WHAT TO

WEAR
The best tips
+ tricks for
dressing the
body you have
today to look +
feel fabulous.
THE CHALLENGE:
DISCOVERING THE PERSONAL STYLE
THAT CELEBRATES THE VIBRANT
WOMAN YOU ARE TODAY.
At VibrantNation.com, the leading online community for women over 45,
members know only too well the challenges faced by midlife women trying
to look and feel our best. For many VN members, the biggest problem
is finding clothes that are comfortable — yet stylish + modern, rather than
frumpy. For others, it’s a question of evaluating an existing wardrobe with
fresh eyes, of reinventing the personal style that served well when they were
in their 30s, but may no longer fits new tastes, a changing body, or lifestyle.

It doesn’t help that so many clothing manufacturers still don’t “get it,” con-
tinuing to design clothes for our daughters and our mothers, while ignoring
the large, vibrant (and lucrative!) group of midlife women in between.

Mrs. American Made blogger, Ana Bogusky, understands this opportunity.

“The 40+ crowd often has time, taste, and money to shop - and great inter-
est in fashion - so the potential is terrific.” Ana went on to suggest, “Per-
haps brands can try to focus on the needs of this group and target them
specifically with looks that slim and look good but don’t feel overly young.”

2 | what to wear
ADRIENNE | THE RICH LIFE ON A BUDGET
10
STRATEGIES FOR
DRESSING THE BODY
YOU HAVE NOW
If you’re over 45 and still dressing the same
way you did when you were in your 20s or
30s, you may be missing opportunities to
flatter your best features and showcase
the beautiful, vibrant woman you truly are.
Vibrant Nation members have been in your
shoes, and share their best tips for
reinventing your personal style at midlife.

3 | what to wear
1 DRESS
FOR
NOW
“Always, ALWAYS dress for the
size you are, not the size you want
to be (or the size you were 5 years
ago!” -Jo-Lynne Shane, Blogger

4 | what to wear
JO-LYNNE SHANE | BLOGGER
2
FIT THE
WIDEST
PART OF
YOUR
BODY +
MAKE
ADJUST-
MENTS
FROM
THERE
“No more jackets gaping open or
muffin-top inducing jeans. If you have
fuller hips and thighs fit according to
those measurements and then take
in the waist. Of course the Cabi curvy
fit will solve a lot of those issues. If
you are like me, you have to fit the
waist and then take in the hips. Maybe
you are muscular and the widest part
is your shoulders and biceps. In this
case, fit the arms and take in the body.
Making these adjustments is the game
changer when it comes to perfect fit.”
-Chris Fulkerson, Image Consultant

5 | what to wear
3
FIND A
LENGTH
THAT
WORKS
FOR YOU
“A sleeveless sheath is my favorite go-to dress and most of them are
above the knee, but are not too short above the knee. I think [this] length
is just right and looks good on any body shape + size.” -DeDivahDeals

“I think the key here is in the balance. Short skirt, loose top with low heels or flat
shoes - Done right I think 45+ women can pull it off.” - MyAntiAgingBeautyZone

“I feel that [length] depends on the perception of a person + how she feels about
herself. I really prefer to carry out fashion accoring to my will.” -Kim Pearson

ANTOINETTE | DEDIVAHDEALS 6 | what to wear

4
HONESTLY
REASSESS
YOUR CLOSET

“Get an extra-large plastic garbage bag. Go buy a box of the largest

plastic garbage bags you can find. Fill up the bags with all those clothes
that don’t fit anymore and get rid of all that dust. My days were so
much more joyful when I wasn’t looking at those damn clothes every
day. It was so liberating! The good news is that if you get your hor-
mones balanced, you might be able to fit back into some of these things.
So, save the bags in your storage closet or garage. In the meantime, I
went out and bought a couple of pairs of pants that fit me. I didn’t care
what the hell size they were. I needed to feel comfortable. I threw in a
few loose tops and dresses, and I was a new woman!” -Ellen Dolgen

