Hello Hot Friends!

Recently I was asked to conduct a mini-workshop on fashion tips for “women of a certain age" during the Wellesley College reunion weekend in June and it got me thinking about my own style journey as I've aged. I realize that it was just this past year that I felt a true need to change my approach to style, clothing, and dressing. 3 years of a pandemic probably postponed the arrival of this moment but this was the year when I truly had to accept that things had changed. Even though my passion for fashion hasn't waned one iota, I had to come to terms with the fact that I'm in a very different time in my life. Just like those other times marked by major change, I've had to adjust.

After conducting my own little style and aging study with women I know and admire, I've learned that all of our personal styles have been impacted by many things: a change in work life, a decidedly more casual lifestyle, and the physical changes that come with aging. Apologies to those readers who aren't there yet but believe me you will be sooner than you think :) This week let's get into some style advice for "women of a certain age."

This week's Hot 5:

1. What's Age Got to Do With It?

2. Hot Pick - Top Picks For Women Of A Certain Age

3. Hot Shops - MM LaFleur

4. Beauty Products To Try

5. Some Great Resources

1. What's Age Got to Do With It?

This has been a month where older women have certainly been in the spotlight! We've had Vogue covers with a 91-year-old model and a 106-year-old model! We've had Martha Stewart on the cover of Sports Illustrated (I'm sure you haven't missed that one!) and we watched our heroine E. Jean Carroll get her day in court. If only you know who was going to jail for it!

I've been fascinated with the reaction to Martha's SI cover and editorial pages. Do we admire her confidence and brashness at the age of 81 or do we pity her need to look so much younger than seems normal at her age? Read this for an interesting take on it which I have to admit I agree with. Let's reflect on how great it is that we're seeing more and more older women on magazine covers and that we're having these discussions. Like so much in our world, it's about time.

2. Hot Pick - Top Picks For Women Of A Certain Age

According to Forbes, women between 55 and 64 spend more money on clothes than any other age group so why all the complaints about how hard it is to find things? The things are there, it's the marketing and targeting that needs work. Things do seem to be getting better though with many retailers showcasing diverse (age, ethnicity, and size) and "real" women in their advertising and content. Luckily we're living in an age of 'no more rules' and we're free to wear what we please for the most part. That said, we still want to feel good and look like the best version of ourselves. For most women of a certain age that means:

covering upper arms
avoiding too young, too short, and too tight
accepting that high heels are just dangerous
using accessories to tell one's style story
leaning into our style types

It just so happens that what's trending style-wise this spring and summer is exactly what's on my list for dressing well over 50. Whether the trend's called Stealth Wealth, Quiet Luxury, or just great basics, it all adds up to clothes that are classic, tailored silhouettes typically in neutral shades like black, white, beige, gray, and navy that you can depend on for years.

Here are my top 5 items on trend for this summer that work as well for older women as they do for their younger sisters:

3. Hot Shops - M.M. LaFleur

I remember when MM LaFeur launched way back in 2013. I was still working in the corporate world and it was the beginning of online shopping so I was very curious about their products and mission. All these years later they constantly come up as an amazing resource for mature women. M.M.LaFleur is known for introducing the world to the concept of Power Casual, which they define as the clothing equivalent of work-life balance. The look is achieved by complementing casual styles with more elevated pieces. The clothes are celebrated for being functional, comfortable, and stylish. They've also partnered with an amazing non-profit called The Bottomless Closet which helps disadvantaged NYC women enter and succeed in the workforce. How great is that?

4. Beauty Products To Try

Makeup that contains skincare ingredients is the best news for more mature skin. Products that blur imperfections, add plumping, and make you glow are just what the doctor ordered! These products work to enhance the skin not just cover it up. I can vouch for every product below and several of them I've written about here before.

5. Some Great Resources

I'll leave you with a list of resources that perhaps can help to navigate the challenging journey of being stylish while aging. Of course, there are many but these I've personally followed or they've been recommended by trustworthy "women of a certain age".

Podcasts: Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis Dreyfus, Everything Is Fine with Kim France and Jen Romolini, Becoming Wise by Krista Tippett

Substack: How Not To F Up Your Face, Girls Of A Certain Age, Ask E. Jean

Instagram: @paulinaporizkov @greceghamen @carlarockmore

Terry. xoxo

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