A while back I wrote about how getting dressed as a demi-elder isn't easy. Sharing here a few times I pulled myself together, took a look in the mirror and said, “Oh, hi. You look like you.” And then got on with my day. *
Me: I am not tall and no longer young. These are facts. Also, I try to support smaller, woman-owned businesses when and where I can. In this case, women designing for women. Many of the brands I mention here fit into that category. I also tend to shop at small brick and mortar boutiques that have a point of view because (1) they’ve already done a lot of the work by cherry picking the best pieces and (2) I am generally pretty bad at ecommerce, unless it’s replenishing my vitamins.
Please bear in mind, I’m not suggesting anyone needs to buy more stuff or that you should replicate what I have here. My hope is that there’s something in this mix that might make it a little easier for you to feel like a sartorially successful version of yourself. That way you can sashay out into the world with your well-earned demi-elder confidence and not give a second thought to what you’re wearing.
I traveled a lot last year for work and this became my go-to when getting on a plane. It was practical (read comfortable) but I felt relatively presentable, even after an overnight flight from LAX to Paris. Pearl white sweat set from the lovelies at Electric and Rose and my big-enough-for-a-laptop Freda Salvador bag - which looks way more luxe than its price tag. I initially thought the slouchy Toteme camel coat might be impractical because it doesn’t have any fastenings, but I ended up wearing it on repeat. Its cocooning effect is reassuring, like a woobie for grownups. Nabbed the Tod’s kicks when I was leading a writing retreat in Umbria, Italy because I wanted to try out something a bit more adult than my usual Vans.
I lived in this Maison Mayle tweed blazer fall-into-winter on the East Coast, and before that all winter-into-spring on the West Coast. Maison Mayle floral silk skirt (also a multi-season workhorse piece) layered over a Suzie Kondi long-sleeve bodysuit that gives ballet vibes. Slipped on these chunky Miu Miu loafers to ground things, veering away from getting to femme. The shoes were gifted to me when I led a writing workshop for Miu Miu's VIP’s last fall in NYC. Bonus!
I like winter whites - in my wine glass and in my outfits. Granted, I clearly do not have a toddler. So, if I get a stain it’s my own sloppy fault. I nabbed this Stella McCartney cashmere sweater at an end of season sale on Net-a-Porter a couple of years ago. I wear it over a black bralette which provides a better silhouette than a strapless bra, IMO.
And here’s a plot twist. The pants are French Connection. I saw them in a window at a local multi-brand boutique and had a hunch they’d work on me. They fit like a dream after a hem, and voila. This is what I wore on Christmas Eve. The whole vibe worked even better once I’d tossed off my shoes.
I am not used to the cold. After residing in Southern California for a decade, proper winter weather and I haven’t hung out together in a while. These shearling-lined lug sole lace up Freda Salvodor boots have been my savior. Waterproof and comfortable to walk in all day long, they even elevate thermal leggings. Here with my (very) old Rag and Bone leather pants, a deliciously slouchy sweater I found in the men’s department at Moussy. The jacket is Army by Yves Salomon. It was an investment but it’s properly warm yet breathable - not that horrific so-bazoiling-hot that you feel like you’re suffocating the moment you step indoors kind of winter coat. Stormy weather? Put the hood up, a couple of snaps later and you are having a seasonal stroll instead of saying FML. I snagged this on sale for 50% off (major score) at Henry Lehr, and I like that the neutral color differs from the sea of black Canada Goose puffers.
Apparently “Mob Boss wife” is a moment that’s happening these days? I didn’t get that memo, but I am not mad about a bit of faux fur. I ordered this jacket during Covid days when I was meeting my pod-friends for dinners outdoors during LA winters. But it’s actually become a fun piece I tap when I want a touch of glamour. Here over a sheer Rachel Comey sequin-dot turtleneck blouse and wide leg tuxedo pants from my favorite L.A. boutique Sunroom. Hair pulled back into a bun. Easy-going New Year’s Eve moment. My dog Charlie provided her outfit approval. She likes it when we match.
Can we have a moment of appreciation for sheer black stockings? There’s something so reassuringly timeless about them, with a dash of Fosse. I feel grown up in a good way. I also enjoy a dotted sheer stocking for a cheeky wink. Here I am wearing my beloved Dries Van Noten blazer dress before leading a mindful writing session in Tribeca. When I first encountered this dress it had huge shoulders. Like…Stop Making Sense-size shoulders. That was how it was shown on the runway, but through tailoring expertise they were brought down to petite proportions and I have worn this garment on repeat, just switching up the shoes depending on season and setting. It always makes me feel kinda foxy. The real takeaway here is that because I am a small person I often need to get items nipped and tucked at the tailor so they actually suit my 5’3” frame. And a half. The half matters.
*I am not a fashion influencer nor am I trying to be one, so most of these photos are not-great quick snaps. Apologies for that but, ya know, my life priorities lie elsewhere.
Note: Thank you for reading. If you found this at all helpful (or amusing), please give it a like or drop a comment below. And if you know someone that might enjoy my perspective, kindly forward it along. Your participation is everything.
THIS IS GREAT. MORE OF THIS!
Love your sharing!