The following is a transcript of this episode. It has been edited for clarity.
Intro: Those of you who’ve listened to the show know that I’m a former fashion magazine editor and through the years have written extensively about fashion and style. And personally, I find fashion to be such a fun and creative means of self expression. So of course, I just love it when I find people I can talk shop with, which is why I’m so excited to have on the show today an incredible personal stylist and pro age influencer who is going to chat with me about all things fashion related, how fashion has evolved through the decades and where we are today. Whether or not there should be a any fashion rules for women over a certain age, shopping strategies to help make the most of your wardrobe and fashion staples every woman should have in her closet for easy dressing, and of course, some priceless tips and tricks to help you feel and look like a million bucks at any age. So whether you’re a true fashionista or you just want to kick your fashion game up a notch, stick around for this fun and fashionable episode.
Welcome to More Beautiful, the podcast for women rewriting the midlife playbook. I’m Maryann LoRusso, and I invite you to join me in a guest each week as we strive for a life that’s more adventurous, more fulfilling, and More Beautiful than ever before.
Maryann: I’m so excited to have on the show today personal stylist and pro age influencer Rasmit Kaur, or Roz, as she’s more commonly known. Roz, who at age 57 has the most incredible style and fashion sensibility, is out there breaking age related stereotypes and showing women they can have fun with fashion at, absolutely any age. She is one glamorous woman who looks pulled together, whether she’s wearing a bathing suit and cover up or an evening gown. I’m so happy she’s joining me today to talk fashion and to offer some priceless strategies about making the most of your wardrobe, dressing in midlife, and feeling amazing at any age. Raz, welcome to the More Beautiful podcast. I am thrilled to have you here. I love your style, and I have been a fan for so long. I would love, love, love to start out by you telling us a little bit about your career trajectory, like how you got into fashion, how your career evolved into what you’re doing now. Tell us.
Roz: Well, thank you so much for having me. I feel so honored to be here. And, just to let you know a little bit about myself, I grew up in India, and I was, you know, when it comes to India, it’s surrounded by vibrant textiles, prints, a, rich culture and, you know, the heritage, it deeply influenced my sense of style. And then I moved to California. In my early twenties, I began blending, the bold, colorful aesthetics of my indian roots with a modern, androgynous approach. And, ah, this, obviously this unique fusion caught attention and led me into a career in fashion. I went to school to learn fashion, design. I was always intrigued by sewing. Every time I looked at a design, a piece of garment, I was always like, what if I could just hem it a little bit? What if I cut the sleeves? What if I pin tucked it? Or, you know, so that’s what, led me to study fashion design, because I just loved to alter clothes. And, yeah, from the get go, I was always, always, in love with fashion. I loved fashion, magazines, Marie Claire hoppers bazaar, vogue. I would wait every month to get my in the mail and yeah, so from the get go, I was just obsessed with fashion. I was obsessed with clothes. And, yeah, and today I’m here and at 57, I’m, on Instagram and I’m letting everybody know that, hey, look at me, we’re not invisible. We’re here too, and we’re still doing it.
Maryann: We are still doing it. I love what you said about growing up with fashion. I too, I used to sit on the floor of my room as a kid and I used to make my own fashion magazines. I would fold paper and I’d write the articles and paste them. And I really, like, I had that vision for myself. And I ended up going to journalism school and working in fashion magazine. So it’s funny how like, as a kid, what you’re interested in can inform your career later on.
Roz: Yeah, no, and I used to, all my Seventeen magazines, I used to cut them up and I used to make collages and then I used to sell them. I used to sell them to the local bookstore. Back in the day, you know, kids had posters in their rooms and I mean, those were the good old days, you know, there was no social media, so it was all like, everything was so visual.
Maryann: And we’re going to get to more of that fashion nostalgia because I want, I have so much I want to talk to you about. But first, you mentioned India. My husband actually happens to be in India right now. I have not been yet, but I plan to go next year and I’m so excited. So I may have to tap into your vast knowledge before I go.
Roz: My God, it’s a beautiful country. And like I said, I moved in my early twenties, so, you know, when you’re that young, you haven’t traveled that much. But now my parents are still there. So after the pandemic, I’ve been going every year, and every time I go, I just keep falling more and more in love with the country. And, you know, India, it’s vast. There’s like 50 states. Every state, you know, they have their own food. It’s like they dressed, they have their own different dialect, and, these little countries within one big country.
