You already know the answer to the headlined question.
Back in 2012 I bought a sequined skirt at All Saints. I wore it to the office holiday party with a black cotton button-front shirt, black Louboutins (these days you might prefer the pointy-toed version), dark red nails, gold bangles, and a family diamond-embellished cuff (I think this modern one’s similar in feeling). I colored my hair in those days.
There are lots of sequin options this year, if you’d like to follow suit.
Sequined Skirts For Mother And Daughter (scroll right)
I wore the skirt again that Christmas night, with a white Anne Fontaine shirt and seriously tacky sparkle platform slingbacks. My husband and I (he was then still my Significant Other,) were having room service dinner at the San Francisco St. Regis. In that setting I was OK with the glitter and legs.
But this year the skirt got too short. Nothing much changed except my attitude. I doubt fingers would point, but I’d feel less than spectacular and you should feel full-on spectacular in sequins.
Anyway, here’s how I balanced the skirt, in 2012.
Accessories For Mama (scroll right)
This year I gave the skirt to my daughter. Then I asked her to toss her ponytail in the middle of the messy in-use kitchen. They are so tolerant sometimes, our grown kids.
She’s wearing a tee and boots from All Saints. My husband and I had taken her shopping and splurged. I love her rocker look, especially since she’s actually a medical school student. If she wants a straight-up pretty outfit going forward, I think she can find a satin tee and sandals for not too much money.
And What The Daughter Wore, Or Might Wear (scroll right)
When I posted the shot of the pony toss on Instagram, several commenters (including Materfamilias) suggested a blog post about the different ways a 50+-year old and a 29-year old might wear the same skirt. Thanks for the suggestion and here you go:
- Mother – tailored shirt || Daughter – animal tee or tank
- Mother – matte top || Daughter – grunge or shiny top
- Mother – pumps and slingbacks || Daughter – ankle boots with cut-out heels, or strappy satin sandals
- Mother – updo, or long and straightened || Daughter – however she dang well pleases
The mother tempers stretch and sequins with matte structure, the daughter augments with shine and skin.
I should add, in this era when we seem to be throwing off outdated expectations of how women over 40 and 50 and 60 ought to dress, far be it for me to enforce formulas. I’m giving you my own particular High-WASP-moved-to-Northern-California wardrobe calculus. Balance in all things. So when a certain piece of clothing starts to feel exceedingly body-focused, you should feel free to lay it down. Alternatively, double down and don it with a silver bodysuit and lucite-heeled boots. Room for everything.
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39 Responses
I love your sequined skirt party look!
I would like to borow ankle boots from the daughters department :-),could I?
Your beautiful daughter could wear anything and look gorgeous!
Dottoressa
@dottoressa, But of course! And I of course agree with you about my daughter;). Thank you.
I love the way you balanced the sequined skirt with matte tailored shirts – I would do the same (if I had the guts to wear the sequins!). Also, love the ankle boots on your daughter. She is rocking it!
@Jane, Thank you!
Hi Lisa,
You have a enviable figure. I’m curious about the maker of the shoes you are wearing in the third photo, with sequins. Thanks. Karen
@karen, Thanks! Some genetics, some hard work. And I picked up the shoes for ~$30 from a TJ Maxx and I do not remember the brand! I’ve since donated them, sorry to draw a blank!
See? I knew it would make a great post! ;-) You two are both beauties, and it’s fun to compare the relative stylings.
@Frances/Materfamilias, Thanks for the idea! And thank you for the kind words:).
You both look amazing (and you are convincing me that I really do need a sequin skirt.)
@Kate, Thank you! And it is a great piece to own.
I’d go with the Donna Karan skirt. It looks more forgiving of that extra cup of eggnog.
@RoseAG, Ha! True dat.
Love the look(s) on both of you!!! Wow!
@Marie-Ève, <3<3<3
Terrific side by side mother and daughter. Bottom line: you can both rock it!
@Loretta, Thank you! So much fun to do these things with my daughter.
I have a sequin phobia on me, but enjoy them on other people. You and your daughter both look great! And I do like sequins better away from the face.
@Kathy, Thanks. Yes, the skirt is just an easier way to wear them, I think.
Both of you are stunning in this skirt! Love the tossed ponytail.
@Susan D., Thank you!
Of course you should stop wearing the sequin skirt if you no longer feel fabulous in it because feeling fabulous is what it is all about. And if you do still love it – then rock it. It looks great to me, but obviously needs to be worn with unselfconscious confidence..
@Ruth Slavid, “obviously needs to be worn with unselfconscious confidence..” exactly!
Makes me sorry again that I never had a daughter. Love my boys, but I’ll never have this kind of fun with them. :-)
@Kathy, It is really fun:). Maybe a DIL?
Your daughter totally rocks that skirt, but then I think you dd too, so yes I think Mothers and Daughters can wear the same things, they just accessories them differently. Take for instance the shirt, on you the collared shirt looks fantastic with the sequinned skirt, same skirt on your daughter looks fabulous with the t shirt. You both look great!
@Our French Oasis, Thank you. And yes, it’s all about the accessories.
You both look great in the skirt, but I know what you mean about style shifts. ;-) I think the beauty of fashion nowadays is that we can each put our own spin on it, independent of age.
@Susan B, Exactly, both to the shifts, and the spin:).
I think you look great in that skirt (daughter, too, of course). I just don’t have what it takes to pull something like that off – it would make me feel conspicuous and awkward. I’m basically a plain and conservative dresser! I so think you and your daughter can both pull it off.
@Jeannine, Why thank you! And it was funny, wearing a sequin pencil skirt seemed kind of easier, since I often wore pencil skirts for work.
Not sure if my comment went through?
Just to say I love the first look of the black shirt and skirt but both of you look fabulous
@couldashouldawoulda, Thank you:). And let me go check and see if you have a comment caught in spam. It’s been known to happen.
You both look fabulous. What is nice about fashion is that it can go toned down or ratcheted up to suit. All depends on how one wants to come across. Of course, individual comfort level plays a big part. I also agree, over time our style and wardrobe preferences change. We are all “a work in progress.” Enjoy.
@Susan, Works in progress for as long as possible. I agree. Thank you.
OMG! OMG! I feel like I have made some truly delicious discovery finding your blog. I LOVE your writing. And I LOVE your style. You and your daughter both look fabulous, BTW. I am in the infantile stages of blogging for the Over 40 ladies and I feel like I have stumbled upon a treasure trove here. Lovely writing!
@melissa, Thank you so much! Have fun with your blogging adventure!
When I saw the title of your article I immediately thought no but having read it and seen the photos it is a huge yes from me, you both look fabulous.
@Lucy Alice, Thank you so very much.
You both look beautiful. LOVE this post – room for everyone.
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