@Annie Deighnaugh the white slacks were my favorite. The combo you have put together looks great. You have an enviable sense of self. That is a quality I strive for. Thank you for being on this conversation side . c

This is a pretty way to wear a scarf, with the beads inside and the scarf surrounding...

Thanks TR, so sweet of you to say.

I love JMcLaughlin clothes! Classic, up-to-date but not too trendy, well made.

MaiTai is a great example of timeless style. All her clothes are things shes had for years, very simple shapes and mostly solid colors, which she accessorizes fabulously. i dont love her jewelry but she does and she looks good in it.

"Re personal shoppers....don't they get a % of the take and thus have a built in incentive to steer you toward the pricier items?"

Of, course, but if they steer you only to things you can't (or won't) afford, they get NO sales at all. The trick is to develop a personal relationship with someone who understands what you want and helps you get there.

I feel that I must add, full disclosure, I have never used a personal shopper. I use DH and my DDs. DDs are the best because they just say "no, Mom." But they are very enthusiastic and try to help. I was very touched when one of my 18 yo DD, out of the blue, bought me a jacket she came across and thought would look good on me.

I'd like the clothing consultant my jeweler used a few years ago. She comes to the house, goes through your closet and puts outfits together. She takes photos for a digital wardrobe and creates a list of items for you to consider purchasing. Of course she stresses that you purge your closet first of things that aren't wearable but she'll even help you with that. She used to be a personal shopper at Nordstrom's KOP and then started her own business. I'd consider hiring her if I were working in a firm that required professional dress or if I were involved in activities where I needed to dress up more frequently.

That sounds like someone I could use Maire! Someone willing to work with what I have!

Yeah Mtnrd, I can relate ... Moms and daughters are great at that. Part of my feeling dated is I don't have anyone from a younger generation to help guide me. I've never been good at spotting trends and the fashion mags are so out there that I never found them helpful. In the old days, I used to get my best fashion cues from watching soap operas...it was up to date but wearable. Maybe I need to watch General Hospital again after all these years....

I think just by looking online at Ann Taylor, Loft, Talbots etc, you can get an idea about what is trending.

I agree with Mtn, sometimes it is just the color if the season.

My personal feeling is that if you can currently buy any of your items, they won’t read as dated.

The fit and flare dresses don’t look dated as you can buy similar ones today.

Sometimes we need a pick me up in terms of just having something new to wear to a special event.

Funny about daughters. My youngest who is 31, stills asks me for advise on what is appropriate for certain occasions. Since both daughters have borrowed clothes from my closet, I guess I can be on trend or trendy enough.

I like what you’ve chosen, Annie, a lot!

My DD is short, unlike me, and she is also busty, also unlike me. We never clashed over wearing each other’s clothing, although our styles are a lot similar. I know how she struggles with fit issues and always has.

Annie, I think a personal shopper would be worth your time for future needs. I have used one in the past and been pleased with their help. Even though they make a commission, if you aren't pleased with their service you won't be a repeat customer, so making you happy should be important to them. It's just a matter of going when you have the time to devote to shopping so they can get to understand your needs and body issues, but do be open to trying new things. I think the latest outfit you picked will be perfect and I like the color the scarf adds and the pendant just adds another fun layer. Have fun and skip the salsa😉

Annie when you described your shape and what clothes look good on you, up above in an earlier comment, I saw myself. I am currently shopping for shower and MOG dresses so I am right here with you! I also need to stay away from flowy clothing that makes the girls look larger and, like you, it is a good look for me to emphasize my waist. I just wanted to say that the outfit you have chosen is lovely. i just noticed though, when I looked again at your outfits above (for inspiration) I was drawn to the white pants / purple top combo. That top makes your figure look great!

Thanks for sharing the info about the strapless bra. My brain knows that I need way too much suport to be comfortable or look good in anything that requires a strapless bra so why do i keep thinking theres one out there for me???

