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 Still
Stylin'
By Pat Gavin
Norwood
- I love my New Year’s resolution. I love
implementing my New Year’s resolution and I’d love
to share it with you.
My resolution? Everyday I will try to look my best,
to dress as one who is still stylin’.
There are two main reasons why I consider this an
important goal. What you wear affects how you feel
and shopping is good for your physical and emotional
health!
1. What you wear affects how you feel.
When we know we look our best, we usually feel
better about ourselves. Emotionally and physically,
it is well worth the effort required to put your
best fashion foot forward every day.
However, this discussion introduces a conundrum. Is
it that “If I dress well, I will feel better” or is
it “If I feel better, I will dress well.”
The answer doesn’t really matter. Accept the
transformational aspect of clothing and aim each day
to prove to the world and to yourself that you are
still stylin’. You will feel better and you will
look better, and it doesn’t matter whether the
feeling came from the look or the look came from the
feeling.
2. Shopping is good for your physical and
emotional health.
Academics have measured the effects of shopping
on the brain. Researchers at the UK’s Brunel
University found that “shopping is associated with
increased activity in the left prefrontal cortex, a
part of the brain that has been linked to pleasure
and positive thinking.”
A small study conducted by Brit Beemer, founder and
CEO of America’s Research Group, found that older
women who purchased new clothes tended to live
longer. Beemer chalks it up to improved self-esteem.
The data is not extensive enough to support a
definitive conclusion on the health benefits of
shopping. However, there may be a PhD candidate out
there who will latch onto this issue for a doctoral
dissertation. Until proven otherwise, assume that
shopping is good for you, and enjoy every minute of
such activity, so that you can look your stylish
best at all times.
High Fives For The New Year
Sweaters
Update your sweater collection with an open
front drape cardigan (also called a swag cardigan).
If you prefer a closed look, you can add a belt a la
Michelle Obama to this contemporary piece
These sweaters, which are stylish alternatives to
the traditional cardigan, come in many weights,
textures and luscious colors. They are often long
with a waterfall front, thus combining rear
camouflage with front fashion panache. What a
fashion investment!
Shoes
As we age, it becomes more difficult to find a
stylish shoe that is comfortable. Unfortunately,
there is nothing that relegates a woman to fashion
obsolescence faster than an “old lady shoe” (well,
maybe, a polyester pant suit).
However, take heart. This is the year for the mature
fashionista. The oxford shoe, described as
the orthopedic look by some fashion writers, was
seen on every catwalk in NYC, Milan, and even Paris!
These are not your average oxfords; they are oxfords
with an edge, with character, but still with
comfort. You can find wingtip oxfords, twotone
spectator oxfords and even our old high school
favorite – saddle shoes.
While the look remains on the cutting edge, it’s
important to pair oxford style shoes with an outfit
that emphasizes a contemporary look. You’ll then
find that your feet will be smilin’ and you will be
stylin’.
Necklaces
Another 2012 fashion trend that will appeal to
seniors is the multi strand necklace. Many of us
have single strand necklaces tangled up in a jewelry
box or shoved to the back of a bureau drawer.
You can create your own multi strand necklace by
layering several single strands of different
lengths. Be creative and mix varying materials and
thicknesses of chains. Include at least one long
necklace that will draw the eye downward from your
neck. If you’ve had a neck lift/tuck, disregard this
advice, and wear a multi strand choker if you
prefer.
Little Black Dress
Everyone needs a little black dress (LBD). A
quintessential fashion essential, the LBD at our age
need not be little, i.e. very short, but it does
need to be a well-tailored, yet simple, garment.
Such a dress leaves plenty of wiggle room, literally
and figuratively, for you to add your personal touch
of style. A simple sweater or blazer makes it
appropriate for daytime occasions; a sophisticated
shrug or shawl transforms your LBD into a choice for
an evening event. Add a belt occasionally,
experiment with jewelry, and if your LBD is
sleeveless even try wearing it as a jumper.
This column’s High Five Tip for All Seasons
is “Stand up straight.” Once again we realize our
mothers and teachers were right. Good posture
compensates for and camouflages many figure flaws
and fashion faux pas. It allows us to breathe more
deeply and appear more open to life’s experiences –
one of which is, of course, to keep stylin’.
About The Author
Pat Gavin has worked locally in elder
services for the past twelve years. She can be
contacted at: still_stylin68@yahoo.com..
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