“It all started with a book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The
Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organization. The focus of the book is
to keep only those things that bring you a spark of joy.” -Vicky1956

“Shop your own closet first. What do you have that works and always
makes you feel comfortable? Most women’s closets are at least 50%
black. Nothing wrong with that, but as we age, it can look harsh.”
-Donna Comstock

“If you find yourself looking at something and thinking that you might
need it at some point but you haven’ tused it or worn it in over a year -
get rid of it.” - Chris Fulkerson

7 | what to wear
5 WEAR THE RIGHT
FOUNDATIONS

“Nothing can overcome a poorly fit-

ting, worn out bra and visible panty
lines.” -Susan, Fifty Not Frumpy

“The Leonisa torsette long body

shaper [pictured] is what I call “head
to toe and under control.” I know
you’re laughing, but a woman has to
sometimes have a little secret to make
the most of her figure. Areas that are
targeted are the back, tummy, and
thighs. Sensational for wearing the
maxi dress + sleeveless dresses that
are body conscious.” -Lisa Cole

“I truly believe that a great fitting bra

allows you to have a certain palpa-
ble confidence that says, ‘I can wear
a plunging V-neck dress or a fitted
blouse and look fabulous and age-ap-
propriate.” It’s all about balancing cup
style with slimming bands!.” -Lisa Cole

LEONISA TORSETTE
LONG BODY SHAPER
CLICK TO BUY
8 | what to wear
6 ENLIST A
SEAMSTRESS
“If you have some special clothes that you
can’t get yourself to put in the large garbage
bag or fit into with Spanx, get out your sewing
kit or find a seamstress. Once, when I needed
to go to a black-tie party, not one of my long
gowns fit me, even with the ‘extra hold’ Spanx.
I sent out an SOS to a dear friend of mine for
a recommendation of a good seamstress. I’d
never met this seamstress before, but she im-
mediately understood and fixed the dress for
me. The Sisterhood to the rescue!” -Ellen Dolgen

“The best fashion secret is a good tailor! Don’t

have a fit over fit. Remember - A nip + tuck in
your clothing is a lot less expensive than a nip
+ tuck at the plastic surgeon!” -Chris Fulkerson

DON’T BREAK
UP THE LEG LINE
“I am the ultimate pear shape - Short and short waisted to
boot. I would exclude anything that breaks up the leg line. Skip
the capris; no shoes with ankle straps. Try heels (which I hate
to wear) to lengthen the leg line appearance.” -WatruwSing4

“I am on the shorter side and I describe myself as ‘curvy’ so I

dress that shape. I try to lengthen the legs with heels and/or
solid-color + sleek bottoms.” -Ana, Mrs. American Made

9 | what to wear
8 MAXIMIZE
THE NARROWEST
PART OF YOUR BODY

9
“Maximize the narrowest part of your body – usual-
ly right under the bust. Look for tops that come in
close around there, then flare away a bit.” -MsMarian

IGNORE THE SIZE

It’s only a number – own it. Sizing has not been regulated
since 1948. Try on sizes, bigger and smaller, and go for the size
that works – not the size you insist on having.” -Chris Fulkerson

WEAR WHAT MAKES

10
YOU FEEL YOUR BEST
“No matter your age or size, be comfortable with who you
are because in the end, it’s not about what you looked like
on the outside, it’s how you felt on the inside.” -DeDivahDeals

“Notice what clothes make you feel like a million dollars

and what clothes make you feel self-conscious. Pay atten-
tion to the way clothes make you feel. Play around with
different looks but ultimately wear what YOU feel best in!”
-Adrienne, The Rich Life on a Budget

“The whole package of a woman inside + outside works

togeter. As I felt better about my outside, I felt empowered
to live with joy (one day at a time).” -Over 50 Feeling 40

10 | what to wear
 “CLOTHES
AREN’T GOING
TO CHANGE THE
WORLD, THE
WOMEN WHO
WEAR THEM
WILL.”
-ANNE KLEIN
HOW TO
DRESS A
PEAR-
SHAPED
BODY
Not all women are pear-shaped, but if you are, you are far from alone. At Vibrant-
Nation.com, many midlife women like you regularly exchange favorite tips for styl-
ishly dressing the bodies they have now. A few of these strategies have already
been mentioned in the previous section, but we’ve gathered even more tips here.
Vibrant Nation member Trixie Belden, who is pear-shaped herself, says, “I
know these tips work for women with our body type!” Her suggestions:

// Wear wide-leg pants out of structured

material.

