Andrea Pflaumer's Blog, page 12

For Spring 2016 designers are all about going big – big color, big stripes, big patterns. And one of the cheeriest of pattern trends is floral.

Couture designers have taken this to the somewhat ridiculous (surprise, surprise…) extreme with, for example, bathrobe-y looking coats and the random patch of black (for her shotgun shoulder pad?) But although we typically think of florals as either Romantic (large, darker florals) or Youthful (small, sweet paler florals) we’re getting quite a mash-up this season, offering something for almost every style type.

Here are a few: One of the biggest trends is the satin (likely polyester) bomber jacket. This one (right) is an interesting, but not easily wearable, combination of Subtle Blended color along with the Natural/Relaxed style. But the blue background and red floral read as a bit more Lively Bright. A blonde with a touch of Natural and some Youthful could likely wear this. But it’s a funny combination of colors and styles. One of my favorite women over 60 in the Instagram world is jewelry designer Saramai, who rocks her own version on the left here, and it works for her – color and style.

Here’s an example of a Bright spring like Romantic for plus size. (Refreshing that plus size ladies don’t have to hide beneath neutral ‘tents’ any longer.) And the little youthful pattern to the right in blue is kind of tent like, but in a tongue-and-cheek way.

If you’re getting the impression that the florals this year are mostly Lively Bright – or Spring – you’d be correct. It’s just what we think of in the spring. For Earthy Rich types don’t expect to find a lot of florals – but then you’d more likely be harmonious in some of the other graphic prints available anyway, like this map print on the dress on the left (both Subtle Blended and Earthy Rich – the dress to the right of it works only for a Striking winter type) or the large floral pattern on the caftan.

As for other Spring prints, Dolce and Gabbana’s new version of High Spirited and Romantic has come through loud and clear the past two seasons with their graphic prints depicting life scenes in Lively Brights (left) Youthful florals in Striking (winter) colors (right) and child-like drawing prints as in this yellow dress (far right.)

However you look at it, there’s a profusion of pattern this spring and there’s (almost) something for every different style type, and a lot for certain color types. The takeaway from it all is don’t let yourself fall into a rut – there’s a lot of joyous color and pattern to celebrate this spring.

If you haven’t already, please sign up for my regular emails here (see the aqua “subscribe here” button in the sidebar to the right) and receive a free download from my new book, She’s Got Good Jeans!

The post Florals this Spring: Something for Everyone appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Well into her late 70s, Elaine Stritch, the boozy-throated Broadway legend, performed her award-winning one-woman cabaret show wearing a simple outfit: black high heels, black sheer stockings, and a thigh-length white silk blouse, unbuttoned to reveal her cleavage. It went with the whole package of who she was.

As for the rest of us, unless we’re sipping a mojito under a palm tree in the Bahamas, few of us would feel comfortable showing that much skin. And although Stritch had one of the greatest pair of legs in theater, she covered them in dark stockings.

For better or for worse it seems that exposing a fair amount (or occasionally a slightly shocking amount) of skin is becoming more common these days among older women. Many of the icons of theater and film have crossed the 50+ threshold and are taking a stand to stay visible in an industry that still venerates youth.

Case in point: not long ago the eternally sexy Susan Sarandon appeared at an awards ceremony wearing a white tuxedo pantsuit with lapels cut almost to her waist, revealing a good portion of her cleavage. Her bust was covered by a black bra/bustier that – as gravity had taken its toll – was positioned fairly low on her chest.  She wore it with her usual cool self-assuredness as though it might be what she would throw on to go to the grocery store. But the whole look veered dangerously close to the “ewwww” factor when the interviewer queried her son if his friends thought his mom was “hot.” He replied, only slightly jokingly, “that’s all they talk about.”

Here’s the deal:  Our breast tissue loses a lot of tone after menopause. Breast tissue sags and changes from perky to squishy. Now, there’s nothing wrong with squishy, per se, but does it serve the same purpose as when a young woman shows cleavage? The history of humankind offers up cleavage for one reason: to continue the species.

Carolina Herrera

Now, if we’re trying to change the paradigm about older women still being desirable, that’s one thing. But promising what is no longer deliverable is another altogether. Fashion legend Carolina Herrera says that she will no longer wear tight jeans for a similar reason. She explains that from behind, a woman may look almost any age, particularly if she’s slender and well-proportioned. That might attract a man until he sees her face and then, as she says, “Oh, no! sorry…” (Of course if you have white or silver hair you will more likely avoid that embarrassment and simply be admired for how well-preserved you are.)