Maryann: Yeah, yeah. I can’t wait. So Roz, do you actually serve as a personal stylist, one on one with clients, or are you just doing the social media thing now?
Roz: I still am very much doing the one on one. I am also a senior stylist for Anthropologie. I recently just stepped down to being part time because the social media side of things was growing. So I am a part-time stylist for Anthropologie, and then I do do some freelance styling. And, right now I’m focusing on the social media.
Maryann: OK, so you are the person who’s single handedly responsible for my anthropology addiction. Thank you very much.
Roz: Well, yeah, well, I must say, I mean, a lot of the pieces are pretty timeless, so. Yeah, you know, it’s not a bad thing.
Maryann: I love [Anthropologie] because they have a really extensive petites line. I’m five one, so it’s been a godsend for me.
Roz: Oh, you’re teeny.
Maryann: I’m teeny, yeah. Okay, so you’ve been a stylist for 27 years?
Roz: Yes.
Maryann: What percentage of your clients are midlife women, and how do you approach dressing midlife women? Is there a certain way you want to make them feel during this pivotal, beautiful time of life?
Roz: Yes, absolutely. Well, my goal is always to make a woman feel confident. you know, and like I always say, it’s clothing. At the end of the day, it’s just clothes. So have fun, you know, explore. Like open. Open your horizons, widen your horizons. And I would say 75% of my clients are, midlife women. I guess they probably relate to me. And, and I approach dressing them by emphasizing comfort, confidence and authenticity. That’s my, you know, number one thing, you have to be comfortable in what you’ve put on. If you’re comfortable, you’re going to feel confident. If you feel confident, you’re just going to get a lot of compliments. And, yeah, you’re just going to blossom, because that’s what it’s like, looking good and feeling good. If you look good, you feel good. And, like, I think it’s Tom Ford who said that, you know, dressing well is a form of good manners. So not only will you feel good, but the person you’re interacting with, you’ll make that person feel good as well. So, for me, yes. I mean, I think it’s so much deeper than what you just see at the surface level. Clothes, obviously, you look in the mirror and you’re like, you know, yes, I do look good today. But then inside, deep down inside, what it does to your confidence, I mean, just bringing your style out from within, I think that’s a part of it.
Maryann: That’s very empowering. And who couldn’t use a compliment or two? Especially, I’m 55. I was walking down the street the other day in a pair of pants that I actually bought at the Forever 21 Outlet.
Roz: Oh, my gosh.
Maryann: Just because they were so cool. They were like this marbleized black and white pants. I had a young man who’s probably like, 21, 22, and he’s like, those pants are fire. And, you know, I was like, OK, maybe I still got it just a little bit. But you know, it makes you glow for the rest of the day.
Roz: That’s why I love giving compliments. Everybody has something beautiful about them. We’re all beautiful. So, you know, especially when they come to the store and there’s always like, oh, my God, I’ve gained 15 pounds. You know, my days are gone. Or I hear so much of that, like, you know, just negative self talk. And I’m like, no, you’re beautiful. Or women that just had a baby, and I’m like, but look, you just gave birth to a human. You brought this wonderful creature into the world. I mean, cut some slack. Give yourself time.
Maryann: Yes, we’re so hard on ourselves. And the truth is, you can find fashion no matter what state your body is in, no matter what, you know, transition you’re going through. And we’re going to talk about that later because you have some great tips for that. But first, I want to ask you Roz, because, you know, you and I are around the same age, and we both know that so much has changed in fashion over the past couple decades. I mean, back in the day, they were two major fashion seasons, right? We had spring and fall, and they were big. And now we’ve got new fashions dropping, like, every day, which is tough on the industry, right. The designers, the manufacturers, and the retailers and consumers can buy anything anytime. In your view, what are the pros and cons of this instantaneous fashion culture?
Roz: Well, I do feel that this, you know, this constant, like we say, the constant influx of new fashion, it does offer a greater variety and accessibility, allowing consumers to express their style both freely and instantly. However, it can also lead to, like, over consumption and a lot lack of appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. That’s why I’m so big on buying, like, timeless pieces. also, I feel, you know, it’s not good for our environment. Right.
Maryann: Yes.
