This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
It is important that we think carefully before we buy in this age of sustainability. We need to choose clothes that are going to last and get a lot of wear. I think by our age and stage we all know what we like so we don’t need to change our whole wardrobe each year. We just need to tweak it a little. I am a great one for classical dressing but maybe with a little twist. Find a good seamstress who can take some favourite trousers up which will give them an updated look. However don’t let her cut the hem off as you may need them lengthened again in the future to fit in with the current fashion.
I get a lot of satisfaction finding an old favourite that works so well with something new. A leather jacket I have had for years worn over a pretty dress to give it an edge. A trouser suit that I have worn a lot but I can now split up and wear in a completely different style.
Finally of course accessories: neon is fashionable this year so choose a few high street pieces and jazz up that favourite navy jumper.
THE MID SEASON COATIGAN:
For all of those days when the weather is a bit changeable and you don’t want to get caught out. Grace loves her Merino wool wrap from Kettlewell Colours in a neutral camel colour. It could be an all year round addition to your wardrobe as I cannot see Grace putting it away this Autumn.
THE WHITE TEE SHIRT:
Always a staple but can be a little clingy so a looser fit is perfect. I like the long sleeve at this time of year whilst my arms are a little pale! It is also nice to see a tee worn with this Skinny Twilly (necktie) from Uterqüe (last season) which gives it a little colour.
THE BRETON, THE NAVY TROUSERS & THE LEATHER JACKET:
We all love a Breton stripe however this is a jumper from HOPE FASHION which I think is a good alternative to the Breton tee-shirt. Worn like this with some ME+EM trousers and an old leather jacket (also from Me+Em). This is classical dressing with a good few twists! Wearing a short jacket over a long jumper or shirt is a comfortable way to hide the waist if it no longer exists.
THE DRESS:
I am always looking for a dress that covers up as much as possible. I love this one from Me+Em as it ticks all the boxes and even though it is in black and white it still looks summery enough. It reminds me of that scene at the races in My Fair Lady. I could accessorise it with some bright shoe and bag however this time I chose some slip ons from Uterqüe as they are so perfect. Uterqüe are a little secret of mine when it comes to shoes. These two-tone slingbacks cost £99 and are constantly admired when I have worn them. I felt very comfortable in this dress and loved the way it moved.
So classical dressing does not need to be boring and certainly can be made to work so that you can shine at ageless dressing!