Under The Influence

leather jacket, wide-leg pants
Oh! The Drama! Outside the studio gate (and definitely outside of my comfort zone), swanning for imaginary fans.

Or, Playing Dress-Up With A Friend…

Having settled in to my own quiet style comfort zone, I’m not much inclined to veer too sharply outside of it, unless of course asked very nicely by someone whom I admire, respect and like very much, thank you. Which is how this project with Lisa of Privilege, which we’re calling “Under The Influence” came about.

During an emailed conversation about other bloggy issues, Lisa shared an idea she’d had about us each choosing an outfit for each other, something we’d like to see the other try that was outside of our usual style personas. We talked about how our friends and peers can influence our style, and whether they sometimes see something in us we don’t see in ourselves. I thought it sounded like a blast, and we started sending each other links to possible pieces. As soon as I saw what she had in mind, I took to the fainting couch. 😉 Not really, but I certainly had a challenge ahead of me.

First, the look she was going for is more tailored and well, a little glamorous. Think Helen Mirren, Lisa said. She’d envisioned light colors, and wide leg pants and a cropped boxy jacket, pretty much the opposite of my usual silhouette. And did I mention glamorous? I’ve always been in awe of those women who can do glamour having not being blessed with the Glamour gene myself. I’ll admit it was a little daunting. And the fit logistics were daunting as well. Because the intention was to be able to return most of the pieces afterward (the camisole and shoes are my own), alterations were out of the question. There are few brands that offer petite length pants, and even among those who did, the wide leg styles tended to swallow me. And jackets that look “cropped” on the models hit me at mid-hip. I tried several iterations of both pants and jacket before we hit on this combination that were close enough to Lisa’s original concept, and worked with my frame. (The funny thing is, we both wound up in the same jacket, in different colors.)

Aren’t these earrings killer? I could also see these with a mid-century Mod kind of look, very Edie Sedgwick.

Beladora.com was kind enough to lend me these earrings for the needed splash of color (Lisa picked these out too) and they definitely brought the glamour to the party.

So with le monsieur in tow I set out to shoot “on location.” Meaning in public, with people driving and walking by. I’m self-conscious enough snapping outfit pictures in front of my house with just a few bemused neighbors about. I felt very out-of-body in these clothes, which I think ultimately worked to my advantage. Back when I used to perform at the Renaissance Faire, we had a saying, “nothing you do while in costume counts.” Lace up that bodice, stick a feather in your flat cap, and introverts become extroverts. Sometimes wearing Someone Else’s Clothes allows a part of you to surface that otherwise has no stage. I felt silly and uncomfortable for a few minutes, then Miss Diva showed up to help out. She doesn’t take herself too seriously; she knows it’s just a part. But she has fun with it. So I did too.

Wide leg pants, leather moto jacket, blush
Miss Diva is more comfortable going for the va-voom than I am.

While I had a bit of fun on my imaginary photo call, ultimately it was a relief to slip back into my denim-clad comfort zone. Yes, a stylist would probably approve of these lighter colors and shapes for me, but the takeaway here is that looking “good” really only bolsters confidence if the clothes and look are aligned with how I see myself. Style is more than a matter of coloring and body shape, which is why we might not always “get” someone else’s style choices. And this adventure reinforced my sense that I’ve been on the right track the last couple of years after all.

But I think Lisa looks amazing, don’t you?

The runner-up jacket BTW, was this one. It’s a very nice little jacket if you like this style.

Earrings: Beladora.com (these were loaned and are still available for sale) // Jacket: Vince // Top: Adea “Bra-Friendly” Camisole, color Linen // Ring: Wendy Brandes // Pants: Talbots // Shoes: Fitzwell (no longer available in leopard, here’s a croc version).

Do you ever intentionally step out of your usual style persona? How does it feel to do so? Do you learn anything about yourself?

Linked up with: Share In Style at MIS PAPELICOS

Affiliate links may generate commissions for unefemme.net.

Stay in touch

Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.

Affiliate links in posts may generate commissions for unefemme.net. See my complete disclosure policy here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

91 Comments

  1. You look beautiful (as always) in this outfit! What really strikes me about this post is your sentence with this phrase: “clothes and look are aligned with how I see myself”. I find that brilliant…perfect definition of personal style. All the books,articles,advice on finding your own style….I think you’ve summed it up nicely.

