Once upon a time, it was possible to almost discern a woman’s age by the way she dressed, made-up and did her hair. Now that generational “suitability” has not only been abolished, but distained, a seventy-year old might wear blue jeans and a twenty year-old stilettos. Though women don’t always take into account their body types or what’s personally flattering, freedom to package/express oneself as one sees fit, is probably a good thing. To purchase an item click on the product name in red.
All of this stands in the way of a disclaimer to what follows. Recommendations of wardrobe for each generation is a movable premise depending on sophistication, lifestyle, and figure. You may easily find things outside your chronological numbers.
Separates
Left to Right Top Row:
Elie Saab Lace Blouse- Beautiful, soft, olivey green. Ladylike but not dull. A bit 19th Century. Really interesting color. Sheer back and sleeves, sweetheart neckline on lace camisole, self tie neck, concealed back zipper, nipped waist. Silk/Cotton/Nylon. $705.00
Diane von Furstenberg Grandie Top- Rich Athenian blue in a flattering length to tie, belt or tuck in. Fabulous with white, black, brown or khaki. Hidden shoulder zip fastening -so as not to destroy the line. Draped front with a ruched side, attached waist-tie, round-neck. 100% silk. $293.00
Valentino Beige Off the Shoulder Volant Top- This takes presence. It’s pretty, but substantial. Frames the collarbone, draws interest to the face. Accessories will dictate how dressy it appears. Sheer overlay detail makes this structured piece seem diaphanous. Short sleeves, contrasting black piping, bow at one side of the ruffle. 100% Viscose. $605.00
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Navy Stripe Pocket Cardigan- Nice looking and practical. Wear with black or white pants or a skirt…no blouse underneath if you have a good bustline, or perhaps a camisole with just a little lace peeking up. Care with red lipstick-match the hue. Features contrast red trim, black button fastening, two font patch pockets, ribbed cuff and hem. Cotton/Wool for that in between time. $355.00
Bottom Row Left to Right:
Carey Wrap Front Skirt by Reiss- Sexy movement. Keep the top thin-silk, chiffon fine gauge cotton. A great piece with which to travel. Day or evening wear. Very easy looking. Pleated waistband gathered to the hip with a gold ring. Draping on the front; tulip hem. 100% Viscose. On sale $51.00
Thalia Striped Asymmetrical Skirt- Great, crisp looking skirt. Keep the tops simple-white or bright. Wear to the club, lunch with the girls, presentation to the client; good travelling piece. Navy on cream skirt with folded asymmetrical front. Closes to the side with concealed zipper. 100% Polyester. On sale $89.00
Jil Sander Luna Embellished Mini Skirt- If you have the legs, you can still wear a short skirt. Just consider where you’re sporting it. The dark color makes this seem more grounded. Navy Wool and Viscose blend twill. Multicolor circular fabric appliqué and bead embellishment. Concealed zipper and hook fastening at the side. Fully lined. $1180.00
No.2 Pencil Skirt- It’s the color, of course, though the respectable length is also a selling point. Pencil skirts are supposed to be longer. They flatter the hips. Sunshiney. Crisply structured Double-Serge Cotton. Cut narrow. Back zipper fastening. Back welt pockets. Back vent. Sits at the knee. $110.00
Dresses – Which are you?
Left to Right:
Lela Rose Embellished Woven Organza Dress- This really interesting dress is chic, avant-garde , and still casual. Takes a confident woman. Duck-egg blue woven organza, mid-knee, draped V-neck, off-the-shoulder strap, partially boned bodice, fitted waist, crystal-embellished grosgrain belt, pleated skirt, asymmetric hem, tulle underlayer, fully lined. Concealed hook and zip fastening at back. Linen/Cotton/Silk/Polyester. $1895.00
Tibi Floral Print Silk-Gazaar Dress- Sweet, really. Best on petites. Good for figure flaws. Cream and red. Round neck, narrow cut shoulders, empire waist, a-line, box pleating along skirt, structured hem; fully lined with mesh at skirt. Zipper and hook fastening at the back. 100% Silk. Shorter than it looks. $570.00
Diane von Furstenberg Blee Dress- Office graphics, but ready to rock n’roll. This could use a great piece of jewelry. Sleek and a bit dark-Super Heroine? Black dress has a green front and metallic-gold wide hem with a round neck and sleeveless arms. Hidden centre-back zipped fastening and a centre-front and back hem slit. Viscose/Polyamide/Elastane. $ 192.00
Camilla and Marc Cylinder Crepe and Jacquard Dress- Short and flirty-doesn’t stop at thirty-something, ladies. Perfect for the tropics or the Hamptons. Crystal jewelry? White Crepe and neon lime Jacquard. Ruched waist, tiered skirt; fully lined. Concealed zipper at the back. 100% Viscose. $785.00
Tall Striped Cowl Dress- Packable and easy looking on the right figure. Errands, flea markets, foreign films, walking museums…in foreign countries. Twist knot waist. Viscose/Elastane. Longline-just above the knee. $44.00
Dresses – Dressier
Left to Right:
Paul Smith Sheer Silk Wrap Dress- An event dress-dinner with the chairman, fundraising cocktail party, wedding? Seriously ladylike. Pearls? Very pale, dusty pink with pleated wrap detail. Exposed center back zipper. Fully lined. On sale $398.00
Rainbow Lace Long Sleeve Dress by Matthew Williamson- Very patrician piece. Gorgeous detailing, luscious color. Extremely feminine but very ladylike. Hand embroidered satin appliqué and cording detail. Finished with a rich scalloped hem. Slim fitting mini with invisible zipper at center back. Comes with detachable tonal, silk slip with adjustable straps. $2675.00
Eileen Kirby Purple Rose Dress- Royal purple. Kind of a Marilyn dress. This will definitely turn heads. For something gala. Get out the diamonds-or facsimiles thereof. One shoulder design features ruching to the side creating a rosette effect at the hip. This dress has a slit at the side and invisible zipper at the back. 100% Polyester. on sale $378.00
Pencil Dress with Exaggerated Shoulders in Ponti- Beautiful low, square neckline, pithy jewel color. Show off the work out figure while you have it, gravity’s peeking around the corner. Short sleeve styling, an exaggerated and oversized pleat detail to the shoulder, fitted darts and stitched detailing to the body. Zipper fastening and single vent at the back. Fitted shape. Polyester/Viscose/Elastane. On sale $43.87!
