Midlife Style – Why You Should Implement a “Uniform”

When I was in Catholic school years ago, I had to wear a uniform. It was a pleated, plaid skirt or navy trousers (polyester – UGH) and a button down round-collar light blue shirt. I also had the choice to wear a navy cardigan or v-neck sweater. All of my public school friends knew how to dress and had such cute style. I had NO sense of style and was CONVINCED that my style know-how was completely stunted from having to wear a uniform. Thirty some years later, I realize that having to wear a uniform didn’t actually stunt my sense of style but actually HELPED me learn a lifelong formula of wardrobe simplicity that equates to looking chic and “effortless”. Now, I am no professional stylist, that is for sure but what I am is a midlife woman who wants to get dressed in a flash, look chic and pulled together and has been told pretty regularly that it appears to be working. Here is my “uniform” formula and 3 reasons why adopting your own makes good sense.

So, what is my style uniform? It’s quite simple… Just like in my Catholic school days I focus on 3 pieces:

• BOTTOMS: A great fitting pair of jeans or trousers
• TOPS: A button down shirt OR tee shirt
• STYLE FACTOR : A “third piece” such as a blazer, a sweater, a sweater jacket, shawl, scarf, or wrap

BOTTOMS: A great fitting pair of jeans or trousers

Great fitting jeans or trousers will all depend on what type you love. Don’t listen to the generation who tell you that skinny jeans make you look old. If you rock those skinny jeans, go for it! I myself am a sucker for these straight-leg jeans from Old Navy . I am 5’4″ and have the short version and they fit so well.

While we are on the subject of jeans, I think it’s important to mention that even though distressed denim is cool, I recommend having a great fitting pair without distressing as they can be worn more often and in more situations. I work in a corporate setting that enables me to wear jeans, but distressing is not allowed.

As for trousers, my favorite fit of all time is Banana Republic’s “Logan” fit. You may prefer a more tapered style to suit your frame, or even a gorgeous wide leg would be great.

TOPS: A button down shirt OR tee shirt

Nothing is more classic than a white button down shirt.

If white isn’t your jam, you can go with a black button-down a la Jennifer Aniston.

Tee Shirts are great staples in any wardrobe, and there is nothing easier than a black, white or gray tee to create a simple wardrobe foundation. You ALSO cannot go wrong with a simple striped breton like the one from JCrew below (hello French chic!). Another great basic to have is a classic black turtleneck. My favorite tees are from Banana, Gap, JCrew or JCrew Factory or Target but you can find great tees in so many places these days. I like having both long and short sleeve tees just in case I am having lots of hot flashes #menopause. Tees are perfect for layering!

STYLE FACTOR : A “third piece”

Now that we have the basics down, the thing that really “pulls everything together is what we call the “third piece”. This could be a wrap or scarf, a great blazer or sweater jacket, or even a jacket without sleeves (called a “gilet”). Be sure to flex your style muscles and pick colors that you LOVE, especially since we are keeping our top in a neutral color. Here are some of my favorites. These are the looks that I wore during quarantine while working from home as well as some inspiration from my favorite style icon – Jenna Lyons.

Now, you may ask… “Steph, what about shoes and other accessories?” I am a huge fan of heels for the office but for days that I work from home and still want to look put together, I dig a loafer to appear “French chic”. I am a huge fan of the Franco Sarto brand. I have a pair of black to go with classic black outfits and a brown pair to go with gray and navy outfits. You also cannot go wrong with a leopard pair. I firmly believe that leopard is a neutral!

Here’s my best tip for wearing something that you are not sure of. Put it on and go! Don’t look back! Trust me, people will look at you like you are daring and chic! If something makes you happy, wear it! As for accessories, same rule applies. I personally love earrings and will change my earrings often but don’t wear much other jewelry when not going to the office.

So, back to the reason why having a style uniform is so great… Here are my top 3 reasons:

1. It helps to reduce “decision fatigue”. Having a smaller number of options in your closet opens up so much more mental capacity for other important daily tasks. Having neutral pieces that work together in your closet makes getting dressed so much easier!
2. We wear 20% of our closet 80% of the time! Finding those pieces you love that you wear more often and then giving them the care and attention they deserve will make closet maintenance simpler.
3. You will NOT look boring! In fact, having a style uniform will make you look pulled together and chic. I mentioned Jenna Lyons above, who is the queen of looking chic and stylish with a uniform but there are so many other fashion icons that wear a style uniform. Pop that favorite shade of lipstick on those lips my dear and go ROCK that uniform! Comment below if you have a uniform and please share what that means for you!