// Try fitted tops with darts, 3/4 sleeves, and

a V-neck.

// Absolutely no “raglan” sleeves. You need

to have a shoulder seam.

// Emphasize your top half. You can do this

many different ways: V-neck top, earrings,
JOIN THE
maybe great necklace ….whatever draws at- CONVERSATION
tention to your face, eyes, and hair.
HERE
// Wear light colors on top, darker on bottom.

// Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try on lots

of clothes and just see what flatters you -
You might be surprised what works!
12 | what to wear
// Exclude from your wardrobe anything
that breaks up the leg line:

+ Skip the capri pants

+ No shoes with ankle straps

// Vibrant Nation member weeroo agrees

that capris are not great. Her recom-
mended alternative: walking shorts that
end at the middle or just below the knee.
“Make sure it shows the curve of the leg
at the knee.”

// Horizontal lines widen, so avoid them

across the hips and use them to accent
or to enlarge a smaller part, suggests,
Rose Gerstner. One way to do this: “Cre-
ate a horizontal line at the shoulder; for
example with cap sleeves,” says weeroo.
“I shorten the sleeves of my T-shirts.
T-shirts look horrible on me, but a cap
sleeve sticks out a little at the shoul-
der line. Yes, your arms will be more
exposed, but overall, for pear-shaped
women, it is a better look. Ahh, for the
80′s and shoulder pads again!”

// Another suggestion from weeroo:

“Soft, flared skirts that swing just above
the ankle, or a pencil skirt (why not
show off that curve once in a while?) —
just make sure to emphasize the shoul-
der and waist.” Agrees bubbyof5: “Skirts
and pants should be in soft flowing fab-
rics to downplay your curves. Straight
lines, A-lines, and tapered skirts hug
your shape without overemphasizing it.”

// Heels, if you can tolerate them, will

visually lengthen the leg line. If you
hate heels, adds weeroo, “Try wedges.
They’re much more comfortable and you
don’t have to go more than an inch and a
half to two inches to get the look.” 13 | what to wear
More suggestions from bubbyof5:

// Avoid anything horizontal below the waist, including trims or patterns

around the hem.

// Use heavier or bolder fabrics on top such as gabardine or linen for day,
or brocades, taffetas for evening.

// Try semi-fitted jackets with high-waisted seams to offset thighs and give
a slimmer appearance. Make sure the jacket is long enough to cover hip
area and isn’t too tight. Rose Gerstner’s take on the jacket rule: “Choose
jackets that end either above or below the widest part of the hips.”

// Trust your instincts! “When looking in a mirror, ask yourself, ‘Does this
style balance my shape? Does it accentuate my assets? Does it down-
play any problem areas? Do I feel great in this?’ If answers are yes, yes,
and yes — it’s the right thing for you.”

// “Let’s not forget the attitude that best suits any shape is one of accept-
ance,” says Vibrant Nation member, empowerchicks. “Learning to be in
the body you have instead of coveting what someone else has is a great
start to looking fantastic. The fashion tips here are wonderful, but how
we think of what we look like has a great impact on how we present our-
selves. Our bodies are miracles, no matter the shape. Remember to appre-
ciate everything your body can do for you!”

14 | what to wear
HOW TO PULL OFF A
CARDIGAN + PENCIL SKIRT
WITHOUT LOOKING MATRONLY
[EVEN IF YOU’RE PETITE]
VN member Vicky1956 loves to help her friends look their best and has shared
many great fashion and style tips with the VN community over the years. One
of her favorite looks? A cardigan and skirt. Vicky herself is tall (she’s 5’11”),
but she believes this look can flatter even petite women over 45 Her tips:

// Cardigans are your friends. But not matchy-matchy twin sets.

