I have been changing my style now that I’m 60, from Bohemian (very popular here in California) to classic, it’s amazing - I feel much more ME. You have helped me with this transition a lot.
I believe fast fashion in discount stores and online have been the downfall of style, at least here in the US. I was guilty of buying cheap so I could have more. It took me far too long to figure out quality vs quantity. Regarding purposefully being sloppy, 'Why would someone not have more self respect'. That comment/question really resonated with me. When I was a stay at home mom, I definitely lacked self respect and felt I wasn't worth the effort or money as I was not contributing financially. Maturity and a divorce cured that. Clothes, hair care, makeup...all were the cheapest. I have learned it affects my confidence and psychological wellbeing. I do not need the most expensive, but I have definitely raised my standards and expectations and buy the best I can "afford" (no charging and bills paid first). I like feeling good about myself and it definitely affects my confidence and mood. I love your new items! Regarding your comment about that blouse in white would make you look like Pirate if the Caribean Side note: Always look in the mirror! I came across an old pair of favorite jeans. They still fit! I washed them and wore them feeling great as they were so comfy. The problem: I never looked in the full length mirror until I went to wear them again. Straight into the cherrity bin they went! Slightly overweight (15 lbs) and short legs. I had no business wearing straight wide leg jeans. (I used to wear them with heels.) ALWAYS LOOK IN THE MIRROR EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT GOING OUT!
I love your shuddering horror & distaste for gym clothes, ripped jeans, & ancient sweatshirts for public wear!😂 Now we won't mention which country is the most guilty of this lack of chic among the masses, but I'm a citizen there!😆 Thank you so much for your work to get us to realize that dressing well doesn't have to cost the earth & only takes a more refined & discerning eye. During the last 8 months it has been a fascinating pleasure to watch a real, relatable French woman, thousands of miles away, sharing her knowledge. You have made 2020 brighter, Marie-Anne!
I've said it before and I will say it again. Marie-Anne you have saved me such a lot of money. I hear your voice ringing in my ears each time I am tempted to buy something. Thank you so much.
I am 25 and this year I decided I was done being overwhelmed by a closet stuffed full of cheap clothing. I used to have a rock/boho style that just doesn't seem to fit my mindset anymore. Thanks to your videos I have learned to love a classic, chic look made of quality pieces. I've been collecting classic and quality items from used shops and Poshmark (blazers, stripes, silk, quality shoes) and I have never been more in love with my clothes!! Even if I am not dressing like most people my age where I live, I now have a style that will last me for years to come! I can easily get dressed every day and look effortlessly chic - less is definitely more
You are so right, Marie-Anne, when you say that fashion magazine don't teach women how to dress! So often I see unwearable horrors. They promote certain styles, new trends that need to be "translated" for the everyday woman. And that is why we need ladies like you! You really have class.
One of my style icons you haven't covered was Lauren Bacall. I still wear her hairstyle most of the time although I do experiment at times. You did cover my main style icons - Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. I don't copy them but I emulate them. You've become another of my style icons and an excellent one.
Marie-Anne, this video was brilliant. You have inspired me in so many ways and I think what struck me the most were these points that my late mother - a fashion designer in 1950’s Germany - espoused: if you only can afford one thing, buy the best quality possible; tailoring and fit are key so find a good tailor; and finally, don’t be a slave to trends- keep it classic and you will never go wrong. During this pandemic, you have been a source of encouragement and inspiration. Thank you, thank you!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur my mother studied fashion design in Munich and began her career at Lodenfrey designing and making women’s suits and coats. I still have in my wardrobe a classic red wool blazer she designed. 🥰 I love to shop at Lodenfrey when I am in Munich and remember all the stories she shared about her early career in fashion. Later she went on to work for Lillie Rubin in the US. 🛍
I have 5 tops just like the one you're wearing. 3 in extra small and 2 in small. They are one of my wardrobe staples and I wear them with so many outfits I always want to have one clean and don't want to wear out.
This conversational style is my favorite when so many topics are discussed. Marie-Anne you are looking especially radiant. I laughed out loud on the topic of looking like a sofa! Yes , that was a perfect comparison.
I am 72, my hair is mostly white, but I’m a light olive skin tone. I have always been a navy girl, but now love black too. It is not too stark. Your tips of how to style each has been so helpful. I love classic and chic as opposed to sloppy, ragged, and too baggy or loose. Your tidy closet and style journal courses have helped me focus and be selective. I make fewer bad purchases and have greater versatility in my wardrobe. Thank you!
Bonjour MyFriend ! (mon ami or mes amie?!) I am learning so much from your older videos! Am unsure if older comments reach you but, if they do, you are a treasure! 💝🤗
I love that you are proud of your age ❤️ I am glad to know I'm not the only one owning my age. I have no problem telling anyone that I am 59 years young 😉
Regarding sweater quality: fully-fashioned set-in sleeves (where the sleeves are knitted to the bodice) is also a good indicator of quality. Cut-and sewn piecing is inferior, holes often start where knits are cut. As Marie-Anne said, thickness is a good indicator, too. I hold less-expensive pieces up to see if they are too thin, often they are so thin bra details can be seen through them.
I know this comment is late but I only just found you. I really enjoyed this one. I was convicted, vindicated, educated and amused 😢😏😲😁 well done ❤ thank you ❤
Thank you for your humour! I listen to your video while I am sewing... I laugh and learn a lot! You have such great taste and good advice. Merci pour nous montrer à nouveau les classiques qui sont toujours aussi jolis et efficaces!
I love what you said about NOT wearing yoga and sweat clothes for every day wear...To me it's gym wear...or on Sunday morning before anybody sees you...My mom used to say when people wear sweat clothes every place they go it reminds her of being sweaty ,pitted out...I agree
Totally agree with everything you are saying. You know women so well. Excellent, in two days I have learned what I didn't in the last twenty years. I wish I had known you a long time ago. Thank you. 😅❤💋🌷🤗🤲🌏☮🔅
I agree, I tend to think certain items will only pair with certain items, often in terms of colour. I found many happy surprises, when I tried other combinations, that I originally would not have even considered.
Yes. I do that! I see how many different things I can wear with one piece and then take pictures or write down all the items I can pair with that piece. It is a fun thing to do!
Marie-Anne, I just love your channel and I've learned so much from you over the last couple of years since I've subscribed. I think it's wonderful that you provide style and fashion advice for women on youtube as well as through your books and other forms of communication. I really love the timeless style FRENCH CHIC. Previously, I was very, very thin and I could wear anything. However, age has visited upon me a couple of auto-immune diseases that are known for causing inflammation, which often leads to weight-gain. While I exercise as much as I can, the fact is that I'll never be able to get even remotely close to my 115 pounds. That ship has sailed and for many years I just gave up and felt so awful about myself. I found your channel and another wonderful youtuber and through your encouragement and grace, I realized that EVERY WOMAN, no matter her age or size should work at being the best version of themselves. I had been competing with the much younger version of me and that woman no longer exists. I had to learn how to talk to myself differently. I had to realize that my job is dress the person that I am TODAY---even though I'm not happy with my size. I started buying tops and bottoms in brown, gray, camel and navy (I already had so much black), and I started wearing largely monochromatic looks and I purchased clothing that was classic with very clean lines. I bought about three nice purses with pattern (1 floral, I plaid and 1 that has a myriad of colors. Also, I purchased (1) trench coat, (1) wool coat, and (1) jacket and all of them are different colors. Sometimes the outerwear is the first thing that people see, so I tried to purchase items that were a better quality. Lastly, I purchased three pair of nice shoes that are very classic--1 ballet flat, and 2 loafers. I already have many kitten heels in several colors. I think I need to add a couple of scarves and maybe some new shapewear. But, I'll have to save up a bit.
