Timeless Tracking and Ageless Style
A recently published article in the New York Times titled, “Aging Gracefully, the French Way” put forth the notion that if anyone knows how to stay stylish with age, it’s the French. Citing a 46 year old Juliette Binoche and a 66 year old Catherine Deneuve, the article suggested that they had a keen grasp of the fashions that keep us looking fabulous without any crass attempts to deny or disguise the aging process. That being said, it is also of note that this is a very deliberate action on their part. This is neither a desperate attempt to stay forever young, nor a surrender to times’ harsh advances. It’s about adapting your own sense of style and continually updating it to find a look that grows with you. As the archetypal French fashionista Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion fades, only style remains the same”.
The article makes reference to diet, echoing the sentiments of the international bestseller, “French Women Don’t Get Fat.” However, in addition to the longstanding and ever important lesson of eating right, there is an acknowledgement of the fact that French women are not renowned for exercise. Promenading is the most seemly way for a sophisticated woman to stay in shape and what better way than to take in a few of your favourite boutiques on route?
Never underestimate the power of understatement. Neutral colours like black, cream, navy and brown needn’t look uninspired. It’s a question of wearing what works for you and doing so with the
confidence that comes from experience. Designer Eugen Klein uses neutral tones to great effect but the most important factor associated with wearing predominantly neutral colours is how you employ an element of accenting colour. This is how to keep your look contemporary and the most effective way is to incorporate colour through the clever use of accessories.
With a foundation of classic, neutral pieces, your accessories allow you to bring a sense of your personality to your outfit. To quote Coco Chanel once again, “Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportion”, that means balance. Top off your look with a trilby by Helene Berman or a subtle agate pendant by Cavendish French. This is also your opportunity to bring in something a bit more eye catching for evenings out.
Keeping in touch with the classics are key to a sophisticated look. The signature trench by Gray and Osbourn is a prime example. Pieces like that are not only timeless, but are ageless. Along with a well tailored pencil skirt or a crisp white shirt these are wardrobe staples for women of all ages.