  2. Wow, you look gorgeous! The earrings are an especially beautiful touch but the Vince jacket is killer as well. Nice job! Sally

  3. What a fun post! And that pale pink is so beautiful on you. I understand about not feeling comfortable though. I’ve never worn wide legged pants either!

  4. Oh my goodness, those are your colors!!!! You look wonderful! Have you heard of “Color Me Beautiful?” I’m a true believer in “seasoning” where the whole you is noticed, not what you are wearing
    Joyce

  5. Swooning over the earrings, what a great idea this is and I think this look really suits you and it hasn’t veered too far from your usual style at all.

  6. Yes, you look great! The light colors look wonderful on you and I love the jacket. You are describing the experience I feel when taking pictures also. It does stretch you…….in many ways, personally. This is how I see it—I’m following many young women creating blogs with real style. Why can’t we over 40’s do this in the same “pull out the stops” manner? Why shouldn’t we? Wearing outfits that are edgy, whatever that means to us. For me I’m not interesting in looking the same as I do now ten years down the road. I love this post, can you tell!

    blue hue wonderland

  7. LOVE this post. And uh, hello? Totally glammed out, what do you mean you don’t have the glamour gene? Are ya kidding me? You are definitely ready for your close-up! XO, Jill

  8. You DO have a Helen Mirren kinda look about you! Very glamorous. The light colors look good with your hair and skin color. Love the shoes, too!

    1. You both look like a couple of Merveilleuses! I love how each of you took the other out of her comfort zone. That’s one of the main reasons I read fashion blogs for women my age (53). Thx! You made my day, Sue and Lisa:-)

  9. This is a fabulous idea! So much fun to see you in a different palette which inflects your look in a surprisingly dramatic way. And fascinating to think about how much that tweak affects how you feel as much as how you look.
    I would say that I have been playing roles quite happily in my clothes for a long time and am settling more into myself than before. . . . although perhaps I’m just trying out another role and might switch it all up in a few years. . . .

    1. I’ve come back immediately to correct my characterization of the change here being palette . . . of course, it’s in the proportions you point out, but to me, considering the flared jeans you wore a week or two again, the wide legs and shorter top are almost eclipsed by the lighter shades. Interesting, to me, given that you wore the all-white outfit not so long ago (which also drew raves from your commenters).

  10. You look lovely…she made some nice selections for you…I love the jacket and earrings…I would probably wear this jacket with my blue jeans! What a fun project…I think you both did a great job!

  11. What a cool idea! We all tend to stay in our personal comfort-zone which, truth be told, can become a rut. External influence can expand the boundaries of that zone. Terrific notion.

  12. Head to toe you are stunning. Please consider adding these neutrals to your wardrobe. They are so very flattering. And I would buy that jacket in a heartbeat.

  13. What a fun idea! You look fresh and glowing in these blush colours…maybe a scarf to add to your current look?

  14. Oh, what a great idea! What fun the two of you must have had… I, too, hope you consider stepping outside that zone to add these colors to your wardrobe…you look BEAUTIFUL in them!

  15. Oh you’ve got the va va voom move especially with the sultry ‘come hither’ whisperings of those leopard pumps…I’m on my way.
    Great collaboration with Lisa!

  16. What a fun thing to do. That moto jacket and earrings look so gorgeous on you. I could see you wearing both (plus the shoes! Or your animal print booties.) with a longer top and the boot leg jeans you’ve been featuring recently. Would that perhaps bring “the glam” into your comfort zone? Thanks for being brave!

  17. I must respectfully disagree. Your outfit, while lovely and glamorous, has added 10 years. And the colors have taken away the spotlight from your gorgeous hair color. On the other hand, your styling of Lisa has taken away 10 years. You, my lady, have the consistent eye on achieving a perfect look.

    1. I agree. I thought the pants were a big mistake; even allowing for the need for alterations, they look like something pulled from the closet from decades past, because you didn’t have the right pants fr the jacket. The total effect is very plain vanilla, so that even the great jacket looked blah (but this IS a great color for you). The earrings are nice, but nothing makes a statement here. I think that Lisa got the better outfit.

  18. I’m visiting via Lisa. I’ve not gone back to see your regular look, but I have to say that this looks completely natural on you. Nicely done!

  19. Another plus about this particular style of wide-legged pants and a shorter jacket is it would work equally well in dark colors. Y’all did a great job for each other!

