Shopping Your Closet For The Collected Look
It’s that time of year when everyone is organizing, purging clutter and paying holiday bills. So why not take a look in your closet and see what outfits you can make with what staples you have? I will show you what I do for Over 50 Fashion.
Old/Collected pieces (Vintage because I am):
These are my pieces that resurface year after year…they could be designer or from the Gap or Zara. The key is they are classic, well-made and versatile. Examples from my closet such as:
- Leather Moto Jacket
- Gap Denim Jacket
- Chanel purse bought 20 years ago when we lived in Paris
- Leather skirt
- Tahari Wool Skirt
- Scarves
- Real and Costume Jewelry
- Frye boots
Newer Pieces:
These are pieces that you have to replace every few years like:
- white cotton blouse
- some shoes like Van’s slip-on, sneakers, booties, loafers
- jeans
- Gap tee shirts for layering
- Trendier items
Here’s how I mix old and new…
Visiting Clients in the East Bay Area
New Anthro coat on sale (sold out but others here), washable wool Banana Republic turtleneck, Nordstrom Rack Paige black jeans, seven-year-old Frye boots (similar), Kate Spade sunglasses
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I will make a small commission–thanks for supporting CCH.
Influencer Meeting at a Store
Washable wool Banana Republic turtleneck, 10-year-old Tahari leather skirt, gold bracelets, and watch (gifts from my husband over the last 34 years–I just used a calculator to figure that out).
Cocktail Party 
I bought some Sheertex indestructible black pantyhose that I saw on Instagram that I think I will wear with this dress. 10-year-old necklace made by my friend Claire from vintage pieces, comfortable black lace dress that comes in petite and regular.
Birthday Lunch
I wore this outfit to Cindy’s birthday lunch. Vintage necklace, three-year-old Zara coat, black leggings, J. Crew pumps, cross-body purse, J. Crew cashmere sweater (other colors).
Saturday Afternoon Movie 
Same J. Crew sweater as above, Ann Taylor blouse, Banana Republic jeans, perforated booties, beaded stone necklace
Dinner With My Daughter
Ten-Year-Old Tahari Wool Skirt, New Short-Sleeved turtleneck (from Ann Taylor–sold out), Sheertex black pantyhose, J. Crew suede pumps. Alexandra is wearing a Ganni dress (here’s a sort of similar flowy one that I like) and black booties.
The Contessa’s Garden Club Meeting
Old Chanel purse (that sure was a good investment), Zara coat (a good place to look for coats), French Connection Dress (both a couple of years old).
Brunch
Everything here except the Madewell long-sleeved T-shirt is three to eight years old. Gap denim jacket, calf hair leopard clutch (similar), Madewell booties, Banana Republic jeans. I always like to check Madewell for their scarves on sale.
Client Meeting
20-year-old faux fur vest bought in Paris, older Zara blouse (I love the prices there), old Bagley Mischka purse from TJ Maxx, new Birdies loafers. The calfskin is sold out but these are similar. Black jeans They are by Paige…and I found them at Nordstrom Rack.
Wine Tasting
Leather moto jacket, Banana Republic jeans, Chanel purse, Birdies loafers. Since I like how comfortable these are, I took my Florida girlfriends to the SF store when they were visiting. They each bought a pair…
My Girlfriends at the Birdies Store
Black velvet Heron loafers, Charcoal Starling loafers
I like one of a kind pieces. The beaded stone long necklace I just bought at a retirement sale on Union Street. The other two, I have had for years and wear all the time. My friend, Laura bought the black cameo for me a long time ago when our families were on vacation in Venice together…I always remember that special time when I put it on.
My new soft flannel, plaid long blazer from Anthropologie is on sale. It’s light-weight so it makes a nice second layer, like a sweater. Old cashmere scarf. Black jeans. Gap T-shirt. Booties.
That’s my version of Shopping Your Closet!
apart from my art-sandra
most lovely things-annie
northern california style-kim
rough luxe lifestyle-cindy
the age of grace-eugenia
the gardeners cottage-janet
the real golden girl-kimberly
the vintage contessa-elizabeth
Also, come back on Thursday for great pantry organization ideas!
Significant piece of work, Thank You!!