Roz: If you’re just constantly over consuming, it’s not a good thing. It’s also the, increased production and waste. So, you know, you have to balance this with mindful purchasing.
Maryann: I totally agree. Totally agree. Yeah. Is key as I talk about my. My forever 21 pants. But, yes, well, that’s fine. Once in a while, I do, you know, but I do. I’m very conscious of that, too. In fact, I did a reel about that. Like, that. The fashion that ends up in the landfill. It’s really bad. It is really bad. I’m with you on that. Like, have those central core pieces. Right. but it is. It is funny, because I used to look forward to, like you said, the big fashion issues, like, the march issue used to be chunky, and then the September issue was the holy grail. Right? Yes. And I love looking forward to that. But now I feel like there’s no big fashion season to look forward to. It’s. It’s like, just, you got to check every day to see if something new come.
Roz: Instagram, Irl, Irl. You know what’s happening. You know what’s happening with Chanel, what’s happening with Loewe, who’s coming, who’s going. I mean, and substats. I mean, oh, good lord, there are so many substacks now. I mean, my email in the morning is full, you know, with so much news, and how much can we consume? That’s the other thing. I mean, the good old days were good, when we had magazines, like, once a month, and, you know, I used to wait to come home, sit in my bed, with a cup of tea.
Maryann: Yes.
Roz: You know, read those magazines and, you know, look at and read them over and over again. I mean, these days. Yeah.
Maryann: Ah, I know, I know. And, you know, likewise, fashion editors used to dictate fashion. They were the ones sitting in the front row of the fashion shows. Now you have influencers, and they’re probably more influential people like you when it comes to setting trends. As someone who’s been both a stylist in that pre influencer era and is now a stylist and an influencer, what’s your take on how that’s affected fashion? Like, like, the trends coming from the influencers as opposed to, like, the Anna Wintours, you know?
Roz: Well, it, it definitely has made it more accessible and diverse. While fashion editors and magazines once held the primary influence, now anyone with a unique style and voice can set trends. You know, pretty much. It’s like, me too. You know, I like your style, but I’m going to do it my way because I can, and I have a voice, and, which is great. And, I mean, this shift has, you know, definitely brought on a fresh perspective and a greater emphasis, on individuality. However, it can also lead to fleeting trends and over saturation. You know, balancing traditional fashion authority with influence driven trends can create a more inclusive and dynamic fashion landscape, I think.
Maryann: What I love about you is that your taste is so classic, and you’ve cultivated this personal style that is all your own. It’s like 100%. Roz, what’s your advice to women who want that for themselves or they want to tweak their style? So just kind of to express where they are today, who they are today at 40 or 50 or 61st of.
Roz: All, you have to feel comfortable in what you wear. You know, you have to be, like, I mean, sometimes I’m styling a client, and she’s like, I’m going out on a date. You know, I, and sometimes in their head, they have something like, they think, okay, you know, it’s, he’s taking me to this, real upscale restaurant. I have to dress black tie, but, you know, these days, I mean, the lines are so blurred.
Roz: What is black tie? I mean, if you are a jeans and T-shirt girl, I’d like to put you in a dark pair of jeans of crisp button down with some beautiful chunky jewelry and a pair of kitten heels and I think, and a great handbag. And if you’re comfortable, that’s what’s going to shine so that’s why I always say timeless, versatile pieces that can be styled in various ways and don’t be afraid to experiment with bold, sometimes with bold prints or even drogenous. you know, suiting. I love suiting. I love suits. So that’s my jam. And I, love throwing a man’s blazer, you know, borrowed from the boys or borrowed from your husband’s closet. You know, if you’re going out, if you’ve just got a dress on, or if you’ve got trousers and a shirt, a silk shirt on, you know, just very nonchalantly just throwing that blazer over your shoulders and just a chunky bracelet, just accessorizing with a beautiful silk scarf. I mean, those little things add so much to an outfit. And, I mean, I think accessories make an outfit. and, yeah, just those timeless pieces. And, also, like, be willing to experiment, like, think outside the box. If you’ve been wearing the same thing every. I mean, for years, it’s time for change. You know, the thing, people are not open to change, which, you know, we should be. I mean, that’s how we grow. We all need, to change and evolve, and we’re constantly evolving. I mean, you know, as I grow old, I evolve too. My sense of style evolves, my thinking evolves. Everything changes. So why not change your style a bit?