  20. I’ll chime in too! You really look great in these colors. I also loved you in the white outfit Lisa referred to above.

  21. What a wonderful (and fun!) idea with a beautiful result! Sometimes beautiful clothes are seen as that and we appreciate them when we see them, the fabric, the cut, drape, etc. Sometimes an outfit really flatters the wearer. When the two come together, the effect is so satisfying. The color of this outfit really lets you “glow.” The blush color is so flattering to your skin (reminds me of the pink scarf you recently showed). I see it as another edgy jacket that you would present in your sharings, so maybe the color is the biggest deviation from comfort zone? I hope you keep it (or wear a similar cut and color) because it looks fabulous on you! I was told once that a wide lapel is a good effect for shorter people and draws away from height. The shoes are gorgeous, too. It was a wow to me to see you out of your usual denim. I hope you can see it as less of out of your comfort zone and embrace it as a more feminine choice that could perhaps become a “friendly” option now and then. Even this jacket with jeans just softens the overall look in such a nice way. I love the idea of somebody picking out something for me from how they see me. My only drawback from the whole look is the wide legs of the pant. I’d say the same for myself. It’s just not flattering on those of us under a certain height and seems to “compress” the look of an outfit, adding weight to the bottom, interestingly here, even in a light color. Lisa’s denim look has given me my own dialogue about such a look at a certain age. Thank you for a fun Friday post!

  22. Oh my, you look so glamorous and elegant and yet soft — and that is a combination that is not the normal of glamorous in my head. The earrings are beautiful on you and the colors as well, although I think you really nailed it with your statement “looking “good” really only bolsters confidence if the clothes and look are aligned with how I see myself”. I think for most of us, there are styles and looks that could look very good on us, but they aren’t comfortable with our sense of self. I haven’t met you so I don’t have an opinion of your personal presence, but I see your normal look as so sharp and intelligent yet also filled with wit, grace, and friendly humor. This look, although lovely, seems like “less” to me, and I find it interesting that you expressed the same sentiment about feeling like you are on the right path in terms of you own look.

  23. Honey Bun, you look as if you’d just stepped off the Lot after filming an episode of “Dallas”!
    “Oh James? Where is my Limo?”
    I’d be mighty careful around that Ms. Lisa ‘cuz she can definitely kick your a**.
    You guys are having too much fun ;))

  24. This is such a good exercise in stretching yourself, even if you go back to your old safety net. I would have liked to see the jacket zipped up, and I think this would have looked better in ivory. Still, you do look very graceful and stylish in your flowing trousers. But mostly I have to commend you on taking photos in public – I still haven’t ventured that far!

  25. You know your own style best. I can see this was a lark, a change; that’s fun for a post, but please don’t be led astray by some of the above fawning, gushing and flattery. I know it’s a rah-rah, you go, girl world, but the zeitgeist in changing, so watch out. In all friendly honesty, those pants swamp you and those colors do you no favor.

    You look much more feminine, intelligent and less “under the influence” here: https://unefemme.net/2013/09/modern-romance-neesh-by-d-a-r.html

    Not to mention modern and younger–although, I know, I must not be ageist.

  26. I like this look very much, feminine and it suits you. I love that you will try different looks. The wide pants are just lovely on you and I might well try some. I have just bought a similar shaped jacket that wasn’t me but when I tried it on I just loved it.

  27. Lovely, and very Helen Mirren in the glowy/sexy/strong vibe. The earrings are amazing with your cut and color too, a very classy pop of color.

    1. The jacket is beautiful, but I clicked on it and was astonished that it was nearly $1000. Are there actually people who would spend that much on a jacket?????

  28. You look absolutely beautiful!!!!! You look so different than in the black and gray I’m used to seeing you in! Your skin color and hair, your eyes, everything looks softer (if that makes any sense). You must start incorporating more of these shades (clays, pinks, etc) into your wardrobe. So so flattering.