Marie-Ann you summed me up perfectly - I never mix and match things to make lots more outfits, I stick to the same old combinations just like you said we do!! I need to change that. Plus I tried on a "Little House on the Prairy" dress Im 53 and I looked ridiculous! Love listening to your sensible advice xxx
Merci beaucoup Marianne for all your wonderful styling and fashion advice. I have watched your channel for sometime now and I love how your suggestions are so practical but elegant at the same time. I have always loved the classic style but am discovering that it makes sense to buy quality rather than quantity. I am 69 but still take pride in my appearance because the day always goes better when I know I look my best. Even though I live in Australia I relate so well to the French style. It is so classy.
Being short I tend to avoid prints and checks. I have sometimes bought a print but it has been a very small print. I pretty well stick to plain colors. It is hot in Australia so I try to stick to natural fabrics. I love navy as I think it is a softer color for people with light colored hair. If I wear black I like to soften it with a lightweight colored scarf. The same with white. It is fresh and crisp looking but can look quite stark. I wear a lovely white linen shirt opened slightly with a colored sleeveless t shirt underneath which softens the look.
Cashmere,camel sweater...must!,be worn with a scarf 🦌,otherwise...cannot use it,since the Colour does not!...look good on me...this Way,it was not a mistake buying it🦋thought so,for some time,untill you tought me otherwise.merci french chic lady.🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰
How very kind you are offering the body shape course free. I am signed up , I have my journal & ready for my new journal. I hope you do not mind, I check in often. I'm using my comments to hold me accountable & consistent. Merci. Cheers 😉 🌷
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Bonjour Marie-Anne, question, would a pair of cashmere joggers & a matching sweater be an elegant choice for a French woman to wear while lounging at home? Is this acceptable to be worn out to do grocery shopping? Thank you 😊. Cheers 😉 🌷
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Bonjour Marie-Anne, I just purchased your book "How to be Chic & Elegant". What a page turner. So, I have gone through my entire wardrobe, desk, vanity, shoes & jewelry collections & decluttered. I have pulled out all of the items that no longer serve my style & confidence level. I realized how correct you are about how you feel in an item. I tried on the questionable items & asked myself "how does this make me feel"? That is how I knew what pile to put the item in: keep, donate or gift. Thank you 😊. This is just the beginning. I also did a bit of online shopping based on my hourglass shape & created categories of: yes, try on, maybe & no. The reason I created the no pile is for a reminder of what I do not want in my wardrobe, jewelry, shoes & handbags. Thank you 😊. I'm so excited. Merci 😄 ❤️
I agree wholeheartedly to the advent of Covid-19 leading to introspection of what we buy, how often and quality over quantity when it comes to our style wardrobes. As I have restyled myself in the last year, the few pieces I have curated and added to my scaled down wardrobe gives confidence and also creativity. The style journal has really helped! Great questions! Great answers. Thank you Marie-Anne!
Great style video Marie-Anne! for me knowing my body shape was very important, once I found out my body shape , I had my colours done. Black, navy, and dark grey are in my colour palette as a winter. Thank you for sharing with us! keep up the great content!
for me looking like a "memere" is a compliment because my memere was elegant and stylish and always looked so chic. She always had her hair just right a great piece of jewelry, her dresses were form fitting for her body type. As an American women, I dont follow trends but wear what I like and lwhat ooks good on me. No ripped jeans, etc. I am 58 as well and I love finding great pieces that can last forever. I enjoy your videos. I think style is always evolving but you have to stay true to yourself and you will feel comfortable.
Hello Marie-Anne, I am new here. I like your energy. There is no way you are 57! You might made a mistake, you was going to say 40? 🤔 You have 20 years old figure and no wrinkles what so ever. Talking about aging gratefully...👸 I am 49 and I am also very proud of my age, I don't mind to say my age, because it's always a second question once people learn that my children are 25 and 19...😄 I am happy that I have a natural taste for clothes and shoes, colors and styles which fits me. I was going to become a fashion designer when I was a teenager, but it didn't work out, because my parents didn't allowed me to go alone 16 years old to the capital city. The sense for a style and taste though stayed with me untill now.😌💁
Merci Marie.-Anne. What a delightful walk thru this movie, honestly I never ever watched it feeling 'hohum^ regarding American films on France or French experiences. However you have been wonderful in your explanation. My late husband was parisian so I understand fully. You are an experienced ' people person' absolutely lovely Merci encore, Thank-you from Jacqueline in New zealand
Thank you for another informative and wonderful video. I made the mistakes of buying a lot of floral dresses that I no longer wear. The style journal has helped me make sense of that disastrous choice. I liked the carefree look of the models yet on me it was less downtown chic and more Downtown Abby. I reality liked your v neck sweater and I also realized that I liked simpler pieces. I do love black. I learned through my style journal that I like black because it becomes a blank canvas for my amazing accessories. I love statement earrings and wear them with my black or navy turtlenecks. I spend one afternoon creating different looks with the same navy turtleneck dress by adding a blazer or playing with some earring and necklaces. I was in heaven. I notice that the things I never get rid of in my closet are my navy or black v neck and turtleneck sweaters. I love them with dark wash denim pencil skirts and knee boots. The style journal has helped me think so much about what I like and why I am drawn to the chic. Chic is simple and flattering. the number one response I always get is “you look so chic!” I make note in my journal and consider how I felt in that outfit. I find they are always the one that play up my curves. I love pencil skits so much even though I am an hourglass. I also always get compliments when I wear my skirts with a cami or a turtleneck and a long line cardigan or blazer. ( I have 10 I wear all the time bit less working from home) and I think for a long time I did not want to call attention to my body and hence the flowy floral maxi dress. But the style journal forced me to think about why I hid in such unflattering clothes. I am 55 and wanted to look my age. Sometimes I would get attention from men half my age. I think now I am feeling okay with my curves. Thanks for all your help. You and Daria from wonder wardrobe along with A small wardrobe has helped me so much. The creator of a small wardrobe highlighted that just because you love something on someone else does not mean you will love it on you. Journaling has helped me hone on this on this idea that I must dress for my body because when I do, I feel amazing! Thank you!
my mother used to sew clothes for companies here in Uk at home, and it was our job to help turn belts, snip threads on piece work so we got an idea of quality and material handle , and the amount of work each garment should take. she would explain that the only differences were the materials used and the labels sewn in, the money she would see was the same . We would buy material and sew our own outfits . I do so now for my daughter and teach all of my family (three sons and hubby apart from daughter) about the marks of quality in a material. My husband took what I said with a pinch of salt but now he realises that the labels these days will not guarantee quality. I agree you do not need to splurge money to get elegant long lived outfits off the rail but I would rather spend on silk brocades, and matching silk materials to make high quality personally tailored outfits for myself and my daughter . Quality will always trump quantity (that's why my wardrobe is so thin at the moment but my projects and colour stories are planned , I often replace worn out outfits which go with beautiful handembroidered scarfs/dupattas as I feel it is necessary to appreciate the artisanal quality as much as possible ) Marie Anne do you also consider charcoal grey or Brown as neutrals ?
Yes so true its amazing how good quality can make a difference and the materials that they are fashioned in, button holes and especially seams can make such a difference to the style
I am 58, soon to be 59 next month and a rectangle. I find solid colours and for pattern: small polka dots are best for me. V-neck, 3/4 sleeve, or long sleeve does the trick for my broad shoulders and big upper arms. Thanks to Marie-Anne!
Marie Anne, I recently went through my closet and got rid of everything that no longer fit my body or my life. It was fun because It made me really think about each item. Since then, I always seem to feel better about what I’m wearing because everything in my closet fits and is something I really love. Thank you for the encouragement. No more depressing mornings because a pair of pants no longer fit that I wanted to wear. I know if I pull something, it’s going to fit properly both my body and my life.
