Confident Style at Any Price Point
Happy Saturday, everyone! Today, let’s talk about having Confident Style at any price point.
For years, I have encouraged you that confident style at any price point is attainable. It does not matter what you paid for a garment.
Most of us…ok, me….would love to have the disposable income to own high end clothing.
However, most of us…ok, me…understand that during this time of our lives we are living on pretty strict budgets.
I have enjoyed my treasure hunts through thrift stores, Goodwill, affordable places like Old Navy…even yard sales.
As long as I stick to looking for items that tell the world I can be described as intentional, casual ,creative, approachable and current, it does not matter what they cost.
When all five of my style adjectives are speaking in an outfit, I can go out smiling in confident style.
CONFIDENT STYLE AT AT ANY PRICE POINT: OPEN MIND
Since I decided to dress a little more casual in my new community, I have opened my mind to new ideas that previously I would not consider.
Everything in this outfit was purchased at a low price…over time. And I have worn these in different ways…except I was not open to message t-shirts.
I had tried them, but felt them to be too casual for the style adjectives I had at the time.
Now, a few will work.
Both of these message tees were recently purchased at Old Navy…OLD NAVY GRAPHIC T-SHIRTS…and I purchased two for about $15 total.
Both blazers were purchased on sale at BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY and I have worn them often.
I even surprised myself that I liked both of these outfits and will repeat them. The t-shirts fit well and feel great.
I am still picky about what is on the message t-shirt but, this is a confident style for me.
This little exercise has encouraged me to be open minded and have more fun with my casual style. Just because it is casual, it does not have to be boring.
Sticking by style adjectives will help you so much to achieve confidence…and save money too.
If you go to MY SHOP...there is a new collection there called AFFORDABLE STYLE.
I will be placing garments in this collection that I believe look style-forward and are at amazing prices. These look similar to more expensive garments with the same looks.
I will be feeding this collection when I find great looking deals.
CONFIDENT STYLE AT AT ANY PRICE POINT: NEW TRENDS
It’s your turn to tell us what you think. Here are two current trends…I would like to know if you would wear them.
I have seen this trend of tying a scarf like this around your waist…it has popped up lately on several brands we frequent.
What do you think? Is this something you could wear as part of your confident style?
Another trend presently on several brand websites, are these patchwork jeans.
I ask you again…would you wear them? What do you like about them or not like about them?
Do these fit your style adjectives?
Last week, one of you said that she missed WOULD YOU WEAR IT on Saturdays…this is one subtle nod to that and a way to discuss some of the current trends.
But, remember, we are also talking about confident style and how to achieve it with personal style adjectives…so do either of these fit into your style adjective mix.
Please share….and thank you for being here today for Confident Style at any price point…I look forward to the conversation…
EMBRACE TODAY & KEEP SMILING!!
By Pamela Lutrell
For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog. It means the world.
AND…visit my NEW CURATED SHOP where I will be adding my finds on a regular basis.
Glad to see a version of “would you wear it” return! I wouldn’t wear the hip-tied scarf, as I feel it would draw attention to my pear shape in a negative way, but I have often used scarves as a belt with jeans, so I could still use a similar scarf with a different placement. I would not wear anything patchwork, as it just doesn’t fit my “classic, everyday elevated” aspirational style. These jeans remind me of the “embellished” jeans and pants Chico’s has been doing for several years. I don’t want anything on my jeans but the denim they’re made of, whether that’s embroidery, rhinestones or patchwork, and I feel the same about holes or shredding. I realize this take probably makes me sound “old,” but this just isn’t the look I’m going for in retirement. Thanks for sharing the affordable fashion options in your shop. I’m trying to buy fewer but better clothes, but some of the items I bought this past year from brands like Frank & Eileen and Tuckernuck were disappointments, so I am glad to have additional affordable options to explore.
I like the scarf tied as a belt on other people. I would feel ridiculous wearing that. Same goes for the patchwork jeans. Very cute, not for me.
I personally would not wear either trend mentioned – the scarf isn’t me at all and the patchwork seems a little young personally although as crazy as it sounds “if” gently ripped jeans were a trend I’d wear them BEFORE wearing the patchwork style.
The scarf tied around the waist, as Texas Aggie Mom said, would draw attention in a bad way to that area that I most want to de-emphasize so I won’t be trying that style. I might try the patchwork pants if they were very casual and not expensive. I hesitate from buying trending clothes as I’m always thinking about future wearings, and my pants all tend to be unadorned for the most wearability.