// Secondly, pencil skirts are everyone’s friend. Since you’re short, a monochro-
matic look gives you the illusion of height…and it’s classy too.

// Also pants that fall in a straight line from your hips to the floor (not real wide,
but wider leg pants) will also give you the illusion of height.

// Here’s how it works. A cardigan in a soft weave is forgiving around the tum-
my. Instead of a matching tank under it, go for just a little pop of color. Keep
the top buttons unbuttoned…buttoned looks matronly, and if you still have a
little curve around your waist, button two or three there to give some definition.
Leave a couple at the bottom unbuttoned to make tummy happy.

// Don’t wear contrasting tops and bottoms - They will literally cut you in
half visually.

// Here is where the fun starts: signature jewelry, lovely colorful scarves and
shoes. You can wear shoes I only can salivate over. At 5’10″ I scare the heck out
of people with really high heels. Picture this: a blush colored pencil skirt, just a
touch above the knee but not below, a blush cashmere or soft cardigan with a lit-
tle peep of cream cami underneath. And blush shoes. Pearls and pearl earrings.

// Or, black skirt or pants, soft cardigan, little peep of white or red or turquoise
cami. Black tights or hose, black patent pumps and statement silver necklace.
Look for soft straight lines, fluid fabric, and fabulous shoes.

// Check out the Halogen brand on Nordstrom’s website. Their ponte pencil
skirts are great - They also have cardigans to match, and they are priced well!

15 | what to wear
 NYDJ ‘NICHELLE’
STRETCH WOVEN ANKLE
PANTS | CLICK TO BUY

THE TRUTH ABOUT

CROPPED PANTS
“When I embarked on my ‘cropped pants study,’ I knew there had to be a
certain length and cut to these pants that were modern and flattering,”
says Vibrant Nation blogger Barbara Hannah Grufferman. “I was right.”

Generally speaking, if cropped pants are the wrong length, they can look
dreadful, making us appear shorter and heavier — no matter what age,
weight or height we are. “The good news,” says Barbara, “Is that there a
length you can buy that is flattering, stylish, modern and very comfortable.”

16 | what to wear
CROPPED PANTS TO
STEER CLEAR OF
The “don’t wear unless
you are stick skinny”
(which shouldn’t be
any of us, and I know Here’s another
that’s definitely not me) example of a
length is slightly above flared-at-the-
the ankle and flared, bottom cropped
as in the photo to the pant. I’ll let you
right. Do you see what be the judge.
I mean? The length and
cut make this model
look unnecessarily
wide and frumpy.

INSTEAD...
TRY CITY SHORTS
“The best cut is fitted and straight, not pleated or puffed out around the
thigh. The look is as if you took a great fitting pant and hemmed it to the
knee (which is, in fact, something you can do). A pair in black looks sexy
and polished in the summer, as can white and khaki, and easily can be
dressed up with a jacket or cardigan. Simply pair with kitten heel sling backs
or wedge-heel sandals, a crisp white shirt or t-shirt, and wear it to work,
dinner or a girls night out. You can even throw them on with a pair of Tom’s
loafers for a cool, easy and stylish look for day.” -Barbara Hannah Grufferman

17 | what to wear
 VIBRANT style
Featuring Emmy Award Winning Actress + Founder of Sole9 Shoes,

GINA TOGNONI
“I saw the vision in my
heart and in my mind’s
eye to create something
that was different +
uplifting every time
you wear the shoe.”

From her notable performances on daytime soap operas, One Life to Live, Guiding Light, and her
current role as Phyllis Summers on The Young and the Restless, to providing Style That Gives
Back, Gina Tognoni is one talented woman--both on and off the screen. In 2013, Gina launched
her Sole9 Collection: A line of shoes, “...as vibrant as the women who wear them.” Her mission
goes beyond designing trendy yet comfortable flats for women. What led her to create, design,
and give back is truly inspiring, and we know our Vibrant Nation members will think so too.

