Bonjour Marie Anne. I recently discovered your lovely channel and wanted to share a little anecdote which succinctly sums up all that you try to teach. I attend a Ballroom Line Dance class weekly and dress as I always do for any outing in presentable clothes. One of the ladies approached me during a break and said "Thank you for bringing the respect to dance class - you always are so beautifully dressed". I was touched by her use of the word respect in her compliment. Our instructor takes great care with her appearance and I know she looks out at a group of women before her dressed in old workout clothes and dirty running shoes. Your message that how we present ourselves to others matters is always relevant. Thank you.
I couldn't agree more about quality fabrics. I remember my mother in thrift shops--she got through so quickly. She went down the aisle, saw a color or pattern she liked and lightly felt a sleeve or shoulder to recognize the fabric. She usually moved on quickly until she found a good fabric. Only then would she look at the whole garment. She always looked good even with 8 kids and a tiny budget.
@@kimberlyberlin4999 Me too! This has become my favorite way of shoppping. It's more sustainable, you find unique pieces for a fraction of the price and quality materials that you hardly find anymore.
My Mother was a seamstress and discriminating when it came to fabric and construction quality of clothing. She would also look at garments inside out to see how well they were sewn.
@@valeriebays2993 My mother always admonished me to stay away from "the dreaded twins, ' Polly & Esther.'" She considered double-knit polyester the work of the devil.
I could go on about the things my Mom drillled into my mind while growing up! Some of her big topics was proper posture, grooming and etiquette. Another one was proper undergarments that enhanced the fit of your clothes.
I found that when I started dressing better, well-meaning friends kept asking why I was so dressed up. But I kept with it because I enjoy it. And now I've noticed that friends don't ask why Im so dressed up anymore; they compliment me!
Interesting that it doesn’t go the other way, right? I always used to dress well and started going more casual and no one said anything but when I go back to dressy, out come the questions.
I was born and raised in Southern California. But left the state when I was 24. Twenty four years later I moved back to live with my elderly, legally blind dad as his caregiver. I became more interested in dressing better. I was contantly getting compliments, even from total strangers. It always tickled my dad when it happened. He would tell me "It looks like you spend a lot of money on your clothes, but you don’t!". My Russian language teacher and her husband were from Uzbekistan and they constantly told me "You do not look like an American. You look European", because of the way I dressed. That was a great compliment to me!
Used your advice to improve my daily dog walking outfit! Now wearing all black, and today with ruched spf jacket that flatters my waist. After our walk we went to a dog friendly coffee shop. Before greeting me, the young barista says “I like your outfit!” What a shock to have someone notice even my MAL-upgraded dog walking outfit!
I had 6 months to get ready to spend a year in France (Provence) with my husband (French). I devoured every video in your series, i Marie Kondo’d the ever-living out of my closet, I conducted training days with different outfits and footwear for different scenarios, I tried capsule wardrobes and color palettes to see which suited me best. I trained hard 🤣. The end result: One suitcase, yes just ONE suitcase, with an edited wardrobe that covered all four seasons. I amazed myself, I must admit. Getting dressed was never easier (with just four shirts to choose from) and I was always happy with the result. It took a crash course in Fashion Bootcamp, but it worked! When we came back to the States, I looked in my closet and laughed. Sooooo much crap! I purged and purged, and then I purged again. Finally, I have an amazing wardrobe with high quality (second hand) garments, all natural fibers, and I can make thousands of outfits because everything goes with everything 🥰. Thank you MarieAnne. You are amazing 🤩
I'm from the Southern part of the U.S. My grandmother taught me to buy 80% classic and @0% of modern long term trends!! Shop in the smaller shops and buy the special pieces!!
Thank you Marie for helping me take my style to the next level! I've been investing in higher quality items. I got a ton of compliments at work when I paired by brown plaid double breasted wool blazer, cinched with a black belt, paired with caramel trousers, caramel knitted mock turtle neck, and wore with channel style beige with black toe pointed slingbacks, and black purse. I felt fabulous and looked amazing.
I do feel a little intimidated when I dress better than average, everyone else is wearing loungewear or even pajamas where I live. I always was a dress/skirt wearer, but I get so many more stares than I used to when I wear them nowadays. Dresses were “normal” when I was a young adult, how did they get to be “fancy”? Mine are simple and casual and so much easier and more comfy than jeans. I feel like the pandemic brought down the last barriers between day-/street-wear and lounging-at-home-only clothes. Thinking of moving to Normandie!
Because I work at home, going out, even to the grocery store or mall, is an event in itself, so I make it a point to look my best (I don’t necessarily mean wearing an evening gown to buy milk, eggs, and apples) because I never know who I will see.
I love your videos. Where I live now everyone is so casual and the weather is either very hot or freezing cold. I loved the years I dressed beautifully for work. I had a fabulous wardrobe and received many compliments. I think I can find a middle ground where I am dressing in higher quality clothes which still appear casual but are better tailored and good quality. A great scarf, excellent boots, classic sweaters and keeping up my good grooming with manicured nails, flattering hair and makeup. These make a difference. I just found a blush pink wool boucle jacket with good buttons that will dress up jeans or trousers. I will go through my closet this week and make a donation pile. My best feature is my face. My mother gave me good bone structure and I maintain my skin to an almost flawless complexion. I make sure to smile at people and speak kindly. I have a new beau we are together a year now and he adores red lips, nails, clothes. I never used red before but I am having so much fun incorporating red into my look!
I’m looking forward to the end of the summer heat, which doesn’t end where I live (California) until the beginning of November. Then, I’m going to do a big wardrobe decluttering and edit. I find myself only wearing the very simplest things in my wardrobe, MA’s French influence? I felt like a million dollars yesterday, for a nice restaurant lunch, in my super-simple black linen dress, silk scarf and black and beige Chanel-syle leather pumps. Everyone else around looked hot and grumpy in their polyester loungewear sets.
Hi Kimberly..You sound as though you live in southern CA like I do. This is my least favorite time of year with the heat! I agree it is really hard to go against the street style of t-shirt and loungewear but I do feel better when I make the effort. So glad that I discovered Marie-Anne's channel
The LBD, silk scarf, and the Chanel-style pumps make up my dream outfit. I have a beautiful LBD from my mom from an exclusive dress shop in NYC (she can no longer wear the dress, so I inherited it), and that worn with black Kate Spade pumps and pearls has been my default outfit for fancy occasions. I am not afraid to wear it anytime. (I hate polyester, by the way, and polyester clothes are on the top of my closet weed-out list..)
I love your videos Marie! I'm originally from Eastern Europe and now living in USA. As a girl growing up, I remember that you had to dress up for any major occasion, especially church. I would press and prep my church clothes the whole morning on Sunday just to go to the noon mass. I learnt from your videos so much and have still so much to learn. My worry is that the quality of materials of clothes has gone substantially down for the last 10 years or so; it is harder and more expensive to find those nice clothes. I remember shopping 20 years ago and it was rather easy to buy good quality for a decent price. Now, the quality, the style is so bad in most of the stores, that I feel challenged more to find those nice items, at least here in USA.
I agree! I find that even small boutiques and shops have low quality clothing nowadays. There are always loose threads poking out somewhere and most of the fabric is polyester...
So true. I started shopping second hand about about 3 years ago and I slowly built a quality wardrobe of essential pieces and a few new pieces here and there, only in quality materials. Now, my wardrobe is about 75% second hand purchases and I could not find such quality pieces in the actual stores or very few. For example, I have a nice collection of blazers and tweed jackets, all bought second hand for a fraction of the price, all new or like new and I saved thousands of dollars. The trick for me was to find nice blazers in classic shapes from a couple of years back, they are all wool or linen. Sometimes, it takes months to find the perfect piece but it's worth it. I am now slowly adding to my collection of silk scarves.
