Dressing like a Duchess

There’s been a lot of chatter across the media about the recent North American tour by the newlywed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It seems William was charming and Catherine was the epitome of simple, elegant styling (and charming, too!). The two things all the fashion/royal watchers harped on about Catherine’s wardrobe were: 1) her wardrobe was a mix of designer jeans and dresses and modestly-priced garments and accessories, and 2) she wore the same outfits more than once. The message: the Duchess isn’t quite as extravagant with her wardrobe as we "commoners" might think. I’m a huge believer in creating a wardrobe that is a mix of high- and low-priced clothing. It’s a great way to stretch your clothing budget without compromising your over 50 style. (Of course, what constitutes “high-priced clothing” is clearly relative. Sadly, I can’t afford $240 jeans or $1,350 Roksanda Illincic dress like the Duchess can. Ha!)

SUMMER SALES
Sales, of course, are a great way to stretch your budget. Right now, clothing companies and stores want to unload their spring/summer collections to make room for the fall-winter fashions. Take, for instance, the Washed Silk Shirt (was $108, now $81) above from the Pure Collection. Nothing says simple sophistication quite like a silk blouse with man-tailor styling.

(Editor's Note: The Summer Sales I listed when I wrote this post have come and gone. For fashions on sale now, look at the promo boxes in the left-hand margin.)


READY TO SPLURGE?
And with the money saved, you can splurge on a special garment or two to show off your great taste in styling. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye. They're fit for the royalty in all of us…

Under $300




This Robbi & Nikki Draped Twill Jacket ($265) can be worn open or with a thin cloth belt. Click on picture or name to see the stylish jacket from all angles.


Under $250



This Winter Kate Amberjack Dress ($178) would look quite nice over a pair of black leggings. Or, if you prefer, there's a shorter Winter Kate Sunfish Top ($120) to wear with jeans.





Anoraks were huge in fall 2010 and it looks like they're going to be just as big for fall 2011. Here's a DKNY pure DKNY Long Sleeve Parka (was $325, now $227.50).



Under $150



This lace Indah Eve Open Work Sweater ($102) is feminine and comfortable. How often can you say that about a garment?





This Alice + Olivia Long Sleeve Scoop Back Tee ($116) is another look for legging. The uneven hem gives it a little edge. A simple beaded necklace would finish the look, don't you think?





The Duchess wore several bright monotone dresses while she was in North America. This simple, elegant Anne Klein Stretch Honeycomb Crossed V-Neck Dress ($119) reminds me of Catherine's dresses.




Under $100




I love the same-color T-shirt and pants under this Jones New York Long Sleeve Drape Front Pointelle Cardigan, ($79). The continuous color under the cardigan not only pulls the outfit together, it is slimming (and sophisticated!).






I love this mustard colored Jones New York Sateen Sleeveless Wrap Shirt ($69). It's so uncompromising--perfect for the over 50 woman who wants to make a style statement.

And for the feet...how about a stylish Oxford? I predict we're going to be seeing a lot more of these classic shoes when the weather gets a bit cooler. I love them because they are stylish and easy on your feet.


MACKSTER - GREY MULTI ($89.95)