Kim Cattrall

However, one doesn’t want to err on the side of prudishness either. So I consulted with my husband about how an older man (he’s 73) feels about older women showing some skin. He replied, “It all depends on the skin…”

Of course, that’s it in a nutshell. Regardless of age, if your legs have retained their shape and if you’ve managed to avoid splotchiness, rope-y veins, excess sag, flab, and jiggle, sure! Why not show them off?

The same criteria apply to the upper body. In fact, the “portrait” area – the shoulders, upper arms and clavicle – is one of the most attractive parts of a woman’s body, particularly if her arms are toned. The charm about sleeveless, halter, and off-the-shoulder necklines is that they actually draw attention toward the face. And frankly, it’s the eyes that are the sexiest part of you after all.

So, maybe a thigh-high slit isn’t your best move any more, nor is emphasizing the heft of your 40DDDs. But, as the saying goes, (and within reason) “if you’ve got it, flaunt it.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Write me at: [email protected] And if you don’t have it yet, Shopping for the Real You is available here or at Amazon – where it just reached the top 5!!

The post Are Older Women Showing Too Much Skin? appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

We’re going to start looking at patterns and  prints in terms of the style facets they each represent. Since we’re in the dead of winter let’s bring in some cheer by starting with that most quintessential of summer patterns, stripes!

Stripes were not always representative of the sunniest of times or circumstances. In medieval times stripes were worn only by harlots, harlequins, and hangmen, not to mention prisoners. (And more recently prisoners in war camps.) And there are glorious images of stripe-robed sultans from the ancient Middle East. But in the mid 19th century Queen Victoria decided to dress her son Albert Edward in a striped sailor top as they set out on their royal yacht. Thus was born the association we carry in our collective memory between stripes and the sea.

In 1858 the French Navy made the pattern standard issue for all their sailors in Brittany in the form of what is now known as the Bretton shirt. The pattern had a practical purpose in that it made the sailors more visible on the sea. But the striped tee assumed status as a classic fashion piece in 1917 when Coco Chanel introduced her nautical collection, based on that Bretton shirt.

Today those narrow symmetrical navy blue and white stripes conjure up images in which we see ourselves by the sea, the lakeshore, or in some Mediterranean idyll, basking in the easy warmth of the summer sun. In their symmetry and modesty stripes are perfect expression of the Classic style.

But of course, fashion is not static – otherwise it wouldn’t be considered “fashion.” So for better or for worse this season stripes have taken off in a new direction with a bolder life of their own, reimagined by many of today’s designers. Let’s look at a couple of them.

In the “better” Category is this lovely green and white chiffon from Stella McCartney. Stella’s style is a combination of Classical and Youthful. If it weren’t for the stripes, this dress would read more as Romantic. Alexander Wang has created a tough street version of stripes in this bomber jacket and blue striped leather pants for someone with a lot of the Natural style type plus a touch of Drama. 

And Ralph Lauren has juxtaposed a very Classic tailored look from the waist up with an Angelic floaty white skirt. (Interesting, but frankly I’m not sure it works unless that blouse is the softest silk…and even then…)

Finally there’s Tommy Hilfiger whose characteristic bright palette is seen here in a very flirty High-Spirited and Youthful combination.

But for those of us with a good deal of the Classic style type in our features and personality the Bretton tee will do just fine, thank you. And even if you don’t have a lot of the classic style, Classics work for just about everyone as witnessed in these lovely examples.

Do you know what your style facets are?

Take the quiz and find out in my book here: Shopping for the Real You. 

The post Stripes Happy! appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Ladies (I know a few of you gents read this blog, but really, this is just for the ladies.)

I just got a call from my charming and delightful friend, Paula Jessop, who asked me if I would step in and be interviewed for her Bombshell Bliss video summit (her scheduled guest couldn’t make it this weekend) so I have done so and the video airs Monday, January 4! I will be speaking about the value and importance of inner and outer beauty after 50. Follow this LINK to the interview.

And here is how Paula describes her work and her summit:

“A Bombshell is more than curves, red lipstick, and glamour. A Bombshell is a woman who lives her life on her own terms. A woman who knows her beauty, knows her worth, and knows that if she is living a full and fantastic and abundant life, then she and her life are a blessing to the planet.

You see it’s your inherent right to be happy and have an awesome life. It’s not a privilege for a select lucky few. It is a right. The fact that you were loved enough to be given the breath of life means that you are entitled to have a fabulous life.  Part of getting there is claiming it and that is one of things that a Bombshell excels at — claiming her value.