Thanks for giving me inspiration! I am going to shop my closet too. I am petite so I can relate to not letting the clothes wear you. You do a great job putting together outfits that are classic and age appropriate, hip and not frumpy.. it’s hard as we get older to choose things that don’t make us look like “we are trying too hard”! Always enjoy your posts 🙂
Loved this post and the collected ensembles for all occasions… simultaneously tasteful and hip. I’m inspired! I also loved that you bravely modeled while in the throes of Weight Watchers. I’m also short (5’1”) and learning to embrace my mature curves without grieving the loss of a once more narrow waistline, so this is immensely reassuring that it can be possible to find flattering style. You have it in spades!
Thanks so much, Pamela!! I really just want a chocolate chip cookie 🙂
Our tastes are identical. I would wear each of those outfits.
Très chic. Love your style! xo
Talk about a very special treat…this post was marvelous and shows what a truly beautiful woman you are and you have just as wonderful fashion awareness as decore sense. I love the idea of shopping in your own closet, something I need to be reminded of all the time. But I need to do some purging so I can find those gems that I’ve long since forgotten because they are hidden amongst thing that I don’t want to wear. Thank you for the inspiring post.
I love every single one of your outfits. You’re an inspiration. I’m a similar size (petite) and it’s so helpful to see things I like and would wear on someone who isn’t supermodel tall, thin and young. That’s another thing–your outfits are age-appropriate and timeless without being boring or frumpy. Just the right mix.
Wow! This post must have taken forever! Basically..I love everything. Your choices are spot on and could be worn by women of any age. Thanks so very much for all your effort and wonderful suggestions😍
Linda
I stopped by and subscribed to you today because of Contessa! You have a beautiful blog here and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how you pull it all together from vintage to new. Contessa mentioned me today, I’m the one who cooks Italian food and is highlighting anti inflammatory foods and recipes this month on my blog. I look forward to following you!
Thanks,
Diana
I will check it out. Thank, Diana.
I’m with everyon else! It’s hard to pick a favourite, but I’m drawn to your last look with the Anthropologie coat. You look fabulous in that outfit. How great to see I’m not the only one who keeps their things for years…. I cycle them in and out depending on weather and fashion. Thank goodness I have a huge cedar closet to store things. My friends refer to it as “The Archives”! 😀
Bet you have an awesome Collected Look, Teresa!
Mary Ann, Fun post and I love how you shared how long you have owned things. Really smart keeping those pieces and they are even cooler now! Adore the necklaces- so pretty and that black lace dress looks SO GOOD on you! I think I need some of those loafers. You all look very cute in them!! xo
Kim, I loved YOUR post. I was thinking that my post was too long and almost took the necklaces and black dress out…so thanks!
Mary Ann,
I love your style and am thoroughly enjoying this series. Everyone has such great ideas for outfits. Thank you to you, Cindy and Annie for thinking of this one!
xo,
Karen
Thanks, Karen…I enjoyed it too!
You are the epitome of your blogs name. Classic and Casual. I love your look. So effortless. To be honest I can’t decide which look is my favorite. They all look so good. Thanks for the tip about Madewell. scarves. I also collect scarves. Ao bottom line you look so you. Which is the best compliment.
PS. Love all of your resources. Thank you.
Thanks, Sandra…I’d love to go through your jewelry in person!
You look so adorable and young! Okay my fav outfits are the pink sweater combo. You need to wear that everyday! Blush really is your color. And…that Tahari skirt is fabulous! You look so darn cute in every single look, no one would ever believe you are “almost” my age. This was such a great post!
Thanks, Cindy…I learned to “pop” the collar from you!
Mary Ann! I love your style! You look so elegant in the black lace dress. You look amazing in your casual city clothes, travel and special occasion skirts and dresses! Love how you combine vintage with things from Zara and Madewell! I love the gold necklace made by Claire!
xo
Annie
Alie calls that the necklace that makes everything look good!
I love how you pulled from your closet and told HOW OLD THE ITEMS WERE!
MY Mother always said if you invest in the right pieces they will be in STYLE for YEARS!
LOOK AT YOU!SO MANY DIFFERENT LOOKS!
This is GREAT FUN to to shop and cruise the other ladies!
A VERY WELL DONE POST!
I have some CHANEL shoes I have never worn!WHAT SIZE ARE YOU?
XX
I have a pair of Chanel ballet flats that I am afraid to wear if there is a chance of rain. I am a 7 or 7.5 shoe.
Loved your post, Contessa!
Hi Mary Ann! So nice to connect through this collaboration. I love your style. You indeed do wear the clothes and not the other way around. I enjoy your blog so much too. Thanks for including me in this and can’t wait to learn more from each other! What a wonderful way to start this week!
XO, Kimberly
Yes…love your elegant, beautiful style, Kimberly.