Chic at 60ish!

Whatever your politics, economic markets are in a spin; oil prices & tariffs affect us all. Clothing, handbags, shoes, make-up—at every price point—becomes crazy-expensive. Fashion reacts.

THE MEANING OF “HIGH-LOW:”  Women’s Wear Daily headline; country music superstar Kacey Musgraves at the Grammys in a Hanes tank top & Ralph Lauren Collection gold beaded skirt; mix & match a YSL Le Smoking jacket with a T-shirt & jeans from The Gap

As spring shopping begins, fashionistas in the know buy high-low. For most of us, every piece cannot be top designer—especially now. Even those who do not worry about spending have fun mixing and matching, pairing a Gap tee with a Saint Laurent jacket or inexpensive flats with designer jeans.

DRESS LIKE AN ICON: Before she was a Kennedy, Carolyn Bessette was a NYC working girl, but always knew to invest in high-quality neutral pieces—obviously, JFK Jr on your arm is the best accessory of all! The final episode of “Love Story” airs this week on FX & Hulu—talk about a style icon, I don’t think I’ve worn anything that isn’t “so CBK” since it started 😉

Is there a fashion-lover alive who’s not obsessed with Carolyn’s wardrobe in “Love Story: JFK Jr & Carolyn Bessette?” Before she could afford Yohji Yamamoto & Prada, Carolyn mixed & matched good pieces with her Levi jeans & corduroys. Yes, she worked for Calvin Klein & we assume got a discount, but her minimalist look was created to make the most of her NYC working-girl salary. Iconic—and gorgeous—to this day. You’ll never go wrong stealing that look!

BUY EXPENSIVE OR CHEAPO? Some of my favorites, a white knee-length cardigan & matching tank, available in cashmere or cotton knit at different price points, “trucker” jean jacket from Collection or less costly Double RL, all at ralphlauren.com; ZW Collection chocolate halter dress at zara.com; previously owned Lady Dior bag at ruelala.com; Valentino sandals at realreal.com

How do you know which cheapo item is just the thing to set your outfit ablaze? How do you make sense of the huge volume of dresses, tops & pants at Zara or TJ Max? (Did you notice Kyle Richards had a dress from Zara on the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?” It was cute too!) If something gives you the impression it’s worth more than it costs—it’s a find. Love before you leap!

DESIGNERS OFTEN KNOCK THEMSELVES OFF: Jean sailor pants & denim maxi dress from gap.com; designer Zac Posen is now the creative director of The Gap & its affiliates— Zac Posen with his mom Susan & me, he is as nice, warm & down-to-earth as he is talented! Hot off the press: French designer John Galliano will design a line for Zara

What’s more, if you know your fashion, many designers knock themselves off—Zac Posen is now the chief designer for The Gap. It was just announced that John Galliano—yes, John Galliano!—will design a line for Zara. Michael Kors & Ralph Lauren have fabulous second lines—made in less expensive fabrics from patterns very similar to their collection lines. It is not true that you must buy cheap only in black, but a good rule of thumb becomes: Pay attention to fabric. Inexpensive cotton is fine, inexpensive cashmere is not. Keep it simple and wear what works, remembering to invest in workhorse pieces you’ll wear forever.

BUTTON UP: Good buttons are always a “tell;” if an item is inexpensive, change them to “up” your look—ivory linen jacket from h&m.com; pearl buttons from etsy.com

A good tip: Change the buttons. Cheap buttons look cheap; good buttons totally transform an inexpensive jacket. Switch the buttons from an old jacket. Buy a few sets of pretty buttons on Etsy—way less costly than a new designer outfit—then watch all your new low-end items pop.

CHIC AT 60ISH: Two new not-super-expensive lines I’ve found—navy polished cotton dress from mariellestokker.com; mocha silk jumpsuit & off-the-shoulder sweater from jaki.com

Get a lift from a few good important pieces, filling in with cheapo finds, as you create personal style every day. Remember chic is about polish, a love of fashion, and a dash of fun. Be yourself. Mix Gucci with The Gap, Chanel with a find from the RealReal.

BEAUTIFUL TABLE, BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOLIDAYS: “Chic at 60ish” also means living graciously—to me, setting my table is like getting dressed! What dishes, what crystal? For holidays, I try to use something from everyone who is no longer at the table, so they are with us in spirit! Happy Passover & Easter to all!

And lastly—especially when you’re 60ish—style is always about knowing yourself and staying true to yourself. It has nothing to do with money, and everything to do with grace, kindness, nonchalance—and above all, a sense of humor. Create your own style. Then stick to it—and have fun. Enjoy the compliments—and confidence—your creative shopping brings. Enjoy every chic moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft