I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older that I don’t want to disappear at all, in fact, it’s made me want to show up more fully.

There’s a common narrative about women “quieting down” as they get older…embracing simplicity and softer palettes. I find myself moving in the opposite direction and that hasn’t been my experience at all. If anything, I feel more alive in my style than ever. I crave color, texture, and even a little oddness at times. I want my clothes to reflect the life I’m still very much living. Lately, I’ve been dressing up no matter where I’m going.

Red Gloves (similar), Leopard Coat, Similar Bag

Recently I wrote a post about my style being “elegantly undone”. But that phrase doesn’t mean I’m playing it safe. It means I’m drawn to clothes with personality…color, texture, a little drama, worn in a way that feels relaxed and like me. Every piece doesn’t have to be new…I’m more drawn to vintage clothing and accessories than ever before. In fact, the bag I’m carrying in these pictures is quite old but still fabulous! I’m so glad that over the years, I’ve purchased quality pieces that I want to continue to wear over and over in different ways that keep my look fresh. At this point, I’m looking at my clothing as a collection – investing in pieces that will only build on each other as the years go by.

I get inspired by finding pictures on Pinterest and Instagram that inspire me to go into my closet and create an outfit from pieces I already have. Every time I create a new look with pieces that I own, it builds on my creativity and allows me to more easily wear my clothes in different ways more often. And when I use a piece in a different way, it feels new again!

Of course, because of what I do, I see new and fabulous things I want almost every day, but I’m being very careful with what I add these days. I’m not chasing trends, I’m curating my collection carefully. That doesn’t mean I will never incorporate a trend into my wardrobe, but it has to be a trend I love. Evidently, leopard (animal print) has been a big trend this season but I find that odd, because it’s always been around and will always be classic.

What I love most about approaching my style this way is that it gives me freedom. I can notice what’s new without feeling compelled to buy (most of the time) and add pieces only when they truly belong (like this coat). When I look at my wardrobe as a collection rather than a rotation, the pieces begin to speak to each other across seasons and years – a vintage bag with a modern coat, an old favorite worn in a new mood. Getting dressed becomes less about reinvention (although I feel that I’m reinventing more this year than I have in a long time) and more about conversation, about choosing what feels right today from things I already trust. That sense of continuity feels very exciting.

So, about these pieces…oddly enough after talking about vintage and wearing pieces I already own, most of this is new! I totally did a full OMG I have to have that coat when I saw it…and when it came, I did a little happy dance! It’s so soft and definitely a statement, especially when combined with red gloves and a stand out statement bag. I kept the rest of the outfit pretty basic with a column of black…sweater pants from J. Crew (I also bought them in brown because they are so comfortable) and a black cashmere turtleneck. The necklace is about 12 years old and I still love to wear it. It has a brass chain than keeps it more casual but it definitely still makes a statement!

I think of my wardrobe as a living collection, built slowly, added to thoughtfully, and worn with ease. Some pieces are precious because they hold memory…like the evening bag and mink coats that belonged to my mother. Others are chosen for everyday joy…new and vintage. Each one has a place and room to evolve.

I know most of you don’t like to comment, but if you have something to say please do! I love your comments!

Thanks so much for reading today!

~XOXO Suzanne