My problem you may wish to address as it is a constant one due to aging. I am 89, still pretty active, good brain power and memory, thank the good Lord! I have moved from Florida to Indiana , live with my daughter and her husband. We purchased a home together, remodeled it,works very nicely for all of us! Wardrobe has been a complete change and challenge! Now, all is quite casual, I have purged my closets three times in three years! Thank you for your kind help in passing on cloths for someone else to enjoy! Keep up the encouragement we all need! Carol
Thank you Carol! This makes my day! My husband is from the Midwest and of course I live in Florida, so I understand the difference. My encouragement is to wear the clothes that make you feel your best, whether or not there’s an occasion for them. Just get your use out of them and dress for yourself. I hope that you continue to enjoy my videos. Also how lovely that you can live with your family! What a blessing you must be to them.
I am 58 and I admit that I have beautiful pieces in my wardrobe I have not worn in years or never worn at all. Recently I looked at them again and decided to wear them even if my cat might scratch them (he did) or I might stain them. Someone told me that if I didn't start wearing these clothes, there wouldn't be enough time [left in my life] to wear them out, and it really stayed with me. I know that I will wear denim and other pieces (wool coats, faux fur coat, corduroy, cashmere) until I die because my style is fairly simple and timeless. But this person was probably right that many of my pairs of jeans, etc. will still be pretty new by the time I'm gone because I have several pairs and I'm very careful to look after them and not wash them too often, so they'll probably still be in very good condition or even new by the time I'm gone. I used to buy multiples when I found pieces I loved and reasonably priced but at my age I have now stopped doing that. I have this vision sometimes of a charity shop getting my unworn or nearly new clothes after I'm gone. Instead of depressing me, this thought is energising me and now I wear my elevated tops and cashmere jumpers, elegant structured bags, elegant shoes and boots when I go to the supermarket or even the food bank. I am better dressed than most people in my neighbourhood, not in an obvious way, but my style gets noticed and I feel great and confident. I often get admiring glances from other cool older ladies. I also stay slim (not easy when you're menopausal) because being overweight (as well as wrinkly!) is not a great look and is one thing we can do something about to look better in clothes and stay healthy.
I don't plan outfits in advance because I dress according to how I feel on the day and the weather, which is very changeable in London, sometimes I have to wear different outfits throughout the day because it can be cold in the mornings and very warm at lunchtime. But what I do allow myself is time to put together my simple outfits and experiment. if I'm not happy with what I see in the mirror I try again. I have a very lightweight chambray shirt dress from Primark (£10) which I use as a robe to protect my outfit while I cook and clean or make art, it makes a smart robe and the minute I've finished my task I take it off and I'm already dressed. I always regret not getting dressed properly, even when I spend the whole day at home, I dress for myself but it's also nice to know that if I pop out to talk to my neighbour or to open the door to a courier, I look put-together rather than a slobette. Also, I use the garden a lot and there's always somebody seeing you. People respect you more if you're neatly dressed, and it really doesn't take long if you like a simple style, all it takes is some flattering jeans and a sweater or shirt. I really dislike sloppy casual clothes with elasticated waists, usually worn to hide body fat.
I ask myself, "can it be worn casually?" because my life is mostly casual, even work. I stopped saving expensive pieces. So instead of jeans for a casual restaurant dinner, I'll wear my brown leather A-line skirt, boots, and chunky sweater /casual top. Mixing a dressy piece with a casual one helps me wear all my clothes. I mean, I HAD to have the layered tulle skirt--so now I need to find a casual way to wear it. Great advice: 'find your smart casual look.'
Yep, I’ve got three of those babies and love them with a t-shirt and a denim jacket or with an oversized jumper or a blazer and boots … people think they’re so fun and I live in a beachside area on the south coast of Australia where shorts and jeans are always the thing! Lol 🧚🏻♀️❤️🐝
I really appreciate this! I have a lot of clothes but don't wear them all. So many style videos are all about declutter, get rid of it, etc. My closet is already curated, and everything I have fits, is in good colors for me, and I like. But I don't always circulate things. This approach is so much more fun and makes so much more sense!
This is great! I needed this. I have a habit of buying great clothing pieces, and then succumbing to Fear of How to Style Them. I love dressy clothes, and I buy them. I live a very casual life in the mountains, close to the city, but I'm not always there, and when I do go there Smart Casual is the appropriate dress code. Even that is dressier than 80% of the other people I see, who are wearing hiking or skiing or workout clothes. I know that my Smart Casual will look dressier than someone else"s Smart Casual, but that is just me. I need to get brave and JUST WEAR the dressier pieces, mixing them as you suggest with more casual pieces. I did this once recently, and I was thrilled and felt great in the outfit: High waist sand colored linen pants, ivory washable silk blouse tied in a knot, with a sand-colored linen vest worn open over the blouse, and espadrille sandals. I loved it. No pictures, because it was before I was in the Nada Manley VIP FB group. Your idea of Googling what to wear with a certain clothing item is wonderful too.
I have a lot of silk shirts and skirts (elastic waists), so I just wear them whenever. I bought them for their comfort and I need comfort the most when at home all day, so why not? I rarely do anything messy, if I do, I wear an apron or change into my “painting clothes”. I don’t have kids or pets, or even cook or garden, but understand that this wouldn’t work for those who do. I wash a lot of “dry clean only” items, or but it only works for relatively simple pieces like silk shirts, skirts and dresses. I wouldn’t wash anything structured like a blazer, they’re constructed with all kinds of interfacing, etc., that isn’t washable! Tailored wool items, especially, must go to the cleaners. I try to maintain these items so that they don’t need frequent dry cleaning; Shout Wipes, spot cleaning, brushing and steaming help a lot. It’s been three years since I went to my dry cleaners. Many dry cleaners actually use a wet-cleaning (minimal water-based washing) process these days, which is a lot more environmentally safe than chemical solvents, but they have special steamer/shaper machines that resize and re-finish each garment, preventing shrinkage and distortion (I’m not sure how they deal with the non-washable elements, maybe they do use solvents for those). I will wash the three new silk shirts I go this year so far and ignore the “dry clean only” labels - they’re an example of “Low Labeling”, where manufacturers specify the most conservative cleaning process, rather than the most practical that is safe for the garment. It’s because they want to be able to deny as many returns as they possibly can. I’ve bought white cotton t-shirts that say “hand-wash cold, dry flat” or even “dry-clean only” that I cheerfully toss in a hot wash! (I allow for shrinkage when choosing the size).
I did this yesterday, it’s winter in Colorado and instead of wearing jeans and a sweater…I grabbed a sweater dress, tights and knee high boots, with my leather moto jacket. I haven’t worn this dress in a year at least. It was a simple striped, merino wool dress. It was very warm and I was comfortable. I like the way that you broke down the week into casual, smart casual, and dressy. I probably will not go dressy because I’m an artist and it doesn’t fit my lifestyle. I have painting clothes that are just up from rags and smart casual at the high-end. I wear an apron almost constantly, they get washed all of the time. Thank you for these insights.
Love the idea of "taking clothes out of boxes"! Mixing it up is a good tip for helping to get the most out of what I already have. Thanks for your videos Nada. You are a fashion treasure!
About 20 years ago, my British neighbor told me that I looked “very smart”. I didn’t know what it meant (I’m American), but I said thank you, just in case it was a compliment. Now, with the huge influence of YT fashion from the UK and many other countries, I say trousers (not pants), high-street, etc. all the time and even once I accidentally said jumper instead of sweater! I got a funny look for that one. I love seeing fashion from all over the world, but apparently, I’m pretty suggestible. At least I don’t yet say nevuh instead of never! Good video, Nada.
My daily smart casual look almost always includes a blazer, a silk shirt, and leather footwear with 2-inch block heels or even chunkies. Almost anything looks smarter under a blazer, even silk joggers or a cashmere hoodie (not both at once). That’s the only way I wear Sports Luxe, the fabrics have to be the best, and I won’t wear all-over sporty or athletic outfits. My wardrobe is so classic that I love wearing more trendy footwear to keep my outfits lighter, modern and less serious. I choose the least extreme versions of trends in high quality for longevity.
I try to remember to wear everything by taking an item from the right side of the closet rail and returning worn/laundered items to the left side. If the next item in the rotation is something I really don’t want to wear, I have to consider if it’s something I don’t like anymore, or that doesn’t fit or suit my style, and put it away elsewhere for a bit, or donate it.
Great video Nada! I am guilty of putting my clothes in boxes - “those pants are for only going out” for example. I need to get away from labelling my clothes like that. Love the idea of having 3 smart casual days and planning outfits for the week. Would love to see a smart casual video ❤
Definitely agree it has to be comfortable, I have to be able to put it in the washer (even if it's on gentle, in a clothing bag). I will iron but to be honest, not often. So, like, as much as I LOVE linen, I don't wear those pieces as much. I will not wear strapless bras because I've yet to find one I don't feel like I have to tug up every 3 minutes. You are TOTALLY right that the clothes I haven't worn, I eventually grow out of either size or style wise! Great advice!
Omg! I wear a robe around the house all the tine! I am always cold and yes, it keeps my clothes clean when cleaning, cooking etc. I have lots of lovely clothes that are unworn. It's a shame because when I buy them, I , like you, envision all the ways I might wear them. I'm glad I'm not alone in this.
I'm here in the comments section for at least an hour after every video, so if you have any questions about making the most of your wardrobe, ask away!
This video you must have made just for me! Love it! Please do more of this. So inspiring and motivating. I have so many lovely clothes for all occasions but I am retired and especially now, after the Covid-19 I do not feel to socialise. I do not feel to get my lovely clothes out of wardrobe as I did when working in the office. My most used clothes I do wear is mainly taken from 'working box' clothes. Thank you Nada, you are great.
When you go out dressed “smart casual” instead of “just got off the couch” , you just feel better about yourself. Your spirit lifts & You are kinder to others. I think you can encourage others with not only your attitude but, your appearance too. Seriously tired of seeing everyone in workout clothes & they don’t even have a membership to a gym 🤣.
Great advice. I work from home so I'm trying to get out of the habit of wearing leggings all the time. I'm also committed to not buying any more clothes for the next three months, so this video helps me stay on my goal. I like to rotate my clothes and create weekly mini capsules within my closet to avoid buying new clothing and to make sure I wear my clothes that I usually don't reach for. Great video 🙂
That’s a great strategy to create mini capsules for the week! I love it! Awesome we are not wearing our outfits because we forgot about them so rotating your clothes like that is a great idea. Thanks for the comment! So glad you enjoyed the video
@@NadaManley Ironically this winter, I decided to wear each item Once! I know I own too many sweaters and tops. My goal is to determine what I usually ignore and rid my closet of the items still hanging in spring. I have been tempted to grab and repeat, but so far I'm forcing myself to grab what I haven't worn.. I think there are quite a few items I'm just not in love with and I push them around my closet. This year they are going. We'll see how this goes.
I live in a very hot climate and haven’t figured out comfort casual. Loose dresses and ? I have so many cute jackets, but I get too hot layering them over pants and a T or a dress or skirt and blouse.
You are not alone! I live in Florida, and layers are out of the question in the summer and less you’re indoors in air-conditioning. I use a fun and summery accessory as that completer piece. And definitely dresses.
This was a great video!! Some awesome ideas and sometimes I felt like you were talking to me personally!! My winter smart casual is a blouse, jeans and booties and in summer is a sleeveless blouse, white jeans and sandals. I'm going to try to switch my purse more often to elevate the outfits. Sometimes I pick an outfit based on the purse I am already using at the time. That may contribute to the wearing the same things over and over.
Great advice Nada, love the idea of just wear them, it’s not good letting your clothes just hang in your wardrobe not worn or just worn once in a blue moon.
When you mentionned that dream, mental energy was tied to that unworn wardrobe you really reached me. Thank you!
My problem you may wish to address as it is a constant one due
to aging. I am 89, still pretty active, good brain power and memory, thank the good Lord! I have moved from Florida to Indiana , live with my daughter and her husband. We purchased a home together, remodeled it,works very nicely for all of us! Wardrobe has been a complete change and challenge! Now, all is quite casual, I have purged my closets three times in three years! Thank you for your kind help in passing on cloths for someone else to enjoy! Keep up the encouragement we all need! Carol
Thank you Carol! This makes my day! My husband is from the Midwest and of course I live in Florida, so I understand the difference. My encouragement is to wear the clothes that make you feel your best, whether or not there’s an occasion for them. Just get your use out of them and dress for yourself. I hope that you continue to enjoy my videos. Also how lovely that you can live with your family! What a blessing you must be to them.
I am 58 and I admit that I have beautiful pieces in my wardrobe I have not worn in years or never worn at all. Recently I looked at them again and decided to wear them even if my cat might scratch them (he did) or I might stain them. Someone told me that if I didn't start wearing these clothes, there wouldn't be enough time [left in my life] to wear them out, and it really stayed with me. I know that I will wear denim and other pieces (wool coats, faux fur coat, corduroy, cashmere) until I die because my style is fairly simple and timeless. But this person was probably right that many of my pairs of jeans, etc. will still be pretty new by the time I'm gone because I have several pairs and I'm very careful to look after them and not wash them too often, so they'll probably still be in very good condition or even new by the time I'm gone. I used to buy multiples when I found pieces I loved and reasonably priced but at my age I have now stopped doing that. I have this vision sometimes of a charity shop getting my unworn or nearly new clothes after I'm gone. Instead of depressing me, this thought is energising me and now I wear my elevated tops and cashmere jumpers, elegant structured bags, elegant shoes and boots when I go to the supermarket or even the food bank. I am better dressed than most people in my neighbourhood, not in an obvious way, but my style gets noticed and I feel great and confident. I often get admiring glances from other cool older ladies. I also stay slim (not easy when you're menopausal) because being overweight (as well as wrinkly!) is not a great look and is one thing we can do something about to look better in clothes and stay healthy.
I don't plan outfits in advance because I dress according to how I feel on the day and the weather, which is very changeable in London, sometimes I have to wear different outfits throughout the day because it can be cold in the mornings and very warm at lunchtime. But what I do allow myself is time to put together my simple outfits and experiment. if I'm not happy with what I see in the mirror I try again. I have a very lightweight chambray shirt dress from Primark (£10) which I use as a robe to protect my outfit while I cook and clean or make art, it makes a smart robe and the minute I've finished my task I take it off and I'm already dressed. I always regret not getting dressed properly, even when I spend the whole day at home, I dress for myself but it's also nice to know that if I pop out to talk to my neighbour or to open the door to a courier, I look put-together rather than a slobette. Also, I use the garden a lot and there's always somebody seeing you. People respect you more if you're neatly dressed, and it really doesn't take long if you like a simple style, all it takes is some flattering jeans and a sweater or shirt. I really dislike sloppy casual clothes with elasticated waists, usually worn to hide body fat.
Agree!
Very valid comments and ideas. Guilty as charged, and I will do better
I ask myself, "can it be worn casually?" because my life is mostly casual, even work. I stopped saving expensive pieces. So instead of jeans for a casual restaurant dinner, I'll wear my brown leather A-line skirt, boots, and chunky sweater /casual top. Mixing a dressy piece with a casual one helps me wear all my clothes. I mean, I HAD to have the layered tulle skirt--so now I need to find a casual way to wear it. Great advice: 'find your smart casual look.'
I have that layered tulle skirt lol
Yep, I’ve got three of those babies and love them with a t-shirt and a denim jacket or with an oversized jumper or a blazer and boots … people think they’re so fun and I live in a beachside area on the south coast of Australia where shorts and jeans are always the thing! Lol 🧚🏻♀️❤️🐝
I really appreciate this! I have a lot of clothes but don't wear them all. So many style videos are all about declutter, get rid of it, etc. My closet is already curated, and everything I have fits, is in good colors for me, and I like. But I don't always circulate things. This approach is so much more fun and makes so much more sense!
This is great! I needed this. I have a habit of buying great clothing pieces, and then succumbing to Fear of How to Style Them. I love dressy clothes, and I buy them. I live a very casual life in the mountains, close to the city, but I'm not always there, and when I do go there Smart Casual is the appropriate dress code. Even that is dressier than 80% of the other people I see, who are wearing hiking or skiing or workout clothes. I know that my Smart Casual will look dressier than someone else"s Smart Casual, but that is just me. I need to get brave and JUST WEAR the dressier pieces, mixing them as you suggest with more casual pieces. I did this once recently, and I was thrilled and felt great in the outfit: High waist sand colored linen pants, ivory washable silk blouse tied in a knot, with a sand-colored linen vest worn open over the blouse, and espadrille sandals. I loved it. No pictures, because it was before I was in the Nada Manley VIP FB group. Your idea of Googling what to wear with a certain clothing item is wonderful too.
I have a lot of silk shirts and skirts (elastic waists), so I just wear them whenever. I bought them for their comfort and I need comfort the most when at home all day, so why not? I rarely do anything messy, if I do, I wear an apron or change into my “painting clothes”. I don’t have kids or pets, or even cook or garden, but understand that this wouldn’t work for those who do. I wash a lot of “dry clean only” items, or but it only works for relatively simple pieces like silk shirts, skirts and dresses. I wouldn’t wash anything structured like a blazer, they’re constructed with all kinds of interfacing, etc., that isn’t washable! Tailored wool items, especially, must go to the cleaners. I try to maintain these items so that they don’t need frequent dry cleaning; Shout Wipes, spot cleaning, brushing and steaming help a lot. It’s been three years since I went to my dry cleaners. Many dry cleaners actually use a wet-cleaning (minimal water-based washing) process these days, which is a lot more environmentally safe than chemical solvents, but they have special steamer/shaper machines that resize and re-finish each garment, preventing shrinkage and distortion (I’m not sure how they deal with the non-washable elements, maybe they do use solvents for those). I will wash the three new silk shirts I go this year so far and ignore the “dry clean only” labels - they’re an example of “Low Labeling”, where manufacturers specify the most conservative cleaning process, rather than the most practical that is safe for the garment. It’s because they want to be able to deny as many returns as they possibly can. I’ve bought white cotton t-shirts that say “hand-wash cold, dry flat” or even “dry-clean only” that I cheerfully toss in a hot wash! (I allow for shrinkage when choosing the size).
I did this yesterday, it’s winter in Colorado and instead of wearing jeans and a sweater…I grabbed a sweater dress, tights and knee high boots, with my leather moto jacket. I haven’t worn this dress in a year at least. It was a simple striped, merino wool dress. It was very warm and I was comfortable. I like the way that you broke down the week into casual, smart casual, and dressy. I probably will not go dressy because I’m an artist and it doesn’t fit my lifestyle. I have painting clothes that are just up from rags and smart casual at the high-end. I wear an apron almost constantly, they get washed all of the time. Thank you for these insights.
The fireworks were a perfect backdrop for this video! 🎉🎊
great video! Would definitely love to see a video dedicated to your vision of "smart casual" please : )
So many helful tips! I wish I could thumbs up this video 100 times! :)
Love the idea of "taking clothes out of boxes"! Mixing it up is a good tip for helping to get the most out of what I already have. Thanks for your videos Nada. You are a fashion treasure!
Thank you Judy!! I’m so glad that you found this helpful!
About 20 years ago, my British neighbor told me that I looked “very smart”. I didn’t know what it meant (I’m American), but I said thank you, just in case it was a compliment. Now, with the huge influence of YT fashion from the UK and many other countries, I say trousers (not pants), high-street, etc. all the time and even once I accidentally said jumper instead of sweater! I got a funny look for that one. I love seeing fashion from all over the world, but apparently, I’m pretty suggestible. At least I don’t yet say nevuh instead of never! Good video, Nada.
My daily smart casual look almost always includes a blazer, a silk shirt, and leather footwear with 2-inch block heels or even chunkies. Almost anything looks smarter under a blazer, even silk joggers or a cashmere hoodie (not both at once). That’s the only way I wear Sports Luxe, the fabrics have to be the best, and I won’t wear all-over sporty or athletic outfits. My wardrobe is so classic that I love wearing more trendy footwear to keep my outfits lighter, modern and less serious. I choose the least extreme versions of trends in high quality for longevity.
I try to remember to wear everything by taking an item from the right side of the closet rail and returning worn/laundered items to the left side. If the next item in the rotation is something I really don’t want to wear, I have to consider if it’s something I don’t like anymore, or that doesn’t fit or suit my style, and put it away elsewhere for a bit, or donate it.
Thank you for doing a summary at the end of the video, it's really helpful to be reminded to all the tips you gave us. Thank you lovely Nada
Great video Nada! I am guilty of putting my clothes in boxes - “those pants are for only going out” for example. I need to get away from labelling my clothes like that. Love the idea of having 3 smart casual days and planning outfits for the week. Would love to see a smart casual video ❤
Please show us some smart casual looks and wearing tops over dresses.
