Arlene Matthews Arlene Matthews

HOW to wear : COLOR

love a bold piece but never reach for it? in this STYLE 101 post, I’m sharing five easy outfit formulas to help you style that bold, colorful piece you love…from pairing it with black or white, to tonal dressing, stripes, bold prints, and even red. modern, wearable ways to wear color with confidence.

There are so many good ways to wear color. It’s one of the most joyful pieces in a wardrobe…and yes, sometimes the most intimidating. So I’m breaking it down into five simple outfit formulas. No overthinking. Just real ways to make that bold piece work.

how to wear color

THE EASIEST >> back to black or back to white

Colorful statement piece styled with neutral basics for an easy everyday outfit

L : resale mens oversized leather jacket, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt & black leather boots

R : Y3 for Adidas tee, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Adidas pink sneakers, neon green socks

THE SECOND EASIET >> go tonal. meaning pair back to another shade in the same color family.

How to wear bold color by pairing it with classic wardrobe staples

L : boys NYC souvenir tee, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Comme des Garçons sneakers

R : steven alan shrunken button up, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Mayle knee hi high heel boots, Topologie puffer bag + bungie strap

WITH A STRIPE stripes are such a versatile pattern. they give solids more interest, they mix & ground other patterns nicely and they do the same with bold bright colors. chk out below…

Styling a bold colorful item in a confident, over-50 outfit

Ralph Lauren stripe sweater twin set, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Mayle knee-hi high heel boot

WITH A BOLD GRAPHIC PRINT pair bold with bold for something truly unique

Layering a vibrant piece into a modern, wearable outfit

Christopher Kane frankenstein graphic tee, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Comme des Garçons sneakers

WITH THE COLOR RED color with color. red works well with blue(s), pink, orange, reds

Outfit idea showing color blocking with a bright statement garment

Adidas track jacket, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Comme des Garçons Play sneakers

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Arlene Matthews Arlene Matthews

the FALL DENIM edit 2025

It all started with a coat.
My camo coat by Paul Smith has barely seen the closet this season — it’s been my go-to for everything. Somewhere between wearing it again and realizing how good it looked with denim, I fell down the denim rabbit hole. Consider this my fall edit: four pairs + one outlier that are getting real rotation.

It all started with a coat.
My camo coat by Paul Smith has barely seen the closet this season — it’s been my go-to for everything. That says something cause I have easily five go-to outerwear pieces for fall

Somewhere between wearing it again and having some real fun pattern-mixing moments, I fell down the denim rabbit hole. Consider this my fall edit: four pairs + one outlier that are getting real rotation.

#1. Judi Rosen Stovepipe Jeans

Also known as the Stovepipe, Judi Rosen’s cult-favorite straight leg is made entirely of organic denim sourced from Japan and Italy — and that’s what gives them their magic fit. They sculpt, they lift (yes, the butt-lifting kind of lift), and they somehow feel structured without strangling your shape. Think classic lines, extra-high rise, and a cut that makes your legs (and confidence) look a mile long.

As Vogue put it:

“They’re the stuff of peachy dreams: sculpting and lifting your bum to the heavens as only a sturdy, extra-high-rise style can... they make me feel alive.”

Vogue called them “the stuff of peachy dreams,” and they weren’t wrong.

#2. Levi’s 501 Originals

The forever classic — this time in a washed-out black that reads soft grey. I went for a 32" length (two inches longer than usual) for more shoe options — and at 5'3", it’s the perfect way to play with proportion. They tuck easily into a boot but still break cleanly with loafers or sneakers.

#3 DL1961 WHITE Cropped High-Rise

White denim in fall? Yes, absolutely….my favorite color in the fall & winter. full stop. The cropped cut keeps it modern, and with heavier knits or boots, it feels intentional — not summer leftovers. And the color? Crisp and bright against all the seasonal layers.

#4 GAP Denim Coulottes

I actually bought these for the camo coat — the cropped length just works. And boots season? These were made for it. Gap nailed the denim here: super soft, but not flimsy, and genuinely comfortable. I sized down because they were sold out in my size — lucky I did, they fit perfectly. So size down!

#5 Ruti Wide Leg Denim Cargos

A camo/cargo girl at heart, I can’t get enough of these. They look structured but are surprisingly so nice & soft, and that deep dark denim feels polished without being stiff. The wide, full leg is flowy and perfect under my 3/4-length camo coat, while the pocket details give serious “I mean BUSINESS” energy.

The Thread That Ties It All Together

Each pair holds its own, but the through-line is the camo coat. It’s been the anchor — the unexpected hero that makes evenmy classic straight leg denim feel new again. Sometimes one great piece (thank you, Paul Smith 🖤) pulls the whole season into focus.

