Let me get two things off my chest first: (1) I am of that age so I am speaking from experience (ugh!) and (2) to get through this rough patch with your style intact it will require the following,
“Embrace your shape exactly where you are – the sooner you get comfortable with what you have or don’t the sooner you can focus on finding your style true north.”
Read my full style advice on AARP’s The Girlfriend!!
The two clothing items for your ideal menopause capsule wardrobe would be…
- Item 1 would be a hemp/organic cotton/Tencel short-sleeved v-neck t-shirt because the material, sleeve length and v-neck styling allow for more breathability. The v-neck translates well for on-camera/video to frame the face, and is great for layering. The right material means you can dress it up or down
- Item 2 would be a knee-length, stretchy dress with a little mid-section interest or flourish because that’s typically the pain point for most women at this stage of life, and having versatility so items can do and go lots of places. Versatility + zhush is an excellent objective.
My three (3) favorite brands for women 45+ are…and why? This is a loaded question because it depends on what the person’s issues/concerns are but 3 brands I love for women 45+ that have pieces to help transition to a different lifestyle and body include
- Spanx because they are stretchy, forgiving, and offer great basics that cover a multitude of sins,
- Lafayette 148 because they do business attire very well with accommodating styling for lots of shapes, and
- Good American because jeans are a staple and although these will not last forever like 100% cotton ones they’re stretchy with modern cuts and styles, size-inclusive, and literally “snatch” you in without feeling like it.
As a wardrobe stylist whose bread-and-better are women 45+, I have 7 pieces of advice to
- Use more color – it creates more vibrance
- Become a layering expert – to accommodate hot flashes and internal body temp changes
- Look for more moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics – living at the whim of your body’s hormones is real so to feel most confident be prepared
- Use more prints – they are awesome camouflage; it’s a Jedi mind trick that prints don’t allow the eye to “settle” on one area so they are great camo!
- Add shapewear to your routine – while you don’t need to go full-on or double up, the purpose is to smooth the lines that aren’t as smooth anymore; you’ll feel more confident!
- Skip the low-cost/fast fashion items you see everywhere – in general, they’re made for kids with different body types, and they’re not well-made so you won’t have them for long; use them as one-offs to try a trend or add something fun
- Focus on a few great, quality pieces – less but better is more; the older you get the less you’ll find that you’re “swapping your wardrobe” season to season so get pieces that are well-made for year-round wear; pay more but cost per wear will be low over time
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Consider working with a stylist because you’re at a different time with different objectives and a different body. When I was asked to offer advice to the former First Lady when she turned 50, it was about helping to find new brands and shapes so the transition is easier with the new body and life.
I hope this is what you were looking for…
monica
