Redefining Wardrobe Basics Over 60: Elevate Your Style
For most of my adult life, I bought into the notion that wardrobe basics should be the most generic, anodyne version of any garment. I’d been taught to “always choose the simplest style.” (The premise being that one wouldn’t tire of it as quickly.) And putting that into practice made for a wardrobe that was serviceable, but without any discernible POV. And so many of my outfits looked and felt…flat.
Over time, I’ve shifted how I think of “basics.” Now, the pieces I consider my basics are those that work for my lifestyle, my physical architecture and Style Personality, and (most importantly) that I love and feel most myself in. Functional, comfortable, wearable clothes don’t have to be generic.
Neutral barrel-leg jeans outfit for spring
My sizes: Jacket – Small, Shell – Medium, Jeans – Petite 8
Two of my current wardrobe workhorses are these Ruti barrel leg jeans, and the Sézane “Betty” cardigan (or sweater-jacket). Starting with these two pieces, I could easily put together at least a dozen outfits with what’s already in my closet.
These collared cardigans are available in several colors, and I’ve purchased a few over the years. They are excellent for travel, and always make my travel wardrobe MVP list. For more budget-friendly options, check out this one from Loft, and this one from Madewell. And if you prefer something more fitted and less boxy, you might like this one from J.Crew. And from Talbot’s here’s a style in cotton (lots of colors & inclusive sizing options) that’s 25% off.
Barrel jeans have become more mainstream, and you can find good styles at most price points. Here are a few that are more budget-friendly: Kut from the Kloth, Madewell, Everlane, Quince.
I know these styles aren’t to everyone’s taste, and that’s OK. In fact, it’s kind of the point. The more we develop our own personal style, the less we want to look like everyone else. It takes a bit more confidence, but dressing for our unique selves can also help us build confidence.
Has your concept of wardrobe basics shifted over time? What do you wear to feel confident?
Your weekly favorites
What my readers are loving this week…
Via Spiga Raincoat | Jane Iredale Lipstick | Talbot’s Striped Sweater
Vionic Boat Shoe | Eileen Fisher Linen-Cotton Sweater Jade
Eileen Fisher Linen-Cotton Top Chartreuse | Eileen Fisher Navy Blazer (Plus here)
Reading & watching
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been seeing a lot of mentions and quotes from “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler. I’m a couple of chapters in and am finding parts of it eerily prescient (it was published in 1993).
I’d encourage you to purchase from your local independent bookstore, or borrow from your local library, but it’s also available from several sources online. (I’m very lucky to have a thriving bookstore near me, but understand not everyone does.)
And I just finished watching the full first season of The Åre Murders on Netflix. If your a fan of Scandinavian crime dramas 🤚 this is a really good one. I hope they’ll do more seasons.
Bon weekend!
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You are right, everybody has their own style. It does take a bit of work (and failures) to find out what that style is though.
You look very much you, polished, laid-back and comfortable.
Greetje
Thanks so much, Greetje. I think experimentation keeps us engaged and prevents our outlook getting stale.
Thank you for plugging independent bookstores as well as the pleasures of reading. I always enjoy your fashion advice as well as your lifestyle reflections!
My Style is what I would call classic casual. I only wear dresses and skirts in the summer and they are linen or cotton. I did keep my career jackets, but I now pair them with denim ( which I love) or a ponte pant. Living in the coastal PNW, I wear more lightweight pullover sweaters. Gone are the heels replaced with loafers, sneakers or ballerina flats. I did keep a couple of ponte sheath dresses, but the truth is they are rarely worn. . only wear athletic wear to work out.
Hi Cindy, thank you! I think local bookstores can be a vital community hub, something that’s so important in these times.
Totally agree with your view, esp that the “usual” basics can be boring and we all need to find our own basics. Some of my examples: loafers, silver jewelry, my colors, straight leg jeans, single breasted one button blazers, matching sweatsuits. Whether they are “in” or not.
Hi Shari, I’m so glad we live in a time where we have lots of choices to be able to express our style.
Hi, Susan…I don’t know if you would consider your bracelets as a basic but I always admire how they bring an extra element of your personality to an outfit…would love to see something on accessories and personality types…but mostly, I like yours 🙂
Thanks so much, Jean! These colorful bracelets have become a sort of signature piece for me.
I have 3 pairs of barrel leg pants, The Izzie, from Anthropologie and love them. I especially like that they’re all pull on and super comfortable. They have many different materials and colors. They have a brown faux leather that would look great on you! I really like the jeans and will be taking them to France in four weeks as part of my capsule wardrobe.
Hi Linda, I’m so glad you’ve found a style that works for you! I’ll take a look at these.