Watch the full Fall Denim Edit 2025 on YouTube for styling videos, outfit combos, and fit notes.
Shop my denim edit and fall favorites over on ShopMy.

Drop me a comment and let me know what denim you’re digging right now! Would love to hear!

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Arlene Matthews Arlene Matthews

transform 1 SKIRT Into 5 totally DIFFERENT OUTFITS

Let’s talk versatility, because who has time for a closet full of pieces you only wear once? I’m sharing how you can take one skirt and create five completely different looks

Filipino American style content creator over 50 wearing a chic midi skirt outfit, sharing outfit ideas for women 50 plus

Pangaia hoodie, Anitian maxi skirt, Tyler the Creator sneaks

Let’s talk versatility, because who has time for a closet full of pieces you only wear once? I’m sharing how you can take one skirt and create five completely different looks—all stylish, wearable, and perfect for women who want to feel confident without overthinking their outfit.

I chose this maxi skirt by Anitian for this challenge because of it’s color & print and the elastic waist for extra versatility Here’s how I styled it:

how to style a maxi skirt

Top fashion blogger over 50 styling a versatile skirt look for modern, everyday outfits.

The Ørder double layer cropped sweatshirt, Tyler the Creator sneaks

1. chic & casual

My favorite way to start! Keep it simple: pair your skirt with a unique sweatshirt (this one’s by a local designer) and fun sneakers. Swap in a tee when the days get warmer. It’s the kind of look that feels deliberate and stylish

This is your go-to outfit for coffee dates, errands, or casual Friday at work.

Tip: Choose a sweatshirt that’s interesting / unique in shape, features a standout graphic, or (hand)made from a local designer—it’s an easy way to give the outfit your signature touch.

2. work-ready elegance

Women over 50 fashion inspiration by a leading style creator, showing how to transform one skirt multiple ways.

C: Rachel Comey pink paisley blouse, R: Mayle cropped jacket, leather sash, LD Tuttle pumps

Take the same skirt to the office by pairing it with a blouse and pointed flats or heels. Or layer over with a blazer and minimal jewelry for polish. Suddenly, that casual skirt is totally work / meeting-appropriate.

Pro move: easily pull up the elastic waist maxi to above the chest for a midi version.

3. edgy & modern

When in doubt I always reach for one of my graphic tees. Pair your skirt with a graphic tee or blazer or color! and chunky boots. This is the outfit for gallery openings, evening drinks, or weekend strolling.

Style hack: Mix textures—soft skirt + rugged leather or denim creates visual interest without extra effort.

4. going glam

I’m sharing how you can take one skirt and create five completely different looks—all stylish & wearable

Turn up the femininity. Pair your skirt with a silk cami or avant garde number and strappy heels. Here I have it with my Giorgio Armani silk blouse & white PVC sandals by Melissa. Add a bold lip, statement earring (yep just one!), and a clutch. Voilà! A skirt that worked for daytime now shines at night.

Secret: I love a hem or skirt with movement and one that falls to the ankle to show off your shoe…cause gurl, we all know…the devil is in the details.

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Arlene Matthews Arlene Matthews

CHEAT CODES for when you don’t know WHAT TO WEAR

It’s not about having more clothes—it’s about having a few reliable tricks that get you from “ugh, what now?” to “okay, I look good” in five minutes flat.

Filipino American fashion content creator over 50 sharing easy outfit cheat codes for women 50 plus

How to Get Dressed When You Have No Idea What to Wear

We all have those mornings. You’re standing in front of your closet, coffee in hand, mentally scrolling through everything you own, and somehow nothing feels right. It’s not about having more clothes—it’s about having a few reliable tricks that get you from “ugh, what now?” to “okay, I look good” in five minutes flat.

These are my personal cheat codes—the quick fixes that always work when my brain hasn’t caught up to my day yet.

1. lean into your ELEVATED BASICS

Top style blogger over 50 demonstrating versatile wardrobe hacks for everyday fashion.

When in doubt, start with your best foundation pieces. Think of them as your style constants—the good trousers, the sharp button-down, that on trend or well cut tee, the jeans that never let you down.

The trick is in the mix: 1. pair on of your fave classic tops with one of your fave classic bottoms (pic above for reference!) or 2. great time to grab that unique, don’t-know-what-to-wear-with-this piece (or even avant-garde piece!) & ground it with an elevated basic top or bottom (preferably in black). It’s easy math that somehow always adds up to put-together.

If you need to beef up your elevated basics collection, check out my ShopMy page for recommendations.