Maryann: Yes. I once read that women can get stuck in the time period where they felt most beautiful and happiest. And I do notice that sometimes with people I know where, you know, if they had, like, their best years, they think their best years in 1995, they’re still, like, doing certain things that look like that era, and. But how do we break out of that?
Roz: Yes. I, mean, I hear that all the time. Could have, should have, would have, you know? Yes. But it’s like, yes. like you just said, there’s a lot of women that’ll be like, oh, yes. When back, you know, in the day, I worked at the bank and I wore my pencil skirt and I wore my stilettos. Those were the good old days. Now I just put sweatpants on. I just don’t feel motivated. I’m like, why? Why do you not like what’s going on? And, that’s when I say it’s so, so much deeper. I feel over the years, when you’ve been styling for so many years, you pretty much. I’m like a, therapist now, you know, fashion therapy.
Maryann: I love that.
Roz: Honestly. I mean, really, it’s come to that, you know, that’s why. Like, and also going back to. I don’t want to tell you what to wear or what not to wear. I mean, yes, if you ask me, I can show you what I think would look good on you. But, like, how are you feeling today? Like, how are you feeling deep down inside today? Like, what did you do today? that’s having you, you know, fire on all cylinders? Like, yeah. Ask yourself that. What is going to make me light up? Is it, going out and buying another shirt, or is it just lighting a candle and sipping on a cup of tea, you know?
Maryann: Yeah, you mentioned the jacket. A jacket is such a great fashion staple, and, you know, here in San Francisco, it’s always cold. So, we have so many jackets. Women own so many jackets here in San Francisco. Sweaters, you know, cardigans, blazers. I mean, it goes on and on. Where are you located right now, roz?
Roz: Actually, I’m in Roseville, California.
Maryann: Oh, okay. Yes.
Roz: No, yeah, my daughter. Actually, you’ll have to. You probably will cut the spot. My daughter works in, San, Francisco. I, I actually was in Walnut Creek for 27 years before I moved here. I’ve only been here for five years.
Maryann: Oh, wow. OK, you’ll have to look me up next time you come to the city.
Roz: Absolutely, yes. So she’s a public defender, and she’s, She’s in San Francisco, and I’m there quite often.
Maryann: Oh, that’s wonderful. So, Roz, I hate fashion rules for women over 40, 50, whatever. But if I’m being totally honest, yes. From time to time when I’m getting dressed, because I’ve been known to push the envelope a little. I’ll be putting something on. Maybe it’s a mini skirt, maybe it’s a slight crop top with a high waisted, you know, skirt or something, and I feel good in it, but I’ll think to myself for just a second, Maryann, should you be wearing this, you know, or shouldn’t I just leave this to the kids? Are we so conditioned to think that we’ve got to have the young skin and the tight young bodies to wear certain things, and there. Should there be fashion rules for women?
Roz: No, absolutely not, Maryann. But, you know, when you look at yourself and you think that, but if you’re feeling great, then why are you thinking that?
Maryann: I don’t know. It’s culture.
Roz: Yes, you’re right about that. But that’s where the confidence part comes in. You know, if you feel good, I say, go have fun with it. No, there shouldn’t be any age-related roles.
Maryann: Yeah. In fact, I see some of my friends in their 50s wearing things that I see younger people wearing, and they look better. It’s how you carry yourself.
Roz: Absolutely. Because, you know, we have the confidence that’s, you know, when you’re young, I, mean, a lot of youth is just wasted on, the disease to please. But when you’re older, when you’re our age, it’s all about, you know, being confident in your skin. And after a while, it doesn’t even matter what others are thinking or what others are saying. If you think you, you know, you look good, hey, why not embrace your unique style and wear what resonates with you? You know, women should wear what makes them feel confident and happy, regardless of age. Fashion, it’s all about self expression and personal comfort, not confronting to societal norms.
Maryann: Okay. You hear that, ladies? Directly from Roz. And a lot of your reels on Instagram say that. I love that. That’s your prevailing message.
Roz: Oh, absolutely. That’s the first thing that we are not invisible. What we say matters, what we do matters. And I’m here to look at me, you know? Yes. and that’s the whole reason I got on Instagram, because I’m like, you know, there’s all these 30 year olds and 20 year olds, but where is a woman my age? I mean, we’re still here, and we’re the ones with the disposable income, and we’re the ones, you know, shopping, and we’re the ones traveling, and, we are the ones that need the clothes. So look at us.
