Double denim used to be considered a fashion faux pas. One piece was amazing, but two was risky territory….however things have changed. A double denim look is not only perfectly acceptable now, it’s actually a chic style choice. Women over 50 can absolutely wear this trend, they simply need to know how to pair denim pieces together in a way that’s stylish and sophisticated. There’s still a fine line between a double denim outfit looking chic and an ensemble that is too much. I mean, let’s face it, no one wants to look like they’ve just stepped out of a rodeo. So here are some tips how to rock the look in a fashionable way.

1. Stick to pieces in similar washes

Seasoned denim-on-denim devotees can experiment with vastly different hues, but if you’re new to the trend, seek out matching, or almost matching, shades of blue. It feels more pulled together and best of all, wearing the same colour head-to-toe elongates the frame.

2. Add modern accessories

A great pair of mules or a polished tote will keep a denim ensemble looking current. Changing up the accessories can also take the look from daytime to evening in a flash, simply by throwing on a fabulous pair of heels and adding an evening bag, like a skin clutch.

3. Don’t pile on other trends

This look requires a bit of restraint, so don’t go crazy with trendy accessories. Adding in neon accessories or a fringe handbag is going to be overkill. Less is actually more in this scenario, so keep the basics, you know, basic.

~ Dorrie

Senior Style Bible

Denim Top: Zara
Jeans: Zara
Mules: Vince

Clothing for Fall 2016 is finally hitting the stores, and we can’t help but notice that stripes are stealing the show again this season. While some designers are favoring thin horizontal lines, others are going big and bold. Stripes have never been more in vogue than they are at the moment. You can pair them with practically everything, so what’s not to love? However if you’re feeling uninspired by this ongoing trend, here are some fresh ways to wear them to keep them feeling edgy and modern this season.

1. Stripes on Stripes: Up your stripe ante by wearing a few different striped garments at once. My favorite way to update the tried and tested stripe trend is by doubling or tripling them up in one look, like I’ve done here. If you are going to be bold, you really need to go for it. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Fashion is meant to be fun.

2. Striped Accessories: For a look that’s a bit more subtle, but still on trend, try adding a striped accessory like a clutch or a pair of heels.

3. Subtle Stripes: Instead of wearing stripes all over, try more subtle hints like a striped sleeve or hem. Stripes don’t need to shout to make a statement.

There are so many stylish ways to wear stripes this season without looking like an escapee jail bird. So go on, give them a test drive.

~ Dorrie
Senior Style Bible

Let’s face it, good fringe is hard to find. It’s a fun trend, but it can easily go horribly wrong, with outfits looking more suitable for a Halloween party, than a night out on the town. But that doesn’t mean fringe needs to be avoided entirely. When done well, the trend can actually be stylish. So, what are the best ways to wear fringe in a sophisticated way? Keep it subtle on skirts, barely there on dresses, a tasteful accent on shoes, and dangling on earrings. At the end of the day, if you look like a flapper, a reject from Woodstock or like you’ve just stepped out of the Wild Wild West, you’ve gone too far, so keep it subtle.

I discovered this fringed kaftan In H&M recently and immediately fell in love. To me, it’s the perfect outfit for entertaining at home or wearing to an afternoon pool party. It definitely has a party vibe, and as Iris Apfel says…. you can never have too many party frocks, because you never know where life is going to take you.

~ Dorrie

Senior Style Bible

Back in the 80s, my daughter lived in a beaten up military jacket from the Salvation Army all through high school. I hated it and I have held a grudge against the military jacket every since. That is until a recent trip to Barney’s where I saw a few stylish versions in the window and my disdain began to thaw. The military jacket has come a long way since the Army Navy store days. It’s re-invented itself as a sophisticated wardrobe staple that can be casually thrown over a summer dress or paired with a great pair of leather trousers. I found this cropped version at H&M and decided it was an ideal piece to take traveling with me this summer. It works well with so many things and is also very on trend at the moment…so I decided to forgive and forget. I mean let’s face it, there were an awful lot of fashion crimes committed in the 80s. It’s probably time to move on.

~ Dorrie

Senior Style Bible

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in bright pops of color. After a long winter wrapped up in neutrals, it’s fun to cut loose and experiment with color. Although mixing and matching contrasting colors is very trendy at the moment, I usually tend to stick to one color palette because it elongates the body and gives the illusion of height, which at a mere 5’2, I need, especially when wearing flats. There are days when running around in heels is just not going to cut it, so if I know I’m going to be doing a lot of walking, I throw on a cute pair of flats by Tory Burch. I’ve never been a sneaker wearing kind of gal, so trendy flats are my solution to the comfort issue. We all have days we need to dress down, especially when we’re on the run…so a pair of flats and a cross body bag are two items that I keep on hand for those busy days when comfort and practicality are key.

~ Dorrie

Senior Style Bible

The jumpsuit is everywhere….and it’s popular for good reason. It’s comfy, easy to wear, stylish, and suits almost every body type. Having said that….I’m also a bit lazy, and the jumpsuit is a lazy girl’s best friend. Put it on, throw on a jacket….and poof…you have instant street cred. Every fashion “it girl” seems to be running around town looking casually chic in one, so really, what’s not to love? Decisions, that’s what. There are so many styles to choose from, how do we decide which style is best suited for mature fashionistas? What works for the “it girl” may not look so great on us.

Although there are seemingly endless variations of the jumpsuit out there at the moment, I prefer a slightly more structured style for fashionable women over 50. The shapeless cotton numbers look extremely cute and comfortable on twenty-somethings, but I think when you get to a certain age it’s best to steer clear of pieces that resemble our pajamas when venturing out into the world. Instead I prefer jumpsuits that have some shape to them, or some interesting detailing that adds an extra bit of flair. This is definitely the type of look that I can run around in all day and then throw on some dressier shoes and carry on into evening. Like I said, I’m lazy. Why waste time changing outfits when you could be having cocktails?

~ Dorrie

Senior Style Bible