Mature Fashion: Home Maintenance

Well, we had rain in May! Very unusual at this time of year.  In fact, the weather has been very strange all year! One day brings us very warm weather, the next day it feels like it is still February...some days we have both conditions on the same day!! Of course, these weather conditions mean layers; thin and Springtime appropriate, but layers,

I am spending a lot of time attending to neglected "chores" that have been put off way too long.  To the left is a typical outfit for the type of chores and the accompanying errands I have to run within the day.  Note the layered top and gauzy neck scarf; simple to add or to remove, depending upon the condition.  The same holds true for the footwear.  Today I am going a lot of work that will require me to frequently change my footwear (garden boots, sport slip-ons, and low heeled pumps for the errands)  The only jewelry I wear is a watch that fits close to the wrist and does not get in my way.  Should I get my hair messed up, (almost a sure thing) I will wear my white fedora hat.

Each of the outfits I have on in these pictures represent costumes for these identical roles. I plan the night before what I most likely will need to wear, make sure it is handy, and go about my daily business.  Each of these outfits have a basic top and bottom that is sturdy enough to handle regular household maintenance, in good enough condition to face a public display, and has easy to wear accessories that can be quickly dressed up or dressed down depending upon the required errand or unplanned event.  As you can see, usually only a change of shoes (if necessary), addition of a simple accessory or two, quick flick to neaten hair (although mine is usually messy-it is hard to deal with-lucky the current trend is "messy" hair) .  If it is too messy, I just add a casual hat.  I usually change my handbag the night before; a ritual that allows me to coordinate clothes, keep my purse free of bits and pieces, and to add my coin change to my savings jar. (for those special purchases I plan each season -my white leather boots for F/W 2016)

For "at home" jewelry, I have a small jewelry box on the bathroom counter that contains my simple band ring(s), subtle gold or silver jewelry, and small neck chains, etc., items that are simple to put on and literally go with anything.  These are items I never plan in advance.  If I am doing something special, I plan my jewelry the night before with my other "dress up" outfits for other roles.
Like most of us, I know what these occasions are and the clothing I will wear.  Those outfits to the left are my "home maintenance" (at home) "uniforms.

I almost always plan the impromptu layering; our weather has been so unpredictable I am either taking something off or putting it on!!

Mature Fashiobn: Job Hunting

It finally looks like we are beginning to have some warmer weather(regularly) and I am taking the time to look at one or two part time jobs in which I may be interested.

Because RockMyRole is all about the different roles we mature women play in our play of "Lifestyle", it seems appropriate to post a well thought out strategy in dressing for the different aspects of a working role.  In both of these pictures, I am demonstrating business casual attire where I will simply be picking up an application or returning it. (I always try to do this because I believe that all opportunities to "connect" with a prospective employer are significant to reach my goal, the job I want).  The yellow ensemble is what I would wear for a formal interview on any of the jobs I would seek; I would wear the maroon only for inquiries as to whether employment is available or to pick up an application or to return the application. Because both jobs I am considering are in casual retail, I will also be "shopping the store".  This tactic allows the person's who I would be interfacing with to observe me, (often that person may have influence in the hiring procedure) and evaluating my potential role as employee.

The dress "for an interview" rules for a person of my age are very different than for my younger counterpart; they are also very different for the mature 40 to 60 age group.  I am over 70, and I know finding the job I want may be difficult.  I might consider re-coloring my hair (I just decided to bleach it out white this past year) as well as carefully considering the impact of what I wear. I have to project instantly a youthful, vibrant, and energetic woman; one who is not too frail, "dotty", etc., etc., All of these latent "old age" stereotypes have to be dispelled within the few seconds it takes for a potential employer to register my appearance.

Of course, I will use my styling to accomplish this impression before I speak the first word. The mild yellow outfit I am wearing in the picture is further accessorized with a simple "boyfriend" watch and my wedding ring.  I will use the camel and cream structured handbag to lend a more modern feel to the outfit without drawing any undo attention to any focal point. Why, you ask? Well....

Most interview experts recommend that the attire for any aspect of the employment process should not draw undo attention but should present an over all impression of solid, good judgement.  It is recommended that accessories be of good leather, (or a quality substitute) ; never athletic materials, straw, or canvas.  Jewelry or other accessories should be simple, no perfume, and sensible but fashionable shoes.  The look should be not too affluent but radiate durability and quality. Hair, grooming and cosmetics should be subtle, etc. (BTW, many, many studies and much research has been done in this psychological employment arena, and the results are consistent year after year.)

