And Uniqlo sweatpants and Cos everything, as she mentioned. There is a nuance in everything. I think it's amazing to buy a coat like that and have it forever. I need an escape from this world, as we are all living IN IT through our phones like no other generation of humanity.
Not really, I am well aware of the cost of living. But that coat was a present (not from the brand) and it's a part of my closet. I've always tried to be honest with what I share, and I have Max Mara coats from my mother that last a lifetime. By the way--my content was much less realistic when I used to work in fashion and I didn't pay for any of the clothes I was wearing!
Also feeling this - I have about half the things on your list and substitutes for the other half - I’ve spent the past few years ‘investing’ in classic/elegant clothes, shoes and accessories and now I just dress the same as everyone else. I’m also a fan of Amy Smilovic / Tibi and their ‘creative pragmatist’ approach and I’m reading her content to try and get some new ideas of how to wear what I already have.
I also think that at 45 maybe it’s time to break the habit of a lifetime, stop shopping and make the most of what I have - the thrill of the new seems to have gone for me.
I chuckle reading the part about how we’ve all copied The Row as I'm wearing my silvery, silky Row pants. That part aside, there's some fun fashion going on in Oakland, CA. We gotta get you over here! A red sock here is tame (and yet so necessary, why does it feel so good?) and there's a lot of... eclectic style choices going on. It's real fun.
I love a red sock, okay I used to love a red sock until it became a thing one of my exes would do all the time thinking it made it look SO smart and original. Ahaha!
I so relate to this! Trying to find ways to infuse classic or minimalist style with personality is such a challenge. Please share all the secrets once you discover them!!
When I was in Sicily last September , I saw so many cool older Italians creating their own style with a great pair of funky glasses. The men and the women looked laid back, chic and very well put together with a touch of chaos...Not boring at all...
This is so true Liza, not that I've been to Sicily but that our glasses frames can portray so much. It's certainly a way to look younger and more stylish. Garance if you see this, can you write about eyeglasses?! Perhaps you have and I missed it.
Yes! I do like them to be discreet (when they're not sunglasses) because sometimes I am worried they take over a whole face. But I'm looking for new pairs now, so I'll share!
So Italian!! I live in France so I know a bit the French style but I think I am in love with the Italian style...Scott S displays this brilliantly with his IG photos....
Seriously, I love being able to wear these so early in the season (living in LA I was missing it so much!) but when comes february you're like OKAY I GOT IT! Enough!
These three tips remind me why I loved your book so much. They not only apply to finding our style but about how to live authentically and well. Thank you for reminding me of them. I appreciate you're going to bake a style revolution🤣 and share the recipe with us!
I love this subject a lot. I am french living in Southern California and I am always surprised to read how many people want to dress up like a French !!!! Like there was one way to dress up in France! As you said you can’t just copy a style, you have to look where you live. I would never wear a trench coat in Southern California.
True! But also, sometimes, I go to Paris, and (after having been in London) I realise that people dress very similarly, discreetly, like the codes are narrower?
Absolutely. the code is narrow in Paris like you said, and I have to admit that sometimes when I visit Paris, I can see myself adopting it… but fortunately I catch myself and wonder why am I trying to be more French than I am ???… Oh, clichés and social medias! I love this topic. I can’t wait to read your reflection.
Yes! I aspire to dressing more French but somehow, I’m hopelessly London tramp style. I’m turning 50 in January, I think I need to go less eclectic dog walking scruffbag, more French cool (mikuta appeals to me, and plume, tho I know nothing of their quality of otherwise).... but will I achieve it?! There is hope, I have some lovely vintage maxi dresses and some good coats (thanks to Burberry and Zadig) but ... sophisticated I am not. Look forward to hearing more of your thoughts, love that you moved to U.K. (I mean out of London U.K.) it gives me HOPE for it! That said, I am in the processing of demenageing en Aix, what a deserter...
Once you’re of a certain age and haven’t gained weight you have all the basics. So just buy something fun every season. One year I bought this inexpensive ridiculously shaggy black fake fur knee length coat and wore it everywhere around Edinburgh in the spring. Wish I could post the photo. Or buy over the top costume jewelry for the Caribbean in the winter. Zuzzssh it up.
Garance knows the power of chic glasses and how they can transform a face or a mood. I am not doing botox...yet I keep my body and mind in shape, I buy good quality already used clothes on Vestiaire Collective...and I have invested in a few cool eyeglasses frames. The funny thing is that even at age 60 I do not need to wear glasses for clearer vision.. I wear them as a kind of armour from the outside world and harsh lights...pourquoi pas?
And Uniqlo sweatpants and Cos everything, as she mentioned. There is a nuance in everything. I think it's amazing to buy a coat like that and have it forever. I need an escape from this world, as we are all living IN IT through our phones like no other generation of humanity.
Yes, I agree, and thank you Annie!
Not really, I am well aware of the cost of living. But that coat was a present (not from the brand) and it's a part of my closet. I've always tried to be honest with what I share, and I have Max Mara coats from my mother that last a lifetime. By the way--my content was much less realistic when I used to work in fashion and I didn't pay for any of the clothes I was wearing!
LOVE IT! Can’t wait❤️
Hey Garance! Looking forward to reading this.
If this is useful at all I have written a two part series on this (figuring out your personal style) PART 1: https://lizabelmonte.substack.com/p/018-finding-your-personal-style-part and PART 2: https://lizabelmonte.substack.com/p/019-finding-your-personal-style-part. And I regularly publish content on that topic.
