Sunday, January 30, 2011

Style Over 50: Begging for Leggings

Leggings + Blazers

Editor's Note: This post was updated in January 2014. For up-to-the-minute sales, take a peek at my On Sale page.

Last Saturday night, I was with a very attractive, statuesque over 50 woman who was dressed in black leggings. I’m going to call this woman “Louise.” Louise is a successful human resources executive at a large corporation and lives in New York City. Not surprisingly, on the weekends, she likes to shed her suits and pumps and dress casually. On Saturday, Louise and her husband went with my husband and me to listen to music. Louise wore leggings with an oversize black T-shirt, wide belt and tall shearling-lined boots. And I thought: "The T-shirt and leggings look doesn't even work for someone tall and trim like Louise!" And it made me wonder: What is a good leggings look for women over 50?

TEMPTING TUNICS
Instead of the oversize T-shirts, I like tunics with leggings, jeggings and skinny jeans. They have a little more structure, tend to be more feminine and, generally speaking, are flattering for women over 50. Check out 62-year-old Vera Wang at the recent Elle Magazine 25th Anniversary party. She looks rockin’ in her black and gray minimal V-neck tunic and leather booties.

Now check out Diane Von Furstenberg at Elle Magazine’s 25th Anniversary party. I’m not sure what’s going on with the feathers. But I love the romantic styling—open neckline, light fluttery fabric—of this tunic. This is a sleeveless top, which Diane has paired with a light-weight black sweater, avoiding a bulky look. You don't want the tunic to be too boxy or bulky. In truth, I think Diane may be wearing skinny jeans. But her stylish top will look good with leggings as well. If Diane, age 64, can look smashing in a tunic, 50-something women with a similar shape will, too.

SHOPPING TUNICS
Here's a mere sample of the many reasonably-priced tunics at Soft Surroundings.

Cannes Tunic - NAVY

Women's Daniella Gauze Tunic - SUGAR PLUM

Women's B'call Tunic  - PEWTER

Everywhere Tunic  - LUXE EMERALD




SWEATER SAFETY
Long sweaters or knit jackets over a lightweight top or tunic is always a safe bet for leggings. In my mind, the goal is to cover your bottom as well as some of the thighs. Here are a few sweaters of different lengths.




Women's Autumn Sweater  - HARVEST GOLD

Looks Like Layers Sweater  - KHAKI


LOTS OF LEGGINGS
Basic black leggings, like these Old Navy Womens Jersey Leggings - Black jack ($14.50) are everywhere. It's just a matter of finding the right price, color, quality and size. If you're not sure whether leggings are right for you, you might want to start with an inexpensive pair from Old Navy. That's what I did. Leggings also come in Capri styles, like the ones from Danskin below.


Old Navy Womens Jersey Leggings - Black jack



Womens  Supplex®/Lycra® Capri Legging



Women's Knit Leggings - Gray Heather, L



One of my over 50 girlfriends swears her jeggings (jean leggings)  are the most comfortable jeans she's ever owned (sorry, I don't know the designer) . I decided to try the Old Navy version, again because I was "testing the water" with jeggings. I have to say the Old Navy Womens The Rock Star Super-Skinny Denim Leggings are super comfortable. They do stretch out between washing, but return to shape after washing. I've got them in black and denim blue.



Old Navy Womens The Rock Star Super-Skinny Denim Leggings






Saturday, January 29, 2011

Stylish Tops: The Drape Escape

Michael Stars Cashmere Blend Asymmetrical Open Vest

For me, a woman in her fifties, a frequent fashion challenge is how to look sophisticated without looking stuffy. One of the easiest solution is to wear something with draped styling. Draping may date back to Ancient Greece and Rome, but it's minimal style--usually in monotones and void of embellishments--give it a very modern look. The tops above and below are all by Michael Stars. Until tomorrow, at least, many of the clothier's garments are up to 60% off. For example, the Michael Stars Cashmere Blend Asymmetrical Open Vest above has been reduced from $148 to $74. Pair this vest with a 3/4 sleeve T-shirt and jeans or slim skirt for a very un-stuffy look. Below are a few more styles, but visit the Michael Stars website for the entire selection.

Michael Stars Shine Draped Surplice Top

Michael Stars Shine Draped Surplice Top
for $72



Michael Stars Luxe Slub Dolman Draped Cardigan

Michael Stars Luxe Slub Dolman Draped Cardigan
for $44



Michael Stars Shine Long Sleeve Drape Neck Top

Michael Stars Shine Long Sleeve Drape Neck Top
for $40.60



Michael Stars 1x1 Slub Long Sleeve Shirred Wrap

Michael Stars 1x1 Slub Long Sleeve Shirred Wrap
reduced from $98 to $68.60.



Michael Stars Luxe Slub Asymmetrical Turtleneck

Michael Stars Luxe Slub Asymmetrical Turtleneck
for $51.80

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Long, Snow-Ready Cardigans On Sale

Jones New York Cable Cardigan (Pattern)

In honor of our third "snow day" in a month, I felt it was only right that I should feature a couple of thicker, warmer cardigans. As the long sweaters in this post demonstrate, heavier knits can be just as stylish as the light-weight cardigans I featured in yesterday's post, Over 50 Style: Long, Light-Weight Cardigan. Once again, I'm focusing on Jones New York cardigans because the clothier is having a "Sweater Sale" right now. The Jones New York Cable Cardigan (Pattern) is on sale for $95.99 before today's discount. Below is another JNY cardigan, plus a list of other "Sweater Sales" online.

Jones New York Novelty Stitch Belted Cardigan (Khaki)

Jones New York Novelty Stitch Belted Cardigan (Khaki)
for $129.



MORE SWEATER SALES
Here are a few more places to look for cardigans on sale. (Click on names to go directly to the website.)

Ann Taylor

Banana Republic

Gap

J. Crew

Macy's

Old Navy
Women's Plus Sizes

Victoria's Secret