  29. off topic, perhaps, but I saw this article and thought of you and your love of Eileen Fisher
    (You look great as does your Lisa over at Privilege. Funny, but when I worked at an office, my clothes looked more like what you’re wearing now (it was a relatively casual office) and at home, my clothes were closer to what you dressed Lisa in (minus the see-through part ha!) so I have ended up an odd melange in my closet. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde thing maybe.)
    Here’s that link.
    http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/03/i-cannot-lie-i-love-eileen-fisher.html

    Love your blog!
    M

  30. I too, felt that the pants swamped you, but had you been allowed alterations they would have been fine, -fit is all! The color is flattering beyond all belief, although I prefer the style of the jacket that was the alternate choice. It would be lovely if we could get everything in one package, right? Still, if it is not “your” look, it will sit at the back of your closet as a rebuke. I think that this exercise showed clearly that you and Lisa have such strong personal styles that even if something fits, and objectively looks good, subjectively it can miss the mark. I.e. Both of you look, well, um, “okay” in the other’s choices but…if it isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it.

  31. You look fabulous!! Going out of your normal style encourages me to give it a go.
    A faithful fan,
    Pat
    By the way, your haircut, so chic, gave my stylist some new ideas for my hair. Most of all, thank you for your well orchestrated travel ensembles.

  32. I think the jacket is stunning on you!! But I’m not crazy about the outfit proportions. I think you definitely rock this Glam look, but look younger and more chic in your usual proportions. Maybe this jacket with some dark jeans and boots with attitude. I think it’s the attitude that’s missing. The earrings are stellar. Fun idea!! Heading over to see Lisa.

  33. Forget the clothes – you, my dear, are a diva, which comes from the heart. But, I have to say you radiate star quality in this outfit. I love your head shot with those Edie earrings too.

  34. There was a weird error when I tried to send this last night–so I”m trying again. Sorry if its a duplicate.

    Off topic, perhaps, but I saw this article and thought of you and your love of Eileen Fisher
    (You look great as does your Lisa over at Privilege. Funny, but when I worked at an office, my clothes looked more like what you’re wearing now (it was a relatively casual office) and at home, my clothes were closer to what you dressed Lisa in (minus the see-through part ha!) so I have ended up an odd melange in my closet. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde thing maybe.)
    Here’s that link.
    http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/03/i-cannot-lie-i-love-eileen-fisher.html

    Love your blog!
    M

  35. I love that jacket on you, however I prefer the proportions of the usual outfits you wear. This seems to fizzle out. I recognize you couldn’t alter anything to fit, but the pants look aging on you. Glam yes, but I like you with more attitude. Maybe this jacket with some dark jeans and hipper shoes? The earrings are stellar!

  36. I have to say I prefer your own choices . It’s the trousers I don’t like – perhaps a darker shade ? Beige is rather dreary & adds inches you don’t have . I think you probably realise this already , hence the discomfort . I see you more as a ‘ rock chick ‘

  37. Oh my gosh, you look amazing in these colors. Like other posters I’d like to see the pants in a straighter leg but other than that – wow, yes, very movie-star-ish. Walk off the plane at CDG in this ensemble and they’ll be whispering, “C’est qui?”

  38. I like the colour of the jacket but not sure about the wide trousers. I once had to lend a dress to a colleague whose suitcase had been lost by the airline. Even though we are the same size it just did not work.

  39. I think you look amazing in this outfit. I do understand though, that it has to do more than look amazing on you; it has to feel right. I have a body type that best suits a style I don’t favour. I think that if you needed a glamorous look but didn’t want a skirt or dress this one would be good for a special situation.

  40. Fabulous idea! I love the sense of adventure and good humor here! But…I have to go with the minority. For me, not your best look. I love seeing your posts and think you are lovely; the beige seems to wash you out and the pants don’t flatter (love, LOVE, the new bootcut jeans btw). If its any consolation, you did a much better job over at “Amid..-” – good jacket, boots, jeans, hair – although I could do without the sheer belly top. Having said all that (too much?) I would love to see this round robin amongst bloggers dressing each other – you and Vivienne especially! Thanks for all your hard work.

  41. I do find the change to lighter colors so nice on you! I usually wear darker colors but this is encouraging me to go for a lighter palette. You look wonderful!

  42. Love the jacket and earrings on you – both could be keepers. Not so fond of the wide legged pants, and think one needs to be very tall to carry them off – but that’s just me. The blush color is gorgeous on you, as is the whole palette.

