Just Because it Fits...

Just because something fits, it does not mean you should wear it. This is the predicament I find myself in these days. I have increasing difficulty deciding what fashion is age-appropriate and what is not. I am a midler. I am too young for old lady clothes and I am too old to wear styles designed for 20 year olds.

And I look to magazines like Allure and More to get a handle on how to wear trends in my age bracket. But often I think they get it wrong. I think they assume all women my age are portly-- and all of us are not. I do not want to be covered up in blazers and wraps yet. My figure is still pretty good. And I am petite so I get lost in too much layering. But neither do I want to be too naked—that is even worse—even thin people have lumps and unflattering rolls of skin.

And so most of the clothes in my closet have the same label—Michael Kors. Michael understands me. His petite line fits and the styles are right on trend but not too young or too matronly. And the fabrics are forgiving—they lay softly on the skin. And for the most part, all of the cuts are fitted but not clingy—fitted is good, clingy is not---and I prefer not to wear lycra unless it is a special occasion.

And even if my clothes are not Michael’s (we are on a first name basis), when I find something that works, I will buy that same thing in different colors. I will purchase the exact same t-shirt in black, grey, navy, brown and 2 in white. And I buy multiples with pants too.  I must own at least 30 cardigans—in solids and multiple patterns and prints. Almost all my dresses are sheaths---the only thing that varies is the sleeve, the fabric, and the length. Virtually every “going out” shirt has a cut in shoulder or a boat neck. And I pick things out of my wardrobe like I am matching garanimals (remember those?)

On Good Morning America the other day they did a segment on a growing trend--“copy-cat dressing”---it is when mothers and daughters share all their clothing. And they showed a mother daughter combo in Express buying a short leopard print ruched strapless knit dress with the intent of Mom wearing it on Friday night and the daughter wearing it on Saturday. The daughter was around 18 and the mother was around 45 years old.

And I thought seriously? Express? Banana Republic or Gap maybe—and even that seems a bit wrong.  My girls may wear all of my things but I may not wear all of theirs. I may wear many of my mother’s things but she may not wear all of mine. Just because it fits doesn’t mean you should wear it—your clothes should never be wearing you. Here’s a hint: if you look in the mirror and wonder even for a second  Can I pull this off?—it’s a sign—no you can’t—take it off and try on something else. Look for Michael. He will help you.