Definitely agree it has to be comfortable, I have to be able to put it in the washer (even if it's on gentle, in a clothing bag). I will iron but to be honest, not often. So, like, as much as I LOVE linen, I don't wear those pieces as much. I will not wear strapless bras because I've yet to find one I don't feel like I have to tug up every 3 minutes. You are TOTALLY right that the clothes I haven't worn, I eventually grow out of either size or style wise! Great advice!
Omg! I wear a robe around the house all the tine! I am always cold and yes, it keeps my clothes clean when cleaning, cooking etc. I have lots of lovely clothes that are unworn. It's a shame because when I buy them, I , like you, envision all the ways I might wear them. I'm glad I'm not alone in this.
I'm here in the comments section for at least an hour after every video, so if you have any questions about making the most of your wardrobe, ask away!
This video you must have made just for me! Love it! Please do more of this. So inspiring and motivating. I have so many lovely clothes for all occasions but I am retired and especially now, after the Covid-19 I do not feel to socialise. I do not feel to get my lovely clothes out of wardrobe as I did when working in the office. My most used clothes I do wear is mainly taken from 'working box' clothes. Thank you Nada, you are great.
When you go out dressed “smart casual” instead of “just got off the couch” , you just feel better about yourself. Your spirit lifts & You are kinder to others. I think you can encourage others with not only your attitude but, your appearance too. Seriously tired of seeing everyone in workout clothes & they don’t even have a membership to a gym 🤣.
Do wash or dry-clean all suit or set items together, though. You don’t want to end up with a top so faded that it doesn’t match the bottoms anymore.
Great advice. I work from home so I'm trying to get out of the habit of wearing leggings all the time. I'm also committed to not buying any more clothes for the next three months, so this video helps me stay on my goal. I like to rotate my clothes and create weekly mini capsules within my closet to avoid buying new clothing and to make sure I wear my clothes that I usually don't reach for. Great video 🙂
That’s a great strategy to create mini capsules for the week! I love it! Awesome we are not wearing our outfits because we forgot about them so rotating your clothes like that is a great idea. Thanks for the comment! So glad you enjoyed the video
@@NadaManley you're welcome! I would love to see a smart casual outfits video.
@@mjpogue1553 it will be out next Friday!
@@NadaManley Ironically this winter, I decided to wear each item Once! I know I own too many sweaters and tops. My goal is to determine what I usually ignore and rid my closet of the items still hanging in spring. I have been tempted to grab and repeat, but so far I'm forcing myself to grab what I haven't worn.. I think there are quite a few items I'm just not in love with and I push them around my closet. This year they are going. We'll see how this goes.
I live in a very hot climate and haven’t figured out comfort casual. Loose dresses and ? I have so many cute jackets, but I get too hot layering them over pants and a T or a dress or skirt and blouse.
You are not alone! I live in Florida, and layers are out of the question in the summer and less you’re indoors in air-conditioning. I use a fun and summery accessory as that completer piece. And definitely dresses.
This was a great video!! Some awesome ideas and sometimes I felt like you were talking to me personally!! My winter smart casual is a blouse, jeans and booties and in summer is a sleeveless blouse, white jeans and sandals. I'm going to try to switch my purse more often to elevate the outfits. Sometimes I pick an outfit based on the purse I am already using at the time. That may contribute to the wearing the same things over and over.
Great advice Nada, love the idea of just wear them, it’s not good letting your clothes just hang in your wardrobe not worn or just worn once in a blue moon.
More helpful ways of thinking about our clothes. Love it.
Great video. Thank you this was helpful.
Thank you
Thanks for breaking down the criteria of how to schedule our dress code days! Great tips!
Great video. Lots to take on board. Thank you Nada!
Loved this!!
Definitely need to wear more of the stuff I have, rather than buy more. More outfit idea videos would be great, please
❤
I love you and your content, but.. please slow your talking down! I feel exhausted after listening to you!. Haha…. I’m “listening” as fast as I can!
Oh my goodness thank you so much for that feedback. I always feel like I’m speaking too slowly. I’m glad you are enjoying the channel!
Algorithm
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