I wholeheartedly agree with Texas Aggie Mom. The scarf around the hips would not be for me and I definitely would not wear patchwork or embellished jeans or jeans with holes.I am 78 and feel they are not appropriate for someone my age.
I’ve loved wearing graphic tees for a long time. It’s an easy way to somehow elevate a pair of jeans. I also love to throw on a blazer as you’ve done. You look very cute and like a modern grandma. That’s always my goal. I’m 70, and I don’t mind it at all; but I don’t want to look outdated. I think something fun like a graphic tee can add a fun, youthful element. I walked right past Old Navy yesterday and didn’t even think about the tees. Thanks for the reminder. I just placed an order.
I went back and looked at the first picture again and realized I’m already used to seeing you without glasses. It took me a second to remember they were gone.
As for whether I’d wear the scarf in that placement, I’ll just repeat what others have said. That’s not an area I want to accentuate. I do think it would be cute on someone with different proportions. I’m not a fan of the patchwork for myself. It makes the jeans too memorable, and I need jeans to be more versatile.
Pam, I think a woman can dress well at any price point if she pays attention to her style, grooming, and puts in a little effort to look put together. I could not pull off the scarf around the hips look, but it would be quite glamorous if you could. The jeans look does not fit in with my classic style. So, for me, a NO to both.
Hi Pamela! I don’t think I’d wear the scarf that way…maybe the patchwork jeans in a more subtle way but I’m getting some “high school” vibes just looking at them. But as you know, I’m a huge fan of graphic tees! I think they can add interest to an outfit and can express the wearers personality. Old Navy has some lovely floral options. I lay them out to dry after washing and they last me several seasons. Great price point! Glad you feel comfortable adapting to the casual Abilene style!!
Good morning. Such an interesting blog this morning. High end. Affordable. It is so subjective. I was having a conversation with a cousin’s wife one day and she made it very clear that JJill and Talbots are high end. She never walks in. To me, high end is entirely different. It could be an Armani suit. I have always enjoyed perusing high end to see how it is made, the fabric and finishing choices, and seeing what I might do from my own closet to copy the look.
I love the scarf tied at the waist, but not so much in pants. I have seen it on a simple solid midi dress in an attractive way. Right now, I don’t want attention drawn to my tummy so I would want to be a little slimmer to test drive it.
I am not attracted to slacks or jeans with any pattern or embellishment so no to that. They do not work with my style personality. I do like actual woven slacks- plaid, checks, jacquard, brocades, etc but everything has to match up and be organized. Naturally, that makes them much more $$$, so I have none hanging in my closet. I do not search for them, but would be happy to come across a piece ‘pre-owned’ (as the used car dealers advertise). The most expensive piece of clothing I do own is a wool coat by MaxMara that my MIL gifted me. I think of it as camel but it matches the khaki in my palette. Not my best, but with the right scarf, it works.
I’ve never worn the graphic tees because so many people wear the wrong size, with holes, provocative messages, etc etc. and I can’t get over my prejudice that they are sloppy. I love you in them with the blazers, and I think it’s a great classic casual look, but I don’t wear blazers anymore either. All that said, I do like your more casual choices, and what you have on today perfectly expresses the kind of look I’m going for these days. Before my style appointment, I revised my adjectives after a very deep think and have settled on casual, engaged, interesting, vibrant and natural, though still a little on the fence about natural. I think I mean it more in the sense of fabrics, or maybe a certain confident effortlessness. No on the scarf … a little too “stretch my wardrobe because I’m on a beach holiday” for me, and my fluffy tummy would be the (unwanted) highlight. Hard pass on the patchwork jeans, they are much too fussy for my taste. I’m searching for marine navy and have come across a company called Wool& that looks to have wonderful, elevated merino wool basics. Are you familiar with the brand and fit?
Hi Pam i do love your ideas- in wearing graphic tee shirts and will wear only certain messaging. ❤️
I definitely have worn scarves as belts, around my shoulders and of course, my neck And I might style a single toned pant/top as you show here, across my waist. I’d have to experiment!
No Patchwork denim, though. It’s not me.
Have a fabulous weekend. We are facing another blizzard. More deep snow. 😳
I agree that a person can dress with confidence and style at any price point. Decent quality can mean a good cut, seams that are straight and a fit that works for that person. Confidence comes from the inside.
