It’s me. Your cool friend. 🙂 Seriously, though, although I’ve never considered myself much of a cool girl, as a personal stylist, I have a real appreciation for cool girl style, especially as I get older. Here’s my spicy take on the subject:
What does that mean? It means that dressing in a modern way becomes more important as we get older, not less. The old tried-and-true formulas and ways of dressing up simply stop working, or at least they stop working to the level that they worked before. Maybe at 30, you could throw on your go-to velvet dress and pumps and head out the door, but at 60, that same formula often feels flat, or boring, or aging. It often needs a little something extra to make it look stylish and fresh and fun. It needs the cool girl factor.
Today, I’m going to talk about simple ways to inject some cool girl style into your go-to formulas for everyday outfits and dressing up.
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Cool Style Inspiration Over 50
Style begins at 40, in my opinion, because that’s when the combination of self-knowledge and fearlessness come together to create unique personal style. Here are some examples of stylish women over 50 to inspire you.
How To Wear Velvet
One of the secrets to cool girl style, as I see it, is to wear classic fabrics in unexpected ways. Velvet can either look very classic and a little stuffy, or it can be cool and relaxed.
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How To Wear Sequins
The ubiquitous party shirt, usually worn with black pants for any and every type of function, is definitely looking a little tired. While the basic formula of a fun shirt and neutral pants can stay the same, it’s the specific pieces that need to be updated for a fresh and modern look.
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Try A Statement Suit
A fun tuxedo-style suit is a great and often unexpected option for dressing up. It always looks cool and can be a great alternative when the weather is cool or when you just don’t want to show your legs. Go for a classic neutral style or a fun and personality-driven pattern.
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More Sequins
There are other ways to take this traditional dress-up material and make it modern. A sequin blazer worn with basics or understated pieces looks very modern, as does an updated and sleek sequin dress.
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Coated & Metallic Pants
If you’re looking for a dressier take on denim, coated jeans, which feature a finish that looks like leather or metal, are a great choice. Shiny metallic pants, if they suit your style and wardrobe, are another fun and daring option. Silver pants are a major trend for the season.
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Jumpsuits
I’ve seen so many basic black jersey jumpsuits (and owned several myself) and I’m over them. Unless they are fabulous in quality, fit, and cut, then they are truly boring and repetitive. Instead, try a special jumpsuit to elevate your style and evening look.
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Still More Sequins
Since sparkle is such a mainstay of the upcoming holiday season, I thought it might be fun to show a few more updated takes on sparkle for evening.
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Evening Tops
As I mentioned earlier, a boring or dated party top equals a boring or dated look. Here, some options to the out-of-style first top.
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What To Retire
The go-to and basic party looks that we have all had for years are in need of an update. If you have one of these hanging in your closet, consider retiring them.
What did you think of my tips for dressing up like a cool girl? And which of these areas needs an update in your wardrobe?
Nada Manley says
Yayyy! I would love to see the outfit! It sounds lovely! Well done!!! Cheering you on!
Kath says
Needed and outfit for going out for An evening this Festive Season and remembered this gem of a video. To cut a long story short I’ve bout coated jeans and a boxy slightly sparkly top. It’s an outfit I would never imagined so you see Nada you are an inspiration!! Might even pluck up the courage to post a picture in the Facebook group …
Nada Manley says
Hi Louise! Absolutely!! You have to go with your personal style. Many of my family and friends are classic and will always be classic. My suggestion would be to take two classic items, for example your velvet skirt, and juxtapose it with something unexpected but still classic, like a button-down shirt or a cashmere sweater, to create a modern classic look. I would wear those velvet skirts with your favorite simple tops that are not overly dressy. I hope that helps!
Louise says
This video convinced me that I am not a “cool girl” and never will be. My personal style has included velvet skirts and blazers, but sequins, metalics ()except part of a shoe), and leather pants are not my personal style. I guess I am too traditional, but that is me in all ways. I get that there are ways to style my traditional pieces to keep them from being frumpy, but getting in to fabrics that are too “glitzy” would be uncomfortable to me and not look like the true me.
One of the last things you said was that we should remember that the most important thing is that we work within our personal style; I will do that. How can I update those velvet skirts i have? Hmmmm. . . . .