Some feel that the word STYLE is overrated and overused, but I still really like the word. To me it describes something special. Style is a unique way to express yourself. Style is an art. Style is class. Style is…..
And finally one wise observation from Marilyn Monroe…
What is style to you?
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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Thanks for your comments Sylvia, excellent points you make!
I am one of those women that loves the sophistication of neutrals, but think bright colours are better suited for me most of the time. It took me a long time to realize this. This is especially true for me, because, although I adore clothes, I wear almost no makeup, so I really can look dreadfully washed out. I definitely get way more compliments when I wear bright colours.
Here is a photo of Emmanuelle Alt. I guess she is similar to Coco Chanel in colouring?
Another thing, Alt is 6 feet tall!
http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/emmanuelle-alt-in-black-coat-paris/
yes indeed similar. I’m the same as you. I’m drawn to a neutral palette but know I look better in color. All black is a look I can’t really pull off and not a lot of women over 40 will look great in it.
‘It’s always better to be slightly underdressed’
Coco Chanel
A little surprising maybe? Recently, I saw a photo of French Vogue’s editor-in chief Emmanuelle Alt, and I think she personifies this approach. Her look is understated but sophisticated in it’s own way. Paradoxically, I think it can actually take more effort to achieve this, kind of like, it can take more makeup to look polished when you want a ‘natural look’. Alt is 45, gorgeous, and can get away with a pretty much dark, monochromatic wardrobe. We have to remember she lives in Paris though! Yves Saint Laurent said there is something about Paris light and architecture, that lends itself well to a daytime look of neutrals. In other cities, it wouldn’t have the same effect.
I’m not that familiar with Emanuelle, but yes an understated look can work for some women. I always think it’s easier. You only have a small color palette of neutrals and can just mix and match. If the neutrals don’t wash you out or age you, it can look very sophisticated. Coco was very dark and so could wear black really well. Many women can’t. Coco was never that adventurous with colors so your quote really was her motto. Coco also lived in a different time where ‘underdressed’ was still quite dressy.
Introducing color is trickier, but it’s beneficial to many women. I guess it’s all about finding out what works for you (and your city)
I really love these style quotes, they really make you think about style and what it means to you. The two quotes that really resonate with me are, “Style is a way to say who you are, without talking” -Rachel Zoe and “Fashion changes, but style endures” -Coco Chanel. I’ve always loved fashion and when I was young I was obsessed with trends, now as I have gotten older I finally understand the meaning of style and embracing a more classic personality.
It’s one thing avoiding designer clothes when you are with a friend who is not so well off but surely, dressing in fun things because that is your personality would not make somebody uncomfortable? If a friend of mine wore tangerine printed trousers it would make me very happy!! I would wear the lime green skirt I have just bought, with my purple cardigan!
Now that would be a happy looking lunch table! 🙂 That’s it Lorraine…I just like to be sensitive to others’ situation.
I am coming to that lunch girls! And I am wearing my new lime and teal bomber jacket with the sunglasses I got yesterday that match the lime perfectly. LOL! We will be blindingly awesome! 🙂
We’d be so fabulous that the restaurant would want us to come every day to brighten the place up! 🙂 Hey, and add some yellow and red and we’ve got the whole visible spectrum. (Geek humor!)
Good to hear from you again Suzanne! You are definitely included!
the moss green purple and red top I showed you Monday would fit right in!
Yes, Sylvia! There’s our red! Maybe a yellow accessory and we’ve got it! 🙂
Perfect! Now we just need someone in yellow to attain “Geek Chic” according to Rita. 🙂 Where would we be without our resident engineer? Hey – maybe I can twist Greetje’s arm – er, I mean invite her to lunch – with her lovely yellow Coach bag. LOL!
Geek Chic….I LOVE IT! LOL!!!! Yes, Greetje, please. 🙂
I will wear my bright yellow LaDress tunic as my lovely bag has a hideous gold logo printed on it. But I will be there. You can always count on me with these friends- get-togethers.
My husband has a theory that restaurants always put their most beautiful customers in the window! Well, I don’t know about beautiful but we would certainly be BRIGHT! This is my dream lunch……..
Sounds perfect, Greetje! And I think we’d be bright AND beautiful, Lorraine. (Is that the name of a soap opera??). 🙂 Everyone have a great Easter weekend!!
Ha! ha! Isn’t that Bold and Beautiful, Rita?????!!! Bright and Beautiful is part of an Anglican hymn (“All things bright and beautiful…la la la “) and since we can’t sing I think we’ll give that a miss…..
I’ll settle for bold, bright and beautiful!
I had to smile when I read Rita’s comment. I was almost typing that I totally agree with her, when I stopped and thought “wait a minute, isn’t this a bit too complying?” I don’t mind spicing things up from time to time.
Style is something I wish I had more of. It does not come naturally. I have to work hard at it. Good job I like it.
LOL!!! Greetje, I thought of you after I came up with that and said to myself, “Greetje is going to think I’m caving in again.” So funny!
I don’t think I’ll ever get over not wanting other people to feel out of place (maybe because I always have), so even though I’m trying to spice it up (I bought tangerine printed trousers for spring!), it will always be in the back of my mind. I promise not to comply with my shoes, though! 😀
I love Marilyn Monroe’s quote…such a shame we didn’t get to see her in her older years. I bet she would have been fabulous!
Well, I thought I’d give my own quote a go:
“Be confident with the image you portray, appropriate for the situation you’re in, and comfortable for others to be with.”
(I need to work on not ending phrase and sentences with a preposition…need to work on that! 🙂 )
Very well done Rita! Although I would say that with the last part of your sentence you will need to be careful with. You will never be able to please everybody with your clothes. And I think the first 2 are really essential. If you get the third part as well, then that is a bonus!
Thanks, Sylvia! I knew that 3rd part was going to get me a talkin’ to! LOL! It is definitely true that we can’t please everyone. I definitely won’t try to do that. 🙂
Great quotes and I definitely agree with Marilyn M.
The motto of my blog is: “Style is a reflection of your attitude and your personality.”
Annette
Lady of Style
Style is a way to tell the world who you are, how you feel, and what you want. It’s your visual signature. You can “sign” sloppily or with flair and care. It’s about the choices you make to express who you are without saying a word.
Spashionista (Alicia)
Love this definition!
Very well said Alicia!
I love all the quotes! It’s easy to keep buying but when it comes to styling….that’s another skill!
It’s so interesting that your clothes can reveal your personality (I thought about that a lot during your style challenge exercise). There is so much psychology involved getting dressed I think I will stay in bed!
No way Lorraine. I forbid it! Remember, the only thing that is really important is to have fun with it.
Don’t worry – I’m up! But dressed for warmth, I’m afraid as it’s zero again today!
Loving the quotes!… One of my favorites?
“Fashion changes, but style endures.” -Coco Chanel
Yes, I love that one too. Perhaps I should have included it, but I assume everyone knows this one already….
Oh my! I love all of the quotes!! I can relate to all of them, but if I had to chose….it would be Marilyn Monroe’s! Just b/c it sounds so sexy! haha
I know! Isn’t that great. I just had to include it….
Love all of these and pinned them… Style is an individual artful expression using fashion as your medium… at least that is my personal definition…