Being a larger size woman, but barely five feet tall, I have always had a terrible time finding good quality clothes that fit. And if I can they are so ugly! The only solution I found was learning to make my own but making them like a professional dressmaker would, no short cuts. I have even started sewing for my husband. He is a real life cowboy, born and raised on a Utah cattle ranch, and he wears Western style shirts and trousers, even his suit. I have learned to make his clothes so that he can have his good looking, good quality clothes without having to get stuff that are over decorated or "Hollywood" style that make him look like a drugstore cowboy.
I agree completely about the decline in fabric and construction quality. I think fast fashion is a huge factor in this change. I gave up sewing for myself years ago but am starting again, as are all my sisters. FWIW, sometimes consignment and vintage stores,, and even Goodwill stores in larger cities will have older pieces in lovely fabrics and with high-end construction techniques.
Most of my closet is clothing I rarely where, should no longer wear (it's been that long) and don't flatter me. There must be something in there that is good for me! I have to go through it piece by piece. It will be like shopping in reverse! Whish me luck, I'm going in...
Thank you for another great video. I always look at the labels to check on the fabric contents. Sometimes it's not enough to just feel it. I don't understand the popularity of polyester fabrics. Yes, they are easier to wash, maybe, but they are hot in the summer and don't keep you warm in the winter. It seems to get harder and harder to find affordable, nicely made garments these days. However, I just bought 2 silk shirts from LilySilk and love them! A little more expensive, but I will enjoy wearing them for years.
I absolutely love this video and all of your videos. I have always loved dressing nicely. I do wear work clothes for outdoor work and painting that I totally don't care how I look but when the work is done, dumpy clothes are off. I love classy styles and now that I'm 51 I'm loving them more. I don't like it at all that many Americans have lost the art of dressing well. I agree with your thoughts and love your tips. Thank you.
I absolutely agree with the 80/20 rule Madame. I try to adhere with this rule each year, very important. Also to have high end fabrics, a good fabric will last season after season..
@@MarieAnneLecoeur I believe I've mentioned before that I've been lucky enough to have some Burberry and a couple of Chanel pieces from the 60's that were my mother's and my grandmother's, the material is beautiful and they are classic pieces that I have worn at least once every season. I have silk blouses here from the 90's that I still wear. If you buy quality pieces they last for years if you look after them. I love your show as I find it very informative, and it keeps me up to date in the fashion world with the emphasis on style rather than fast fashion.
Funny story . . . I watched this video yesterday and when I was getting dressed today, in my currently favorite outfit (sleeveless chambray top and nice slim-fit dark jeans, nothing special, and I've probably worn it 20 times already), I asked myself, 'How can I make this outfit better?' My husband, who had been out running around doing (I don't know what), came home to pick me up for lunch and said 'Wow, you look nice! Why are you dressed up, where are we going?' The ONLY things I'd done different to what he'd already seen was switch the usual sneakers for strappy sandals and to add a silver bracelet. That's all. But he noticed. Made me laugh but made me happy, too. Yep, the details make the difference.
Anything for the chihuahuas, Marie-Anne! :). When I was a teenager a Great Aunt who told me to invest in a great haircut and a pair of diamond earrings because no matter how you feel inside these two things can brighten even the darkest of days. 40 years later in the middle of a pandemic, that bit advice could not resonate more with me.
The thing is it wasnt ever a pandemic, dr fauci changed the definition of how many people ill was a pandemic. Here we are months later now getting ill because of the vaccines.
Marrie Anne you look fabulous! I love your sweater and the whole outfit, the silver necklace with pearl stud earrings, the delicate lace peaking through your sweater 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 well composed outfit
Génial, Marie-Anne! Your videos are always a welcome spark of light in my day. I just changed into my silk blouse to wear with my jeans today….just because. I’m 68 and I’m still learning and evolving. Merci for all your effort in bringing these great videos on French chic to us ladies.
I agree with all things you have mentioned. I learned the hard way. I used to buy clothes a way to easy. Now I think about it much more before buying something. Thank you for your video! Xx
Since I'm retired and have became disabled I dress far more casually but I still prefer to look nice. Once or twice a year I go through my closet and dresser in order to remove anything I no longer wear for one reason or another. I like simple classics. At this late stage in my life the feature I still show off is my waist. The other parts I was once proud of are now too thin although I'm working on gaining weight. I would rather have a few quality pieces than a lot of junk.
I really like my skin, and the fact my figure is hourglass shape. I found it harder to dress my figure when younger as many young fashions made me look slutty, but ageing has taught me classical looks can show off my figure without looking cheap.
Dear Ms. Lecoeur, I love what you said about wearing something nice every single day. So true! I don't wait until I have an event to attend; rather, every day is a celebration of life. Hence, I wear beautiful, quality clothes each and every day. Most of my clothes are dry-clean only, and it is worth the expense. When I look my best in elegant, chic outfits, I feel my best! Thank for your sage advice. Natalia Arizona
Sadly I no longer have a favorite feature- beauty apparently had its expiration date with me. I still try to look my most presentable and I thank you for a video to teach me more!
I love this video for many reasons! I have a closet full of beautiful clothes, and I'm afraid to wear them, based on what those in my town wear. I know it's silly, and before having children, I would not have been afraid to take style risks, but now I am. I need to snap out of it!! 💟
As usual, you are on point, Marianne! In the winter, I always felt more put together because of my heeled boots. So for summer, I bought a pair of black heeled loafers. Tres chic! For fall, we cleaned out our bedroom, and i am putting a rack in with my capsule to force myself to be a little more creative and dedicated to "working" out the kinks. Merci!
When I turned 39 last year, I decided to get serious about my health. I started running and eating better and 20 pounds later, I am loving the benefits! I also decided to set up my wardrobe and invest in quality items.
Decluttering my wardrobe made a HUGE difference! I was merciless! LOL. Now getting dressed and making new outfits is easy. I haven’t had a closet meltdown yet in the wee hours of the morning when I get dressed for work. Those good quality elastic waist pants and baggy tops are now my “lounge wear.” And you are 100% right, dressing better makes me feel better. Thank you for all your great tips & tricks!
Merci, Marie-Anne! With your help I'm reaching the level of confidence that I need to start investing in really good pieces I will love and wear for years.
I really appreciate you. You help me come up with ideas to make the most of a minimal wardrobe. I don't like having too much because I find it overwhelming. I miss good combinations and options because I can't keep track of what I have in my closet if it's overcrowded. Better to have only what I need and love.
My best feature (as was my mom's) is my calves and ankles. I just finished letting down the hem of a new wool blend straight black/red/ivory checked skirt just an inch. Now it falls to my lower knee and it's a "wow". Can't wait to wear it. I am working on little changes like that with pieces that I have to make them look best for me. So satisfying. I always ask myself "why" it's not quite a "wow" and often it's an easy fix!
So many great points here. Quality is a game changer for sure. It takes a while to stop the cheaper stuff from ending up in my closet, so I can eventually afford the better things. I'd rather have two perfect sweaters than 5 so so sweaters.
Love your advice, Marie-Anne, but I would like one of your videos to talk about a wardrobe for warmer climates, here where I live we never wear a sweater, not even closed shoes, only sandals. It is very informal, but informal needs to be elegant, well dressed. Lots of love from Mexico.
I am editing my earlier comment: I don't know what to say. I don't think I have anything that I love as you do in my closet. I am a caregiver of 2 family members who live with me. I also watched a video from Fredicka Bros and it finally snapped. "How to find your style". Because I stay at home I will have to adjust the basics staples to fit my lifestyle but still can look stylish, I think anyways. I just ordered a black wool blazer and a tweed blazer (we don't have much winters here) and a pair of black Tommy Hilfiger loafers and a Ann Klein structured purse. (Neither tacky with logos) I am actually excited. So my next move is to work on the rest of my clothes. Thank you & Fredericka you are a breath of fresh air especially living here in the USA and anything goes 😖. Bless you.
@@danarzechula3769 thank you so much. I have been trying to figure out how to "dress better" in my situation and it finally snapped after watching Fredericka Bros "How to find your style". I am now excited to start exploring my options. I have a visual and I am going to run with it. I guess I now need to get a style journal. You are right I don't need to let myself go because of the situation I am in.
I really like this video, it resonates with me as a whole. I have always dressed older, in secondary school I wore suits, nice sweaters, skirts, heels, and handbags. But I have always picked simple styles or simple styles with some flair that are not fads. But where I live and currently the majority of the time the people with whom I interact do not wear fashion like Anne Fontaine or other luxury designers with names plastered everywhere or obvious trademarks. I generally seem to be comfortable being overdressed with womens' boutique clothes. I have found that I can wear a new scarf or basic sweater with a skirt made in 2000 that still looks new and look in style. I am a sale-only shopper. But I am picky about handbags and shoes. I feel comfortable at home in a skirt, sweater, or basic shirt with jewelry. When I wear jeans it is with a sweater, plain boutique t-shirt, or silk shirt. I only wear gym clothes with heavy workouts or yard work. I could not be comfortable in wearing t-shirts with text or pictures, cut-offs, thong shoes, sweat pants, or other really casual clothes even if I am home alone.
Thank you Marie-Anne. I have a corporate wardrobe that I no longer need so can use the pieces to dress better. My edit will be based on what I actually do now and what clothes I need. I’ve always been a buyer and now am trying to be much more conscious about what I add to my wardrobe. ❤️
Your video is so inspirational. I live in Melbourne Australia and for the most part everyone wears leggings and trainers. Everything is just about casual dressing. Wearing well cut well fitting high quality clothing does make a woman look so much better. It really takes not much more effort. I agree with your comment looking good outside makes you feel good inside. It is all a matter of perspective. It is not for everyone. But it is lovely that you take the time to guide us with your wonderful tips. Casual dressing is the norm the world over now. But we can all make small changes. A bientot.
Bon soir, you are so right. I think it can be so helpful to dare something new. Change sneakers from time to time and wear pumps. Or try a blazer with a pair of jeans, it is not old fashioned in my opinion. I got lot's of inspiration from you, thanks 🙂🙋♀️
I agree that it can be disconcerting when one is mocked for wearing what, to me is 'normal'. I nearly always wear a hat. It saves carrying an umbrella, keeps me warm, protects from the sun, what is there not to like? I usually wear the same style, a plain rimmed hat similar to a fedora, but lower, flatter crown in wool or lighter weave for summer, always in black. When one receives a compliment however, it cancels and supersedes the negativity. Each to his own. Merci for your videos, they are superb!
My closet was so over-crowded last year that it literally exploded. I was in bed when I heard a loud boom. I couldn't figure out where the sound came from until I opened the closet door the next day. I ended up donated about 10 garbage bags full of clothes to the Goodwill store.
Hi Marie Anne. I love your videos.You have become my go to fashion expert. I will not watch anyone else now. Your the best because because you give concrete information on what I can do everyday to look better. And I have to tell you its really working. I feel so much better about myself and I love to wear my red lipstick! Youre great. love from the U.S and thankyou.
Wonderful tips Marie. I like my waist, so I try to accentuate that part of my body. I don’t have a big budget for my wardrobe, but the few shoes I own are good quality, and I love wearing them. One thing I do is press my clothing when needed and that elevates any simple piece. Some people own expensive clothing, but they don’t take care of it, they wear it wrinkled, or with dirty shoes.
I love how you talk about all aspects of dressing better. Education on high quality fabrics, cuts, tailoring helps us in our choice of clothes, especially on a tighter budget. Enhancing our best feature, attitude, and our overall well-being when we wear our clothes is so important. Very well done Anne-Marie, you are a great coach! My best feature? My smile 😁, whatever I wear looks better when I’m smiling 😊
I love the belief that dressing better and feeling okay about it is good. I wait and wait and wait for a reason to wear something when the time to wear something that makes me feel good is now! I think we have all learned so much about this year and how quickly life can change that waiting on anything for the perfect anything is not practical. We deny simple pleasures that would brighten our insides...and by brightening our insides, we automatically lighten our outsides...and in my case, become more tolerable as a person...!
My best feature is my waist and I will try not to be afraid to step up ☺️ Thank you Marie-Anne. Been watching your videos for years now and have learned a lot 🥰
Thankyou so much. I always try my hardest and make an effort especially when I feel blue. It lifts my spirit. I love good clothes and pre loved bargains are such a treat too. I love finding a good piece in a sale and there is nothing like feeling wonderful in these times. I love placing everything on the bed with lingerie and shoes and jewellery and fragrance. It just feels so feminine and caring you can't but feel better. Love to everyone 💕
Don’t be afraid to step up!! Thanks Marie-Anne you advice has changed the way I look at clothes, when you said look at yourself in a full length mirror and try different things it really works!! Xxx
Cannot agree more, merci beaucoup. I am now over 40, and what you said is really what I appreciate. It is so important to have qood-quality pants, shoes, clothes that will flatter us and make us feel good about ourselves. Also, I have to remember what you said - declutter. I have to declutter my wardrobe again!
Thankyou Marie-Anne! I love your videos and advice which reminds me of what my mother used to say to me when I was growing up when I was learning about dressing well. These were her tips and tricks which haven't dated. She had excellent taste and loved organising my outfits for me as she liked to see me well-dressed and stylish. She hated cheap shoes and I remember her saying that a pair of good-quality shoes will dress up the most casual outfit and make it look even better. And I have always followed her advice. She had an excellent eye for quality fabric and was able to go to a department store and find items that were inexpensive in price yet look expensive and of good quality.
Wonderful video and the ending shows how super sweet you are! I love my Elfa closet and all my clothes. I am constantly purging (nothing really more to purge now) and I now choose my pieces very carefully. Very curated with mostly beautiful, classic pieces with the exception of a few trendier items. I even have it merchandised complete with beautiful fairy lights and not cluttered or stuffed to the brim. It's a functional, but Instagram worthy closet which makes me love and appreciate everything in there. Thank you for you video!
Bonjour, Marie-Anne, my best feature are my shoulders. Is the best part of my body and and that's why in the summer I love wearing sleeveless dresses or t-shirts, even though I'm 64 years old, and because I'm small and I've always been thin, my arms and shoulders are thin are still in very good condition.hahahaahah....
I love the part about only having items in my closet that I love! I feel like if I git rid if the things I don't love I wouldn't have much, but if I get rid of things I never wear anyway, I will not miss them!
I did that, and I only have 20 items now. I tell you, I never missed any of the items I donated. If fact I style remaining items in the new way. Because I have just a few I can take my time to play with them. I will be adding things but slowly and thoughtfully. Go for it.
I would love to sell old clothes that dont suit me but dont seem to have success, I end up taking them to charity shops but I worry how much the ones at the top make from people like me and not the charities.
I bought 2 pairs of slingback shoes, grey wool trousers, and a cashmere sweater for the first time, my younger co-workers wear dirty sneakers and ratty clothes.
I love the 80/20 tip. My best feature is my legs. I've had shapely legs since I was a young girl. My mother bought me my first pair of nylons (no pantyhose back then) when I was 11. I got my nice legs from her. Excellent tips. Thank you. xo~linda
You are right about kicking your outfit up a notch, it definitely elevates you! I will usually do so when I am going somewhere, even if it is just to the market. My husband will sometimes comment:, "Where do you think you're going..do I need to hire a detective to follow you?"...hehe! I try to stress to my youngest daughter, who manages two retail stores, that she must dress a notch up from her employees, and she will tell me that is old school, I tell her no, you must be a step up, & look your part. We see her everyday, as she come's to get our grandson, so my husband & I like to complement her when she is really looking her best. I will say she is looking like manager material! My best feature used to be my hair, but with age & health issues unfortunately, that is no longer the case, (but I am going to be working on it!). So I guess my best feature now is my nails & skin. I do get complements on them. My mother at 85 still has beautiful skin, so I guess I get it from her, & we both take lots of vitamins & eat very healthy, so it is not just genetics!
I took your advice and went into a boutique clothing store by a NZ fashion designer called Trelise Cooper, oh my goodness!!!!! My daughter and I loved it,very beautiful clothes… I got some gorgeous lingerie/ sleepwear that was very my style and affordable. It was a pleasure experience with lovely staff and luxurious set up. Usually I wouldn’t have gone into such a store as I never feel ‘good enough’ to be honest. But I’m glad I did. I’ll slowly but surely improve my entire wardrobe this year, and work on my own ‘ elegance’- with your tips helping along the way. 🌹
All you say makes a lot of sense Marie Anne. I needed this push, so I am going to start clearing out my wardrobe right away. Thanks for the wonderful tips💖. Cheers fr🇨🇭.
I just stumbled upon your channel, and now I can't stop watching your videos. I really like french style, seems effortless but so elegant and chic. Merci to all your videos, keep making them, i am so addicted😁
Thank you for this video. I agree with your philosophy of not being afraid to dress up! When you look your best, you feel your best-I cannot agree more! When I look sloppy, I feel so uncomfortable and grumpy that I don’t want to see anybody. Unfortunately, too many people these days are slovenly.
I have and like my broad shoulders and I like my collarbones. I like to play up those areas w/ clothing, but also keep the area well- moisturized and sometimes even apply a bit "glow" into the lotions.
I would be interested in a video that explains how to tastefully highlight your 'best body part'. That question definitely gave me pause-- I guess mine is my bottom. However I am at a loss at how to highlight that area without wearing tight clothing all the time! Thanks for your content Marie-Anne.
Dear Marie-Anne Please will you help me with an outfit for a work Christmas party- it will be a sit down evening meal and dance floor event. I am a young 59 and medium build with a larger bust. Thank you so much. With love from The Cotswolds England xx
I love your videos. They are so helpful! But, what about those days when a person is working around home? Gardening? Housecleaning? I enjoy having nice clothes and looking put together but there are times when I need work clothes that look good for when “drop in” visitors arrive😊😊
Just discovered your fabulous channel, and already de cluttered 2 box loads! I have lost 12kg and dress so much better, but my good friend said “look at you in all that makeup “ , clothes can really change you in a positive way, but be ready, not everyone around you will be ready for it..!
I have lost 8 kilos and have been decluttering. I took a lot of clothing to the charity shop and most of it was almost new . Hardly worn... now having to buy new clothing I am determined to be very selective in my purchases instead of just buying...thankyou for reminding me to be selective and that I don't need a large wardrobe just a good one xx
Decluttering. So sensible and SO hard to do. it seems I go through my closet several times, and still I can't part with certain things. Somehow, I have to figure out how to let go. This is a really good video. Sensible and wise advice. Thanks!
Bonjour Marie-Anne; Excellent advice. You are right about selecting the quality of good clothing. loving what you have in your closet and shoes. I try to accentuate my legs and waistline.❤️
I have been enjoying your videos for a while. Great advice... Once as i went to pay for a meal, the woman at the register complimented me on how I looked and said she told all of her girls "That is how you should be dressing. Look at her!". I thanked her, she made my day!... My feeling is I am not looking at me, you are looking at me, so I should give you something beautiful to look at... Thank you, Mary
Awesome video!- wow, very motivating ,good ideas . I’ll be jotting down notes from this for sure. I liked your top- so feminine and pretty, the necklace and lace cami underneath looked lovely. You’re beautifully inspiring- a ray of sunshine ☀️.
I like my legs, therefore I wear pencil skirts. In recent years I realized I have nicely shaped lips. Unfortunately, I can’t wear lip color underneath my mask! I also discovered I have a nice profile therefore I try to style my hair to complement it.
Decluttered my winter wardrobe last year, now soon as the lovely weather is finished will do my summer wardrobe. Less is definitely more, great video as always.
I love my long toned legs and arms. I live in Arizona so I do get to show them a lot during the year thanks to our warm weather. I'm 5'10" and I still love wearing 4-5 inch heels! Thank you for the reminder to value our assets
Bonjour Marie-Anne...great advice as always. I will spend this weekend working on my closet as the 80/20 rule is in reverse for me. Mostly tees and casual linen draw string pants for comfort. I always look very casual. My good dressier clothes are in the back of the closet and never see the light of day! I often feel frumpy here in NYC where the masses of people look like they are going to the gym! I can't wait until cooler weather to wear my new red Burberry trench coat!! Merci beaucoup!
Marie Anne - I love this video. I have always liked to dress nice and have always put a lot of thought into my wardrobe but you have definitely brought me up a level, quality over quantity, but it is so hard to find quality in America. I wish we had little boutiques here like the recent one you featured. I love the 80/20 rule too. A couple weeks ago I had on a simple cotton black dress and my friend asked why I was all dressed up!! It was only 95 Degrees out and I was trying to stay cool. I am appalled at what people wear to church and weddings - denim and t-shirt! So sad. Merci ❤️
Color makes a big difference in the level of perceived formality. Black is the most formal, and that's why a simple dress in black looks dressy as opposed to the same dress in a non-neutral like peach or green. I discovered this by accident when I had two identical long corduroy skirts, one in white and one in mushroom. I wore the white skirt with a white sweater and it looked very dressy; I wore the mushroom-color skirt with a peach sweater and it looked casual. I had never realized how much color made a difference until then.
Agree that it's very hard to find good quality clothing (and shoes!) here in the U. S. It wasn't always this way, but in recent decades I think demand for quality has evaporated as, sadly, most people wear casual everywhere.
Bonjour Marie Anne. I recently discovered your lovely channel and wanted to share a little anecdote which succinctly sums up all that you try to teach. I attend a Ballroom Line Dance class weekly and dress as I always do for any outing in presentable clothes. One of the ladies approached me during a break and said "Thank you for bringing the respect to dance class - you always are so beautifully dressed". I was touched by her use of the word respect in her compliment. Our instructor takes great care with her appearance and I know she looks out at a group of women before her dressed in old workout clothes and dirty running shoes. Your message that how we present ourselves to others matters is always relevant. Thank you.
I couldn't agree more about quality fabrics. I remember my mother in thrift shops--she got through so quickly. She went down the aisle, saw a color or pattern she liked and lightly felt a sleeve or shoulder to recognize the fabric. She usually moved on quickly until she found a good fabric. Only then would she look at the whole garment. She always looked good even with 8 kids and a tiny budget.
I do the same at thrift shops. I've found some wonderful items of great quality for very little.
@@kimberlyberlin4999 Me too! This has become my favorite way of shoppping. It's more sustainable, you find unique pieces for a fraction of the price and quality materials that you hardly find anymore.
My Mother was a seamstress and discriminating when it came to fabric and construction quality of clothing. She would also look at garments inside out to see how well they were sewn.
@@valeriebays2993 My mother always admonished me to stay away from "the dreaded twins, ' Polly & Esther.'" She considered double-knit polyester the work of the devil.
I could go on about the things my Mom drillled into my mind while growing up!
Some of her big topics was proper posture, grooming and etiquette.
Another one was proper undergarments that enhanced the fit of your clothes.
I found that when I started dressing better, well-meaning friends kept asking why I was so dressed up. But I kept with it because I enjoy it. And now I've noticed that friends don't ask why Im so dressed up anymore; they compliment me!
They shouldn't ask that. I find it so rude. Everyone should have their style.
Interesting that it doesn’t go the other way, right? I always used to dress well and started going more casual and no one said anything but when I go back to dressy, out come the questions.
I was born and raised in Southern California. But left the state when I was 24. Twenty four years later I moved back to live with my elderly, legally blind dad as his caregiver. I became more interested in dressing better. I was contantly getting compliments, even from total strangers. It always tickled my dad when it happened. He would tell me "It looks like you spend a lot of money on your clothes, but you don’t!". My Russian language teacher and her husband were from Uzbekistan and they constantly told me "You do not look like an American. You look European", because of the way I dressed. That was a great compliment to me!
Used your advice to improve my daily dog walking outfit! Now wearing all black, and today with ruched spf jacket that flatters my waist. After our walk we went to a dog friendly coffee shop. Before greeting me, the young barista says “I like your outfit!” What a shock to have someone notice even my MAL-upgraded dog walking outfit!
I had 6 months to get ready to spend a year in France (Provence) with my husband (French). I devoured every video in your series, i Marie Kondo’d the ever-living out of my closet, I conducted training days with different outfits and footwear for different scenarios, I tried capsule wardrobes and color palettes to see which suited me best. I trained hard 🤣. The end result: One suitcase, yes just ONE suitcase, with an edited wardrobe that covered all four seasons. I amazed myself, I must admit. Getting dressed was never easier (with just four shirts to choose from) and I was always happy with the result. It took a crash course in Fashion Bootcamp, but it worked! When we came back to the States, I looked in my closet and laughed. Sooooo much crap! I purged and purged, and then I purged again. Finally, I have an amazing wardrobe with high quality (second hand) garments, all natural fibers, and I can make thousands of outfits because everything goes with everything 🥰. Thank you MarieAnne. You are amazing 🤩
I think your best tip is educating ourselves about what high quality looks like.
👏 I 100% agree Pam x
I'm from the Southern part of the U.S. My grandmother taught me to buy 80% classic and @0% of modern long term trends!! Shop in the smaller shops and buy the special pieces!!
Thank you Marie for helping me take my style to the next level! I've been investing in higher quality items. I got a ton of compliments at work when I paired by brown plaid double breasted wool blazer, cinched with a black belt, paired with caramel trousers, caramel knitted mock turtle neck, and wore with channel style beige with black toe pointed slingbacks, and black purse. I felt fabulous and looked amazing.
Oh My Silvia that outfit sounds gorgeous - would you share your chic by sending me a selfie to info@marieannelecoeur.com 😘
I love hearing about adding a belt. I have classy, beautiful winter clothing needing an update, and that's it.
I do feel a little intimidated when I dress better than average, everyone else is wearing loungewear or even pajamas where I live. I always was a dress/skirt wearer, but I get so many more stares than I used to when I wear them nowadays. Dresses were “normal” when I was a young adult, how did they get to be “fancy”? Mine are simple and casual and so much easier and more comfy than jeans. I feel like the pandemic brought down the last barriers between day-/street-wear and lounging-at-home-only clothes. Thinking of moving to Normandie!
Ha ha
Soyez la bienvenue ma chère! 😘
You will live it.
Kimberly, I bet you live in New York City.
Wearing pajamas became very popular outfit .
Because I work at home, going out, even to the grocery store or mall, is an event in itself, so I make it a point to look my best (I don’t necessarily mean wearing an evening gown to buy milk, eggs, and apples) because I never know who I will see.
I love your videos. Where I live now everyone is so casual and the weather is either very hot or freezing cold. I loved the years I dressed beautifully for work. I had a fabulous wardrobe and received many compliments. I think I can find a middle ground where I am dressing in higher quality clothes which still appear casual but are better tailored and good quality. A great scarf, excellent boots, classic sweaters and keeping up my good grooming with manicured nails, flattering hair and makeup. These make a difference. I just found a blush pink wool boucle jacket with good buttons that will dress up jeans or trousers. I will go through my closet this week and make a donation pile. My best feature is my face. My mother gave me good bone structure and I maintain my skin to an almost flawless complexion. I make sure to smile at people and speak kindly. I have a new beau we are together a year now and he adores red lips, nails, clothes. I never used red before but I am having so much fun incorporating red into my look!
I’m looking forward to the end of the summer heat, which doesn’t end where I live (California) until the beginning of November. Then, I’m going to do a big wardrobe decluttering and edit. I find myself only wearing the very simplest things in my wardrobe, MA’s French influence? I felt like a million dollars yesterday, for a nice restaurant lunch, in my super-simple black linen dress, silk scarf and black and beige Chanel-syle leather pumps. Everyone else around looked hot and grumpy in their polyester loungewear sets.
Hi Kimberly..You sound as though you live in southern CA like I do. This is my least favorite time of year with the heat! I agree it is really hard to go against the street style of t-shirt and loungewear but I do feel better when I make the effort. So glad that I discovered Marie-Anne's channel
The LBD, silk scarf, and the Chanel-style pumps make up my dream outfit. I have a beautiful LBD from my mom from an exclusive dress shop in NYC (she can no longer wear the dress, so I inherited it), and that worn with black Kate Spade pumps and pearls has been my default outfit for fancy occasions. I am not afraid to wear it anytime. (I hate polyester, by the way, and polyester clothes are on the top of my closet weed-out list..)
Wow Kimberly...you go with it!
“Hot and grumpy” 😆 Your outfit sounds nice.
That sounds so classy I bet you looked faaab.
I love your videos Marie! I'm originally from Eastern Europe and now living in USA. As a girl growing up, I remember that you had to dress up for any major occasion, especially church. I would press and prep my church clothes the whole morning on Sunday just to go to the noon mass. I learnt from your videos so much and have still so much to learn. My worry is that the quality of materials of clothes has gone substantially down for the last 10 years or so; it is harder and more expensive to find those nice clothes. I remember shopping 20 years ago and it was rather easy to buy good quality for a decent price. Now, the quality, the style is so bad in most of the stores, that I feel challenged more to find those nice items, at least here in USA.
I agree! I find that even small boutiques and shops have low quality clothing nowadays. There are always loose threads poking out somewhere and most of the fabric is polyester...
You could try looking for vintage items!
So true. I started shopping second hand about about 3 years ago and I slowly built a quality wardrobe of essential pieces and a few new pieces here and there, only in quality materials. Now, my wardrobe is about 75% second hand purchases and I could not find such quality pieces in the actual stores or very few. For example, I have a nice collection of blazers and tweed jackets, all bought second hand for a fraction of the price, all new or like new and I saved thousands of dollars. The trick for me was to find nice blazers in classic shapes from a couple of years back, they are all wool or linen. Sometimes, it takes months to find the perfect piece but it's worth it. I am now slowly adding to my collection of silk scarves.
Being a larger size woman, but barely five feet tall, I have always had a terrible time finding good quality clothes that fit. And if I can they are so ugly! The only solution I found was learning to make my own but making them like a professional dressmaker would, no short cuts. I have even started sewing for my husband. He is a real life cowboy, born and raised on a Utah cattle ranch, and he wears Western style shirts and trousers, even his suit. I have learned to make his clothes so that he can have his good looking, good quality clothes without having to get stuff that are over decorated or "Hollywood" style that make him look like a drugstore cowboy.
I agree completely about the decline in fabric and construction quality. I think fast fashion is a huge factor in this change. I gave up sewing for myself years ago but am starting again, as are all my sisters. FWIW, sometimes consignment and vintage stores,, and even Goodwill stores in larger cities will have older pieces in lovely fabrics and with high-end construction techniques.
Most of my closet is clothing I rarely where, should no longer wear (it's been that long) and don't flatter me. There must be something in there that is good for me! I have to go through it piece by piece. It will be like shopping in reverse! Whish me luck, I'm going in...
Thank you for another great video.
I always look at the labels to check on the fabric contents. Sometimes it's not enough to just feel it. I don't understand the popularity of polyester fabrics. Yes, they are easier to wash, maybe, but they are hot in the summer and don't keep you warm in the winter.
It seems to get harder and harder to find affordable, nicely made garments these days.
However, I just bought 2 silk shirts from LilySilk and love them! A little more expensive, but I will enjoy wearing them for years.
My best feature is my smile…really.
Agree with everything you mentioned.
Thank you.
🙋🏼♀️♥️
I absolutely love this video and all of your videos. I have always loved dressing nicely. I do wear work clothes for outdoor work and painting that I totally don't care how I look but when the work is done, dumpy clothes are off. I love classy styles and now that I'm 51 I'm loving them more. I don't like it at all that many Americans have lost the art of dressing well. I agree with your thoughts and love your tips. Thank you.
I absolutely agree with the 80/20 rule Madame. I try to adhere with this rule each year, very important. Also to have high end fabrics, a good fabric will last season after season..
@@MarieAnneLecoeur I believe I've mentioned before that I've been lucky enough to have some Burberry and a couple of Chanel pieces from the 60's that were my mother's and my grandmother's, the material is beautiful and they are classic pieces that I have worn at least once every season. I have silk blouses here from the 90's that I still wear. If you buy quality pieces they last for years if you look after them.
I love your show as I find it very informative, and it keeps me up to date in the fashion world with the emphasis on style rather than fast fashion.
I agree with the other lady , we need to start msking our own again.
Funny story . . . I watched this video yesterday and when I was getting dressed today, in my currently favorite outfit (sleeveless chambray top and nice slim-fit dark jeans, nothing special, and I've probably worn it 20 times already), I asked myself, 'How can I make this outfit better?' My husband, who had been out running around doing (I don't know what), came home to pick me up for lunch and said 'Wow, you look nice! Why are you dressed up, where are we going?' The ONLY things I'd done different to what he'd already seen was switch the usual sneakers for strappy sandals and to add a silver bracelet. That's all. But he noticed. Made me laugh but made me happy, too. Yep, the details make the difference.
Anything for the chihuahuas, Marie-Anne! :). When I was a teenager a Great Aunt who told me to invest in a great haircut and a pair of diamond earrings because no matter how you feel inside these two things can brighten even the darkest of days. 40 years later in the middle of a pandemic, that bit advice could not resonate more with me.
The thing is it wasnt ever a pandemic, dr fauci changed the definition of how many people ill was a pandemic. Here we are months later now getting ill because of the vaccines.
Marrie Anne you look fabulous! I love your sweater and the whole outfit, the silver necklace with pearl stud earrings, the delicate lace peaking through your sweater 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 well composed outfit
Génial, Marie-Anne! Your videos are always a welcome spark of light in my day. I just changed into my silk blouse to wear with my jeans today….just because. I’m 68 and I’m still learning and evolving. Merci for all your effort in bringing these great videos on French chic to us ladies.
I agree with all things you have mentioned. I learned the hard way. I used to buy clothes a way to easy. Now I think about it much more before buying something.
Thank you for your video! Xx
Since I'm retired and have became disabled I dress far more casually but I still prefer to look nice. Once or twice a year I go through my closet and dresser in order to remove anything I no longer wear for one reason or another. I like simple classics. At this late stage in my life the feature I still show off is my waist. The other parts I was once proud of are now too thin although I'm working on gaining weight. I would rather have a few quality pieces than a lot of junk.
My best feature is my waist, so I always love to wear shirtwaist/flare dresses ! And belts, too. I'm a pear shape.......and quality fabrics are vital
I really like my skin, and the fact my figure is hourglass shape. I found it harder to dress my figure when younger as many young fashions made me look slutty, but ageing has taught me classical looks can show off my figure without looking cheap.
Dear Ms. Lecoeur,
I love what you said about wearing something nice every single day. So true! I don't wait until I have an event to attend; rather, every day is a celebration of life. Hence, I wear beautiful, quality clothes each and every day. Most of my clothes are dry-clean only, and it is worth the expense. When I look my best in elegant, chic outfits, I feel my best! Thank for your sage advice.
Natalia
Arizona
Sadly I no longer have a favorite feature- beauty apparently had its expiration date with me. I still try to look my most presentable and I thank you for a video to teach me more!
You are very welcome Dawn 😘
You made me rethink my clothing options and buying less but better! Thank you!
I love this video for many reasons! I have a closet full of beautiful clothes, and I'm afraid to wear them, based on what those in my town wear. I know it's silly, and before having children, I would not have been afraid to take style risks, but now I am. I need to snap out of it!! 💟
As usual, you are on point, Marianne! In the winter, I always felt more put together because of my heeled boots. So for summer, I bought a pair of black heeled loafers. Tres chic! For fall, we cleaned out our bedroom, and i am putting a rack in with my capsule to force myself to be a little more creative and dedicated to "working" out the kinks. Merci!
When I turned 39 last year, I decided to get serious about my health. I started running and eating better and 20 pounds later, I am loving the benefits! I also decided to set up my wardrobe and invest in quality items.
Inspired at 61 to elevate myself ❤
👏 excellent Jacqueline 🙌 let me know how you get on 😘
Decluttering my wardrobe made a HUGE difference! I was merciless! LOL. Now getting dressed and making new outfits is easy. I haven’t had a closet meltdown yet in the wee hours of the morning when I get dressed for work. Those good quality elastic waist pants and baggy tops are now my “lounge wear.” And you are 100% right, dressing better makes me feel better. Thank you for all your great tips & tricks!
Merci, Marie-Anne! With your help I'm reaching the level of confidence that I need to start investing in really good pieces I will love and wear for years.
I really appreciate you. You help me come up with ideas to make the most of a minimal wardrobe. I don't like having too much because I find it overwhelming. I miss good combinations and options because I can't keep track of what I have in my closet if it's overcrowded. Better to have only what I need and love.
My best feature (as was my mom's) is my calves and ankles. I just finished letting down the hem of a new wool blend straight black/red/ivory checked skirt just an inch. Now it falls to my lower knee and it's a "wow". Can't wait to wear it. I am working on little changes like that with pieces that I have to make them look best for me. So satisfying. I always ask myself "why" it's not quite a "wow" and often it's an easy fix!
So many great points here. Quality is a game changer for sure. It takes a while to stop the cheaper stuff from ending up in my closet, so I can eventually afford the better things. I'd rather have two perfect sweaters than 5 so so sweaters.
Love your advice, Marie-Anne, but I would like one of your videos to talk about a wardrobe for warmer climates, here where I live we never wear a sweater, not even closed shoes, only sandals. It is very informal, but informal needs to be elegant, well dressed.
Lots of love from Mexico.
I am editing my earlier comment: I don't know what to say. I don't think I have anything that I love as you do in my closet. I am a caregiver of 2 family members who live with me. I also watched a video from Fredicka Bros and it finally snapped. "How to find your style". Because I stay at home I will have to adjust the basics staples to fit my lifestyle but still can look stylish, I think anyways. I just ordered a black wool blazer and a tweed blazer (we don't have much winters here) and a pair of black Tommy Hilfiger loafers and a Ann Klein structured purse. (Neither tacky with logos) I am actually excited. So my next move is to work on the rest of my clothes. Thank you & Fredericka you are a breath of fresh air especially living here in the USA and anything goes 😖. Bless you.
You can still enjoy the feel of silk and cashmere inside the house. Sounds like you deserve it
@@danarzechula3769 thank you so much. I have been trying to figure out how to "dress better" in my situation and it finally snapped after watching Fredericka Bros "How to find your style". I am now excited to start exploring my options. I have a visual and I am going to run with it. I guess I now need to get a style journal. You are right I don't need to let myself go because of the situation I am in.
I really like this video, it resonates with me as a whole.
