Nifty 50 Fabulous

Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle blog for women over 50

Categories: Fashion

Introducing My Soft Classic Style

Hello, Darlings! Today I am Introducing My Soft Classic Style. I have always embraced a more classic, minimal style. But as I age, my lifestyle and personal style have evolved. I find I enjoy the comfort level of the Soft Classic Style.

Introducing My Soft Classic Style

Introducing My Soft Classic Style

What Is Soft Classic Style

Soft Classic Style priorities two things -Comfort & Simplicity. Comfort for me means clothing that is soft, easy of care, not too tight, scratchy, or uncomfortable. If it bothers me in any way, I will not wear it. Simplicity is clean lines and the absence of too many details. No lace, embroidery, texture, little to no buttons, very simple almost boring style. So I use color to bring interest to an outfit.

What Is Soft Classic Style

Discovering Your Classic Style

When I did the Dressing Your Truth Free Course, I discovered I was a Type 4 which is a classic style. But even the classic style can be divided down to embrace a more secondary type. This really helped me as my lifestyle did not fully mesh with a truly classic style. As a youth, I was “all in” the preppy style which is similar to today’s “Cute Classic Style” as I entered the workforce, I leaned more towards the “Edgy Classic Style”. But now with my midlife lifestyle, comfort needs put me square in the “Soft Classic Style”.

Check Out April Grow From Stunning Style Society

I was lucky to find April Grow and her Stunning Style Society. April focuses just on the classic style and embraces a Winter Seasonal Color Palette. I have learned that April discovered her “true” style when she did the Dressing Your Truth course. She now creates her own content with weekly Facebook Lives, called”Style Snacks”. April also creates Capsule Wardrobe Guides that help women can purchase, with shopping links and styling ideas. Along with a private Facebook group for those who purchase her guide, April gives them additional training tools, her Style Steps to better understand what she calls Classic Style Twist.

You can follow April on Facebook by joining her open Facebook group- Capsule Wardrobes For Classic Style

Defining The Five Different Style Twist

April Grow of the Stunning Style Society defines the different Classic Style Twist as follows

The difference in each style is in the details. I recommend checking out her blog post/videos for a better understanding and to see if any of these styles feel like you. Knowing the little differences between the different “Style Twists” can help you be a better shopper and understand the “why” behind what you wear most. Many retailers specialize in certain styles, such a Draper James specializes in Cute Classic Style.

Elements Of Soft Classic Style

There are certain elements that help define Soft Classic Style. Not all the elements work for me, but I do see many of the elements in my wardrobe. As always, it is important to remember that understanding your personal style is essential to building a capsule wardrobe, but body type rules trump all. If it doesn’t look good on your body, it doesn’t matter if it is in your style.

Look For The Following Element

  • Prioritizes comfort through soft “touchable” fabrics
  • Small prints and florals – especially prints that have blurred edges such as wildflowers/watercolors.
  • Neutral colors adding only one bold color per outfit
  • Soothing colors
  • Very little to no detail
  • Ruffles or lace
  • Softer edges such as soft lapels/draping/shawl collar
  • Like sheen but not high shine
  • Simplicity is key- too many detail and you feel overwhelmed, lost

Check Out This Video On Soft Classic Style

Soft Classic Style Necklines

I enjoy wider necklines and necklines with structured drapes. A loose mock turtleneck, a cowl neck, and a wider V-neck are my necklines of choice. I will also wear an open zipper collared shirt, especially in my sports and athletic wear.

Soft Classic Top- Loose Mock Turtlenecks

Soft Classic Style-A loose Mock Turtleneck works very well with
I have struggled with turtleneck tops until I discovered this loose mock turtle neck style. It is not binding or uncomfortable at the neckline. This is the Studio Sweatshirt from Kettlewell Colours.

Soft Classic Top -Sleeveless Cowl Neck Top

Soft Classic Style -Draped Cowl Neck Top
A huge discovery for me is the Cowl Neck Top. Not all cowl necks will work. It is all about the drape, must be controlled and not too much fabric. This is the Betty Cowl Neck Top from Kettlewell Colours. It works for me because the material is lightweight, and the cowl neck creates a wide V.

Cowl Neck Top With Modesty Panel

Soft Classic Style-This is the Maria Cowl Neck To with structured drape and a modesty panel
A long sleeve version of the cowl neck, The Maria Cowl Neck Top from Kettlewell Colours has a structured, yet soft drape and modesty panel.

Soft Drape Top With Softer, Thinner Fabric

Soft and comfortable materials are important for me. I love this top because it is so comfortable.
This is one of my absolute favorite tops! The reason is the fabric is so comfortable and lightweight. Perfect for my climate in the fall/winter months. The cowl neck is wider and looser so it does not create a large amount of bulk at the neckline. I would buy this top in every one of my bright colors but sadly, the company that made this only made this one style.

