The most romantic thing I know is: simple dinner out in the neighborhood with my husband. We walk there, walk home. There’s something about the homeward stroll, an elevated heart rate, that quiet suburban dark, that I love. Holding hands.
But said plan does require comfortable garb. So, having shown you all my sweat pants and sweatshirts, because who among us didn’t want to see this, below, my date night wardrobe. To heck with production values, Sturdy Gals like to put on the dog but they are known to lose patience with a Big Fuss. AKA, my apologies for the wrinkles and sub-optimal lighting.
At this point all my pants are from Eileen Fisher. Baggy forever. The other day I was walking home from strength training class in just yoga tights and a tank (it was quite warm) and I passed a man and he didn’t even glance at me. After about 6 seconds of, “Seriously?” I felt a wash of release, that’s the only way I can put it. Glee. I am officially too old for anyone to chase my silhouette. Perhaps the week’s headlines make me appreciate this new freedom even more. Let’s dance.
Of course, one stellar options for loose pants is a very tight shirt. Contrast. Alternatively, and such is my current strategy, we can embrace The Large. So, above, four pairs of EF in washable ponte–chocolate brown, olive brown (it is a color, I promise) and black (don’t get the dry clean only, I beg you) along with one pair in navy cotton velveteen.
Stretchy velveteen, needless to say.
And large shirts: silk/cotton Equipment with butterflies; silk Christopher John Rogers in pink/pale tangerine/white stripes; white cotton Nili Lotan; periwinkle blue silk Vince and a vintage black silk Ferragamo. Voilá.
I will occasionally wear a short-sleeved top, either with meaning (Stalwart by Patrick Carroll in cream with olive text, a 30 year-old purplish-gray, white and and black pleated number by Issey Miyake), or an intentional absence of meaning (black mock turtleneck by the now defunct TSE cashmere, AKA Wear The Void).
Also generally, given our cool nights, a jacket or coat. That mustard pretend-jean jacket by Vince is kind of my favorite. I might like another of type, different color. Coral? It’s always a balancing act, earthy colors with a wink of something bright now and then. I have a tiny pair of turquoise studs to this end. And lipstick. All the brown in the world can’t cancel out a good lip.
Finally, given so much fabric, not to mention a deep desire to protect well-used feet, these shoes. Visual, if not physical, weight required for balance, cushioned flat soles for comfort. Very old Aquatalia Chelsea boots, couple years old Grenson thunkers (technical term), and Paul Green loafers.
Double voilá.
I also wear some pretty earrings and tuck my newly bobbed hair behind my ear. If it is cold I add a scarf. In any case, here’s to loose clothes, love and the precious glee of freedom.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
22 Responses
Enjoy Valentine’s Day with your Valentine! It’s wonderful to bask in mature love, and share an evening and a life with someone who means the world to you.
You are right – comfort above all, but a frisson of elegance of elegance does no harm. A pair of comfortable Ferragamo suede wedge shoes – you can go from concert hall to dinner, to a walk along the water, and your feet will thank you for it. Yes to Eileen Fisher! She also runs the gamut, so appropriate in many settings. A bit of colour and moisturizer on the face, neck and hands (and what’s wrong with treating yourself to a bit of French maquillage and perfume, so you feel whatever age you want to feel?) And I’m not averse to getting a second glance from a passing gentleman of uncertain age, either….
I totally wear makeup to go out, although I tend to head towards artsy/edgy a little more than elegant. After all, if the rest of my is somewhat awash in garments, show up, face! I’m glad you enjoy the passing glances. I only wish I had enjoyed them more in my heyday!
I walked, hiked, climbed — basically, did everything but swim — all over England in 2003 in a pair of black leather oxfords that looked much like your “thunkers,” and I’ve been thinking mournfully of them lately, wishing someone still made such a thing so well. You have now sent me straight to Grenson’s website. :)
Let’s dance, indeed, and appreciate the little things — the news this week has made me feel shame and anger on a whole new level due to the fact that no one in this country is being held to account…
“Here’s to loose clothes, love and the precious glee of freedom.” Your date night sounds perfect and so lovely. Happy weekend and happy Valentine’s Day!