Enjoy the shower, the company and pack a Tide-to-go pen in case there’s salsa!

Hi again…sounds like you've got this worked out.

Personal Shoppers at Nordstrom make the same commission rate as salespeople. They can be helpful for folks who are pressed for style or time.

I’ve wardrobe consulted for friends/family. I love doing it and believe you can put togwther a nice wardrobe on any budget. For me that means buying vintage designer. For someone else it might mean more au courant. And other people O know are more aboit basics and simplicity.

I think the best dressed women have developed a style that flatters their shape and expresses who they are.

I also think that - especially as we age - if you let Fashion take over your style rather than incorporate it, it's difficult to ever be satisfied with what you wear. That’s because youre probably starting with a false narrative of what you’re going to look like based on an industry modeled by teenagers and geared toward youth.

So my rules are to think about what makes you most comfortable and how you want to look in your clothes. For me, its a little more formal and lots of jackets.

Then go through everything you own to determine if it falls into tour plan.

Decide what you need to add new, but take your time looking for it.

Pick some base and accent colors, decide how much and where you like prints, then pick pieces that go together. Not everything has to go with everything else, bit pick a couple paths you want to follow.

Owning a bunch of things that don't go with other things you own wastes time and money. When you develop a wardrobe based on your style, then it‘s easier to add pieces and dress for any occasion.

Spanish, even with your snoring, I think you'd be a great addition to our GTG; you can style us all! ; )

Ha! Yes please!!!!

@1929Spanish-GW you have some great advice! I think investing in classic pieces and knowing what looks good on you is the way to go. Don't try to be trendy. Develop your style. Add a trendy piece or two each season. When working, my trendy/funky/different piece was jackets. I was fortunate to be in a workplace where we didn't have to dress up or too professional. I had several jackets that I work with basic pieces. I also had some unique cardigans. Unique jewelry or other accessories do the trick also. I like something that sets me apart from the crowd, my own style.

I think if you look at my outfits, I am far from "trendy". I think I do have a style...or at least one I know I like which is to go with classic pieces...certainly the age of some of them make them 'classics'! :)

My problem is with putting them together in a way that steps it up from boring into something with flair. Mtnrd's accessorizing of the black jumpsuit is a step in the right direction. I've been thinking about this a lot...as y'all can tell...and I know what it is I'm looking for. I want to dress "french". By that I mean, there's something about people in Paris who can put on a pair of pants, shoes, a shirt and somehow turn those basics into something with easy but chic flair. Like Emeril's "Bam!" I need to take my stuff and "kick it up a notch".

Maybe I need to pay more attention to Stacy London's mantra of color, pattern, texture, shine. She always said that a good outfit needs each of those to be interesting... that's why with the last option, the shirt adds color, the scarf adds pattern and texture and the necklace adds shine.

I like Busbee Style Videos on Youtube

Thanks Bumble. I watched a few and they are very helpful!

I think so much of the french style is about attitude-- if you feel good about yourself, you will totally rock a classic look.

Until my recent (pathetic?) transition to leggings/bike shorts with tees and tunics, I wore a pretty classic style base with a rotation of fun and funky pieces to add personality and fun to my wardrobe. Like Tina, i would embellish the classic base with interesting jackets, scarves and jewelry. it's such an easy way to extend a classic and adaptable wardrobe-- just like you've done with your planned outfit for the shower!

I encourage you to look for a few items to update your closet-- maybe it is just me, but nothing makes me feel more confident that a great jacket over a simple black turtleneck and black pants (I also love the side zip style Kswl mentioned). I am a bit like a young girl .. i get a pep in my step and a sassy attitude when I think i look great!

Hope you have a great time at the shower-- your joy for the wedding will be your best accessory!