Maryann: I’ve said this on many episodes, but we’ve got buying, buying power. The women over 50 have buying power. And if people don’t realize that, it’s their loss.
Roz: Yes, absolutely.
Maryann: OK, this is something I really wanted to talk to you about because it really bums me out. I’ll be honest. Over the past few decades, there has been this increasing casualization of fashion. And I was in New York recently, and I saw people were wearing sweatpants and hoodies to the theater, to Broadway. And for the first time in a long time, I really felt, because I’m a native New Yorker and I go back a lot because my family’s there, but for the first time, I really felt damn like the glamour has left New York too. Like, New York? You too? You know, and I was really bummed out. In some ways, I think it’s great because we can be comfortable wherever we go, but personally, I find it to be a little hard to take because I like to dress up. What do you think, Roz? How casual is too casual? And do you ever long for those dress up days of yesteryear?
Roz: Well, listen, who doesn’t like a great pair of sweatpants? But honestly, I’m with you on that one. I mean, I can’t, stand it. Even in California, it’s the legging. It’s the lululemon culture. Everybody’s in leggings, and everybody comes from the gym and right to shop, and it’s like, I can’t help you if you’re in a sports bra. And if you need an outfit to go to a wedding, you know, they’re trying on all these beautiful dresses, and, they have a sports bra on. They don’t have. They’re in flip flops, and then they’re trying to stand on their tippy toes, and they’re like, oh, my God, you know, I don’t have the right bra. I don’t have. Do you have a pair of heels? It’s like you are coming out to shop for a special occasion dress. I mean, at least wear the right underpinnings, and at least m bring a pair of heels, even if you’re coming from the gym, you know, I can’t tell you. This happens almost on a daily basis where somebody’s looking for something to wear. I, mean, to an opera or to, like I said, to a formal wedding. And they’re like, it’s a black tie event, but it’s. They’ll come in in their flip flops and a sports bra, and.
Maryann: Yeah, but at least they’re looking to buy the dress for the ballet or the opera. They’re not wearing. I’m telling you, I’m seeing people in their Lululemons at Broadway shows, at the ballet…It almost seems…and I will put myself out there and say I feel like it’s disrespectful in certain cases.
Roz: I agree. I do miss the elegance and, you know, the formality of dress-up culture. While comfort is important, certain occasions do deserve a touch of sophistication. Casual fashion has its place. but, you know, it’s crucial to respect and honor the context of events, like you said, you know, the theater, the opera. I mean, balancing comfort with style, I guess it can maintain the essence of dress up culture without compromising on your individuality. I don’t think you have to do that.
Maryann: Yeah, my kids will say, Mom, you know, fashion’s not important. You know, our generation is all about experiences, and it’s about relationships. And I say, well, why can’t you have both? You can have experiences, relationships. You can wear a, comfortable, you know, outfit that also looks elegant.
Roz: Totally. Totally. I love to dress up. I mean, and I don’t need an excuse to dress up. It makes you happy. Doesn’t it make you happy? I mean.
Maryann: Well, it makes me happy.
Roz: It makes me feel powerful. It makes me feel sexy. It makes me feel everything. I mean, I love. I love to get dressed, and that doesn’t mean I want to wear a ball gown. I mean, I could put on a suit, like, stop. And powerful and sexy and, you know, that’s my jam these days. But, I don’t understand, why would you not want to put something pretty on or something that makes you feel good?
Maryann: Yeah. I mean, to each his own, right? But I do miss dress-up culture. I hate being often the only person in a room who’s wearing heels sometimes. But that’s okay. Alright, Roz, I’m going to ask you this a fun question. If you had to pick five staples a woman over 40 should have in her closet, what would they be?
Roz: You know, I wish, there were five staples across the board I could give everybody, like we just talked about, [everyone’s life is so different]. A lot of people just want to wear sweats. And if you’re a stay-at-home mom, you know, you’re in Lululemons. But if I were to pick five pieces for myself, I would say, number one, a well-fitted blazer. Number two, a classic, versatile pair of jeans. preferably a dark pair, because it can be dressed up and it can be dressed down. Also a timeless little black dress. These days, I’m more about jumpsuits because, you know, it’s a little more modern. So I would say a jumpsuit. Or if you still want to do a dress, obviously a black dress. Number four, a really good pair of quality, comfortable shoes. And finally, if you could do one formal and one casual statement accessory, like a bold necklace, a bracelet, a little scarf, a silk scarf. I think that’s it. You’re set.