A scarf around my waist wouldn’t complement my body or fit my style though I have, on occasion, worn a skinny scarf as a belt with jeans but only when I’m wearing a jacket. The patchwork jeans are cute but a bit too busy to fit my style. I like the boyfriend style and the colorway is nicely done in blues and greens. I think someone with a bit of boho vibe might love them. Last year I purchased a pair of jeans with matching denim patches and sashiko stitching, all tone on tone so they are essentially a solid mid denim color with texture but without any added colors or patterns. A little trendy but more subtle and I love texture.
i would say no to the scarf that is not an area i want attention yes to the jeans if they were more affordable quick question on the graphic T-shirts are you going to wear them alone or always with a third piece, I like the outfits you are showing today but in Florida it’s going to get hot to wear a third piece
The two trending outfits are definitely not for me. Pam, I do like the changes you are making for your casual outfits.
While I do like a scarf tied onto a purse handle sometimes, the idea of wearing one as this model has wouldn’t be within my comfort zone. Nonetheless, I am a big fan of wearing a pareo to cover a swimsuit en route to a poolside lunch.
As for the patchwork jeans, that’s also a no here. Like some other ladies have added, I like to keep my jeans as unembellished as possible for maximum versatility. Also, as someone who owned a few pair with the blingy back pockets that were popular years ago, I came to find those were the least reached-for items in my closet.
I have no graphic tees anymore, but had a few with a mandala or barely-there floral design (tone-on-tone) which I wore to the gym and liked. With such limited shopping available here, I just never found any replacements. That is one aspect of moving back up to the Portland metro area I am excited about: oodles of shopping choices!
Happy 🪻 Saturday everyone!
I love a blazer with a graphic tee and I ordered both of the shirts that you’re wearing today. I’m 75 and I invariably get a compliment or two with this combination, often from much younger women. Like you, though, I’m also very picky about the message. One of my greatest compliments is that my almost 30-year-old granddaughter, who is very polished and creative, has often said that she looks to me as a style icon. It doesn’t get much better than that!
The scarf around the middle is a no for me because of my body type. However, I sent it to my daughter because of her body type. I think it would look fabulous on her. The jeans are again a no for me. I think they are stylish and cute. Perhaps I need to give them a try-on.
I haven’t worn graphic tees for years, but I did buy one last summer that says “No one fights cancer alone.” I’m selective about where I wear it, but it’s a message that really resonated with me. I wouldn’t wear a scarf that way because I think it would emphasize the width of my waist and the fact that I have no hips. I’m built like a boy, straight up and down. I’m undecided about the patchwork jeans. I’ve studiously avoided the torn jeans trend, but I might at least try those ones on. I have a hard time finding women’s jeans that fit well because of my boyish figure though.
I personally wouldn’t wear either of trends featured today. As several others have noted, a scarf tied around my hips would not be a good thing, & I wouldn’t feel confident wearing it. The patchwork jeans take me back to my high school & college days, & I have moved on from there.
Old Navy has become a favorite of mine in the past couple of years for their affordable casual clothing.
Love your outfits! A subtle graphic tee with light blue or pale pink background would be okay in the summer for my casual style. No to the scarf at my getting fluffy waistline and no to the patch jeans. I like my jeans dark wash or very light blue or white without embellishments. My new pale grey jegginngs from Chicos are great! I like to look nice but casual.
I have lately become a fan of some of Old Navy’s graphic tees. I definitely like the two that you chose. Not sure if someone has already pointed out that your link for the tees today lead to the mens wear tees. When I was directed there, I thought that all the cute ones on your last post had been sold out and replaced with ones that didn’t seem to interest me at all. 🙂
I actually bought six sweaters and the matching Everywear tees from Old Navy. I Loved the colors and they are 100% natural fiber. I bought them at full retail and thought that was a bargain. We will see how they hold up. I choose solids over prints. I find most prints don’t look youthful and they’re less versatile. Since “edgy” is one of my adjectives, I would wear an edgy tee with a leather jacket and jeans. The scarf around the hips looks good on the model. IRL I would feel self conscious in it and it would probably need to be constantly adjusted. One of my style adjectives is European/Urban. French women wear plain, well fitted jeans. No holes, raw hems, embellishments. So that style is a no for me.
I agree with most of the comments here on the two style choices- just not for me. Linda LM, if you are talking about Woolx I have purchased from them, specifically for a trip I took to Japan last year. They are well made, do not hold odor ( Japan was having record temperatures and it was hot) and wash well. They feel like a slim fit so I would go up a size if you want it a little looser. I only ordered tops so I can’t comment on their bottoms.