May 29, 2924
Last week I went for another cortisone shot in my wrist, as well as the ten millionth re-fit of my arm brace – heavy lifting is catching up with my wee bird-like wrists!
But the thing I remember most from the entire adventure is a group of people I saw walking OUT of the office building as I was walking in…
Maybe 30 or 40 of them, equally split between men and women. The men were all wearing suits or blazers and trousers, and ALL of them were wearing ties. That, in and of itself, might have caused me to swoon.
BUT THE WOMEN!
All were wearing either:
(a) a skirted suit,
(b) a dress and jacket, or
(c) a dress – with sleeves, below the knee, no cleavage, with nude shoes!
Please, of course, understand that nude just means “their shoes matched their legs.” Nude can be anything from ivory to black – your legs dictate your nude!
What I learned? A nice modest dress might be wise to own – you never know when you may need to look dressy and somewhat pretty, but completely covered.
And – big one here – if you like clothes that are in a bunch of colors, shoes and a bag that match YOU is the easiest and most effective neutral possible.
Oh yes, third thing – these women must have great patience, because these clothes are no longer readily available, the way they might have been 30 years ago…
Shoes were not terribly high heeled, and they were all closed-toed. I would be fascinated to see their dress code…
If I were going to buy a dress that isn’t black, this brown one would tempt me – talk about seasonless!
Dress – Boden; earrings – Milou Jewelry; scarf – Pig, Chicken & Cow; crossbody phone bag – Owen Barry; shoes – Calvin Klein
There didn’t seem to be any limit on bright colors, but nary a sign of a knee, armpit, or bosom…
And yes, if you’re looking for a dress, Boden is an excellent place to start!
My guess is that these were employees of a corporate real estate company – the people who lease office space. I remember interviewing with such a company years ago, and they had both a strict dress code and a generous dress allowance!
How things have changed, mostly…
love,
Janice
p.s. Ten years ago, I was traveling to Florida in a backpack. I realized just two nights ago that I am STILL fascinated by packing in a backpack, and have every intention of doing it again some day!
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Janice, I’m sorry to hear about your wrist issues but I’m happy that you’re taking care of yourself too. What you do is important and amazing, so treat yourself as best as you can! I’m sure Belovedest will also help in this, since over the years we appreciate more the support and care from our spouse/partner than roses. I talk about myself at least!
OK, went into a garden there…! Back to the posts, the shown combos are amazing, even though the shoes are too high for me. On the other hand, the dresses are right up my alley, I own 4 or 5 similar dresses in different prints and fabrics. Found them all at Uniqlo and yes, they are feminine, very versatile (buttons up or down, sleeves, etc.) but not revealing all-around. I’ve had some experience with dresses that look classic at the front and then, boom! No back/ big leg cleavage/ open sides/ bellybutton window/ or I was seeing the back side!
I’m trying to do the full closet flip since it’s warming rapidly in the Med. As usual, I’m fighting over this but also as usual, your posts help me get on track!
Cheers and blessings to all!
Oh dear, I went into the backpack post (my way of packing, thank you Janice for all your advice. Would add flip flops BTW). That one took me to the futility of fighting your hair and go for letting it natural. I re-read some of the comments and they are pure sunlight! I have super straight hair (deep brown turning ashy for the grays) and my 5y girl has curly/wavey hair and I’m trying my best to show her it’s beautiful as is. I’m a firm believer that we women need to rewire ourselves to focus on our core self more than the outer self. Thanks to the TVF community! So uplifting to follow this blog!
Sorry about your wrist. I myself had a horrible fall last week and ended up with 2 black eyes and bruises, but nothing broken. I ache everywhere, but grateful that it wasn’t worse. I am thrilled to hear about the office attire you observed. I am so tired of grunge and sleepwear in public. One of my daughters just started a new job and sent me photos of some of her new clothes – classic blazers, tailored trousers and skirts – much the same as your sightings.
I’m so sorry to hear that your wrist issues persist! Aging is no fun. A great Katherine Hepburn quote comes to mind: “I not sick; I’m just afflicted.”
Funnily enough, I was just thinking on the weekend about the posts you wrote about the opera singer who wore only dresses and wished you would write another post featuring dresses and – boom! – you posted about this delightful bunch of dresses. Thank you!
I’ve always enjoyed dressing up a bit – nothing over the top, just trying to take care. Even my “casual” is a little dressier than how others would apply the term. If our clothes fit us properly, they won’t be uncomfortable so I enjoy wearing everything in my closet. Dresses and skirts are my mainstay.
The colourful dresses in today’s post make me happy! Colour is a very good thing, imho. I especially love the turquoise pattered dress pair with the cognac/tobacco shoes and purse.
I shall remember the Katherine Hepburn quote next time someone asks “How are you?”. A concise remark should hopefully allow conversation to move swiftly on to more interesting topics. I like the turquoise dress too.
So sorry about the wrist…what a pain….literally!
This post is speaking my fashion love language. I live in Maine, and wear pants and sweaters for 2/3 of the year. When the weather warms up, I’m all about dresses. Although I’m now a woman of a certain age, I’ve always dressed modestly. I appreciate the ladylike essence of these dresses. Some people equate modest with ‘cult-like’. It does not have to be this way. Modesty can be just as stylish!
I wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts on modesty! I’ve always seen modesty as being classy and respectful of myself and those around me.
Does anyone else remember tailored/dressmaker clothes with seaming, zippers, darts, buttons? All I ever see now are elastic waists and shapeless tents with sashes. I have gotten very lazy with the convenience of easy-care and catalog but sometimes I really do miss the old days of natural fabrics, proper fit, and ironing board/dry cleaner.
