Style Strategy from Fashion Blogger Ariane: How to Look Great and Trendy After 50

I am a big fan of women who takes care of themselves and who maintain a great sense of style even while they age. This is how I understood the concept of “aging gracefully” – embracing age with fashion. That includes being in great shape, being gorgeous and happy.

I found that lady, our featured blogger for today, Ariane of Style Montreal Sud -Est. She has such an incredible style, mixing vintage with modern pieces and giving an otherwise normal item a twist. She proves that fashion knows no age and creativity is all about understanding colors, patterns, designs, proportions and thinking outside the box.

Hello A! Tell us a little about you and your blog.

My name is Ariane, I am 51 years old, born and raised in Montreal. As far as I can remember, I was always different in the way I was dressing. My blog gives me the opportunity to express my creativity and hopefully will inspire people of my age and all ages. I wanted to show that you still can have fun with clothes and you don’t have to follow the fashion rules for the 50 and up.

What inspired you to start a fashion blog?

I wanted to be the first 51-year-old lady to have a fashion blog in Montreal and to tell you the truth, I really think I am the only one! My daughter, Vivian Westwood, Suzy Bubble, and Anna Dello Russo also inspired me to do this.

What is your signature style?

Funky and elegant

What is your best-kept personal style secret?

A good hair color and haircut

How do you manage to maintain a great figure and a very youthful aura?

Yoga keeps me focused and serene, power walking builds up my stamina, and I have a rule when it comes to food 80% healthy and I allow myself 20% of indulging and +  moisturize , moisturize, moisturize and keep out of the sun.

Do you think fashion and age are interrelated? Are there style rules to follow (or violate) as you age?

The secret is to wear clothes that flatter your body type, to play with proportions, to wear colors that will enhanced your complexion, and most importantly be comfortable with what you are wearing.

What is the key secret in aging gracefully?

Positive attitude, living the moment, forget the past and do not worry about the future – I strongly believe that there is a solution for everything. Every morning when you get up tell yourself that you are the best and there is still a world for you to conquer!

What is it in vintage clothing that makes your style stand out?

Colors and pattern mixing

Where do you hunt for fabulous vintage clothing?

I shop mostly in Montreal’s thrift shops, H&M , and Forever21

What´s your technique in blending vintage and trendy pieces?

I start with one piece and work with the colors and patterns.  I always try to think outside the box.

What are the best five fashion essentials every woman must have?

Lots of colored thighs, black boots, basic tops, a classic jacket and a big purse, because us Ladies carry a lot of stuff around.

Enough talk! Show us some of the most gorgeous outfits you´ve worn and the idea behind them.

Outfit #1

Color Scheme Concept
Top and Skirt thrifted – booties purchased new in Montreal. I started with the top and kept the color scheme. In this case it´s yellow. The booties added contrast and a modern twist.

Outfit #2

Give it a Twist
I wanted to wear the stripes dress a different way so i paired it with a basic black skirt. I wore this vintage 60’s hat to give the outfit a mod look

Outfit #3

Mix Patterns
The blouse and skirt were thrifted, leggings purchased at La Vie en Rose, shoes – Winners Montreal
I kept the same color palette for this ensemble but wanted a drastic look.

Outfit #4

That seventies Vibe – Mix patterns
Vintage Suede Jacket purchased at Renaissance Montreal, vintage 70’s Dress purchased at Atelier Vio-LI – thighs, new and vintage victorian booties purchased at Renaissance Montreal. Again, I stayed in the same color palette but I wanted to mix the pattern of the dress with the thighs, I kept the top in a neutral color.

Outfit #5

Proportions
Wanted to find an original way to wear this summer skirt for Fall and play with proportions and add a little masculine accent, in this case the shoes. I paired it with a dress i wore this summer and a long sleeved top. Skirt thrifted at a bazaar in Montreal – Dress thrifted at Renaissance – Montreal, yellow top purchased at Forever 21 in Montreal. Shoes thrifted in Portland ME (USA)

Outfit #6

Vintage Mix
Remixing is a science, lots of thinking involved. I am wearing in this outfit a 60’s vintage dress purchased at Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn, the top with the butterfly was purchased in Montreal at Atelier Vio-Li – The wonderful boots were purchased at Buffalo Exchange in Brooklyn – The leopard print coat was thrifted a while ago in Montreal

And finally, if you could whisper a fail-safe style tip to every woman´s ears, what would it be?
Be comfortable with what you are wearing, be true to yourself, have fun with fashion, try different styles, put yourself out there and don’t get lost in the sea of neutrals.  In this life you are here to be seen and heard and you will be surprised how much they want to hear from you.

Thank you so much for your helpful tips, Ariane. Have a great day!