Here are some spots for French Style. I also adore the look.

https://frenchstyle.co/french-style-rules/

https://sharonsantoni.com/2016/08/my-stylish-french-girlfriend-isabelle-thomas/

https://www.whowhatwear.com/amp/ines-de-la-fressange-style-interview

I like the jumpsuit best, but everything looks great on you Annie!

i just remembered … is this the bride you made the coasters for? those are so fab you are going to be a celebrity !!!

I like all your choices, especially that cute black jumpsuit. That is one of those neat wardrobe items that can be dressed up or down. You must find an occasion to wear it. Love Mtn’s straw/raffia accessorizing with it.

I think you will be very comfortable, as well as dressed appropriately for an outdooor summer shower in the white slacks and green top. I also love the purple top with the white slacks. You do wonders with scarves and jewelry.

Annie, you do an awesome job of selecting clothing that fits your body style, showcasing your cute hourglass shape! you have great arms for sleeveless clothing....gotta cover my flabby arms up. The fit and flare dresses are so you. I have a cousin who has large boobs and a slimmer body and she insists on loose boxy tops....not good. Hanging a loose top on the big girls makes her entire upper body look much bigger than she really is.

I think you wear everything very well! I also love your style. If it were me, I would wear something that you feel comfortable in. I live in Texas so I would be going for anything that would not make me sweat! lol

I like your final selection. I still think #5 is very flattering on you (everything is) and it is happy and says summer outdoors.

Keep us posted!

BTW, I am in love with that top in #7. If it were me, I would wear that top with a black skirt... one that is the length of one of your many dresses. That top is ultra flattering! I would pair it with some black heeled sandals.

Well, I'm running out of time so the outfit has been decided. The weather is very cool so I definitely need a cardigan which helped me to decide. I will post a pic later....

Haha, was wondering which was the winner!

Have fun today!

One thing I have to remind myself about when I find myself in similar situations: no one is going to be paying much attention to what I’m wearing!

LOL, that's what they say. Women over 50 are invisible.

PS A little deep, but interesting.https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/02/akiko-busch-mrs-dalloway-shows-aging-has-benefits/583480/

I would just be happy to be able to dress up to attend an event!! I haven't dressed up in ages. And funerals don't count! Even pre-pandemic, my opportunities were few and far between.

Have fun!

Looking good! Kudos to DH!

Later when you have time, report back on what the other guests chose.

Best choice yet!

I always think of Stacey and Clinton when I wear black patent leather shoes/accessories with navy blue.

You look wonderful!

Love it! Hope you've had fun

Looking good, Annie! Though your makeup is a little...well, blurry.

Perfection! You look fabulous. Enjoy!

You look wonderful! Great choices. Thanks for taking us along.

The navy dress was the other contender, fine as is, but with a cardigan it went directly to school marm. Not good.

Oh, goodness, yes, I've discovered this with some of my favorite sleeveless dresses that look great on their own like yours did, but don't pair well with anything over them.

You look lovely!

"LOL, that's what they say. Women over 50 are invisible."

I read this as INVINCIBLE! I like that better!

Stylin'! Great choice!

Olychick - I read it the same way.

Annie - perfect choice! It all came together and you look great.

I should try to remember those four - pattern, texture, color and shine. As long as I don't combine them in one piece - a quilted, paisley silk shirt dress with sequined belt.

I'm back. I'd say it was about 1/3 slacks, 2/3 dresses. I could've worn the navy dress as by the time we got there, it had warmed up. One other lady was wearing white slacks. But I felt comfortable and appropriate. No one pointed or laughed so I guess I was ok.

And my coasters were a hit!

Looking good, Annie! Great choices.

Love your choice and envy that you are somewhere where you can wear a cardigan. It is 106 degrees here!

Interesting that only one other person was wearing white slacks. There are 8 of us in our cookbook club. For one summer luncheon, we all showed up wearing some sort of white pants. We laughed at our ”southern summer uniform.”

I am glad you enjoyed yourself. You have a very elegant look! I love the shoes that your wore as well.