Another great video. You’ve prompted me to clean out my closet and Goodwill will be getting a lot of donations this week. Lol...”....dressing like a sofa...”””””””
Great video! I wish I had known which coulour suits me when I was young. In my twentys I wore a lot of browns, beige. It never worked but I dind't understand why.... I'm so glad that we have nowadays youtube to help us to find our style.
Thank you so much, Marie-Anne. So much common sense and discussion of classic style. My particular body challenge is that I have a very long torso, and now, not as firm a derriere or thighs. I have a pear shaped body. Finding trousers, much less jeans, that fit is a REAL challenge. Do you have any designers that you recommend for women with long torsos in this regard? It is difficult to find trousers that don't hug the hips, and they don't look flattering at all. Best to you!
Hello from canada! Ive been listening to you on and off for a few years and have learned a lot about french style. I dont know what it was but something you said made me realize how well dressed my moms mother always was...always a skirt.... her sisters the same, with the skirts n fancy hats. Both my family lines come from normandy area ...acadians... id like to bring back some of that fashion ;)
Black is too harsh for my summer coloring so I have always preferred navy or charcoal grey as my neutrals. I have more navy in my wardrobe than any other colors ☺️
I've been watching your videos and I decided to subscribe to your channel. I have SO many clothes because I never throw anything away. I do give away entire wardrobes sometimes (then later regret giving away certain pieces) to family members or friends, but I still have pieces from 20 or 30 years ago. I am learning to put together outfits based on your suggestions and it's a delight. I'm so glad I found your channel... I don't know whether to go back to making my own clothes (I sew, knit, crochet, embroider, etc) or try to find things online to properly fit my inverted triangle body type. Are you familiar with any designers that have particularly good designs for this body type?
Not only was the quality so much better in the 60s but good brands were more affordable. I would love to have some of the things I wore in those days and probably flung out when mini-skits came .
Bonjour Marie-Anne! Oh I truly HOPE the tide is turning towards slow fashion - not just for style’s sake, but for the planet!! Buy less, buy better, and wear it longer!! We need to stop the endless buy-donate-buy-donate cycle - during the pandemic thrift shops are overrun, and some are turning away donations. When we buy pieces with longevity, we can stop the wasteful insanity. Thanks for your perspective as always!!! 😀
@@rishikapaul4740 Great to know.... It is very nice to see Indians taking interest in French chic style because traditionally our colour palette is very vibrant! It is a pleasure to learn about new culture n style
@@intentionallivingspace Yesh, their culture is very classy. People there in France always want to buy things practically and very rarely they buy trendy items (here, I am talking about dressing sense) and they never said 'I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR'. It astonished me because in India, girls of my age are very much influenced by Americans and the recent Hallyu wave capitalism that we actually make craze for buying them in order to look like them and at the end of the day, we say I have nothing to wear.
@@rishikapaul4740 absolutely!! the best part about their fashion is importance on classic and timeless pieces! That's why everything they own go well each each other...
1:031:03 If one goes from 115 pounds, size 4, to 150 pounds size huge - during the over 2 years of staying home due to COVID and doing almost nothing interesting but cooking new recipes - knowing your shape is a simple matter. You have gone from small to hugh. And as a huge, the goal is simply to find anything with enough circumstance to circumvent the girth. Style becomes a secondary consideration. So, now what to do about this new body shape? Live with it NO - or - get a grip. Pull up your socks. Lose the lard. The reward: your knees will breathe a sigh of relief, your liver will glow rosy red again, your heat will pump in rhythm, and your former wardrobe will look great coming freshly out of the cleaners. Motivation? Tacked to my refrigerator is this note: he (meaning my favorite husband) will love you more, even though there is less to love.
Hope you’re right about a trend towards buying quality over quantity. The leisure wear market is also booming. Several high street stores are selling knit suits in classic cuts/colors. e.g. Banana Republic, COS, etc.
yes I can interchange my shift dresses and tunic tops with my different jeans and cardigans to make lots of different outfits, Navy burgundy and black , jeans, dresses and tunic tops, endless choice, I don't wear navy with black though!
I don't like ripped jeans either. Thank you for your earlier suggestions about shoes: patent black leather and nude heels in particular. I don't like gym clothes during the day either, lol.
Bonjour Marie-Anne, about the black Abd navy, I love both colours, the only thing is Navy reminded me of my uniform in junior high school, We wear that as our bottom in Indonesia. I don’t really have a great time at Junior high, so anything that reminded me of that time i will try to avoid. But having to say that, i have a few Navy dress, Blazer, Tshirt, but i won’t go for Navy bottom ☺️☺️💖💖
God, SO INSPIRING! You're so real, authentic, passionate...Can I still wear my French boots? I used to wear with little floral dresses, how do I wear them now?
I agree with most of the comments about sweatshirts and joggers being really annoying. I hate it when people walk around wearing clothes that are meant for the gym or yoga or relaxing at home. I see yoga pants being worn even to the office and I don't understand why women do this. I wish more people would take more care in looking fresher.
About the athleisure look that has become so popular for streetwear, I think it arose from the North American fitness boom. Gym attendance is huge, and running (my sport) has undergone an astronomical resurgence in the past decade. Many people who didn't consider themselves athletes are running marathons (or were until Covid hit). Companies like Lululemon have responded to a market need, and manufacture high end fitness wear that looks so good North Americans are wearing it on a daily basis. Also it's expensive, so maybe it's a cost per wear concern. As a result, the lines between fitness wear and street wear have blurred over here. Although I'm a runner and have a complete wardrobe of running clothes for different conditions, I do not wear it as street wear. I agree with you on this most definitely, Marie Anne. Athletic wear is a certain look, but it is not chic.
Jeans themselves are casual, ripped ones are sloppy. Americans are now wearing sweatshirts under blazers. Even the name of sweatpants and sweatshirts is disgusting. I think they’re fine for lazy days at home, but I always change to go out anywhere, however briefly. Athleisure is standard daytime attire where I live! I’d much rather wear jeans and a blazer or cardigan, or a skirt and sweater outfit. I really welcome the trend towards more comfort in clothes and shoes, but we can have style and comfort, too, the best clothes and shoes have both. These athleisure clothes are usually made of polyester, so manufacturers push them because they are really cheap to make. I often see polyester pants for $150, no thanks.
I do have a lot of fun with my clothes, I just love clothes, accessories, fashion, styling. I am a serious scientist type, so dressing has always been my creative outlet! I love your emphasis on fun, a lot of stylists, I think, tend to make putting a wardrobe together a little too serious. Yesterday I saw a video with a new haul of about 65! pieces, but they were all solid black, white or beige. It was a good, but large, set of wardrobe basics, or backbone, if starting from scratch, but the clothes just weren’t fun. Not a color, print, pattern or interesting texture anywhere.
Hi MarieAnne!! When I was younger I was slim, a rectangular shape; no bum good legs long arms no waist. Now that I’ve put on weight I notice it’s all gone to the waist. I do look like an Apple. Is it possible your body shape changes or is it still the same regardless of how it looks now? Love watching you!!!
I used to keep a style journal & set my clothes out on Sun eve for the whole week until March when Covid hit & I started to work from home. I need to start again, regardless of where I'm at. Oh for athleisure look...I just read an article on how to arrange your closet to accommodate those clothes. I cringed as I read the article!