As we dive into this topic of Bombshell power, I want for you to fully realize a deep sustainable love for yourself.  To have the experience and joy of cherishing yourself and standing for your true worth. To see how going after your desires and asking for more takes nothing away from anyone. Instead how that deep capacity for love and joy is being in your feminine power. And for you to feel how irresistible you are in that sweet spot. This irresistible power is a blessing to all and added bonus, it opens the way for others to have more in their life.

I know you can see the value of operating from that sweet Bombshell power spot, but for whatever the reason you may not have been able to find it, use it, or sustain it. This is the opportunity for you to turn that around. If you are ready to say that it’s time for you to once and for all connect into and act from your feminine power. To claim your divine right to have even MORE in your life? Then you won’t want to miss this FREE Bombshell Bliss Summit.

I invite you to join me and 21 other real life women who embody the word Bombshell. These are women who own their power and use it in their daily lives. Join us in what will prove to be a paradigm shifting summit. Click on this link and get ready for a bodacious, delicious, and wondrous journey into irresistible Bombshell Power.”

The post Bombshell Bliss appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Hello everyone,

Today I have a question for you! I want to know what your priorities are as you move into your 50′s, 60′s, 70′s and 80′s.

You can suggest anything from fashion, to beauty, to health, to attitude, to family, to travel, etc.

And if you haven’t guessed yet, this is all about a very exciting event I have coming up after the New Year. Stay tuned!

Please write me and tell me your thoughts at:

[email protected]

Wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving,

Andrea

The post Vital, Vivacious, and Visible – after 50 appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Many years ago, as a young dance student at UCLA, one of my instructors demonstrated a movement performed by one of the notable postmodern dancer/choreographers. (I don’t remember who the dancer was but I’m guessing it was the incomparable Pina Bausch.)

She began the movement with her back toward the audience, and then very slowly and deliberately turned to face them full on, at which point she threw her arms outward and lifted her face toward the sky as if to say, “Here I am world!” And then she turned around, reversing the movement until her back was to the audience. And then she repeated the sequence again. And again.  And again.  And again…

The first time she did the movement it was powerful and meaningful. By the fifth time it became a little boring. By the 15th time, cliché. But around the 20th time… It became art.

As with anything in life, when we do something fully and intentionally it reinforces who we are and what we believe. It sends a powerful message. And that includes the simple act of how we clothe ourselves every day.

One of the greatest values of a “uniform” – something that is repeatable and speaks to who we are fundamentally – is that it is comforting to us on a deep level. (Here’s the blog post I wrote about uniforms.) But particularly as we age, continuing the thread of our personality through our attire ensures that we stay visible in a world that is constantly chasing after the next new fashion thing, no matter how crazy it is (these are from the Spring 2016 runway shows.)

My spectacular friend Dolores who turns 89 in February, is primarily a Summer type in coloring with a little bit of Spring thrown in. She is a mix of Classic, High-Spirited Exuberance and Angelic style facets. In her younger years (and by that I mean in her 50s and 60s) she wore her beautifully graying hair in a low bun. She also favored small Laura Ashley-type prints in dresses worn with her own hand knitted cardigans. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in pants. The only thing that she has changed is that she wears her hair – now a glorious silver -  in a chin length bob, and the small scale prints on her tops and skirts, which she still loves, are a little more ethnic.

Every summer Dolores takes herself off to Tuscany to spend a few weeks with her daughter and son-in-law at his ancestral family home. Her suitcase is a child size Tommy the Train roller. It holds everything she needs: “Most of the time I’m there I’m in my bathing suit and a tank top and I just need enough room for my knitting,” she explains.

Dolores doesn’t have to wear any wild or expensive get ups to get noticed. She’s quick-witted, highly read, and a fabulous storyteller. Everything about her, from her attire to that Tommy the Train roller, says “this is who I am,” and that’s why people love her.

As for the value of authenticity – and repetition, Dolly Parton sums it up well: know who you are and do it on purpose. 

Here’s to the real you!

Please sign up for my blog (see the sidebar) and get 5 free tips from Shopping for the Real You!

The post The Value of Authenticity and Repetition appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Illustration by Sue Tait Porcaro

This month we’re rounding out our analysis of the seven style archetypes by focusing on Ethereal – Angelic. If you want to get a sense of what this archetype looks like, consider the first one, Dramatic – Theatrical, and then apply everything that is just the opposite of that style. (Dramatic – Theatrical is at the far yang end of the style spectrum;  Ethereal  – Angelic is at the far yin end.)