Try Lanx. Beautiful and sturdy.
Thank you, Susan! Looking at them now. :)
Hooray for the Thunker Community:)
Happy Valentine’s Day, Lisa – and to all your readers!
If I were in your position, I would be wearing toast-brown jeans from Orvis (straight and snug, but not tight), a black V-neck cashmere sweater, with a string of gold and amber beads around my neck and gold studs in my ears. My current foot problem means that I would be shod in oversize black tennies (Brooks) instead of my preferred plain black flats. As for outerwear in this bitter cold, I would be encased in my wonderful heavy-duty fleece black jacket from a Queen Mary’s Atlantic crossing (purchased for $5 at a church rummage sale) – its upper left arm now flaunting a colorful badge from the Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956! (I’ve waited seventy years to sew that badge onto something…)
But in my real life, I will be wearing my best sweatpants, enjoying a meal home-cooked by my husband, and watching Casablanca on PBS – after sixty years of marital mostly-bliss, our pleasures are simple, but our hearts remain intertwined!
Your outfit sounds imaginarily perfect, and your actual evening blissful. Intertwined hearts forever <3
Ah yes – the comfort of both clothes and a loving relationship. Perfect.
Ah yes:)
Happy Valentine’s Day Lisa. I haven’t worn baggy pants yet–but I am intrigued.
I hope you had a happy Valentine’s Day too!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your fella!
Also, I remember walking back from dinner to your place — cannot believe that was eight years ago! Wondering if that’s the same spot your baggy trousers are walking to and from ;-)
And to your and your fella:). Do you know, while I remember you sitting in our armchair SO clearly, I don’t remember going out. Sad to say. But, always fun to be reminded. What food did we eat? Where did we go?
Oh a new do!!! A bob no less…sounds fab. Did I miss a pic?
Lots to savour with this post…casual chic and a dinner with your Valentine :-))
Always enjoy your posts…
Nice to hear from you, Leslie:):. I haven’t posted a bob pic. Perhaps I will!
Here is to comfort and style.
I’m not familiar with EF pants and will take a look.
Your V-Day celebration sounds to perfection and the romantic walk home even better.
Romantic walks are the best. Maybe you’ll find something at EF. I don’t wear them head to toe, but the pants I love. Here’s to comfort and style!
I’m wondering if there is a summer version of this big over big silhouette? Does it work for summer temps?
I would trade anything to have a “silhouette” [as she calls it] like Lisa’s. Those magnificent, broad shoulders. Those narrow hips. Those shapely legs and ankles. That, may I say, generous bust. Alas.
No “big over big” will work for me.
The last time “the [retail] big shirt” showed up in stores/online was, believe it or not, at Chicos. Great collar [popped or not], button front, near-tunic length. They did a great job with it, in linen or poplin, colors to die. I tarried, big mistake.
As I creep into my 8th decade, the big shirt/tunic, over tight black leggings, is going to be my day/night look.
Mind, I love the look but, tempting as it is, it’s not permission to gain weight – it only works if you’re trim, like Lisa. Goals.
Flo, you are very kind. All I will say is that women in my family do tend to gain weight in the bust above. One changes a good deal from 20-70;). I think the big shirt over leggings is a classic, and you can find really great pieces in the World of Tunics:). Often they take some inspiration from the salwar kameez.
It can, depending on what kind of summers you have! When temps rise above about 85-90F I tend to opt for simple linen dresses. But BoverB is doable. Since you need fabrics like linen, or light cotton or a cotton silk in the heat, the trick is to find those pieces, with long sleeves for the full look, that work together. The lighter weight can be tricky for pants, and if you’re doing linen, the extra texture can mean you want to do all one color, no pattern.
Maybe I can write a post to test my theory:).