SOLE9’S IMPACT ON WOMEN IN NEED

Sole9 gives a portion of its proceeds every year to the National coalition against the Domestic violence;
this coalition is over 30 years old and helps Survivors everyday get the help they need to move forward
and heal such as successful programs like financial education and cosmetic reconstructive surgery.

18 | what to wear
GINA’S INSPIRATION
After much prayer and meditation I saw the vision in my heart and in my mind’s eye to create
something that was different and uplifting every time you wear the shoe . The words inside
our shoes Peace, Love, Joy, Faith , Bravery, etc., were inspired from scripture. These values or
“Seeds” of the spirit exist in ALL of us. When we nurture those values within we can create a
life that’s “Positively Powerful.”

MOST COMFORTABLE SOLE9 FLAT

I think all three of our styles are super comfortable, especially our Angel Ballerina
with its memory foam insert and Canvas upper $65.00 (see below).

Gina’s guest appearance on the Hallmark

Channel Featuring her Sole9 Collection

GINA’S WORDS OF STYLE WISDOM

I would describe my personal style as relaxed but with a little edge. Don’t be afraid to use
COLOR! Know what color looks terrific on your skin tone--whether it’s peach, bright blue, or
even yellow! Embrace all of your fabulousness no matter your age, no matter your size or
shape--OWN it! Nothing looks better than confidence!

ANGEL BALLERINA | $65 G SANDAL | $89 WARRIOR FLAT | $110

Shop now Shop now Shop now

19 | what to wear
 VIBRANT style Featuring UK Fashion Blogger

NOT DRESSED AS LAMB

“It’s important for every woman to love

her body--no matter its shape or size.”

DRESSING FOR MY BODY today

I think it’s important for every woman to love her body, no matter its shape or size. Even if you
want to [be more fit] and work at a healthier body, you have to love it first in order to always make
it look as good as it can. Therefore, recognising what your good features are and highlighting
them is very important because showing off the parts you like best will give you confidence.

“IGNORE THE NONSENSE ABOUT

AGE APPROPRIATENESS.”
If you have amazing legs but think you’re “supposed” to be covering them up just because you’re
over 40 then you’re missing out on feeling fantastic in what you wear. Personally, I like to show off
my waist because it’s quite small and I like my shoulders and arms too; I’m not so keen on my legs
so tend to wear midi or knee-length skirts.

ASOS MY faves
MY go-to

I RARELY (IF EVER) BUY

DESIGNER, AND I SHOP
My go-to shop is Asos. Their TOPSHOP
MOSTLY IN THE SALES
range is huge, the quality is great, ZALANDO AND BUY THINGS OUT
the prices are very reasonable,
and I always find what I need
LA REDOUTE OF SEASON TO GET THE
there--especially if I’m looking for MARKS & SPENCER BEST QUALITY I CAN AT
something that’s on-trend. ACCESSORIZE
THE BEST PRICE.

WHAT TO WEAR | NOT DRESSED AS LAMB VIBRANT NATION | 20

 I don’t necessarily believe that there are particular items that every woman
CLOTHING EVERY should have - everyone has a different lifestyle, different tastes, different
budgets, etc. So the actual style would be different from woman to woman, but
in terms of actual pieces, I’d say women need pieces that make a statement:

1 2
WOMAN needs
A STATEMENT COAT a pair of
In a colour or pattern that you
love. It could be a check-lined STATEMENT
trench coat or it could be a muti- SHOES
coloured fur coat, but it needs to Whether it be a wild colour or
be something that expresses your a strong shape, something that

3
style (especially as a coat covers you can wear that’ll instantly “lift”
most of the rest of your outfit). a basic outfit is always a winner.

the perfect pair of I think jeans are one of the few items that really age you
(on trend) if you don’t ensure you are wearing a reasonably on-

jeans trend style. Jeans that are 10-15 years out of date can add
years - modern styles always look fresh on every woman,
no matter her age. A great fit is also very important.

catherine’s
WORDS OF style
WISDOM
DON’T LET YOURSELF
GET IN A RUT OR THINK
THAT YOU CAN’T
EXPERIMENT ANYMORE.