Katerina Joan To answer your question about why people dress down: I grew up in Connecticut, USA. In my social circle, if you dressed up, you were considered frivolous. Superficial. Bad with money. Vain. It was looked down upon to look good. I remember feeling shame when I wore nice things, I knew my friends would just me for spending money on clothing and caring about my appearance. Even now in Chicago, I feel very self conscience when I dress well. I feel like people think I’m rich, vain, and frivolous. I wish I lived in a city where fashion was more the norm, and beautifying oneself was considered a social service (which I think it is). In America, we value practicality over beauty. My friends have looked down on me over the years for my love and exploration of fashion and dressing well. I’m called the “fancy one”, when all I’m doing is following typical French rules. I think it’s because America comes from Protestant roots, and it’s so ingrained we don’t even notice. There’s a fear and demonization of the sensual and inviting, of beautifying oneself and taking care of the body because it is pleasurable and enjoyable. Whereas France has Catholic roots: the value of beauty, seeing beauty, balance, and health as necessary to both body and soul.
I used to wear certain items all the time, but ever since I established the capsule wardrobe, I've deliberately been wearing as many different outfits as I can. I challenge myself and it's fun. If I'm not wearing it, I shouldn't have it!
I completely agree with buying quality - I buy as high quality as I can used on eBay every time over something new for the same money or more - my friend is one of the best harris tweed weavers and that cloth will last a lifetime - even Chanel uses harris tweed sometimes!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur ‘Bonjour Marie-Anne - I am afraid my older friend is not online - he and many of the weavers are pretty analogue - but he is busy enough - he is more of a ‘destination’ in himself - if you let me know what kind of colours you like - the next time I go to harris I will get you some - or even better send photos! If you google Donald John MacKay Luskentyre you will find him. Even patrick grant from Savile row used to drive all the way up to Harris to buy from him. But patrick is now more of a tv celebrity on Them great British sewing bee’ (very handsome man!)
@@MarieAnneLecoeur he is a very dear friend of mine - the Sunday times asked me for quotes about him when he received his MBE - apparently I am a world authority on Donald John lol!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur thank you Marie-Anne - he is not one for seeking publicity for himself - but his work speaks for itself - about 12 years ago Nike used his tweed, he has also worked with Clark’s and many others - he is a very humble man and takes it all with a pinch of salt!
Oh goodness, yes! I understand about how things look great on a 25yo but not me (59). Florals. 'For me', I would not be caught dead wearing florals as I look like an outdated sofa. Plaid. Young woman look outdoorsy, I look like a lumberjack.
Joanne, I have discovered the same for myself. I cannot wear florals or plaid, but I like the ted baker florals and the Ralph Lauren plaids. I so wanted to have something floral and plaid, but the only way I could participate was in buying handbags in both prints. I purchased two beautiful purses---one a beautiful floral and the other a beautiful plaid. I have to wear the monochromatic look because I would look short and frumpy otherwise, but the handbag provides some color and interest. Someone else told me to try the same thing with scarves or possibly even shoes, but I haven't yet experimented with either option. Good luck, Joanne!
When you go out you can wear a blazer to look put together. What can you do for an inhome event to add a third piece or a put-together look? from Carlsbad California
Here in the USA, back when my nieces were in junior high school, they began to wear pajamas and house slippers to school. Their hair was piled on top of their heads in a messy bun, or pony tail, they looked horrible and unkempt. Both went into nursing, and the scrubs they wore had no shape (other styles were available) and they made no attempt to look presentable. This morphed into athleisure on weekends. They had no interest in being dressed appropriately. I think this was part of the beginning of this trend.
Omg....you are right on. Some of the worse trends: pajamas being worn as daytime clothing, athlete wear being worn by EVERYONE even when most haven’t seen the inside of a gym. Horrible and something I frequently witnessed on the college campus of the university I worked for, for 20+ years.
@@hollygolightly8048 Their mother and I tried to gently turn them toward more appropriate outfits. We all flew to Dallas to a bigger shopping venue-where they bought (you guessed it) MORE PAJAMAS! 🤦♀️ We tried so hard!
A male friend of mine once told me that when he would visit his daughter at college (this was probably close to 20 years ago already) all the girls would be walking around in pajama pants and belly shirts and it made him really uncomfortable. I personally don’t understand this desire of young women to look like sexual objects all the time and then get angry when men treat them as such. I grew up in the seventies and early eighties and we still liked to look pretty - but not slutty.
@@vtcs1963 Me, too. I was in college in the early 1980’s at a very conservative university. I guess my crowd was more preppy than anything else-everything was covered, and we were expected to be well groomed. I just didn’t get my nieces, especially since my own two boys dressed well. Eventually, the junior and senior high school had to change the dress code, disallowing the pajamas, house slippers, sweats, etc.
If our wardrobe isn't fun what's the point? If it's not fun we might as well just wear the scrufty sweats we clean the barn and groom horses in. Personally I like to play with my clothing. I'd rather have fewer quality pieces than a lot of pieces in poorer quality. I have to buy almost everything online or at the vintage shops because all we have here are a few shops with low quality clothing made in China. While they are inexpensive they just look cheap. I can't afford very expensive clothing often but I can get better than is available locally where few women wear anything other than sweat pants paired with oversized T-shirts.
For tiden,er bundtmageren igang med...at sy...en navy ruskindskjole til mig...ikke en lille sort! En klar indikator format NAVY...er den nye sort.glæder mig til,at hente...denne klassiske Darling!🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰
This is my opinion on why so many women in the United States wear sweatpants, I personally hate them, hate the look, so many women in the United States are greatly overweight and sweatpants are comfortable. I work hard at keeping myself in shape and looking the best I can look for my age and it upsets me to see so many obese women in this country.If you have an elastic waist band nothing gets tight.
To add to my comment, there are many lovely and stylish women in the United States that can rock a sweatpants outfit and it has become a trend, I just like to see sweatpants in the gym or casual dress in the home.
I have been changing my style now that I’m 60, from Bohemian (very popular here in California) to classic, it’s amazing - I feel much more ME. You have helped me with this transition a lot.
I believe fast fashion in discount stores and online have been the downfall of style, at least here in the US. I was guilty of buying cheap so I could have more. It took me far too long to figure out quality vs quantity. Regarding purposefully being sloppy, 'Why would someone not have more self respect'. That comment/question really resonated with me. When I was a stay at home mom, I definitely lacked self respect and felt I wasn't worth the effort or money as I was not contributing financially. Maturity and a divorce cured that. Clothes, hair care, makeup...all were the cheapest. I have learned it affects my confidence and psychological wellbeing. I do not need the most expensive, but I have definitely raised my standards and expectations and buy the best I can "afford" (no charging and bills paid first). I like feeling good about myself and it definitely affects my confidence and mood. I love your new items! Regarding your comment about that blouse in white would make you look like Pirate if the Caribean Side note: Always look in the mirror! I came across an old pair of favorite jeans. They still fit! I washed them and wore them feeling great as they were so comfy. The problem: I never looked in the full length mirror until I went to wear them again. Straight into the cherrity bin they went! Slightly overweight (15 lbs) and short legs. I had no business wearing straight wide leg jeans. (I used to wear them with heels.) ALWAYS LOOK IN THE MIRROR EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT GOING OUT!
I love your shuddering horror & distaste for gym clothes, ripped jeans, & ancient sweatshirts for public wear!😂 Now we won't mention which country is the most guilty of this lack of chic among the masses, but I'm a citizen there!😆 Thank you so much for your work to get us to realize that dressing well doesn't have to cost the earth & only takes a more refined & discerning eye. During the last 8 months it has been a fascinating pleasure to watch a real, relatable French woman, thousands of miles away, sharing her knowledge. You have made 2020 brighter, Marie-Anne!
Love watching you and learning about the French chic style.
I've said it before and I will say it again. Marie-Anne you have saved me such a lot of money. I hear your voice ringing in my ears each time I am tempted to buy something. Thank you so much.