Maryann: Yeah, that’s perfect. Very close to what I would pick. You know, I’m glad you brought up jeans, though, because jeans are confusing me these days. There are so many styles on the market. You used to be able to [pinpoint what jeans were in style at any given time]. But now, everything is available—from skinny jeans, which I know are kind of out right now, to flares and super flares. There’s high rise, medium rise, lower rise, barrel jeans. I mean, how do you know what to choose? I mean, just go with what looks good on you, right?
Roz: Yes. I think for most women, a bootcut jean is the answer. I mean, if you were to ask me, do I have a piece of clothing that I can’t live without, I would say my pair of my Mother bootcut jeans. I love them. And I think they’re just so flattering on most body shapes. I mean, look at Cindy Crawford. She’s worn them for years with her peasant tops and a bootcut jean boots, and that’s her signature style. There’s something about a woman in a pair of dark bootcut jeans and a button-down shirt and lots of necklaces, and a blazer thrown over her shoulders, and I think that’s it.
Maryann: I have to say, Mother jeans are so comfortable. They’re one of my favorite brands. And thank you, mother, for finally making a petites line.
Roz: Oh, yes, they do. They do have a petite line. Yes, they’re so comfortable. And even Paige is really good.
Maryann: There’s so much out there to have fun and play with. Yeah. And if you ladies, if you don’t have a favorite pair of jeans, that should be your next fashion hunt. Find those jeans that you absolutely love and make you feel like a million bucks in.
Roz: Yes.
Maryann: Now, Roz, if you’re cool with it, I’m going to ask you to describe your go-to outfit for a few different types of occasions.
Roz: Sure!
Maryann: OK I’m going to start with a girls night out.
Roz: Well, I would say a chic jumpsuit paired with statement earrings and heels.
Maryann: Nice. A date night?
Roz: well, a slip dress. Every woman should have a slip dress also in her closet. You know, I should have added that when you asked me. There are a million different ways you can wear a slip dress. So I think a slip dress with a tailored blazer just very nonchalantly thrown over your shoulders. And maybe some, great ankle boots or a nice kitten heel or sling-backs or even flats—you know, a great pair of mesh flats.
Maryann: I’ve noticed that you wear sneakers a lot with dresses.
Roz: Oh, totally. Yes.
Maryann: That’s a great look. That’s a way to kind of casualize some of your dressier clothes.
Roz: Yes. You can even wear a fancy dress, like something even with sequins and, whether it’s silk or chiffon, and then just give it that juxtaposition with a fun sneaker. Denim and sneakers bring everything down and make it look so much cooler. I mean, denim makes everything look cool.
Maryann: Yeah. Do you remember when Sharon Stone wore that $5 Gap T-shirt to the Oscars? I think it was a ball skirt from Carolina Herrera That was a defining moment.
Roz: Momentous.
Maryann: Another scenario: Sunday brunch.
Roz: I would say, a great pair of high-waisted trousers, with maybe a flowy blouse and some comfortable flats—I’m thinking summer. Like a great ballet flat or a Mary Jane or even gladiator sandals. Even flats with high waisted trousers.
Maryann: You wear a gladiator sandal. I saw them on you in a recent Instagram reel. They looked really good. Yeah. OK, what if you’re hosting a small cocktail party at home? What are you going to wear for that?
Roz: Oh, my God, I would totally wear a caftan. I love a caftan.
Maryann: I knew you were going to say that.
Roz: I love a flowy caftan. And again, lots of jewelry, like turquoise jewelry [for a] Rachel Zoe vibe.
Maryann: I’m picturing you opening the door in your caftan.
Roz: Yeah, maybe I’ll wear a turban too.
Maryann: Totally. but you know what’s really interesting, and I hope our listeners do this too. Like, when you first, when someone asks you, what are you going to wear for this event, your imagination starts going wild. Like, fashion is so much about imagination. Like, even when you’re shopping, right, you see a dress on a mannequin and you’re automatically thinking, like, if you love that, you’re thinking about yourself wearing it, whether it’s to your niece’s graduation or on a boat or on vacation or. And it’s so interesting how intricately woven that is with your. Your mind and the fashion.
