Worth repeating: Expert clothing advice for women of a certain age
I wrote this post back in 2015. Geralin remains my wardrobe advisor and she never lets me down! I thought this concise advice was definitely worth repeating. I’ll ask Geralin to weigh in on the comments if her advice has changed. Great news! If you’d like the benefit of more wardrobe wisdom from Geralin, you can now purchase her Wardrobe Wisdom Workbook for only $9.99.
Geralin Thomas
As I posted last week, I had a lovely time creating a capsule wardrobe with my friend and wardrobe advisor, Geralin Thomas. Geralin has been helping me with my clothing for eight years and I am so grateful for her expert advice.
In 2007, I was 45 and now I’m 53. In that time, my body has changed somewhat, with a little more padding in the hips than used to be there. That, plus the fact I’m now in my fifties, has changed Geralin’s advice for me a bit.
Last week, she gave me five bits of clothing-selection advice (and permission to share) that is specific to me, but applies to many fifty-something women. (The last one is specific to narrow-on-the top, wider-on-the-bottom women like me.)
- Colors matter. They help simplify the shopping process by ruling some colors out.
- Some colors are so much more flattering than others. Try to shop for colors that match your hair and eye colors and complexion.
- Smaller lapels are less trendy and more classic and therefore have more staying power.
- Thin knits are not so great on many of us as we’re getting older and losing muscle tone, gaining lumps and bumps. Instead, look for thicker knits; ponte knits are especially nice if you’re trying to “glam-oflauge” areas like thighs, bottom, or back-bulge.
- Longer cardigans are not figure friendly for me. Instead, a little structure in a sweater or a jacket helps bring balance.
Geralin always looks amazing and I am delighted that she is so willing to share her wardrobe wisdom. Thank you, Geralin!
Tagged with: geralin thomas, mindful shopping, shopping, wardrobe, worth repeating
Comments
Fantastic! Thanks so much for the additional wisdom, Geralin!
Janine Adams March 26, 2018 08:30 AM
About Janine
Hello! I’m Janine Adams — a certified professional organizer based in St. Louis, and the creator of Peace of Mind Organizing®.
I love order, harmony + beauty, but I believe that the way that you feel about yourself and your home is what truly matters.
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Janine,
Based on our “wardrobe wisdom” conversations, I do have a few additional tips that may be helpful for you to keep in mind when shopping or editing your closet.
Yes to – tunic style tops with uneven hemlines (worn with slim fitting pants)
Yes to – defined-waist tops that stop between the waist and the hip (to visually lengthen your legs)
Yes to – V-neck or scoop neck tops
Yes to – handbags with structure that are “east-west” or “landscape”
Yes to – shoes with an almond shaped toe (not square, not round)
Yes to – shoes that match your pants and socks (winter) or skin tone (summer)
Yes to – nude or nearly nude shoes when wearing dresses (wearing a nearly nude shoe helps visually elongate one’s legs. The opposite is true if wearing a dark shoe with a dress)
Geralin Thomas March 26, 2018 08:19 AM