If you haven’t yet read it, please review the blog post I wrote a few months ago about how the Angelic style type came about in the PSC system.

So what does it mean to be an Angelic? Well first of all, think about our concepts of angels: gentle, yielding, soft, expressing an “almost not there,” unearthly quality. They seem to be ascending rather than being grounded in terra firma. But also think about mermaids, almost anything oceanic, or the vastness of the sky. That’s where you’ll find Angelic – Ethereal types.

Many Angelics are on the tall side, but even if they are not tall there will be something elongated in their face shape, their hands, their feet and or legs. Their skin has a luminescent, almost transparent quality, and a very fine texture.

Cate Blanchet has many elements of the facial structure that defines an Angelic: high cheekbones, hooded eyelids, (rather than creased) oval face. Her Oscar-winning role in the film Blue Jasmine was a brilliant example of an earth-bound Angelic – someone who was easily untethered by unpleasant realities.

Then there’s Daryl Hannah, whose role in the movie Splash will forever define her in our memories as a mermaid. The innocence and vulnerability of her character magnifies those qualities we saw  in the Youthful – Playful style type last month -but taken to another level altogether.

And no description of this style type would be complete without a photo of Tilda Swinton, the poster child for the Angelic-Ethereal archetype.

As far as fashion is concerned whenever you see long cascading draping, or monk-like hoods, or sparkly luminescent fabrics, or fluffy open weave crochet or knit, or very refined details on accessories you’re probably looking at something angelic.

By their very nature any shoe in shiny gold or silver reads as angelic, as seen in these rose gold ballet slipper flats and wedges. But here’s another one that I just love because it shows you can be angelic and sexy: the snake print on these high heel sandals is in a soft luminescent color, and it almost looks like it’s made from some kind of mesh, not leather.

Angelic accessories can imply a kind of ancient secret society, or extraterrestrial civilization as in this beautiful gold ring to the right; the green pyrite ring on the left says “ocean.” And the gold mesh belt combines refined and delicate structure with the shimmer of gold.

Putting together a whole outfit for those with a lot of angelic can be a challenge, particularly in the winter when you have to wear something more substantial than chiffon, a very Angelic material. This open weave net sweater and soft pink skirt is a great example of how to do Angelic when the temperatures are cooler. The high neck long dress (very trendy right now) and the long fluffy sleeveless sweater (also on trend) is another good example.

Although most of us now wear hoodies, something with a hood (as if worn by someone who is monk-like or cloistered) is very much part of Angelic style.

And finally, because I always like to show something of couture, here is a piece by Chanel in all its angelic glory: cloudlike chiffon, shiny gold, otherworldly cuffs.

So how much Angelic do you have? My book, Shopping for the Real You, was designed to train your eye to recognize the details of each style archetype and then help you determine if you have a significant amount of those details in your own features.

Please join me for the next month on Facebook where I’ll be featuring many Angelic fashion images, celebrities, and some real life “angels next door.” And if you sign up for my blog (see “sign up for the blog” in the sidebar) you’ll get five free tips from my book Shopping for the Real You.

Here’s to all you earthbound angels and those that surround us all.

The post Style type 7: Angelic – Ethereal appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Youthful: Innocent, enthusiastic, optimistic. These are all expressions that speak of what it means to be young. And they are also apt descriptions of the Youthful-Playful style archetype.

Sometimes they can be mistaken for the Exuberant-Lively style type. But whereas there can certainly be a little mischief about them, (“…honestly, I didn’t know the cat didn’t like the bathtub!”) unlike the wry mischief associated with high spirited Exuberant Lively style types, theirs is more guileless. Hence, they seem to get away murder.

These people always seem to have a kind of rose-colored-glasses good cheer about them and it gets expressed in their faces. You’ll often find them with – literally – wide set eyes (think, “wide-eyed innocence”), and often round-shaped eyes (unless they have a crossover with the Exuberant type.) When you see dimples – either on someone’s cheeks or just below the outer corners of their eyes, as perfectly demonstrated here with Maggie Gyllenhaal, you know you’re looking at a Youthful type.

They often have a sparkling, high-pitched laugh. Youthfuls tend to be somewhat fearless, often up for an adventure and they know how to enjoy life. These are the people you want to party with or go to an amusement park with.

