style in your 60′s – interview with Mary Jane Voute Arrigoni

meet my mom

This is where it all started, where I discovered my love for all things fashion.

My mom, probably the most fabulous person I’ve ever encountered, brought me with her to see designers like Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Thierry Mugler, and Galanos. She showed me the beauty of a well crafted garment.

She also taught me the balance between the super high-end, and mainstream. It was important to know where to spend, and where to save.

(My Mom and Dad. I LOVED when they got all dressed up! I would watch her getting ready & think she was so glamorous.)

blue blooded babe?

You would think, with the way she pulls it together, that she grew up with a diamond encrusted spoon in her mouth.
NOPE!
She (and my Dad) grew up in the Bronx.
Which just proves you don’t need a ton of money to carry yourself well, and dress nicely.

Did you always love fashion?

I always loved clothes! If my parents could have afforded it, I’m sure I would have been a real clothes horse. I was one of five children – so that was never really an option.

So, how did you pull your wardrobe together on such a small budget?

Well, my parents would take us shopping in the Fall. I would get one Winter over-coat every two years, and a couple of basics that I could mix with what I already had. Rarely did I make a frivolous purchase, I needed the piece to last.

Was it hard to choose a coat that had to last for 2 years?

No, because I kept it classic. This was an area where I could spend a little more on a well made coat, one that would last. We would go to Best & Co. and I usually chose a camel coat. One year it was black watch plaid – to mix it up a bit.

Looking back, did this impact your choices when you got older?

Yes, my purchases are always well thought out. I consider what I have, how it will work, and how I will wear it. I never just buy for the heck of it.

Growing up, you always taught us to look appropriate – why was this so important?

I had four daughters, and I wanted you all to represent yourselves in a respectful way.

What would have been inappropriate? (Even though I already know the answer to this!)

Showing too much skin, being too casually dressed for an event, dressing older than you were, looking “too grown up” as a young girl, or even now dressing too young for your age. Be elegant, not trashy.

What are some of the elements to dressing in your 60′s?

As we get older, our bodies change. I used to see older women who’s dresses would get lower and lower cut each year – as their cleavage sank. Not a pretty look! I felt embarrassed for them – and I don’t want to be that woman. You’re not supposed to look like your 20 when your 60.

Who’s your favorite designer right now?

Armani Black. Always elegant, and unfortunately always expensive.

Do you have some tips for women in their 60′s?

I can share some of the guidelines I follow…

Tips

• Cover your arms at least to the elbow or just above
• Skirts should be no shorter than the knee
• Buy a proper fitting bra
• Nothing too low cut
• Spanx (actually, this goes for anyone over 40)
• Higher waisted pants – forget the super low waisted
• Never wear your clothing too tight
• Find a lovely simple lower heel
• Reevaluate your make-up – make sure it’s right for your age
• A bag is THE place to bring the trends to your outfit
• A scarf add dimension
• A great pair of glasses or sunglasses

Thanks Mom! xoxo