Susan, I totally get what you are saying. The basics have to be true to our own personal style. I’ve also adjusted my purchases that way. Example, I no longer will buy a “basic white short sleeve tee”. I have learned I don’t even like those kind of tee shirts . My version of a “basic white tee” is sleeveless (LOL) or 3/4 sleeve, and ivory in color.
Thank you! I look hideous in the basic white T, especially if it has the dreaded pocket! Anything crew neck looks dreadful on me. And the darn basic white or blue Oxford striped button down shirt that we allegedly cannot survive without… truly hideous on me. I simply cannot do crew neck, button down or polo style tops. Perhaps it’s because I have broad shoulders, not sure, but any of these are a very firm no for me. Give me all the boat, ballet, turtle, and mock turtle necks, and, yes, 3/4 length sleeves!
Hi Carolyn, what you say makes sense. I think it’s better to define our basics in terms of the functions they fill in our wardrobes, rather than focusing on a specific item type.
I love your blog and your asthetic but I am a size 16 and 5’8 so I never know if things will look good on me. I just ordered the Kut barrel jeans and the loft cardigan. I hope it doesn’t look cheap. I love the Sezaane styles but have been hesitant to order Is it easy to send back?
Hi Darlene, thanks! And yes Sézane returns are super easy! No customs forms or anything like that.
Hi Susan: I moved outside my comfort zone recently and purchased the Ruti barrel jeans. I’m so happy I did – I love them. They’re the pair I choose more often than straight legged because they are unique. Love their look.
Hi Joan, I’m delighted to hear that you love them! I find they’re very comfortable too.
Keeping it simple gives me confident. A neutral, solid column of well fitting pants, top, skirt or a dress. Add great shoes, bag, belt of lasting quality. Sometimes a great scarf for pattern.
Add nice jewelry Ive had for many years and wear on repeat.
Attention to hair and makeup.
Less is more.
Yes! I find if I’m having to fuss too much putting an outfit together, I never feel as confident.
My late mother was a big proponent of that notion, for clothes and furnishings, and her default colour was beige / tan / neutral because “it goes with everything”. Which it does, but it never did me, or my house, any favours. But it took many years to overcome.
Hi Johanna, yes it can take decades to mentally re-write those old “rules.”
Love your posts and your style. While I’m much taller, a different colour season and your style isn’t my style, I love your posts because you so often encourage us to style or restyle our clothes into new outfits. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked at my closet and thought “I always wear A and B together. How might Susan change it up? Voila! A new, fresh outfit! Thanks for all your colour info and interesting posts.
Thanks so much, Shaza! I’m so glad you find it helpful.
Metallic shoes are my basics. Red eyeglasses are my basics. Wide-leg jeans are my basics. Basics are things I can and do wear every day of the week. One person’s beige is my coral.
Hi MJ, I’m with you on metallic shoes, love them!
A consequence of all the “rules” and “must have” lists is boring same-old wardrobes where everyone looks like everyone else. I have always been a rebel (much to my mother’s chagrin) so I applaud the idea of choosing clothing to suit yourself and not the fashion bosses.
Smart looking outfit! Thank you for always including your size!
Thanks, Kathy!
Hi, Susan, I have yet to wear barrel type trousers but love baggy jeans. I saw these “Arc Pants” at Le Bon Shoppe (https://lebonshoppe.com/products/arc-pants-navy-copy). Have you seen them or tried them? The sizing seems funky, so I hope to chat with LBS next week sometime. Thanks!
Hi Maeve, I have not tried that brand yet, but they do have some interesting styles!
I feel a little of the 80s creeping back in fashion (talk about personal style!), and I love it. I like some pattern or special detail. And lol, who knew that in this day and age, we could say ‘if you like Scandinavian crime dramas’, and everyone would understand what you mean!
Hi Pamela, I agree about special details. They really make such a difference!
Thank you for featuring the Loft cardigan. I love the look of it, and especially the color. Bought both the SReg and XSP to see what fit works best. And it was on sale! I appreciate that you work hard to find lower price options.
Because I have to move around and bend down a lot for work, I rarely wear skirts, and have settled on bootcut pants (really like Betabrand yoga pants) and short sleeved pima cotton or silk knit tops, with a cardigan or hip length open sweater. Lots of colors, though. I don’t naturally gravitate towards neutral.
Hi Lin, thanks, hope it works well for you!
HI Susan – I so appreciate your link earlier this month to Colorful Standard. I’m an autumn and love the Tropical Sea color! I wouldn’t have picked it. It’s helpful to have you mention which colors work with which seasons.
And thank you for doing your fun and informative blog. It is a difficult world we live in and fashion is a delightful respite.
Susan your style is always an inspiration. I love that cardigan and your hair looks stunning. Can you tell me what hair products you use.