Let’s look at some more archetypal Youthful-Playful types. One of the defining facial characteristics of this type is a turned up or “button” nose, As we see here on Meg Ryan.

The indomitable Betty White still looks youthful into her 90s. The dimples are a giveaway, as is the adorable shirt adorned with animal images. (Betty is an animal rights activist – a perfect hobby or career for the Youthful type.)

And then there’s Dakota Fanning, who is in fact pretty young, but the round fleshiness seen in her facial structure is something that will likely be a part of her for the rest of her life. (She also has a lot of Angelic, next month’s featured type.)

Styling for a Youthful type will never include anything too serious or severe. It would just go against the grain of who they are. Their accessories will be softer too; nothing too angled or hard.

Even the shoes for a Youthful type echo the roundness in their features, so what you’ll often see is round toed shoes like Mary Janes or flats with little cutouts – or both. Smaller patterns, ruffles, polka dots, checks and bows also speak of this archetype. Their knits include crocheted popcorn stitches and Fair Isle Knits.

So you might be starting to get the idea that you have to tread lightly when styling for this type in order to not go too “cutesy.” You’d be right. Because this style type comes naturally in childhood it’s important to make sure that as you age, regardless of how much youthfulness you have in your features, you don’t go overboard, holding onto certain elements like ruffles or bows when they no longer serve you.

There are many ways to bring sophistication to a Youthful. The yummy popcorn stitch sweater worn with classic accessories (but do note that her glasses are round); the cheery plaid rounded peplum that lightens up the severity of her blue jeans and classic handbag , and an all out Chanel stunner (Chanel is frequently a Youthful – Classic bridge) are all still youthful but very chic.

So how much Youthful-Playful do you have? In Chapter three of Shopping for the Real You there is a quiz that can help you get a handle on how much of each style type you might have. And do join me this month in looking at the Youthful-Playful style type on Facebook.

Here’s to the Youthful Playfulness in all of us!

The post Style Type #6: Youthful-Playful appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Illustration by Sue Tait Porcaro

Romantic. Alluring. Sensual. So many women want to be considered this way. But, as with all the style types, it’s a rare person whose features, body type and expression fit them neatly into a single type. That’s a good thing, frankly, because we are all unique. But it is particularly true when it comes to the Romantic style type.

The Romantic style type is pretty potent! What these women convey in their manner and looks is not manufactured. This is something they just live down to their bones. Like our archetype above, they would appear terribly unnatural in a stiff suit.

Let’s look at a few Romantics, starting with Julia Roberts. When you see luminous, liquid eyes and a fleshy mouth you know you’re looking at a Romantic. Either one of those would indicate a fairly high percentage of this style type for an individual. But put them together and it’s unequivocal.

I love this early picture of Diahann Carroll because it shows another characteristic of this type – parted lips. Romantics frequently pose with their lips slightly parted, as if they are about to say something or are slightly awestruck. The very fact that she showing a lot of skin is also something that this type feels completely comfortable with. It doesn’t appear salacious or awkward. Just, well, appropriate!

And then of course there’s Sophia. The dramatic angle of her eyes and her bone structure add a lot of Drama to what is quintessentially a Romantic type, demonstrated in her body, lips, and – as you would see in other photos – slightly flared nostrils. And there’s that “bedroom-y” quality to their eyes – a slightly sleepy or dreamy look.

So what defines the wardrobe of somebody with a high percentage of this archetype? Think about what Romance means. It’s sensuous. It’s flowing rather than rigid. There’s something larger than life about it. And that’s how we can determine the textures, fabrics and patterns that speak of romance.

Here are a couple of good examples of the Romantic type shoe. Almost anything in velvet reads as romantic. And almost anything that binds or ties up the leg does the same. In the current fashion fads, gladiators sandals are a great example.

Here’s an example of what I meant about the patterns being larger than life. Rather than being striking or dramatic they tend to be soft and floral. In fact, florals on a black background are a very romantic look.

Draping and body hugging also read as romantic, as in this photo of Victoria Beckham. Note the off the shoulder style line as well. But the blue-gray cascading sweater and draped top on the right will give you an idea of how to do romantic without being over-the-top.

And then  there’s the lace! Black lace, being somewhat mysterious but also revealing, is almost always Romantic. That’s why there’s so much lingerie made from it. But since this year “white is the new black” here’s an interesting twist that still has allure and a little mystery.

Finally, I love this last image because it puts it all together. Sensuous mouth with parted lips, hourglass body, draped bodice. There’s no question about her style archetype. Alluring, sensuous, romantic.