The only time I ever see men in suits anymore is sometimes at funerals. If only they knew how handsome they look!
I’m sorry you’re having trouble with your wrist. I do believe that I have myself reached expiration date.
Yes! I remember all of those clothing elements you mentioned….zippers, darts, buttons and different seams. I miss the uniqueness of outfits; so many dresses/ tops/ coats, etc look the same. I’m pretty sure that today’s lack of tailoring elements in clothing is a choice to enable garments to be made as cheaply as possible and so that each size will fit as many different body shapes as possible.
This seems to be the season for long dresses (and skirts), and I am so happy! There are so many available right now that I’m fighting myself not to order more. I love a dress in summer because they’re cool, comfortable, pretty, and easy to dress up. Fit note: many dresses are photographed and sold as oversized tents. I’ve had to go down one or even two sizes, which makes shopping online difficult.
Ah, if only I were the same size everywhere! I can wear large or even medium bottoms (small for the butt, but darn that expanding waist line!) but I’m an XL on top. So unfortunately my XL dresses do look rather like oversized tents in the middle and bottom. If I could change just ONE thing about myself it would be to be the same size overall *SIGH*. Then I’d like dresses more I’m sure.
Knees, armpits and bosoms, oh my. The female tv news reporters here in the San Francisco market
have NO dress code, with plenty of the above body parts on display. I do not understand. I remember watching the news in Chicago some years ago and being impressed by the professionalism of the reporters. Wonder if it is still so. On another subject, I believe everything is either love or not-love. You will not regret all the love you are showering on your mother right now. Just save a little love for your beautiful fragile wrists.
And the fit! Ugh, all the too tight dresses that look like sausage casings. Don’t even get me started on the naked bridal gown trend.
I understand what you are saying but “professionalism” and modesty are not synonymous. That idea isn’t good for any woman, working or not, modest or not.
Yes the men look like they are working and the women look dressed for a cocktail party??
Love all the dresses.
I hope you are feeling better soon!
Dresses are so easy to wear. Put one on and you are complete. Perhaps a cardigan or jacket if it’s cool. I’ve just bought a blue floral dress for summer. I tend to wear shoes to match or tone with the outfit. I do have ivory/cream shoes that I wear occasionally with pastel colours.
I hope that the injection works but it is hard to rest an afflicted limb that you use all the time whether lifting or not. It sounds as if you both might benefit from elder care equipment such as a hoist or adjustable chair/bed to makes things easier.
Sympathies for the wrist problems – been there, done that, not fun. And love all the dresses!
One note – the link for the Pig, Chicken & Cow scarf took me to the Calvin Klein shoes.
Thanks for letting me know – I fixed it! I would HATE for everyone to miss the chance to admire a good Pig, Chicken & Cow scarf – those people are brilliant!
hugs,
Janice
Thank you so much for what you do. You inspire and also centre me in my search for a limited wardrobe that is not boring or basic. Plus size dresses can be hard to find in my rural location. Just ordered a lovely modest blue boho-ish one online from torrid. If not familiar they tend to skew young and body positive with appropriate sized models. But occasionally I find something that works for an older woman who prefers to cover up a bit more.
A modest dress is a good standby piece especially if one is long retired. I have a blue shirt dress that I bought years ago. It works for church and serious gatherings. I’m sorry to hear about your wrist. I hope that it mends soon.
I’m so sorry to hear about your wrist! Hopefully you’ll be getting some healing and relief soon.
I can’t thank you enough for this wardrobe. I prefer dresses as it’s very easy… no trying to figure out a top to wear. I almost messaged you to ask you to please do a wardrobe focused on modest clothing. I spend a lot of time at church and prefer modest clothing inside and outside of church; I wear it for dressy occasions, and even like to wear it everyday (I much prefer wearing dresses or skirts instead of jeans/pants). As I get older, it’s also nice to not be body conscious showing things I’d rather hide (both for modesty and for covering my not-so-youthful arms, legs, etc.) . I really hope you can share more wardrobes like this more often. And the nude shoes are a great idea! It was helpful to see them paired with your dress selections. I don’t wear nude shoes but thanks to this post, I may start thinking about it. Thank you again for all you do.
Just a quick note to say that nude shoes are a standard for dancers. Yes, there are many other options, but nude is prefered so that it lengthens your line. Though I’m on a lengthy break from dance, my favorite shoes were ‘flesh’ satin which had the benefit of not stretching as much as the leather.
Hi Janice,
I have a shirtdress similar to the Boden navy one here, I’ve bought from a Canadian company years ago and Still wondering how to style it. I would really appreciate it if you could have more suggestions about it, something like your older posts – 1 Dress, 10 Ways!
Hugs from Vancouver
Ooo second that!!! I’m not sure if a shirt dress is my style, I always feel too curvy and busty for that… Maybe there is a better fabric for my body type (?). But I would want to see how versatile a dress like that would be before I go down the rabbit hole of trying to find one that works on my body
Charming post.
This is how I dress a lot in my professional and personal life.
I occasionally ponder if it’s a bit old fashioned but it’s my comfort zone and I’m happy enough.
I’m making an effort to not buy anything new and am often tempted by your finds and suggestions but always inspired.
I hope your wrist improves and you feel better.
These outfits feel a bit frumpy to me. The green dress looks the most feminine, so I might wear that. I’d probably roll up the sleeves on it.
I think you might have seen Orthodox Jews. As one, this is my basic criteria for dresses, and it really does take a lot of work to shop in regular stores. A number of Orthodox Jews run clothing stores to make it easier to find clothes that fit religious modesty requirements.