I am 25 and this year I decided I was done being overwhelmed by a closet stuffed full of cheap clothing. I used to have a rock/boho style that just doesn't seem to fit my mindset anymore. Thanks to your videos I have learned to love a classic, chic look made of quality pieces. I've been collecting classic and quality items from used shops and Poshmark (blazers, stripes, silk, quality shoes) and I have never been more in love with my clothes!! Even if I am not dressing like most people my age where I live, I now have a style that will last me for years to come! I can easily get dressed every day and look effortlessly chic - less is definitely more
Girl I’m obsessed with Poshmark lol
You are so right, Marie-Anne, when you say that fashion magazine don't teach women how to dress! So often I see unwearable horrors. They promote certain styles, new trends that need to be "translated" for the everyday woman. And that is why we need ladies like you! You really have class.
One of my style icons you haven't covered was Lauren Bacall. I still wear her hairstyle most of the time although I do experiment at times. You did cover my main style icons - Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. I don't copy them but I emulate them. You've become another of my style icons and an excellent one.
@@MarieAnneLecoeur You absolutely do. You have both class and style.
Marie-Anne, this video was brilliant. You have inspired me in so many ways and I think what struck me the most were these points that my late mother - a fashion designer in 1950’s Germany - espoused: if you only can afford one thing, buy the best quality possible; tailoring and fit are key so find a good tailor; and finally, don’t be a slave to trends- keep it classic and you will never go wrong. During this pandemic, you have been a source of encouragement and inspiration. Thank you, thank you!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur my mother studied fashion design in Munich and began her career at Lodenfrey designing and making women’s suits and coats. I still have in my wardrobe a classic red wool blazer she designed. 🥰 I love to shop at Lodenfrey when I am in Munich and remember all the stories she shared about her early career in fashion. Later she went on to work for Lillie Rubin in the US. 🛍
I have 5 tops just like the one you're wearing. 3 in extra small and 2 in small. They are one of my wardrobe staples and I wear them with so many outfits I always want to have one clean and don't want to wear out.
This conversational style is my favorite when so many topics are discussed. Marie-Anne you are looking especially radiant. I laughed out loud on the topic of looking like a sofa! Yes , that was a perfect comparison.
I agree, more and more people are shopping for sustainability and quality over fast fashion. I know I do.
I am 72, my hair is mostly white, but I’m a light olive skin tone. I have always been a navy girl, but now love black too. It is not too stark. Your tips of how to style each has been so helpful. I love classic and chic as opposed to sloppy, ragged, and too baggy or loose. Your tidy closet and style journal courses have helped me focus and be selective. I make fewer bad purchases and have greater versatility in my wardrobe. Thank you!
You are very welcome Joyce 😘
Bonjour MyFriend ! (mon ami or mes amie?!) I am learning so much from your older videos! Am unsure if older comments reach you but, if they do, you are a treasure! 💝🤗
I love that you are proud of your age ❤️ I am glad to know I'm not the only one owning my age. I have no problem telling anyone that I am 59 years young 😉
It's okay if you are married but if you are single, it can end your dating life
Me, neither! 💗🌺😊
Regarding sweater quality: fully-fashioned set-in sleeves (where the sleeves are knitted to the bodice) is also a good indicator of quality. Cut-and sewn piecing is inferior, holes often start where knits are cut. As Marie-Anne said, thickness is a good indicator, too. I hold less-expensive pieces up to see if they are too thin, often they are so thin bra details can be seen through them.
I know this comment is late but I only just found you. I really enjoyed this one. I was convicted, vindicated, educated and amused 😢😏😲😁 well done ❤ thank you ❤
I am glad you enjoyed the video Goldie 😘
Thank you for your humour! I listen to your video while I am sewing... I laugh and learn a lot! You have such great taste and good advice. Merci pour nous montrer à nouveau les classiques qui sont toujours aussi jolis et efficaces!
Such a pleasure to hear your advice and care!!! :)
I love what you said about NOT wearing yoga and sweat clothes for every day wear...To me it's gym wear...or on Sunday morning before anybody sees you...My mom used to say when people wear sweat clothes every place they go it reminds her of being sweaty ,pitted out...I agree
You look so cute today, with your little pixie cut, black sweater and glasses! Very chic, MarieAnne.❤
Totally agree with everything you are saying.
You know women so well.
Excellent, in two days I have learned what I didn't in the last twenty years.
I wish I had known you a long time ago.
Thank you.
😅❤💋🌷🤗🤲🌏☮🔅
❤ you Marie-Anne ❣️
These videos mean so much❣️
I agree, I tend to think certain items will only pair with certain items, often in terms of colour. I found many happy surprises, when I tried other combinations, that I originally would not have even considered.
👏 Experimentation is the agency of discovery 😃
Yes. I do that! I see how many different things I can wear with one piece and then take pictures or write down all the items I can pair with that piece. It is a fun thing to do!
I saw you posted a photo of a pineapple. I didn’t think that was one of the body shapes but I think it might be mine LOL.
Marie-Anne, I just love your channel and I've learned so much from you over the last couple of years since I've subscribed. I think it's wonderful that you provide style and fashion advice for women on youtube as well as through your books and other forms of communication. I really love the timeless style FRENCH CHIC. Previously, I was very, very thin and I could wear anything. However, age has visited upon me a couple of auto-immune diseases that are known for causing inflammation, which often leads to weight-gain. While I exercise as much as I can, the fact is that I'll never be able to get even remotely close to my 115 pounds. That ship has sailed and for many years I just gave up and felt so awful about myself. I found your channel and another wonderful youtuber and through your encouragement and grace, I realized that EVERY WOMAN, no matter her age or size should work at being the best version of themselves. I had been competing with the much younger version of me and that woman no longer exists. I had to learn how to talk to myself differently. I had to realize that my job is dress the person that I am TODAY---even though I'm not happy with my size. I started buying tops and bottoms in brown, gray, camel and navy (I already had so much black), and I started wearing largely monochromatic looks and I purchased clothing that was classic with very clean lines. I bought about three nice purses with pattern (1 floral, I plaid and 1 that has a myriad of colors. Also, I purchased (1) trench coat, (1) wool coat, and (1) jacket and all of them are different colors. Sometimes the outerwear is the first thing that people see, so I tried to purchase items that were a better quality. Lastly, I purchased three pair of nice shoes that are very classic--1 ballet flat, and 2 loafers. I already have many kitten heels in several colors. I think I need to add a couple of scarves and maybe some new shapewear. But, I'll have to save up a bit.
@@darlenes520 I loved your comment! I'm a bit younger than you (73 years young) and i share your aim to reach my 90s looking stylish!
@@darlenes520 - hopefully we will have several discussions about Marie-Anne's great videos over the next 20 plus years! 😀👍
Marie-Ann you summed me up perfectly - I never mix and match things to make lots more outfits, I stick to the same old combinations just like you said we do!! I need to change that. Plus I tried on a "Little House on the Prairy" dress Im 53 and I looked ridiculous! Love listening to your sensible advice xxx
Merci beaucoup Marianne for all your wonderful styling and fashion advice. I have watched your channel for sometime now and I love how your suggestions are so practical but elegant at the same time. I have always loved the classic style but am discovering that it makes sense to buy quality rather than quantity. I am 69 but still take pride in my appearance because the day always goes better when I know I look my best. Even though I live in Australia I relate so well to the French style. It is so classy.
I adore watching your videos. You are so elegant, smart and knowledgeable x
Being short I tend to avoid prints and checks. I have sometimes bought a print but it has been a very small print. I pretty well stick to plain colors. It is hot in Australia so I try to stick to natural fabrics. I love navy as I think it is a softer color for people with light colored hair. If I wear black I like to soften it with a lightweight colored scarf. The same with white. It is fresh and crisp looking but can look quite stark. I wear a lovely white linen shirt opened slightly with a colored sleeveless t shirt underneath which softens the look.