A word more about the shoes; comfort is essential . (Sore or hurting feet always reflect negatively in the facial movements, etc.) Depending upon the job one is seeking, it may be appropriate to wear heels.  Most older women who are even a little bit over their ideal weight when wearing low heels tend to look a bit frumpy when they are worn with a suit (matched or otherwise). Depending upon the job, wearing a pant suit is more effective for an interview, and usually are best when worn with a two inch heel. A dress with a blazer or sweater is usually more effective than the suit, and when worn with either flat or low heels. Unless working in a fashion or artistic professional environment, an older woman is cautioned from wearing high heels, boots, or other a la mode trendy footwear.

Extreme fashion statements of any kind are not recommended (this applies to women of any age!!) Once again, high fashion or art based businesses can be an exception, but do your research.

For the type of job I am looking for, the garments I am wearing reflect the type of outfit I would wear to pick up and return an application or make inquiry,  I would also make sure my nails were well manicured with a neutral polish and my hair style neither too severe nor too messy. (my greatest challenge).

The deep red purse (looks lighter here than in real life) is very plain, the "look" I want, particularly because I have the gold buttons on both the loafers and the sweater jacket.  The only jewelry I am wearing are gold earrings and a gold ring on each hand.  The stripes are ornament enough and add a little trend to an otherwise too classic ensemble. (The stripes also convey a touch of youthfulness without looking like I am trying too hard ).  This outfit could be improved with a pair of perfectly matched dark red plain oval toed flats, but I don't have them, nor could I find any in exactly the right shade.  (If I can find them for my optimal purchase price I would get them because I expect to wear the pants and sweater for several more seasons-the stripes will probably not)

Mature Fashion: Changing Roles

I am reviewing the amount of wear I will be getting from the ensembles I styled earlier in the year (last winter, actually).  I have mentioned earlier that I make a style book of the stylings I compile because I assemble the articles I plan on wearings the night before I go to work.  I want to remember the way  I planned to wear it without trying to pull it all together in the morning (I don't know about you, but I always seem to be short of time). I am also able to check the items for loose threads, marks, spots, or other maintenance issues that I would not have time to address in the morning.

This ensemble is typical wear for my part time job at the furniture store.  I am now more likely to wear it with on of these three pair of "comfort" shoes, depending upon my plan for the day.  I will, and do, sometimes wear heels when I am at home for the day, but only if I am not going to be doing chores that would make the heels either unsafe or too uncomfortable.  I did not wear any heel for a few years and found that my legs became too uncomfortable anytime.  When I "re-invented" myself (returned occasionally to the type clothing I wore as a working professional), I now make it a point to wear them at least once a week. Of course, I only wear comfortable shoes of any kind, but the continued use of some heel has kept me able to wear them when I want to be more "dressed up".  I also choose to wear heels frequently because they add height to my frame.

Another reason I take a picture is for my style book and to critique my own styling.  For example, I wear only a pair of pearl earrings and a ring on in this picture.  (I have styled most of my ensembles with minimalist jewelry because that is a 'youthful' trend)  When I review the picture, I believe that I will add my Pandora or my white jade/gold narrow bracelet to the outfit.  Just this touch matches my own personal aesthetic; more rings or a necklace would not provide the touch that I want to be "me" and still update a look.

As you already know if you have read many of my posts, I do not believe a woman can have too many accessories if she has the room for storage.  The mix and match of accessories is what allows a woman to instantly update a look and "shop her closet".

I also will choose from a selection of purses; I have the nautical ones in the picture but I also have the option of using two additional red ones that might be more suitable for a specific purpose.  (I really do like looks to be "just right" for me). It is the current trend to mix the color of metals, but for the most part, I do not like that look.  I try to have different shapes in accessories like shoes and handbags, however, I also want hardware on the bags to be either, gold, silver, or both on the accessories so I can match in a way that is pleasing to me. (Remember, fashion is all about YOU, what you like, and how you feel when you wear it!!)..Enough preaching !!


I have to complete a bit of wardrobe styling for the remainder of the summer.  I am dawdling a bit because I am not sure exactly what I want to do.  I know that I do not want to work more than two days a week, and I do like having a few months off during the winter.  Unfortunately, that is one of the benefits that I had to give up in leaving my latest employment.  I am still planning my solutions (and options).  You can bet that my choice of wardrobe for these interviews will be well thought out.  I really do practice what I "preach".