Chic at 60ish!

One of the best parts of being a fashion writer, obviously, is having people talk to you about fashion. Not just friends. Women stop me in the farmer’s market, hair salon, any of my usual haunts. I am always happy to chat—and frankly if you’re 60ish, the question is almost always the same: Where can I find clothes for women our age?

MY GO-TO LOOK: Veronica Beard Miller Dickey blazer at neimanmarcus.com–loved it so much in black, I bought it in white too! My dear friend Lyn Neff & me in Jerusalem last May

Depending on your personal style, the answer varies, yet we know our bodies no longer look the same as they did at 30ish—and we just cannot wear everything and anything anymore. That does not mean you can’t look and feel great! Remember, every item is available at every price point.

SPECIAL OCCASION DRESSING MADE EASY: Wes Gordon of Carolina Herrera & some of his–& my!–favorite signature looks, floral blouse & pants and (eternally, my #1!) the iconic white shirt & ballskirt at carolinaherrera.com

As I said a few blogs ago, find a salesperson or personal shopper who knows you, your needs and your body. They should be able to reach for the right piece every time. Missy Dietz, at Boyds in Philadelphia & Wayne, is my go-to girl. Her advice? “For occasions—mothers of the bride or groom or any celebration—I love Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta. Gorgeous fabrics cut perfectly. (Again, copies are everywhere.) Another choice? Robert Danes of The Danes New York, who will customize a silhouette for you. Need to add sleeves? A little jacket? Here’s your solution.

THE ANSWER TO SPECIAL OCCASION ISSUES: The Danes New York custom designs at Boyds in Philadelphia & Wayne

At 60ish, it’s wise to stick with a clean, sleek silhouette. No one does this better than Wes Gordon, designer for Carolina Herrera. “I was looking at 1990’s New York images,” he remarked in a recent interview. “Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Gwyneth Paltrow. It’s not minimalism so much as it’s a wardrobe. Clean can be boring and soulless. It’s more about looking feminine, energetic, confident and witty. Linear with a little edge.” I love that!

LOOK LIKE THE 90’S: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in her signature sleek black sweater & pencil skirt in NYC, of course her husband John is the most gorgeous accessory ever–you’re on your own for that!

For everyday? Try Veronica Beard and L’Agence. Again, cut to fit every figure. My Veronica Beard blazer has become the item in my closet I constantly reach for. (Don’t you wish you knew what piece that will be at the beginning of every season?) Great cut, very sleek, the meaning of classic & modern at once. Designed by sisters-in-law Veronica Swanson Beard & Veronica Miele Beard, they say, “A dream wardrobe has to work for real life. We design clothes women can actually wear.” Yes they do! So 90’s-sleek, so totally today.

THE MEANING OF CHIC AT 60ISH: Veronica Beard pantsuit at veronicabeard.com

I love skirts too. Though we all live in pants, don’t you sometimes feel like putting on a skirt or dress? In my “old age,” my waist is so straight up-and-down, sometimes a skirt and top with a belt gives me the waistline I crave. (The belt covers my muffin-top too!) Either a pencil skirt and blouse—so Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—or flowy skirt and sweater—a little bit boho—my skirt and top almost becomes a dress. Another look I love.

A LOOK I LOVE: Sometimes you feel like wearing a skirt! Black cashmere sweater & Dodo Bar Or leather fringed skirt from Boyds Philadelphia, photo snapped by my friend Bruce Levy

And that’s the moral of the story. Though it’s fun to try new things, at 60ish, look for designers and brands that fit your body well, that you’ll reach for again and again. With offerings in stores so limited, as seasons change, grab the black blazer you’ve loved and buy it online in white next spring. Try your favorite white jeans in leather for fall or velvet for winter. Your go-to brands & designers make online shopping a cinch.

Look good. Feel good. Do good. Clean, classic, modern & cool. Enjoy every gorgeous moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft

ps. “CBK, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy” arrived from Amazon yesterday & I have not put it down–so of-the-moment fashion-wise, so nostalgic for those of us who love everything Kennedy–I cannot imagine a better gift this season!