As I Get Older, I Have Six New Rules for My Clothes

The Kaftan Dream - Kaftan by Matthew Williamson, that I styled for O Magazine January 2011 Issue
Photographer: Anthony Friend, Model: Lisa Cowley

Let me state upfront that I am definitely NOT stipulating any rules for your clothes. You - as always - do you, boo. But I am sharing with you guys the new rules that I deploy now that I am over fifty and have a bit of nous about what works for me. It just makes buying clothes a happier all-round experience. Easier to eliminate what won't work, easier to know it will fit and flatter, easier to wear. So let me start with the most obvious one...

KJ, Vicky B, Gwen, Madge and Melissa McCarthy - Spectacular Women Over Forty in adidas Tracksuits Like Mine

1. It must be comfortable. I mean this really needs to be a life lesson, but when you are younger and brainwashed by society, you think you will be happier in sexy-hot-but-uncomfortable clothes. It's like a rite of passage. But I am here to say, if you don't want to go through it - or maintain it - absolutely don't. When you are comfortable, you move with ease and confidence. When you clothes drape well and flatter your body, you can look even hotter than in a skin-tight mini number. These are the facts. I know for sure that this is true for me, and I will never knowing wear anything uncomfortable again.
2. It must have pockets. And I extend this rule to everything including my pyjamas. I mean where else must you put your phone as you hustle through your day? You can't drag a tote bag everywhere, and nothing fits in a cross-body for day-time. So pockets are essential. Also helpful if you are sometimes awkward and don't know what to do with your hands. Pockets bring you joy. Try it.
3. Whenever possible, an elasticised waistband is encouraged. Kaiser Karl (RIP) once said that wearing tracksuit pants meant that you had given up on yourself. But Kaiser Karl really never knew from street wear, so we have to take that with a pinch of salt. If your personal style can still go street in your older years, I say do it. A pair of classic adidas tracksuit pants is a weekend god-send. Great for travel too. Madonna introduced us to them, and she knows a thing or too about being hot in ones' later years. Also, let's be honest, sitting at your desk all day is just more comfortable in a stretchy waist, if you can style it professionally. I refer you to rule 1 about comfort.
4. Heels are for limited occasions only. I literally don't have the time for heels. I need to get places, and I am always in a hurry. I am also a woman walking about a city - that means, being ready to run at all times. Neither of these things can be effectively done in heels. I like a bit of a heel when attending the ballet via taxi transport. Or a more formal dinner. The last time I wore heels it was such an event and I paired my perfect Gucci heels with black jumpsuit from a high street chain, and topped it off with an old evening kimono. It was a hit. Comfortable and stylish and I was home in three hours with my feet up on the ottoman in stokies. Most days I just wear a lace up brogue or ballet flat for work and a sneaker at all other times. Sometimes also for work. They are just more efficient.
5. A kaftan is your friend. So this is particularly personal for me, this kaftan one. But I can assure you that you will thank me if you go this route. I stumbled across this by chance when I was planning my wardrobe for the Seychelles a couple of years ago. I was spending a few days on a boat whilst there and wanted some stylish throw-overs for the daytime. Granny May's kaftans popped into my head. That's what I wanted! It turned out that it was way too hot for that, but I had invested in a beautiful silk kaftan from Habits and a jazzy one from Donna. It took a bit of searching to find them, if I am honest. BUT. Worth the struggle because do you know how useful they are for summer parties? For dressing up with a slip underneath for work? Doubling up as a maxi dress in the summer - with a bit of sexy transparency or slits - but so flowing and comfortable. OMG the kaftan is the dress of my future.
6. Fabric must be breathable. I know that this is a boring one, but it is what will make your clothes last - and I for one am trying to lead a less disposable life. Also, I DESERVE beautiful fabrics next to my skin, dammit! And so I try and ensure all my blouses are silk or cotton, my dresses the same although I will extend to viscose and rayon (man-made but from a wood cellulose product that mimics natural fibre - so breathable), and trousers are cotton or denim. I make an exception for jumpers, which are very hard to keep from one season to another as they pill into little balls and look awful. So I buy acrylic jumpers and wear a top underneath at all times. Or choose a sweatshirt rather than a jumper, when stylistically appropriate.

JLo, Riri, Rachel Zoe and Angie all love a kaftan for the day, the beach or the red carpet - I intend to be like them.

So now I apply these rules when I buy clothes and I go through life happier, more sustainably, and with the smug knowledge that no matter what I put on, it will probably look fine and unrestrictive. I am sure you have some of these rules yourself. If not, try one or two, it could change your life.