviously don't need to buy the items there!

Also, another helpful principle - which can be observed in any fashion magazine, website, wherever - is that if you wear a trendy/edgy item, always pair it with more classic items.

I could have written the previous two posts!

I agree to keep things simple and basic, you WANT to look hip for 40+, not like you are trying to compete with twenty something's.

Accessories are where you can be trendy. PP is right, oxblood or deep red is the hot color this fall, get a bag, scarf or shoes in that color and add it to your basic wardrobe.

PP poster here. A great fashion blog for balancing hipness with practicality is www.AintNoMomJeans.com. The author is in her thirties, I believe, but has two kids under five and always looks great. I've learned a lot there!

Riding boots are classic, but with skinny jeans it now looks fresher to have a shorter boot or shootie/bootie. Regardless of boot height, I'm waiting until we're out of the 70 temps to pull out my boots. I think you can get away with light colored boots, but dark brown and black look harsh until things cool off. There are a lot of cool flats out there now that are not ballet flats (hurray!).

If you're over 40, I would give up the leggings and replace them with a skinny pant or jean, or at least a textured (corduroy) legging that doesn't expose you as much.


My staples for this fall:

Skinny jeans - black and dark wash
Frye boots - Tall brown and short black
Slim dresses/skirts with dark tights/boots
Cashmere sweaters
Military jacket

Things I want to buy:

A few accessories in dark red (hot color for fall, and flattering)
Good leather jacket
Updated boyfriend jeans - ones that are a bit slimmer

as i get older, i try to stay hip through my accessories because sometimes if you are also going for it with the clothing, it can be too much. i keep my clothing rather simple and try to dress it up with boots, scarves, jewelery. at this age, this seems like the best approach without screaming "trying too hard!"

I'm puzzled by the heavy reliance on riding boots. At what point do you think it looks and feels appropriate to wear riding boots? I think if the temperature is above 70 at any point during the day riding boots look silly.

Not the PP, but I get my A-line skirts at Boden. They fit me well and have become a staple in my wardrobe.

I also wear a lot of boots in Fall/Winter. I have a great pair of black riding boots that I practically lived in last year.

Anonymous wrote:dark wash jeans
cashmere sweaters
scarves, scarves, scarves
fur or faux fur vests
shooties or platform shoes
structured handbag
rich, glossy haircolor
polished makeup

This alone screams 40+ yr old mom trying to look hip.