I absolutely love your style and your writing and have for years. I am so glad you joined Substack. Lots of love x
Hii! Thank you! I'll definitely check that!
Hello. I also have a style crizis at the moment. Especialy with winter clothing.
Tibi does a great Style class on instagram. It's very educative in best way possible❤️
Love Tibi and Ami’s class are so so good.
yes! she's great!
Also feeling this - I have about half the things on your list and substitutes for the other half - I’ve spent the past few years ‘investing’ in classic/elegant clothes, shoes and accessories and now I just dress the same as everyone else. I’m also a fan of Amy Smilovic / Tibi and their ‘creative pragmatist’ approach and I’m reading her content to try and get some new ideas of how to wear what I already have.
I also think that at 45 maybe it’s time to break the habit of a lifetime, stop shopping and make the most of what I have - the thrill of the new seems to have gone for me.
I am actually excited, anytime I feel boredom, I try to see it as a time for renewal :)
Oh I love this! I’ve felt the same way ... the feeling of boredom as a sign of renewal is something I’m going to really mull over ...
I chuckle reading the part about how we’ve all copied The Row as I'm wearing my silvery, silky Row pants. That part aside, there's some fun fashion going on in Oakland, CA. We gotta get you over here! A red sock here is tame (and yet so necessary, why does it feel so good?) and there's a lot of... eclectic style choices going on. It's real fun.
I love a red sock, okay I used to love a red sock until it became a thing one of my exes would do all the time thinking it made it look SO smart and original. Ahaha!
I so relate to this! Trying to find ways to infuse classic or minimalist style with personality is such a challenge. Please share all the secrets once you discover them!!
I'm on a mission!
When I was in Sicily last September , I saw so many cool older Italians creating their own style with a great pair of funky glasses. The men and the women looked laid back, chic and very well put together with a touch of chaos...Not boring at all...
This is so true Liza, not that I've been to Sicily but that our glasses frames can portray so much. It's certainly a way to look younger and more stylish. Garance if you see this, can you write about eyeglasses?! Perhaps you have and I missed it.
Yes! I do like them to be discreet (when they're not sunglasses) because sometimes I am worried they take over a whole face. But I'm looking for new pairs now, so I'll share!
I like the idea of a touch of chaos!
So Italian!! I live in France so I know a bit the French style but I think I am in love with the Italian style...Scott S displays this brilliantly with his IG photos....
I live in hot steamy Miami. I am so jealous of your gorgeous coats and boots.
Seriously, I love being able to wear these so early in the season (living in LA I was missing it so much!) but when comes february you're like OKAY I GOT IT! Enough!
I’m so lost in my style these days, I could use some inspiration! Classic with a fun twist, easy to wear, not « overdone » 🫣
These three tips remind me why I loved your book so much. They not only apply to finding our style but about how to live authentically and well. Thank you for reminding me of them. I appreciate you're going to bake a style revolution🤣 and share the recipe with us!
It might be disappointing ahah!
I love this subject a lot. I am french living in Southern California and I am always surprised to read how many people want to dress up like a French !!!! Like there was one way to dress up in France! As you said you can’t just copy a style, you have to look where you live. I would never wear a trench coat in Southern California.
True! But also, sometimes, I go to Paris, and (after having been in London) I realise that people dress very similarly, discreetly, like the codes are narrower?
Absolutely. the code is narrow in Paris like you said, and I have to admit that sometimes when I visit Paris, I can see myself adopting it… but fortunately I catch myself and wonder why am I trying to be more French than I am ???… Oh, clichés and social medias! I love this topic. I can’t wait to read your reflection.
Yes! I aspire to dressing more French but somehow, I’m hopelessly London tramp style. I’m turning 50 in January, I think I need to go less eclectic dog walking scruffbag, more French cool (mikuta appeals to me, and plume, tho I know nothing of their quality of otherwise).... but will I achieve it?! There is hope, I have some lovely vintage maxi dresses and some good coats (thanks to Burberry and Zadig) but ... sophisticated I am not. Look forward to hearing more of your thoughts, love that you moved to U.K. (I mean out of London U.K.) it gives me HOPE for it! That said, I am in the processing of demenageing en Aix, what a deserter...
Once you’re of a certain age and haven’t gained weight you have all the basics. So just buy something fun every season. One year I bought this inexpensive ridiculously shaggy black fake fur knee length coat and wore it everywhere around Edinburgh in the spring. Wish I could post the photo. Or buy over the top costume jewelry for the Caribbean in the winter. Zuzzssh it up.
That would be exactly my strategy.
Or: buy one piece out of your usual colour scheme but still going with all your other stuff in your closed. Gives a very fresh slant...
Or: stay withing your colour scheme but look out for special cut or finishing details or fantastic fabric...
No “Love ya!”, please.
Garance knows the power of chic glasses and how they can transform a face or a mood. I am not doing botox...yet I keep my body and mind in shape, I buy good quality already used clothes on Vestiaire Collective...and I have invested in a few cool eyeglasses frames. The funny thing is that even at age 60 I do not need to wear glasses for clearer vision.. I wear them as a kind of armour from the outside world and harsh lights...pourquoi pas?
"Cut cut cut" said Miss Wintour about Max Mara when you asked her in one of your old Paris videos :))