I have always dressed older, in secondary school I wore suits, nice sweaters, skirts, heels, and handbags. But I have always picked simple styles or simple styles with some flair that are not fads. But where I live and currently the majority of the time the people with whom I interact do not wear fashion like Anne Fontaine or other luxury designers with names plastered everywhere or obvious trademarks. I generally seem to be comfortable being overdressed with womens' boutique clothes. I have found that I can wear a new scarf or basic sweater with a skirt made in 2000 that still looks new and look in style. I am a sale-only shopper. But I am picky about handbags and shoes. I feel comfortable at home in a skirt, sweater, or basic shirt with jewelry. When I wear jeans it is with a sweater, plain boutique t-shirt, or silk shirt. I only wear gym clothes with heavy workouts or yard work. I could not be comfortable in wearing t-shirts with text or pictures, cut-offs, thong shoes, sweat pants, or other really casual clothes even if I am home alone.
Thank you Marie-Anne. I have a corporate wardrobe that I no longer need so can use the pieces to dress better. My edit will be based on what I actually do now and what clothes I need. I’ve always been a buyer and now am trying to be much more conscious about what I add to my wardrobe. ❤️
Your video is so inspirational. I live in Melbourne Australia and for the most part everyone wears leggings and trainers. Everything is just about casual dressing. Wearing well cut well fitting high quality clothing does make a woman look so much better. It really takes not much more effort. I agree with your comment looking good outside makes you feel good inside. It is all a matter of perspective. It is not for everyone. But it is lovely that you take the time to guide us with your wonderful tips. Casual dressing is the norm the world over now. But we can all make small changes. A bientot.
Bon soir, you are so right. I think it can be so helpful to dare something new. Change sneakers from time to time and wear pumps. Or try a blazer with a pair of jeans, it is not old fashioned in my opinion. I got lot's of inspiration from you, thanks 🙂🙋♀️
Always, you have wise advice! My favorite one today is #4 raise your standards. You captured the concept perfectly with that scene!!! Love it!
I agree that it can be disconcerting when one is mocked for wearing what, to me is 'normal'. I nearly always wear a hat. It saves carrying an umbrella, keeps me warm, protects from the sun, what is there not to like? I usually wear the same style, a plain rimmed hat similar to a fedora, but lower, flatter crown in wool or lighter weave for summer, always in black. When one receives a compliment however, it cancels and supersedes the negativity. Each to his own. Merci for your videos, they are superb!
I can't believe people mock when the other is wearing
I am not too impressed with 5 bright solid color outfits
But if makes you happy ok
My closet was so over-crowded last year that it literally exploded. I was in bed when I heard a loud boom. I couldn't figure out where the sound came from until I opened the closet door the next day. I ended up donated about 10 garbage bags full of clothes to the Goodwill store.
that's a great story! It's so easy to end up with too many clothes.
This is so helpful - I’m in the process of decluttering my wardrobe - it’s a really hard job, but I’m making progress, albeit slow progress!
If you need help I am here Sue 😘 www.marieannelecoeur.com/declutter-consult.html
Hi Marie Anne. I love your videos.You have become my go to fashion expert. I will not watch anyone else now. Your the best because because you give concrete information on what I can do everyday to look better. And I have to tell you its really working. I feel so much better about myself and I love to wear my red lipstick! Youre great. love from the U.S and thankyou.
Wonderful tips Marie. I like my waist, so I try to accentuate that part of my body. I don’t have a big budget for my wardrobe, but the few shoes I own are good quality, and I love wearing them. One thing I do is press my clothing when needed and that elevates any simple piece. Some people own expensive clothing, but they don’t take care of it, they wear it wrinkled, or with dirty shoes.
I love how you talk about all aspects of dressing better. Education on high quality fabrics, cuts, tailoring helps us in our choice of clothes, especially on a tighter budget. Enhancing our best feature, attitude, and our overall well-being when we wear our clothes is so important. Very well done Anne-Marie, you are a great coach! My best feature? My smile 😁, whatever I wear looks better when I’m smiling 😊
@@MarieAnneLecoeur My apologies Marie-Anne, I renamed you Anne-Marie by mistake! 🙁
I love the belief that dressing better and feeling okay about it is good. I wait and wait and wait for a reason to wear something when the time to wear something that makes me feel good is now! I think we have all learned so much about this year and how quickly life can change that waiting on anything for the perfect anything is not practical. We deny simple pleasures that would brighten our insides...and by brightening our insides, we automatically lighten our outsides...and in my case, become more tolerable as a person...!
My best feature is my waist and I will try not to be afraid to step up ☺️ Thank you Marie-Anne. Been watching your videos for years now and have learned a lot 🥰
Thanks to you my wardrobe is now full of quality. The last piece went to charity last week. Thanks for all your good works.
Thankyou so much. I always try my hardest and make an effort especially when I feel blue. It lifts my spirit. I love good clothes and pre loved bargains are such a treat too. I love finding a good piece in a sale and there is nothing like feeling wonderful in these times. I love placing everything on the bed with lingerie and shoes and jewellery and fragrance. It just feels so feminine and caring you can't but feel better. Love to everyone 💕
Yah I have found a pair of white boot cut jeans from Mark's and Spencer! Can't wait.
Great points here, thank you! The bit about raising your game and stepping up is so important, actually believing in ourselves enough.
Don’t be afraid to step up!! Thanks Marie-Anne you advice has changed the way I look at clothes, when you said look at yourself in a full length mirror and try different things it really works!! Xxx
Cannot agree more, merci beaucoup. I am now over 40, and what you said is really what I appreciate. It is so important to have qood-quality pants, shoes, clothes that will flatter us and make us feel good about ourselves. Also, I have to remember what you said - declutter. I have to declutter my wardrobe again!
Thankyou Marie-Anne! I love your videos and advice which reminds me of what my mother used to say to me when I was growing up when I was learning about dressing well. These were her tips and tricks which haven't dated. She had excellent taste and loved organising my outfits for me as she liked to see me well-dressed and stylish. She hated cheap shoes and I remember her saying that a pair of good-quality shoes will dress up the most casual outfit and make it look even better. And I have always followed her advice. She had an excellent eye for quality fabric and was able to go to a department store and find items that were inexpensive in price yet look expensive and of good quality.
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Thankyou Marie-Anne! I wasn't expecting such a beautiful compliment. My mother was a very elegant and chic lady.
Wonderful video and the ending shows how super sweet you are! I love my Elfa closet and all my clothes. I am constantly purging (nothing really more to purge now) and I now choose my pieces very carefully. Very curated with mostly beautiful, classic pieces with the exception of a few trendier items. I even have it merchandised complete with beautiful fairy lights and not cluttered or stuffed to the brim. It's a functional, but Instagram worthy closet which makes me love and appreciate everything in there. Thank you for you video!
Bonjour, Marie-Anne, my best feature are my shoulders. Is the best part of my body and and that's why in the summer I love wearing sleeveless dresses or t-shirts, even though I'm 64 years old, and because I'm small and I've always been thin, my arms and shoulders are thin are still in very good condition.hahahaahah....
I love the part about only having items in my closet that I love! I feel like if I git rid if the things I don't love I wouldn't have much, but if I get rid of things I never wear anyway, I will not miss them!
I did that, and I only have 20 items now. I tell you, I never missed any of the items I donated. If fact I style remaining items in the new way. Because I have just a few I can take my time to play with them. I will be adding things but slowly and thoughtfully. Go for it.
I would love to sell old clothes that dont suit me but dont seem to have success, I end up taking them to charity shops but I worry how much the ones at the top make from people like me and not the charities.
I love your natural look with short hair. I have short hair and there is nothing more comfortable.
Greetings from Chile 😄🇨🇱
@@MarieAnneLecoeur I had no idea it was called pixie cut. I just ask "short" 🤣
I learned something new today.
I bought 2 pairs of slingback shoes, grey wool trousers, and a cashmere sweater for the first time, my younger co-workers wear dirty sneakers and ratty clothes.