In Chapter 3 of Shopping for the Real You you’ll find a very detailed quiz to help you determine how much of each of the style facets you have.

Let me know how much of the “Romantic” archetype you discover in yourself! You can write me here or on my Facebook page. Enjoy the Romance!

The post Style type #5: Romantic – Sensual appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Illustration by Sue Tait Porcaro

Classic. The very name evokes a sense of harmony and balance. In the Personal Style Counselors (PSC) System, the Classical-Traditional style archetype sits at the balance point between the three yang (Dramatic, Natural, Exuberant) and the three yin (Romantic, Youthful, Ethereal) archetypes. You could think of it as the center post that holds the opposites together.

That certainly doesn’t mean that everyone has some of this archetype. But it does mean that everyone can wear something in this style. If you’d like to learn more about that read my post: Why Classical Style Has Something for Everyone.

Aside from cut, drape and silhouette, Classic works for everyone. That’s because most of us have occasions or environments that require some degree of modesty such as a workplace, a first meeting between strangers, or a rite of passage (wedding, funeral, graduation, etc.) Even if our personal style is more showy or extreme, most of us feel pretty elegant and pulled together when we add something from the Classic style archetype to our wardrobe. We might say that Classic is synonymous with classy.

So, how would we describe the elements of classic fashion? In a nutshell, they are Western culture’s simple, understated, timeless silhouettes. They are the items that look as appropriate today as they did decades ago: a simple white shirt, a trench coat, or a well tailored suit. They have a luxe quality to them, as demonstrated in this photo of the (mostly) Classic Kerry Washington.

And how would we describe someone who intrinsically has a lot of this style type? Grace Kelly was a perfect example. First of all, they tend to have very symmetrical faces. That means there isn’t a very noticeable difference between the shape and placement of their eyes or the shape of the two sides of their mouth. Regardless of ethnicity, they tend to choose to wear their hair in a fairly traditional Western style.

There just isn’t anything extreme about Classic types. In fact, subtlety could be their trademark. (You won’t find them wearing antler headgear or a lampshade at the office Christmas party.) Indian writer Anita Desai here, has a lot of the patrician quality of repose you see in Classic–Traditional archetypes.

So, now let’s look at a couple examples of classical style in fashion. Classical archetypes can certainly wear sneakers (which have become a classic in their own right) but you’ll most likely see them in simple, minimally adorned pumps or flats and carrying handbags made of smooth, rather than sueded, fringed, or blinged-out leathers.

The cashmere cardigan, pencil skirt, and pearls are a Classic “uniform” that never gets old.

Still, in the ever-changing world of fashion the whole concept of what is Classic and Traditional is undergoing something of a change in the industry. I doubt these new trends will permanently replace the things we have come to know as classics but here’s one example of how it’s getting reinterpreted – the eternally chic trench coat. When we think of the classic trench coat, this is what comes to mind.

And this is how it was recently interpreted by Burberry! Same designer, same basic construction and silhouette, but zowie! That ain’t no ordinary classic! (You definitely need to have a touch of drama and either Bold or Bright coloring to pull off one of these.) Yet in spite of the bling-y fabric, they still read as tailored and refined (and I’m guessing they’re pretty pricey.)

I believe the trend toward a contemporary Classic minimalism, which started with Eileen Fisher, has now been fueled by the Millennial “minimalist” movement through such companies as Everlane, Ayr, Cuyana, and COS . They’re bringing a freshness to the basics, taking them slightly outside the box but never abandoning the fundamental principles of simplicity.

So, when you think “Classical” you can stretch your thinking. It’s certainly not stodgy or predictable. Classics can be interesting, sexy, and a little mysterious, simply because a lot of other types of clothing these days leave nothing to the imagination. And, having some mystery makes any woman a little more attractive. Just ask French women of any age.

For the entire month of June I’ll be offering examples and more information about the Classic style archetype on my Facebook page. (If you’re not already following my Facebook page you can click on the “f” icon below.) It’s great fun and my readers seem to love it because they learn a lot. And it expands my own knowledge to post something new every day.

Speaking of readers, if you sign up for my blog by adding your email address in the sidebar here you’ll receive five free tips from my book Shopping for the Real You. And of course, I’d love it if you’d buy a copy of my book, either here or on Amazon. It will give you a greater depth of understanding about your own color harmonies and individual style facets. 

The post Style Type #4: Classy Classic appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.