STYLE TIP: DON’T TRUST THE MIRROR:

try this TRUST THE CAMERA.

After photographing myself for four
Whenever you go into a years I’ve come learn that what I see
changing room, take one in the mirror is very different to what
extra thing that you really the camera sees.
love but wouldn’t dream
When trying on clothes, get a friend to
of wearing or think that it
stand back, zoom in (no mirror selfies,
wouldn’t suit you. It’s a great you’ll distort your body) and take your
way of getting yourself out of picture from the front and the back.
your comfort zone and you Then, upload the photo and study it
may be pleasantly surprised on the screen. You will quickly be able
at how good it looks on. to judge how good something looks
on you much more objectively than
looking at your reflection.

WHAT TO WEAR | NOT DRESSED AS LAMB VIBRANT NATION | 21

 catherine’s WEEK OF STYLE
FLORAL PRINT TOP, CAMEL
TRENCH COAT, DARK WASH
JEAN, AND COMFORTABLE
FLATS AROUND THE CITY.
PLAID SCARF, WHITE COZY CLASSIC TURTLENECK
COAT, ROLLED BOYFRIEND SWEATER, WHITE SKINNY
JEANS, AND A CLASSIC JEAN, AND BROWN LEATHER
BLACK LEATHER TOTE. BOOTIES FOR FALL.

wednesday
monday

tuesday
thursday

weekend
friday

BRIGHT CHUNKY SWEATER, BOLD PONCHO, LEOPARD THE WEEKEND CALLS FOR
DARK SKINNY JEANS, FLOPPY PRINT FEDORA, DARK YOUR FAVORITE DENIM
HAT, RED LEATHER TOTE AND SKINNIES + BOOTIES FOR A AND SOME OF YOUR MOST
WHITE CITY SNEAKERS. NIGHT OUT WITH THE GIRLS. VIBRANT PRINTS.

WHAT TO WEAR | NOT DRESSED AS LAMB VIBRANT NATION | 22

 VIBRANT STYLE
Featuring Une Femme d’un Certain Age

“Don’t worry so much about the ‘rules.’

Wear what pleases you.”

DRESSING FOR MY BODY TODAY

I think “today” is the keyword there. Even if your weight and size remain the same, body shapes
change over the decades, and sometimes we need to adjust silhouettes. It’s not “giving up,” it’s
accepting and taking care of who we are today.

I’ve found that a “long over lean” silhouette often works best with my shape and balances out
my proportions (short waist, long legs). But I also sometimes play with proportion and may love
wearing an outfit that isn’t the most conventionally flattering.

MY FAVORITE BRANDS
I wear a lot of Eileen Fisher because it suits my style (which I’ve dubbed “refined casual”) and
shape (petite + curvy) and the pieces are usually well-made and travel-friendly. Their clothing is
also designed so that you can start with basics and keep building a wardrobe over the years.

I also find good basics from NYDJ, Everlane, Vince and J.Crew. I tend to mostly shop online as
Petite sizes aren’t always stocked in stores, but I’ll also try tops in Misses sizes and someties
find options that work for me.

WHAT TO WEAR | UNE FEMME VIBRANT NATION | 23

 CLOTHING EVERY WOMAN NEEDS
I don’t think there are three specific items that will work for every woman beause we all have
different shapes, tasts and lifestyles. But, I will say that every woman should have a “signature”
piece or style that she always feels herself in. It can be anything--whether that’s a pair of denim
jeans, a vintage piece of jewelry or a wrap dress--but should be something that feels like part of
her, and that she can reach for on those days when she needs that extra bit of confidence.

Every woman needs a signature piece or

style that she always feels herself in.

#1 STYLING TIP
Don’t worry so much about the
“rules.” Wear what pleases you,
what is comfortable (both
emotionally + physically), and
opt for quality over quantity.