I love the 80/20 tip. My best feature is my legs. I've had shapely legs since I was a young girl. My mother bought me my first pair of nylons (no pantyhose back then) when I was 11. I got my nice legs from her. Excellent tips. Thank you.
xo~linda
You are right about kicking your outfit up a notch, it definitely elevates you! I will usually do so when I am going somewhere, even if it is just to the market. My husband will sometimes comment:, "Where do you think you're going..do I need to hire a detective to follow you?"...hehe! I try to stress to my youngest daughter, who manages two retail stores, that she must dress a notch up from her employees, and she will tell me that is old school, I tell her no, you must be a step up, & look your part. We see her everyday, as she come's to get our grandson, so my husband & I like to complement her when she is really looking her best. I will say she is looking like manager material! My best feature used to be my hair, but with age & health issues unfortunately, that is no longer the case, (but I am going to be working on it!). So I guess my best feature now is my nails & skin. I do get complements on them. My mother at 85 still has beautiful skin, so I guess I get it from her, & we both take lots of vitamins & eat very healthy, so it is not just genetics!
Luv the time stamps Madam Lecoeur...would luv an individual video on each one of your steps and how you approach it :)
I took your advice and went into a boutique clothing store by a NZ fashion designer called Trelise Cooper, oh my goodness!!!!!
My daughter and I loved it,very beautiful clothes… I got some gorgeous lingerie/ sleepwear that was very my style and affordable. It was a pleasure experience with lovely staff and luxurious set up.
Usually I wouldn’t have gone into such a store as I never feel ‘good enough’ to be honest. But I’m glad I did.
I’ll slowly but surely improve my entire wardrobe this year, and work on my own ‘ elegance’- with your tips helping along the way.
🌹
I prefer to wear natural fabrics; they feel good on. Great advice!
Lovely Marie Anne ...very encouraging....thank youxxx
Wow, Marie-Anne, you are incredibly inspiring--and sweet. 💕
All you say makes a lot of sense Marie Anne. I needed this push, so I am going to start clearing out my wardrobe right away. Thanks for the wonderful tips💖.
Cheers fr🇨🇭.
I just stumbled upon your channel, and now I can't stop watching your videos.
I really like french style, seems effortless but so elegant and chic.
Merci to all your videos, keep making them, i am so addicted😁
@@MarieAnneLecoeur
Wow! Thank you for the reply.
Im so happy. 🥰
Thank you for this video. I agree with your philosophy of not being afraid to dress up! When you look your best, you feel your best-I cannot agree more! When I look sloppy, I feel so uncomfortable and grumpy that I don’t want to see anybody. Unfortunately, too many people these days are slovenly.
I have and like my broad shoulders and I like my collarbones. I like to play up those areas w/ clothing, but also keep the area well- moisturized and sometimes even apply a bit "glow" into the lotions.
I enjoy the enhanced videos. They are so interesting.
Bonjour Marie Anne I agree with the 80/20 rule one can never go wrong with classics wonderful video God Bless you Josephine:)
Ready to learn and enjoy.
Excellent ideas Marie Anne! 🤩🇬🇷
I would be interested in a video that explains how to tastefully highlight your 'best body part'. That question definitely gave me pause-- I guess mine is my bottom. However I am at a loss at how to highlight that area without wearing tight clothing all the time! Thanks for your content Marie-Anne.
Dear Marie-Anne
Please will you help me with an outfit for a work Christmas party- it will be a sit down evening meal and dance floor event. I am a young 59 and medium build with a larger bust. Thank you so much. With love from The Cotswolds England xx
I love your videos. They are so helpful! But, what about those days when a person is working around home? Gardening? Housecleaning? I enjoy having nice clothes and looking put together but there are times when I need work clothes that look good for when “drop in” visitors arrive😊😊
Just discovered your fabulous channel, and already de cluttered 2 box loads! I have lost 12kg and dress so much better, but my good friend said “look at you in all that makeup “ , clothes can really change you in a positive way, but be ready, not everyone around you will be ready for it..!
I have lost 8 kilos and have been decluttering. I took a lot of clothing to the charity shop and most of it was almost new . Hardly worn... now having to buy new clothing I am determined to be very selective in my purchases instead of just buying...thankyou for reminding me to be selective and that I don't need a large wardrobe just a good one xx
Decluttering. So sensible and SO hard to do. it seems I go through my closet several times, and still I can't part with certain things. Somehow, I have to figure out how to let go. This is a really good video. Sensible and wise advice. Thanks!
Bonjour Marie-Anne; Excellent advice. You are right about selecting the quality of good clothing. loving what you have in your closet and shoes. I try to accentuate my legs and waistline.❤️
I have been enjoying your videos for a while. Great advice... Once as i went to pay for a meal, the woman at the register complimented me on how I looked and said she told all of her girls "That is how you should be dressing. Look at her!". I thanked her, she made my day!... My feeling is I am not looking at me, you are looking at me, so I should give you something beautiful to look at... Thank you, Mary
Merci for sharing your lovely story Mary and well done 👏
Awesome video!- wow, very motivating ,good ideas . I’ll be jotting down notes from this for sure.
I liked your top- so feminine and pretty, the necklace and lace cami underneath looked lovely.
You’re beautifully inspiring- a ray of sunshine ☀️.
Ooh! I love that cardigan you're wearing!
I just love your videos Marie-Anne.
Thank you! I really liked this one....and your enthusiasm brings it to life....
I like my legs, therefore I wear pencil skirts. In recent years I realized I have nicely shaped lips. Unfortunately, I can’t wear lip color underneath my mask! I also discovered I have a nice profile therefore I try to style my hair to complement it.
Maybe wear a clear face shield to show off your lips!
Decluttered my winter wardrobe last year, now soon as the lovely weather is finished will do my summer wardrobe. Less is definitely more, great video as always.
I love my long toned legs and arms. I live in Arizona so I do get to show them a lot during the year thanks to our warm weather. I'm 5'10" and I still love wearing 4-5 inch heels! Thank you for the reminder to value our assets
Thank You for this video! It is very timely in my world right now. I totally agree with you I that there is way too much in my closet.
Bonjour Marie-Anne...great advice as always. I will spend this weekend working on my closet as the 80/20 rule is in reverse for me. Mostly tees and casual linen draw string pants for comfort. I always look very casual. My good dressier clothes are in the back of the closet and never see the light of day! I often feel frumpy here in NYC where the masses of people look like they are going to the gym! I can't wait until cooler weather to wear my new red Burberry trench coat!! Merci beaucoup!
I stumble upon your channel and quickly subscribed! I’m looking forward to watching your other videos! Hello from Melbourne, Australia!
Beautifully said and brilliant, as usual. The wise choice of the fabric and sustainability are important issues nowadays.
Marie Anne - I love this video. I have always liked to dress nice and have always put a lot of thought into my wardrobe but you have definitely brought me up a level, quality over quantity, but it is so hard to find quality in America. I wish we had little boutiques here like the recent one you featured. I love the 80/20 rule too. A couple weeks ago I had on a simple cotton black dress and my friend asked why I was all dressed up!! It was only 95 Degrees out and I was trying to stay cool. I am appalled at what people wear to church and weddings - denim and t-shirt! So sad. Merci ❤️
Color makes a big difference in the level of perceived formality. Black is the most formal, and that's why a simple dress in black looks dressy as opposed to the same dress in a non-neutral like peach or green. I discovered this by accident when I had two identical long corduroy skirts, one in white and one in mushroom. I wore the white skirt with a white sweater and it looked very dressy; I wore the mushroom-color skirt with a peach sweater and it looked casual. I had never realized how much color made a difference until then.
Agree that it's very hard to find good quality clothing (and shoes!) here in the U. S. It wasn't always this way, but in recent decades I think demand for quality has evaporated as, sadly, most people wear casual everywhere.