Dressing to look sophisticated

cattkitt

glowgirl wrote: »

Lol, thats why I dont do sophiscated unless I really have to, I love sparkle at any time:D

That's fair enough.
I think that's the key, knowing how to do it, then making the choice of what you do and don't want. Without the knowledge, there isn't the option of the choice.

Kt8

less is more.

Bronnie

glowgirl wrote: »

Th
but its so hard in the 40s age group not to look like mutton or frumpy/dated, some really good suggestions here for the OP which they can develop into their own style, personal confidence in how you look will shine through:)

LOL, if you think it's hard now, wait til you get to your fifties.....!

....and yes, I agree less is definitely more along with not looking like you're trying too hard (although you are!)! I think you can often get away with what you fancy by focussing on that one thing and keeping the rest of the look, including hair and make-up and accessories pared down and restrained.

That of course, is making the big fat presumption that you give a damn!!!

whitelillies

Well i got the bargain of the week a lovely mac. I couldnt believe the price. I decided to go for a red one rather than black, beige or brown. They had green also but i thought red will go with black trousers and ive got a few red pieces in my wardrobe for winter anyway. Now im on the hunt for a pencil skirt, preferably on or just slighty above the knee in black and a few blouses or possibly jumpers. I really do need warmer things as i will be wearing these out and about. I have a uniform for work and thats really why i want to dress more sophisticated at the weekends rather than just jeans.

pink_warrior

Red Mac...Sounds lovely, perfect addition to your new look...I'm slightly jealous as I've wanted one for a while but cant find a good fit!!!

A pencil skirt is something every lady should have tucked away in their wardrobe...I personally prefer just below the knee with a slight split in the back.

Kt8

pencil skirt should not show knees. so ideally should stop below knee, very classy.
can't bear short knee showing pencil skirts they don't do anyone any favours

cattkitt

KT8's remark about knees reminds me about standing. Because I'm hyperflexible, I naturally pull exaggerated poses when at rest(my limbs just lock in a non-normal way). This means that whilst it's the kind of thing that they encourage in America's Next Top Model for weird photos, it is just not right for everyday settings, not unless you want the men with butterfly nets to be called out.

So anyhow, remember that for a classy look, especially when in heels, keep your knees together, even though it's easier to keep your balance when bracing yourself with feet apart.

whitelillies

I agree about the length of the skirt. Trouble is im finding them either above the knee or half way down my legs. Im 5ft 2" so a bit petite although i dont buy petite clothing as they seem to be skimpy with the sizes. I did look in matalan and was surprised because they had a few but not in black. I dont like the ones in Next they just dont fit right and are loose at the sides im quite small hipped and I didnt particularly want a highwaisted one because there hard to sit down in and although im small i have a slight stomach (putting it politely where ive had kids) I havnt tried many on so ile have to keep looking. Probably me just being fussy.

cattkitt

With regards to where the skirt ends, I think it might depend on your figure. Although I am not overweight, my calves are very big. So skirts that end just below my knee emphasize the width of my calves, and make them look huge; whereas if they end just above the knee, I get compliments. I'm 5'3", and vary between size 8-12, depending on the shop and whether I'm currently near a source of scrummy fresh Danishes.

whitelillies

Well just an update on my thread. I have shopped till ive dropped then shopped some more. I found a pencil skirt which was just on the knee with a small split (half inch) down the left hand side which i thought was better than at the back as it doesnt notice and give me more room to walk and looks better from behind than a bigger split. I also found a little black dress thats very sophisticated. It has beading in black and silver (like diamantes along the neckline which isnt low and the beading is along the bottom as well and also has no sleeves so i can wear a shrug over the top. It looks very expensive but it wasnt. I also got a blue godet top which skims my bottom to wear with leggings and boots and a long line cardi so thats me sorted for winter. Well all but a coat, which again i want a fitted dressy one in black.