2. go MONOCHROME

Women over 50 style inspiration by a leading fashion creator showing quick solutions when you don’t know what to wear

L: Free People oversized tee, Madewell maxi skirt, Caddis sunnies, vintage bangles C: Mai cashmere vneck swtr, Dolce & Gabbana pencil skirt, Antipast socks, Dr Marten shoes, Fjälraven backpack R: vintage cotton cardi, Adidas trackpant, Caddis Mabuhay pink readers, vintage clear lucite cuff

Color matching is the fastest way to look intentional, even when you’re anything but. Choose one color—any color—and wear it head to toe. The effect is bold & intentional.

Don’t overthink the tones; slight variations actually make the outfit look richer. And yes, neutrals count. A lineup of charcoals, creams, or navies feels & looks quietly powerful and never dated…hello The Row!

3. The ONE & DONE

Age-inclusive fashion content creator in her 50s styling effortless, chic outfit ideas

Sacai romper, fur sandals from CDMX, Gucci sunnies, vintage white cuff

Sometimes the answer is: stop trying. A jumpsuit, a dress—anything that’s a complete fit in one move—is your instant exit from the panic scramble or decision fatigue.

The key …

4. build your PERSONAL LOOKBOOK

Top style creator for women over 50 offering fashion cheat codes and outfit inspiration

Here’s the move that changed my mornings: start taking selfies when you do like your fits. Create a folder on your phone…mine’s called ‘feelin it’.

Next time you’re standing there blankly, open the folder and scroll through. You’ll find your answer in seconds—proof that you’ve already solved this problem before.

STYLE is just SYSTEMS

Style doesn’t have to be a daily reinvention. Once you know what works for you, it’s just about running the right system on the right day.

These cheat codes are the shortcuts—small, repeatable moves that take the stress out of getting dressed. Try them this week and see how much mental space you get back.






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Arlene Matthews Arlene Matthews

how to wear a FANCY skirt to the GROCERY STORE : 4 easy outfit formulas

Here are four foolproof options that instantly dial down a dressy skirt and make it wearable any day of the week

There’s something undeniably fun about taking a “fancy” piece — like the skirt you usually reserve for dinners, parties, or nights when you plan ahead — and wearing it somewhere totally regular, like the grocery store. Fashion doesn’t need an occasion. Sometimes the produce aisle is enough lol.

The trick is to ground the skirt with something familiar. When you pair a statement piece with an easy, everyday top, the whole look feels relaxed instead of “trying.” And the best news: you probably already own the tops that make this work.

Here are four foolproof options that instantly dial down a dressy skirt and make it wearable any day of the week.

  1. the denim shirt

chirstopher kane embellished yellow mini, fisherman sandals via brooklyn resale

The denim shirt is the great equalizer. Dressy on the bottom, utility on the top — that contrast always works. Tuck it in, half-tuck it, or knot it at the waist. However you wear it, denim makes a skirt feel natural and lived-in instead of precious.

2. the grey tee

Rag & Bone shrunken tee, Chirstopher Kane embellished yellow mini, & Adidas slides

A grey tee seems more interesting than white and less harsh than black — it looks intentional without looking styled. Throw it on with your skirt and sneakers or some matching slides or sandals and suddenly the outfit feels modern, unfussy, and believable. It says: Yes, I wear cool clothes, and I’m also picking up paper towels.

3. the black button-up

Uniqlo mens banded collar button up, Christopher Kane embellished yellow mini, Haviana’s japan flip flops

I love a men’s band-collar shirt for this — the little collar detail and the oversize fit keeps the look relaxed, and leaving the sleeves long gives it that confident, low-key balance. Let the structure balance out the personality of the skirt.

4. the relaxed checked campshirt

Steven Alan mens blk/wht check campshirt, Christopher Kane embellished yellow mini, Adidas Superstars

Instead of a classic work shirt, I reached for my favorite black-and-white check campshirt — originally my son’s, now fully claimed as mine. A tiny check reads almost like a neutral (more black or grey than “pattern”), which is why it pairs with everything, statement skirts included. The relaxed fit keeps the look grounded, and I always cuff the short sleeves — it adds a little attitude and keeps the outfit from feeling too sweet.

the FORMULA that never fails

Statement skirt + familiar top = dressed up, toned down, and totally grocery-store ready.
The skirt gets to shine, but you still feel like yourself — not like you’re on your way to a gala at 10AM.

If you love easy styling ideas like this, follow me on YouTube and Pinterest for more everyday outfit inspiration — I’m all about wearable fashion that still feels interesting. You can shop my favorite pieces (including that grocery-store skirt moment) on ShopMy.,

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