Yes I’m in Melbourne and always like natural fabrics. Black is too harsh on the skin. Navy way more flattering.
Cashmere,camel sweater...must!,be worn with a scarf 🦌,otherwise...cannot use it,since the Colour does not!...look good on me...this Way,it was not a mistake buying it🦋thought so,for some time,untill you tought me otherwise.merci french chic lady.🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰
Bless you Marie-Anne
😘
How very kind you are offering the body shape course free. I am signed up , I have my journal & ready for my new journal. I hope you do not mind, I check in often. I'm using my comments to hold me accountable & consistent. Merci. Cheers 😉 🌷
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Bonjour Marie-Anne, question, would a pair of cashmere joggers & a matching sweater be an elegant choice for a French woman to wear while lounging at home? Is this acceptable to be worn out to do grocery shopping? Thank you 😊. Cheers 😉 🌷
@@MarieAnneLecoeur
Bonjour Marie-Anne,
I just purchased your book "How to be Chic & Elegant". What a page turner. So, I have gone through my entire wardrobe, desk, vanity, shoes & jewelry collections & decluttered. I have pulled out all of the items that no longer serve my style & confidence level. I realized how correct you are about how you feel in an item. I tried on the questionable items & asked myself "how does this make me feel"? That is how I knew what pile to put the item in: keep, donate or gift. Thank you 😊. This is just the beginning. I also did a bit of online shopping based on my hourglass shape & created categories of: yes, try on, maybe & no. The reason I created the no pile is for a reminder of what I do not want in my wardrobe, jewelry, shoes & handbags. Thank you 😊. I'm so excited. Merci 😄 ❤️
I agree wholeheartedly to the advent of Covid-19 leading to introspection of what we buy, how often and quality over quantity when it comes to our style wardrobes.
As I have restyled myself in the last year, the few pieces I have curated and added to my scaled down wardrobe gives confidence and also creativity.
The style journal has really helped!
Great questions! Great answers. Thank you Marie-Anne!
I have enjoyed all your videos and love your jewelry style.
Great style video Marie-Anne! for me knowing my body shape was very important, once I found out my body shape , I had my colours done. Black, navy, and dark grey are in my colour palette as a winter. Thank you for sharing with us! keep up the great content!
I agree with you Marie-Anne, fewer better things is the way to go...and where items, clothing are made is a question everyone seems to be asking.
for me looking like a "memere" is a compliment because my memere was elegant and stylish and always looked so chic. She always had her hair just right a great piece of jewelry, her dresses were form fitting for her body type. As an American women, I dont follow trends but wear what I like and lwhat ooks good on me. No ripped jeans, etc. I am 58 as well and I love finding great pieces that can last forever. I enjoy your videos. I think style is always evolving but you have to stay true to yourself and you will feel comfortable.
Hello Marie-Anne, I am new here. I like your energy. There is no way you are 57! You might made a mistake, you was going to say 40? 🤔 You have 20 years old figure and no wrinkles what so ever. Talking about aging gratefully...👸 I am 49 and I am also very proud of my age, I don't mind to say my age, because it's always a second question once people learn that my children are 25 and 19...😄 I am happy that I have a natural taste for clothes and shoes, colors and styles which fits me. I was going to become a fashion designer when I was a teenager, but it didn't work out, because my parents didn't allowed me to go alone 16 years old to the capital city. The sense for a style and taste though stayed with me untill now.😌💁
I LOVE your glasses and your look here. The message is great, but you look great, too!
You are right .. buy less, buy quality ..🌷 You are “ tres chic «
Merci Marie.-Anne. What a delightful walk thru this movie, honestly I never ever watched it feeling 'hohum^ regarding American films on France or French experiences. However you have been wonderful in your explanation. My late husband was parisian so I understand fully. You are an experienced ' people person' absolutely lovely Merci encore, Thank-you from Jacqueline in New zealand
Thank you for another informative and wonderful video. I made the mistakes of buying a lot of floral dresses that I no longer wear. The style journal has helped me make sense of that disastrous choice. I liked the carefree look of the models yet on me it was less downtown chic and more Downtown Abby. I reality liked your v neck sweater and I also realized that I liked simpler pieces. I do love black. I learned through my style journal that I like black because it becomes a blank canvas for my amazing accessories. I love statement earrings and wear them with my black or navy turtlenecks. I spend one afternoon creating different looks with the same navy turtleneck dress by adding a blazer or playing with some earring and necklaces. I was in heaven. I notice that the things I never get rid of in my closet are my navy or black v neck and turtleneck sweaters. I love them with dark wash denim pencil skirts and knee boots. The style journal has helped me think so much about what I like and why I am drawn to the chic. Chic is simple and flattering. the number one response I always get is “you look so chic!” I make note in my journal and consider how I felt in that outfit. I find they are always the one that play up my curves. I love pencil skits so much even though I am an hourglass. I also always get compliments when I wear my skirts with a cami or a turtleneck and a long line cardigan or blazer. ( I have 10 I wear all the time bit less working from home) and I think for a long time I did not want to call attention to my body and hence the flowy floral maxi dress. But the style journal forced me to think about why I hid in such unflattering clothes. I am 55 and wanted to look my age. Sometimes I would get attention from men half my age. I think now I am feeling okay with my curves. Thanks for all your help. You and Daria from wonder wardrobe along with A small wardrobe has helped me so much. The creator of a small wardrobe highlighted that just because you love something on someone else does not mean you will love it on you. Journaling has helped me hone on this on this idea that I must dress for my body because when I do, I feel amazing! Thank you!
my mother used to sew clothes for companies here in Uk at home, and it was our job to help turn belts, snip threads on piece work so we got an idea of quality and material handle , and the amount of work each garment should take. she would explain that the only differences were the materials used and the labels sewn in, the money she would see was the same . We would buy material and sew our own outfits . I do so now for my daughter and teach all of my family (three sons and hubby apart from daughter) about the marks of quality in a material. My husband took what I said with a pinch of salt but now he realises that the labels these days will not guarantee quality. I agree you do not need to splurge money to get elegant long lived outfits off the rail but I would rather spend on silk brocades, and matching silk materials to make high quality personally tailored outfits for myself and my daughter . Quality will always trump quantity (that's why my wardrobe is so thin at the moment but my projects and colour stories are planned , I often replace worn out outfits which go with beautiful handembroidered scarfs/dupattas as I feel it is necessary to appreciate the artisanal quality as much as possible )
Marie Anne do you also consider charcoal grey or Brown as neutrals ?
Loving your new hair Marie-Anne. Very useful tips here too! Merci. x
Yes I am having way more fun with my new French chic wardrobe
Yes so true its amazing how good quality can make a difference and the materials that they are fashioned in, button holes and especially seams can make such a difference to the style
I have been collecting camisoles for years and have many colors, but use them mostly for modesty.
I love your hairstyle in this video!
I am 58, soon to be 59 next month and a rectangle. I find solid colours and for pattern: small polka dots are best for me. V-neck, 3/4 sleeve, or long sleeve does the trick for my broad shoulders and big upper arms. Thanks to Marie-Anne!
Marie Anne, I recently went through my closet and got rid of everything that no longer fit my body or my life. It was fun because It made me really think about each item. Since then, I always seem to feel better about what I’m wearing because everything in my closet fits and is something I really love. Thank you for the encouragement. No more depressing mornings because a pair of pants no longer fit that I wanted to wear. I know if I pull something, it’s going to fit properly both my body and my life.
Fantastic video Marie-Anne!