  43. I do think you know your style best, and part of that: style is not just how one is in a photo, but how one moves in the world, in all the variety of situations we encounter. I love that you tried something different, and I enjoy the lighter spring palette. I think that’s what immediately grabbed me: I find it so much more difficult to dress for warmer weather, and I’m constantly looking for inspiration. That jacket is a dream and I wish I could afford it — I’ve been looking for the right blush (not pink) topper for some time. I have to concur with others about the pants, though. Even if they were tailored, I think your regular silhouette is my favorite — and beige can be so difficult, even if it’s not close to the face.

    As a glasses wearing person from a wee age, I did notice that you’re not wearing your glasses! You’re lovely either way, but it just makes me realize how much a trademark pair of great frames becomes part of one’s look.

  44. I love this outfit on you. The colors are very flatting to your skin and hair. The shapes show your curves off. Menswear tailoring with a body skimming fit. The clothing shapes are pretty classic. The earrings definitely make it glamorous with adding a bold dose of sparkle!

  45. Although it is out of your comfort zone, you do look amazing. Is it because of your performing abilities? I don’t know. It would not work if you seemed insecure of course. No outfit works with insecurity.
    But this is nice, really nice. Some drama thrown in with the shoes. Beautiful earrings (you should have kept them!! Fun experiment. (Also Lisa as a rocker.)
    Greetje

  46. I think you look absolutely wonderful in these colours and makes you look younger, more vibrant and yes, like Dame Helen Mirren. You must wear these colours again, particularly in the spring and summer months.

  47. I think the soft colors go very well with your skin and hair. The shapes are more classic shapes than what you normally wear but they look very nice on you and show off your curves to their best advantage. I don’t know what your measurements are but I am guessing that you are more comfortable hiding the hip and upper thigh areas. You don’t show a picture of yourself from the back so how pants fit there is crucial. I think the strong shoulder line, wide lapel on the jacket, and the heavier leather on top balances your lower half and gives you an hourglass figure. If you don’t have one already, it gives one the illusion. (You seem pretty evenly proportioned to me – from what I can tell from the pictures – so you can more easily wear whatever you want and look great.)
    Those earrings definitely make the whole outfit more glamorous.

    I have been following your blog for a little while and know you like black and different clothing shapes. It is possible to do those shapes in lighter colors. I like artsy shapes and narrow bottoms but fuller bottoms balance my shape out better.

    I have taken to showing off my waist more since I joined a gym. I have found at my age, which is over 50, if you hide your waist completely, people assume you don’t have one!

  48. A fantastic demonstration of the power of clothing! I think it is all good fun, and you don’t look bad in the colors, but the shapes don’t seem right to me. I think what is lacking is a bit of the “gamine” quality that you show in your best outfits and seems to fit your face/body/personality. In Kibbe speak, this outfit seems very “soft classic”, which I think may not be you. I also wonder if as the day went on you didn’t begin to feel a bit messy and limp. I always find those softer pieces do that on me. The same jacket with a crisp white T and your favorite fitted jeans? That may be great on you. Or the earrings, which are gorgeous, with a sleek dress. You are very brave to attempt something new — let alone for the whole world to see!

    1. Molly, it’s funny that you mention Kibbe types…I’ve been reading over the boards again and after having read the *descriptions* of the different types (rather than taking that quiz that gives me a different answer every time) I’m 99% sure I’m mostly in the Soft Natural category.

  49. You look sensational in that colour scheme, and wears it with great confidence. I must say I admire short hair but is unable to wear mine short. Short styles just look so chic!

  50. These colors are AMAZING on you. Please adopt some of this for the spring/summer season, its very flattering. You do look effortlessly glam. I would envy you at an event 🙂

    Also your “location” shoot is down the street from me 😀 You are brave!

  51. WOW!! You look amazing! The first picture did make me think Helen Mirren. You do glamour very well. What a great and fun dress up project – Lisa looks awesome styled as a rock chick.

  52. I don’t know how I stumbled on this post … or rather how I missed it to begin with! What a wonderful idea for a post … and how very brave of you both! I think you do quite well with the glamour my dear … but I do have a leaning and a love of glamour! It is quite interesting what we feel our best in, isn’t it!

    You are always such a style inspiration my dear! So well done!

    xoxo
    Tamera

  53. Just stumbled upon this makeover switch, you both look fabulous! Those soft light colors are incredibly flattering! I’m sorry sometimes that jeans and black clothes are so prevalent, it’s such a narrow palette. And looking soft and dare I say it..feminine, are so out of style. We like Hellen Mirren because she has a feminine look. It works on her, and it works on you. Well done.