I don’t know about you, but now that things are opening back up and going out and seeing more people is becoming a reality, I am so beyond ready for a little glamour and sexiness. Both have been missing for so long, in so many ways, I can hardly even find the right photo to do it justice (thankfully, Kate Moss always has a little glamour going on). I would say a lack of glamour started before the pandemic, when so much of clothing became oversized and baggy, minimalism became devoid of showing skin or being a little risque (sexy minimalism was a thing once–the OG Helmut Lang) and everyone being fixated with being comfortable. I’m so over it.
Not that I want to traipse around in 4 inch heels and a corset, but I want to get back that feeling of being polished, making an effort and feeling sexy. How will that translate in IRL? After being bare-faced for so long, more makeup more often, either a lipstick or a done eye (more likely the latter, because…masks); pedicures and the occasional manicure; little heels and sexy sandals; lacy camisoles under everything; statement sunglasses; a proper bag; and finally clothes that don’t hide my entire torso. Try finding a fitted blouse now. Almost impossible. There are bras as tops, but that’s not happening at this point in my life. Plus, there is a difference between grown-up sexy and hit-you-over-the-head overt sexy, which has its moments, but most often best left out of the public view. As I find things I will share, below a few ideas.
I didn’t realize Gucci Westman had a new product. Thanks!
Dear Jennifer,
I would absolutely love to send you some of my fitted shirts and shirtdresses. I created them when I couldn’t find the fitted shirts and shirtdresses that I wanted – beautiful quality, nuanced cut and gently shaped. For me, oversize works for only the slimmest figures and I wanted to create a shape that would work for all shapes. I believe I did it as I have seen hundreds of women wearing my shirts and shirdresses looking pulled together, but never overdressed. My designs are subtly sexy which is exactly what I feel the world is lacking right now!
I adore your blog and IG feed and I wonder if you would adore the cut of my shirts? Do let me know, @alexblackcollection
Best wishes,
Alex.
I think comfort and glamour can coexist.
Well done and said! So appreciate your perspective. I relate to it all
Love the above and your white shirt ideas! Hope u get a commission on
all white shirts!
What it all comes down to for me is this: Dress to fit your lifestyle! I’d look ridiculous if I wore Manolo mules around my house – likewise, if I were dripping in gold jewelry. I’m likely to be taking a hike on a bluff overlooking the ocean or a woods trail these days. That doesn’t mean that I don’t love fashion or getting dressed up, but just that the moment has to be right for my ”fancy clothes.” Comfort is where it’s at!
The outfits posted here are so lovely and wonderful for inspiration. But….You’re so right. At 61 I’ve learned to dress for my real life not my imaginary life. My real life is a resource teacher, whose clothes take a beating everyday. Between wiping down work spaces with heavy duty cleaner after every student I work with leaves to having some kind of permanent marker, glue stick etc. drop on my clothes at some point in the day I have to be very practical with clothing. And then there’s buying clothes on a teacher’s budget which is another story.