I can really spend two hours with just one piece creating outfits, Marie Anne!
Another great video. You’ve prompted me to clean out my closet and Goodwill will be getting a lot of donations this week. Lol...”....dressing like a sofa...”””””””
I always check the labels on clothes for the type of fabric and where it’s made.
What a lovely person you are. What a heart!💓
I live in Canada and we get lots of rain during the autumn season. Would you please do a rain appropriate outfits, and Thank you.
Yes, I live in BC 🇨🇦 and we need rainy weather style inspo!!!!
Well said! Thanks.
Great video! I wish I had known which coulour suits me when I was young. In my twentys I wore a lot of browns, beige. It never worked but I dind't understand why.... I'm so glad that we have nowadays youtube to help us to find our style.
Thank you so much, Marie-Anne. So much common sense and discussion of classic style. My particular body challenge is that I have a very long torso, and now, not as firm a derriere or thighs. I have a pear shaped body. Finding trousers, much less jeans, that fit is a REAL challenge. Do you have any designers that you recommend for women with long torsos in this regard? It is difficult to find trousers that don't hug the hips, and they don't look flattering at all. Best to you!
This video makes sense!
Hello from canada! Ive been listening to you on and off for a few years and have learned a lot about french style. I dont know what it was but something you said made me realize how well dressed my moms mother always was...always a skirt.... her sisters the same, with the skirts n fancy hats. Both my family lines come from normandy area ...acadians... id like to bring back some of that fashion ;)
Black is too harsh for my summer coloring so I have always preferred navy or charcoal grey as my neutrals. I have more navy in my wardrobe than any other colors ☺️
I've been watching your videos and I decided to subscribe to your channel. I have SO many clothes because I never throw anything away. I do give away entire wardrobes sometimes (then later regret giving away certain pieces) to family members or friends, but I still have pieces from 20 or 30 years ago. I am learning to put together outfits based on your suggestions and it's a delight. I'm so glad I found your channel... I don't know whether to go back to making my own clothes (I sew, knit, crochet, embroider, etc) or try to find things online to properly fit my inverted triangle body type. Are you familiar with any designers that have particularly good designs for this body type?
Many topics discussed. I have lots of fun with my wardrobe. I have a few sweatpants but not for leaving the house.
Not only was the quality so much better in the 60s but good brands were more affordable. I would love to have some of the things I wore in those days and probably flung out when mini-skits came .
Yippee, I'm first to like and comment 😀, great information as usual. Hello everyone 😀😀😀
🇨🇦👩🏽🤚🏽
You’re great !
Bonjour Marie-Anne! Oh I truly HOPE the tide is turning towards slow fashion - not just for style’s sake, but for the planet!! Buy less, buy better, and wear it longer!! We need to stop the endless buy-donate-buy-donate cycle - during the pandemic thrift shops are overrun, and some are turning away donations. When we buy pieces with longevity, we can stop the wasteful insanity. Thanks for your perspective as always!!! 😀
Bonjour madame! I find a lot of value in all your teachings and I always make note of your tips! Keep up the great work ...Love from India :)
I am also from India.
@@rishikapaul4740 Great to know.... It is very nice to see Indians taking interest in French chic style because traditionally our colour palette is very vibrant! It is a pleasure to learn about new culture n style
@@intentionallivingspace Yesh, their culture is very classy. People there in France always want to buy things practically and very rarely they buy trendy items (here, I am talking about dressing sense) and they never said 'I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR'. It astonished me because in India, girls of my age are very much influenced by Americans and the recent Hallyu wave capitalism that we actually make craze for buying them in order to look like them and at the end of the day, we say I have nothing to wear.
@@rishikapaul4740 absolutely!! the best part about their fashion is importance on classic and timeless pieces! That's why everything they own go well each each other...
Timeless over trendy ! I'm trying to change my wardrobe on this funda
1:03 1:03 If one goes from 115 pounds, size 4, to 150 pounds size huge - during the over 2 years of staying home due to COVID and doing almost nothing interesting but cooking new recipes - knowing your shape is a simple matter. You have gone from small to hugh. And as a huge, the goal is simply to find anything with enough circumstance to circumvent the girth. Style becomes a secondary consideration. So, now what to do about this new body shape? Live with it NO - or - get a grip. Pull up your socks. Lose the lard. The reward: your knees will breathe a sigh of relief, your liver will glow rosy red again, your heat will pump in rhythm, and your former wardrobe will look great coming freshly out of the cleaners. Motivation? Tacked to my refrigerator is this note: he (meaning my favorite husband) will love you more, even though there is less to love.
Hope you’re right about a trend towards buying quality over quantity. The leisure wear market is also booming. Several high street stores are selling knit suits in classic cuts/colors. e.g. Banana Republic, COS, etc.
yes I can interchange my shift dresses and tunic tops with my different jeans and cardigans to make lots of different outfits, Navy burgundy and black , jeans, dresses and tunic tops, endless choice, I don't wear navy with black though!
I don't like ripped jeans either. Thank you for your earlier suggestions about shoes: patent black leather and nude heels in particular. I don't like gym clothes during the day either, lol.
Bonjo Marie-Ann, we wear sweatpants in Canada lol
It's nice and warm for winter.
Bonjour Marie-Anne, about the black Abd navy, I love both colours, the only thing is Navy reminded me of my uniform in junior high school, We wear that as our bottom in Indonesia. I don’t really have a great time at Junior high, so anything that reminded me of that time i will try to avoid. But having to say that, i have a few Navy dress, Blazer, Tshirt, but i won’t go for Navy bottom ☺️☺️💖💖
God, SO INSPIRING! You're so real, authentic, passionate...Can I still wear my French boots? I used to wear with little floral dresses, how do I wear them now?
FRYE boots, not French boots
@@MarieAnneLecoeur yes jeans look good. It just seems that dresses don't work now🤔Thank you. I'm enjoying the videos👌
I agree with most of the comments about sweatshirts and joggers being really annoying. I hate it when people walk around wearing clothes that are meant for the gym or yoga or relaxing at home. I see yoga pants being worn even to the office and I don't understand why women do this. I wish more people would take more care in looking fresher.
About the athleisure look that has become so popular for streetwear, I think it arose from the North American fitness boom. Gym attendance is huge, and running (my sport) has undergone an astronomical resurgence in the past decade. Many people who didn't consider themselves athletes are running marathons (or were until Covid hit). Companies like Lululemon have responded to a market need, and manufacture high end fitness wear that looks so good North Americans are wearing it on a daily basis. Also it's expensive, so maybe it's a cost per wear concern. As a result, the lines between fitness wear and street wear have blurred over here. Although I'm a runner and have a complete wardrobe of running clothes for different conditions, I do not wear it as street wear. I agree with you on this most definitely, Marie Anne. Athletic wear is a certain look, but it is not chic.
Jeans themselves are casual, ripped ones are sloppy. Americans are now wearing sweatshirts under blazers. Even the name of sweatpants and sweatshirts is disgusting. I think they’re fine for lazy days at home, but I always change to go out anywhere, however briefly. Athleisure is standard daytime attire where I live! I’d much rather wear jeans and a blazer or cardigan, or a skirt and sweater outfit. I really welcome the trend towards more comfort in clothes and shoes, but we can have style and comfort, too, the best clothes and shoes have both. These athleisure clothes are usually made of polyester, so manufacturers push them because they are really cheap to make. I often see polyester pants for $150, no thanks.
I do have a lot of fun with my clothes, I just love clothes, accessories, fashion, styling. I am a serious scientist type, so dressing has always been my creative outlet! I love your emphasis on fun, a lot of stylists, I think, tend to make putting a wardrobe together a little too serious. Yesterday I saw a video with a new haul of about 65! pieces, but they were all solid black, white or beige. It was a good, but large, set of wardrobe basics, or backbone, if starting from scratch, but the clothes just weren’t fun. Not a color, print, pattern or interesting texture anywhere.
