ask a style expert

It’s unanimous……we want to look Yummy, sensuous and fabulous into our 50’s and beyond. Style Maven Micolle Canido logs in with how-to as well as answers to style questions. Part I of 2.

Cheryl: For a lot of us in our 50’s it’s a confusing time fashion wise. We don’t want to look like our daughters and we don’t want to look old-er either. What to do? Where to draw the lines?
Micolle: It’s no secret women who try to look young…often make themselves look old-er in a heartbeat. A leopard print, fitted dress with a plunging neck-line looks great on a 20 or 30 year old…put that on someone 40+ and it looks like a Halloween costume gone sideways. Let’s be honest, unless you’re Sophia Vergara…just don’t do it. Certain patterns and prints are better letting go of come a certain age BUT by all means DO accessorize with them. A leopard print scarf, belt or shoes all work well if done right. 

More time than not, I think women past a certain age find themselves complacent and that’s where the confusion lies. Fashion is about staying interested. If your stuck, pick up a magazine and get inspired. Go out and try on something new like a pair of jeans. Jeans have come along way over the past decade. The boyfriend and skinny jean may be all the rage…but you can never go wrong with straight-leg dark denim.

uh-oh — I confess I own and wear not only one pair of ripped jeans but two. ugh.. walk of shame for me. I vow to explore dark straight leg!

However, stay away from the ripped jeans unless you’re buying them for your daughters! More importantly don’t be afraid to make a fashion faux pas. Let’s admit it, we all do from time to time.

If you find yourself confused as to where to start, here are my top 10 Essentials and Accessories:

1. Leather jacket – fitted, slim sleeves, 2 front pockets or none at all.
2. Blazer – a black tuxedo blazer and or navy blazer. I’m a big fan of Smythe blazers …not only are they Canadian but they have a jacket for everyone! They are a bit of an investment (worth every penny) but I have been known to find them for clients at consignment stores for a fraction of the regular cost.
3. The trench – the classic style…think Burberry. It’s not in everyone’s budget but it has been widely copied by many other affordable brands. Mackage, another great Canadian label makes amazing outerwear for our climate.
4. Jean – slim fit, straight leg.
5. LBD – there’s one that’s perfect for every women out there!
6. Tanks & T-shirts – black, white and gray and times everything by two. They are great staples to have on hand.
7. White shirt – one short and one long. A short one unbuttoned slightly underneath a black blazer is classic and sexy.
   

   The classic white shirt works for everyone

   The long one is great to wear with tights and ridding boots or flats.

8. Shoe collection – flats, black heels, loafers (Stuart Weitzman’s spring collection is both fun and practical), St.Tropez style sandals, ridding boots.
9. The bag – an everyday tote, evening clutch, the cross over (my favorite style for when I’m shopping – my hands need to be free to check things out at all timesJ), structured handbag/satchel (on my latest wish list)
10. Jewellery – a cuff bracelet, a fun oversized watch, stud earrings (lots of them).

By having a few investment pieces in your closet it allows you to look polished and chic without trying too hard. A few basic essentials can take you a long way in dressing up or dressing down. I often describe my style as “cheap and chic”…for example, the other day I had on a white H&M fitted blazer (my “cheap” piece), a sheer burgundy JAC blouse (which I scored on sale), Paige jeans, Marc Jacobs shoes and a designer purse I bought almost 10 years ago…this overall casual yet polished look not only works for me but for women of all ages.

Fashion is about having fun…don’t be afraid to try things that make you smile.

Cheryl: You’re inspiring me to venture into consignment stores and I’m forgiving myself  for the ripped jeans because I always check  JOE Fresh for simple loooooow cost basics which I know you do too! Ok…next question…we (the Yummies) still want to look sexy and sensuous…but not over the top (you know what I mean) how to do in a tasteful, gorgeous way?

Micolle: I like to think that sexy and sensuous begins with confidence and loving yourself first. From there, we move into the closet to find that transforming touch of sex appeal. Strong and sexy go hand in hand. I will always love the sexy look and feel of a black men’s style tuxedo jacket with nothing underneath. However, realistically speaking, I would think twice before doing that these days. Now I’m finding myself encouraging my girlfriend’s daughters to sport this sexy look (but not in the Kim K kind of way!!!). However, you don’t have to go far to make the tuxedo blazer look tasteful at any age simply by combining the blazer with a fitted white shirt our blouse…undo a few buttons and throw on a pair of jeans and your good to go!

Part 2 tomorrow.