Chic at 60ish!

Is there a woman alive who did not shiver through this past winter? Even Florida was cold. For me, Easter & Passover become the first signs of spring. The second is stores & sites online filled with beautiful spring clothes!

FOR ME, PASSOVER MARKS THE BEGINNING OF SPRING: My son Jonathan, who leads our family’s seder (also a great bartender!); my table, comprising old & new—I try to use something from everyone who is no longer here, so they are at the table in spirit! 🙂 Flowers from longstems.com, candelabra from Home Grown in Haverford

“Why is this night different from all other nights?” A question asked at the beginning of every Passover seder. In fashion, we also ask, “Why is this season from different from all other seasons??!!”

PREPPY CHIC: An array of cashmere pullover sweaters from ralphlauren.com; Charlize Theron in an ivory cashmere crew neck from brunocucinelli.com; tortoise patent penny loafers from stuartweitzman.com

What’s different? There’s a real return to classics. But with a modern edge. Preppy is huge—when the world is unstable, we crave nostalgia. Oxford shirts. Cable knit sweaters. Penny loafers. Blazers. Ralph Lauren of course, but Prada, Bruno Cucinelli, even Dior all showed major preppy looks on their spring runways.

BOHO LUXE: Michael Kors black lace pants from neimanmarcus.com; me, with dear friends Wendy Rosen & Bruce Levy at Wendy’s magnificent home in Long Beach Island—I’m in Silvia Tcherassi sequin pants from Boyds in Philadelphia & Wayne—Wendy is in a boot with a torn Achilles, looking as gorgeous & stunning as ever!

The flip side of that coin is “luxurious boho.” Also nostalgic. Flowy tops. Lots of lace. Something print. Something with fringe. Remember Ali MacGraw as “Jenny Cavilleri” & Ryan O’Neal as “Oliver Barrett IV” in 1970’s “Love Story?” Of course you do. Part preppy/part boho. That’s the look!

PRETEND YOU ARE ALI MACGRAW IN “LOVE STORY!” A variety of oxford shirts & cashmere pullovers at ralphlauren.com; preppy chic at dior.com; jacket at maxmara.com, shirt at rag-bone.com, pants at hermes.com

I wrote about resort fashion just a few weeks ago. If you purchased a few items then, you’ve got your head start. Some trends stay constant: all-white, black & white, bold color & metallics. Nothing says spring quite like navy & cream; add something gold or silver—belt, shoes or chunky jewelry.

MAKE A STATEMENT: Michael Kors & Christy Turlington in his Collection black sequin statement pants; Gwyneth Paltrow in her white wool wide-leg pants at goop.com; pale yellow Dani silk shirt at lagence.com; red handkerchief skirt, plaid shirt & cotton cardigan at ralphlauren.com

“Statement pants” are another huge trend. Again, very 70’s. Remember your mother’s “palazzo pants?” Totally in. Extremely feminine and flattering, don’t be afraid of them. If you must, taper them a tad—but not too much to lose the look. Pair them with dressy “shrunken” jackets and tops for evening, with T-shirts and tanks to be more casual. These wider pants take a heel for spring, flat sandals for summer. Longer, fuller skirts look great too. Wear them with your “shrunken” tops and ballet flats for day, wedges at night.

TOP IT OFF: Sylvia yellow tweed jacket from lagence.com; red military jacket from dolce&gabbana.com; Courreges cropped leather jackets at Boyds in Philadelphia & Wayne; Anita lace blouse at lagence.com

Military is everywhere. Try it with something silky or ruffly for the ultimate in feminine/masculine at once. Though I have never been a “lace person,” this year I’m loving it. Modern and clean, this is not your grandmother’s lace blouse. It’s hip and fresh and stunning. The same goes for spring’s omnipresent florals, suddenly feeling young, cool, fun, and very Ali MacGraw. (You’re on your own for a Ryan O’Neal look-alike on your arm!)

SPRING MEANS 1970’s NOSTALGIA: 70’s icon Ali MacGraw in looks that are completely of-the-moment; print shirt & pants from chanel.com; Collection striped top, wide-leg pants & wide-brim hat from ralphlauren.com; my totally boho daughter Lauren & granddaughter Margot, getting dressed for Passover—spring means holidays, family & fashion!

Why is this season different from all other seasons? Because we love when it arrives! Start to wear your statement pants with cashmere sweaters, your flowy top with leather pants, your military jacket with jeans. Wear something in a bold color. Try something preppy, something feminine, something fabulous. Watch your spirits soar. Temperature’s rising—Enjoy every pretty minute! Ellyn Golder Saft