You mean apart from knickers and a few thermal vests?! Ok, so not essential essentials then, but items of clothing that you enjoy wearing without thinking about why.  Since I decluttered and reorganised my clothes – and here’s the accompanying blog and video I made on the subject – I am much clearer on what I need in my closet to feel comfortable and put together, ready for work on Zoom or to pop to the shops should I run out of that other essential, milk!

Number 1 is a silk shirt.  A silk shirt is a luxurious thing that can be dressed up or down, with jeans or with black trousers or a silk skirt, depending on the occasion, for work or play, and not only is it versatile but silk is such a luxurious fabric that whenever you put it on you will instantly feel special. The one below is by Lilysilk.

Number 2 is a pair of leggings. Leggings were first a thing back in the 90s, and they’ve come back with a bang during the pandemic, and rightly so. In fact, I was going to wax lyrical about , whose leggings I’ve already referenced in another post, but actually I’m also going to mention the new kid on the block, Love Leggings, because I’ve just purchased two pairs, one brown and one in – wait for it – faux leather! Yes, a sixty something year old can wear faux leather and does – or will, for the first time tonight!  Comforting, forgiving, and yes you can add boots and coat and you’re good to go, so they’re not just for lolling on the sofa.

Number 3 is a black cashmere sweater.

I absolutely love this from Arket. I’ve realised this year with sweaters that I don’t want tight. I think this is a product of working at home and wanting something comfortable to sit all day at my desk at home. When I was working in an office I wanted more fitted clothes but now that I’m at home I find the oversized suits suit me a lot better. I think I was quite resistant to oversized because back in the day in the 80s and fact I used to see myself as quite fat even though I wasn’t, and I used to buy oversized jumpers exactly won’t be called oversized in those days I just used to buy a bigger size! Then I really needed it. But now the concept of oversized really means but it should fit you on your shoulders for example and on your or at your sleeves and even the length of it should be right for you but it’s see the width so the shoulders and.  The bag is from Expressive Cherry, whose sunglasses I featured a few months back, and they are now selling lovely personalised bags.

Number 4 is a pair of jeans

Every woman over 50 should have at least one pair of jeans and probably does. But in this instance, I  mean a pair of fitted jeans, the ones you save when you’re going out for dinner that you can wear with your silk shirt or with your oversized smart jumper and suede boots. I bought a pair like the ones above quite a few years ago now from (see also image of me wearing them with the black shirt) and they really are my go-to’s that I reach for it every time my husband suggests going to the pub or popping to a restaurant on a Saturday night – pandemic permitting. I think slim fit jeans suit all shapes and sizes. Paired with your oversized sweater they create an attractive silhouette addressing both style and comfort.

Number 5 is a comfy sweater.

Yes, forgive me but this is another version of the black cashmere oversized jumper but in a different colour and a different wool. I know I’ve chosen another neutral colour and this is a very neutral and practical rather a black heavy capsule wardrobe key piece selection, this alpaca jumper is absolutely my go-to for warmth, comfort and style. It’s not my usual colour,  but I thought I’d try it to try and be a little bit adventurous – don’t laugh – as my wardrobe mostly consists of black, grey and brown, but it’s been such a wonderful addition to sweater collection. I was worried that alpaca might be too itchy for me but actually it’s very soft and cosy. Again, it creates that oversized silhouette with the slim fit jeans or leggings which I think is so stylish for us over fifties.

Let me know what you think about all or any of these over on Instagram @thisisbeautybydez or on my YouTube channel.

P.S I use affiliate links where possible, which help support my blog. Absolutely no obligation on your part to click and buy this way, but if you do, I’m very grateful.