Opt for
quality
over
quantity.
Read more from Susan on her blog here

WHAT TO WEAR | UNE FEMME VIBRANT NATION | 24

 VIBRANT STYLE
Featuring Suzy Turner

“As long as a woman dresses for

her shape, anything goes.”

DRESSING FOR MY BODY TODAY

Study stylish women with the same shape as you and see how you can be inspired by them. I’m
very fortunate that I have an easy body shape to dress, so I tend to wear whatever appeals to
me - although I do avoid anything super short!

MY FAVORITE BRANDS
I like H&M for it’s wide variety of options for women of all ages. Not only do they sell great jeans,
but they often have some interesting dresses too.

Massimo Dutti is a firm favourite for good quality - I’m particularly fond of their leather jackets
and boots.

I love shopping online too - Secret Sales is my favourite place for designer goods at knock down
prices. As for shoes, I quite often buy from Schuh, because they’ve got such a great selection.

WHAT TO WEAR | SUZY TURNER VIBRANT NATION | 25

 CLOTHING EVERY WOMAN NEEDS
A great pair of jeans (well, several really!) that fit the body perfectly. I’m obsessed with jeans
- they’re ideal for so many different occasions because they can be dressed up or down. I
simply adore them!

A fabulous pair of knee-high boots. Like jeans, they can be dressed up or down, whether
heeled or flats, black or tan - they look amazing over jeans, leggings or with a cute dress. I
have several pairs!

A good quality plain t-shirt. I love teaming plain tee-shirts with skinny jeans, and a killer item
of jewellery - ideally a statement necklace. Pop on a blazer or a fabulous leather jacket with
boots or high heels, and you’ve got the perfect evening look.

“Let your personality shine through in the clothes that

you wear and dress for you, not for anybody else.”

#1 STYLING TIP
Let your personality shine
through in the clothes that
you wear and dress for you,
not for anybody else. When
I was younger, I always
used to worry about what
other people would think
about my style. I’d create
an outfit and then talk my-
self out of it, whereas now
my confidence has grown
and I’ve come to realise I’m
the person that should be
happy with the way I look -
not anybody else.

WHAT TO WEAR | SUZY TURNER VIBRANT NATION | 26

 WHAT TO WEAR TO WORK
The Statemement Dress is the new Power Suit
From member and style blogger, Lisa Cole
Style has shifted the way women dress for work on a daily
basis. A woman’s closet used to house the corporate suit,
jacket and blouse. Remember the popular television show
LA Law and Susan Day? I will take a risk and be the only
one to admit (even though I know I’m not alone!) that I
had every color of her draped blouse that worked so well
with the pencil skirt and the tailored jacket. The style was
commanding and very clearly said, “I am in charge.” Now,
a woman can be in charge of her workplace while rocking
a more feminine look. Today, a working woman’s wardrobe
still speaks business, but yet there is a soft/strong essence
that radiates from the woman’s presence. This was not the
case for myself or Susan Day. Dresses are the new 9 to 5
wardrobe for many women, and I have to admit I love the
change. They’re elegant and workplace appropriate, and
you see in the media every type of woman from talk show
hosts to the First Lady wearing statement dresses. No more
shoulder pads and draped blouses (sorry LA Law), the
dress is here to stay.

As we get ready in a few weeks to embrace fall and the

wardrobe that goes with cooler weather, I am starting to
collect my must-have wardrobe pieces for my clients. ET-
CETERA Clothing is becoming top on my list as a brand
for fall that I love. As I was brainstorming this post, I called
it “The Statement Dress” and ironically ETCETERA has a
dress called STATEMENT – there’s no way I can’t talk about
it for you! It’s not only fitting for the dress, it’s absolutely
next level for women who want to stand out from the crowd
and work their style in a new way. The v-neck detail is flat-
tering and gives you the ability to add a little jewels or scarf.
Add a jacket to keep it professional for work, and then tran-
sition it to the evening for cocktails with colleagues or the
girls with brighter accessories and a fresh coat of lipstick.

Read more style tips from Lisa

WHAT TO WEAR | THE STATEMENT DRESS VIBRANT NATION | 27

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