Hi MarieAnne!! When I was younger I was slim, a rectangular shape; no bum good legs long arms no waist. Now that I’ve put on weight I notice it’s all gone to the waist. I do look like an Apple. Is it possible your body shape changes or is it still the same regardless of how it looks now?
Love watching you!!!
I used to keep a style journal & set my clothes out on Sun eve for the whole week until March when Covid hit & I started to work from home. I need to start again, regardless of where I'm at.
Oh for athleisure look...I just read an article on how to arrange your closet to accommodate those clothes. I cringed as I read the article!
Katerina Joan
To answer your question about why people dress down:
I grew up in Connecticut, USA. In my social circle, if you dressed up, you were considered frivolous. Superficial. Bad with money. Vain. It was looked down upon to look good. I remember feeling shame when I wore nice things, I knew my friends would just me for spending money on clothing and caring about my appearance.
Even now in Chicago, I feel very self conscience when I dress well. I feel like people think I’m rich, vain, and frivolous. I wish I lived in a city where fashion was more the norm, and beautifying oneself was considered a social service (which I think it is).
In America, we value practicality over beauty. My friends have looked down on me over the years for my love and exploration of fashion and dressing well. I’m called the “fancy one”, when all I’m doing is following typical French rules.
I think it’s because America comes from Protestant roots, and it’s so ingrained we don’t even notice. There’s a fear and demonization of the sensual and inviting, of beautifying oneself and taking care of the body because it is pleasurable and enjoyable.
Whereas France has Catholic roots: the value of beauty, seeing beauty, balance, and health as necessary to both body and soul.
I used to wear certain items all the time, but ever since I established the capsule wardrobe, I've deliberately been wearing as many different outfits as I can. I challenge myself and it's fun. If I'm not wearing it, I shouldn't have it!
I completely agree with buying quality - I buy as high quality as I can used on eBay every time over something new for the same money or more - my friend is one of the best harris tweed weavers and that cloth will last a lifetime - even Chanel uses harris tweed sometimes!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur ‘Bonjour Marie-Anne - I am afraid my older friend is not online - he and many of the weavers are pretty analogue - but he is busy enough - he is more of a ‘destination’ in himself - if you let me know what kind of colours you like - the next time I go to harris I will get you some - or even better send photos! If you google Donald John MacKay Luskentyre you will find him. Even patrick grant from Savile row used to drive all the way up to Harris to buy from him. But patrick is now more of a tv celebrity on Them great British sewing bee’ (very handsome man!)
@@MarieAnneLecoeur he is a very dear friend of mine - the Sunday times asked me for quotes about him when he received his MBE - apparently I am a world authority on Donald John lol!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur you should also google where he lives ‘Luskentyre’ - the most beautiful beach in all of scotland!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur thank you Marie-Anne - he is not one for seeking publicity for himself - but his work speaks for itself - about 12 years ago Nike used his tweed, he has also worked with Clark’s and many others - he is a very humble man and takes it all with a pinch of salt!
Look like a sofa! Ha ha - good one! I agree. We don't want to look like "mutton dressed as lamb" as they say in England.
Gosh some people have terrible sofas. I wouldn't mind looking like mine! Hahahh!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur oh yes! A modern classic..like its owner! 😅😉
Oh goodness, yes! I understand about how things look great on a 25yo but not me (59). Florals. 'For me', I would not be caught dead wearing florals as I look like an outdated sofa. Plaid. Young woman look outdoorsy, I look like a lumberjack.
Joanne, I have discovered the same for myself. I cannot wear florals or plaid, but I like the ted baker florals and the Ralph Lauren plaids. I so wanted to have something floral and plaid, but the only way I could participate was in buying handbags in both prints. I purchased two beautiful purses---one a beautiful floral and the other a beautiful plaid. I have to wear the monochromatic look because I would look short and frumpy otherwise, but the handbag provides some color and interest. Someone else told me to try the same thing with scarves or possibly even shoes, but I haven't yet experimented with either option. Good luck, Joanne!
Florals belong on couches or curtains unless it is a gorgeous silk scarf.
Lol......,,your comment about the 🛋 sofa...😂
@@reginasemenenko148 thank you for the tips! I actually just purchased a plaid silk scarf that I really like and am very anxious to wear.
I love your ring, where is it from?
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Je t'aime beaucoup! I have change so much because of you.
When you go out you can wear a blazer to look put together. What can you do for an inhome event to add a third piece or a put-together look? from Carlsbad California
I am allergic for wool, so that's a probleme . Everything beautiful and stylish is with wool
Here in the USA, back when my nieces were in junior high school, they began to wear pajamas and house slippers to school. Their hair was piled on top of their heads in a messy bun, or pony tail, they looked horrible and unkempt. Both went into nursing, and the scrubs they wore had no shape (other styles were available) and they made no attempt to look presentable. This morphed into athleisure on weekends. They had no interest in being dressed appropriately. I think this was part of the beginning of this trend.
Omg....you are right on. Some of the worse trends: pajamas being worn as daytime clothing, athlete wear being worn by EVERYONE even when most haven’t seen the inside of a gym. Horrible and something I frequently witnessed on the college campus of the university I worked for, for 20+ years.
@@MarieAnneLecoeur yes. Sometimes young people want to be “different” but ironically they are just part of group think mentality. 😒
@@hollygolightly8048 Their mother and I tried to gently turn them toward more appropriate outfits. We all flew to Dallas to a bigger shopping venue-where they bought (you guessed it) MORE PAJAMAS! 🤦♀️ We tried so hard!
A male friend of mine once told me that when he would visit his daughter at college (this was probably close to 20 years ago already) all the girls would be walking around in pajama pants and belly shirts and it made him really uncomfortable. I personally don’t understand this desire of young women to look like sexual objects all the time and then get angry when men treat them as such. I grew up in the seventies and early eighties and we still liked to look pretty - but not slutty.
@@vtcs1963 Me, too. I was in college in the early 1980’s at a very conservative university. I guess my crowd was more preppy than anything else-everything was covered, and we were expected to be well groomed. I just didn’t get my nieces, especially since my own two boys dressed well. Eventually, the junior and senior high school had to change the dress code, disallowing the pajamas, house slippers, sweats, etc.
You mentioned a TV show ...... what show is it ?
If our wardrobe isn't fun what's the point? If it's not fun we might as well just wear the scrufty sweats we clean the barn and groom horses in. Personally I like to play with my clothing. I'd rather have fewer quality pieces than a lot of pieces in poorer quality. I have to buy almost everything online or at the vintage shops because all we have here are a few shops with low quality clothing made in China. While they are inexpensive they just look cheap. I can't afford very expensive clothing often but I can get better than is available locally where few women wear anything other than sweat pants paired with oversized T-shirts.
Mary Rose from the UK Hi Marie Anne Do T Dresses work for older women
Interesting Mary - I will see if I can come up with something for you x
Thank you, Marie Anne. You have already given me so many ideas to work on. My wardrobe was getting a bit tired.@@MarieAnneLecoeur
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This is my opinion on why so many women in the United States wear sweatpants, I personally hate them, hate the look, so many women in the United States are greatly overweight and sweatpants are comfortable. I work hard at keeping myself in shape and looking the best I can look for my age and it upsets me to see so many obese women in this country.If you have an elastic waist band nothing gets tight.
To add to my comment, there are many lovely and stylish women in the United States that can rock a sweatpants outfit and it has become a trend, I just like to see sweatpants in the gym or casual dress in the home.