Roz: And honestly and creative people like us, we live in our own little world. You know, sometimes people are like, oh, I thought you live in New York. You know, I’m like, yeah. In my head, one day I’m in New York, one day I’m in Paris, one day I’m at, you know. And, also, how I dress is a reflection of my mood, you know? Yes, there are certain things I like. You know, I like comfort. I also like an oversized silhouette. But I, mean, one day I just want to dress boho, and another day I want to dress chic, and there’s a day when I just want to put on a hoodie and sweatpants. But, yeah, it’s all about how you’re feeling that day.
Maryann: I was shopping with a friend, and she said, you know, I want to get this dress, but I have nowhere to wear it. And then I started churning out all of these ideas. Well, you can wear it when you go to this or that. And she’s like, you’re crazy, mary. Like, you’re just. But that’s the way my mind works when it comes to fashion. I instantly see images, you know? Right.
Roz: Yeah. I’m so glad. I’m so glad I’m not the only one.
Maryann: But I don’t have your talent to make reels. I mean, that’s that. You’re just amazing.
Roz: Thank you.
So do you have any shopping strategies for women who are maybe contending with bodies changing
Maryann: So do you have any shopping strategies for women who are maybe contending with bodies that don’t look the same? I mean, none of our bodies look the same as they did when we were 30, but let’s face it, menopause starts to do a number on us,
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Maryann: right. We get, like, a little bit more belly sometimes. We may not be the same weight we once were, but we still want to love our bodies and appreciate them and dress them the way we want. So what would your approach be when you’re, if you’re heading out shopping to get something for an event?
Roz: Well, I would say, you know, even though we, a lot of women say, I don’t know what my style is, but you do know what your personal style is. And I say, embrace your personal style. And at the end of the day, have fun with fashion. That is. That is something I keep stressing all the time. Like, remember, fashion is a form of self expression, and I, that knows no age limits. Celebrate your uniqueness and wear what makes you feel fabulous. Let your style evolve with grace and authenticity, reflecting the beauty of every stage of life.
Maryann: I love that. When it comes to accessorizing, you talked about accessories a little while ago, but do you have a rule of thumb? Like, I can’t remember was a coco Chanel who said, like, put everything on and take half of it off. I can’t remember how that goes.
Roz: One piece off before you step out the door, whereas I put another piece on. I love rings, I love bracelets, I love necklaces. But, yeah, if you’re just starting out, I think, be thoughtful. you know, especially, like you said, you’re just five one, so, you know, you are petite and, it can sometimes overwhelm a little frame. so focus on balancing statement pieces with more subtle ones. For example, if you’re wearing a bold earring, opt for a delicate, you know, necklace or bracelet. Choose accessories that enhance your overall look and reflect your personal style. And just make sure, you know, they’re right for the occasion and, for the outfit.
Maryann: Yeah, I love that. Some online retailers now have those little, they have images that you can adjust according to your size. And there’s an image of a woman, for instance, and it will shrink or expand to show your height juxtaposed with the bag. So you can see how big it would be if you’re carrying it. It’s phenomenal.
Roz: Oh, wow. Really?
Maryann: Yeah. I think Revolve uses that feature.
Roz: Well, that’s amazing. I was on the Mango website this morning and when you pick a shirt, it shows you what you can accessorize it with. It makes it so easy to put a look together. I mean, they give you the earring, they give you the bag, they give you the shoe. This is great for those days when you’re feeling lazy. Everybody can be their own personal stylist. Some [online retailers], like Free People, offer videos with the [models] walking around wearing the outfits. I think Net a Porter or Moda Operandi also has those videos. I love the sites that show the movement of the dress or the other piece of clothing.
Maryann: I love that, too.
Roz: It’s phenomenal.
Maryann: I was in a store the other day, and I almost thought that I’d gotten hit in the head and had been transported back to 1995, because all around me were slip dresses, square necklines, crop tops, low-rise jeans. And to top it off, Waterfalls by TLC was playing over the speakers. It seems like these days we are endlessly decade surfing. Like, first the 80s are back, then the 70s, then the 60s, and then we cycle back again. Why do you think there’s this fascination with styles from earlier decades? And do you have a favorite decade? What was the golden fashion era in your mind?
Roz: Well, my favorite fashion era is the 1970s because it was known for its electric mix of bohemian disco and all the glamorous styles. And then I’m also a child of the 80s. I think the fascination with previous decades stems from nostalgia and a desire to reinterpret iconic styles for today’s fashion landscape. There’s so much nostalgia that comes with fashion. For me, like I said, it’s the 1970s, I always think of my mother and my aunts and their bell bottoms and their caftans, all those great, printed tunics. There are also so many people that love the 1950s and the 1960s, and to them that was the golden fashion era for elegance and innovation. I mean, all these decades have a lasting impression on modern fashion.
Maryann: I can’t choose. I like the 60s a lot for the A-line silhouettes, and then I love the pants and the suits of the 70s. And like you said, the head wraps and the fun stuff. As for the 80s, I don’t think I would take the 80s back at all, because for a petite woman, it sucked. All the shoulder pads and huge tops overwhelmed my body frame.
Roz: Yes, yes.
Maryann: I really loved 90s fashion. The minimalist, sleek styles. If you could take the nineties, but then infuse it with more color, I think that would be my ideal.
Roz: The 90s were quite timeless and simple. That Caroline Bessette Kennedy look.
Maryann: Exactly.
Roz: So chic and simple, yet so modern.
Maryann: But we don’t want to go back to over-plucking the eyebrows. That was the one bad 90s trend.
Roz: And the perms of the 80s! I had a permanent.
Maryann: Yeah, we all did. But I was recently reading that 40% of Gen Z shoppers are buying secondhand or pre-loved clothes, as they call it, in part because like you said, they’re fascinated with some past era, but they haven’t lived through those times. So for them, it’s almost a way of going back to a time that they think is escaping some of the harsh realities of the world today. So they’re doing a lot of consignment shopping. Do you love a good consignment shop hunt, Roz?
Roz: Oh my God, yes, yes and yes, absolutely. Consignment shops offer a treasure trove of unique finds and timeless pieces. I enjoy the thrill of discovering pre-loved gems. I mean, there’s something to that and, you know, it’s one of a kind. you know, it’s got a history to it. And again, nostalgia. And it’s obviously more sustainable. And I know most of the young people I meet today, they’re all into thrift shopping. And, why not? I mean, you know, they shop in the men’s department and they shop at the kids department. They shop everywhere. They shop garage sales. So why not?
Maryann: Why not?
Roz: And there are so many stories behind each piece, and the craftsmanship of some of these old vintage pieces is just beautiful.
Maryann: Do you have any parting thoughts or advice for women so they can have fun dressing in midlife?
Roz: Well, I just say, embrace your personal style and let it evolve with grace. Be authentic. Have fun. experiment with different silhouettes. Accessorize. Don’t be afraid of color. Just have fun.
Maryann: Have fun. Just have fun, ladies.
Roz: There’s so much out there right now. There is so much. mean, go out there one day and just try all these different clothes. Even at home, when women say, I don’t know what my style is, I’m like, throw everything on the bed and start trying it on and see what makes you feel good and what makes you come alive. And that’s your style. So, if you put on that black dress and you feel like, oh my God, I look fabulous, that’s your style. And if it’s a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, then that’s your style.
Maryann: Right. And shop your closet.
Roz: Totally.
Maryann: Nothing like looking at your own closet to determine what your style is. You’ll see what you’ve gravitated toward through the years.
Roz: And that’s where I think social media comes in handy, because you see somebody with a red dress and you’re like, oh my gosh, I have a red dress, and I can do that to the dress.
Maryann: Right. So the message: We’re going to have fun with fashion wherever we are today. Thank you so much, Roz, for joining us. And please, everyone wants to know where they can find you online.
Roz: They can follow me on Instagram or TikTok, where I speak my thoughts out loud.
Maryann:Ladies, definitely follow Roz on social media. And, Roz, thank you so much.
Roz: Oh, you’re so welcome. Thank you. This was an honor.
Maryann: Thank you so much for tuning in to More Beautiful. Please visit Morebeautifulproject.com for show notes and bonus content. And it would mean so much if you could subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening together. Let’s continue to change the conversation around aging.