Soft Classic Sweater- Wider V Neck Sweater In Thinner Knit Material

Sweaters can not be itchy, scratchy or bulky. This thinner sweater in bold color works well with my Soft Classic Style
Sweaters are very hard for me. I don’t need many due to the lack of cold weather where I live. My sweaters are soft, comfortable, not itchy, have little to no details, wider V-neck line. I found this thin Charter Club V Neck Cashmere Sweater in a hot pink color (no longer available in this color) that came in many bold colors and neutrals at a low price. The quality is not great so I have to be careful when I wash them.

Soft Classic Style -Classic V Neck Top In Comfortable Fabric

Wider V neck tops work very well with my Soft Classic Style
The is the Sleeveless V Top from Kettlewell Colours. A nice classic V neck style in comfortable jersey knit fabric with stretch. I have this top in all my BEST colors and use it for a base layer to create comfortable, easy outfits.

T-shirts In Wider V Neck Style

I am very picky about t-shirts. I like a wider V neckline which reflects my Soft Classic Style
Even in my t-shirts, I need the wider V neckline. This is the Cara V and is my FAVORITE top for summer. The fabric is a lightweight, looser cut. Comfort and Simplicity are my priorities.

Faux Wrap Top

The faux wrap top in a jersey knit fabric works for my Soft Classic Style
The faux wrap top is another great Soft Classic Style top. The wrap creates a wider V-neckline with structure and minimal details. The fabrics are the jersey knit with stretch and the top itself creates ruching that works with my Soft Classic Style. This is the 3/4 Faux-Wrap Top from Kettlewell Colours. I own this top in many of my favorite colors. Here I have added a white sports bra for a camisole, modesty layer without adding bulk.

Soft Classic Bottoms

Again, the theme for the Soft Classic Style is Comfort & Simplicity. I don’t own a lot of pants/jeans/skirts/shorts. What I do own all must be comfortable, and that means fabric. Stretch is key for pants. Most all my pants area Ponte Knit with elastane and are slightly thicker material. This covers the lumps and bumps, gives structure, and creates a smoother-looking appearance.

Ponte Knit Pants

Balance is key for Soft Classic Style. Dark bottoms with little or no details in a Ponte Knit fabric is key to putting together an outfit
Comfort is key when selecting pants for a Soft Classic Style. Pull-on pants with no zipper, thicker Ponte Knit fabric can be dressed up or down. These are the High Waisted Travel Pant from Beyond Proper

The details of the bottoms are simple, with little to no details. For comfort, I prefer a wide waistband with no zipper, pockets, or belt loops if possible. Clean and minimal are best. Boot cut or trouser styling is the best for my Petite Pear Body Shape. Skinny Jeans, jeggings are all too restrictive, even leggings are too tight. Yoga pants with flared or bootcut are winners

I am still trying to find the ultimate pair of jeans (no belt loops, pockets, or zipper). But for now, my Wit and Wisdom jeans from Nordstrom are the most comfortable.

Finally, all my pants/ jeans/shorts/ skirts are in neutral colors -black, white, navy. Prints or bold colors tend to overwhelm me and may not work with my Pear Body Type.

Soft Classic Jackets, Cardigans, Kimonos, And Vest

For my Soft Classic Style and climate, layers must be simple but most important, not bulky. I found that thinner sweaters work best.

Soft Classic Layering Pieces- Cascade Drape Cardigan

The Cascade Drape Cardigan bring in the softness for my Soft Classic Style
I really like these thinner cardigans in bold colors. The drape creates a softer look. I have to be careful of too much drape too low as it can bring too much attention to my hip areas. Because this drape is a cascade there is not too much bulk at my hips. This is the Short Cascade Wrap from Kettlewell Colours

Thin, Suede Jacket With Wider Lapels

Wider label and softer fabrics such as faux suede works well for layering piece that reflects my Soft Classic Style
I use to love the edgy look of leather, but now I prefer the softness of faux suede. This is the Racket Jacket from Kettlewell Colours. I like the wider lapels to soften the look. The material is thin and very comfortable for layering which works well in my warmer climate.

Shear Kimono In Graphic Zebra Print

Soft Classic Style-Kimono and Ponchos work well for Soft Classic Style but can not be overpowering or too bulky. This thin Zebra kimono works well for my style
I use to go crazy for kimonos. Now I have paired my selection down to only those I wear as layering pieces for the summer. They must be thin with simple styling. This kimono can be worn as a layering piece for an outfit or swimsuit cover-up.

Soft Fleece Vest With Wider Collar

Soft Classic Style-For Winter Tennis I LOVE this fleece vest for comfort and practicality.
In the winter I wear this Columbia Fleece Vest all the time. It works very well for a layering piece for tennis. It is not fitted and I rarely wear it zipped, instead, wear it unzipped with a large collar. I have it in black so any details are minimal. It does have pockets and they function well.

Soft Classic Detail In Accessories And Jewelry

For Pears, accessories and jewelry are key elements in the wardrobe. These pieces give an outfit interest, keeping it updated. It is important with accessories such as scarves that they not be overly textured or bulky. Comfort and Simplicity are still the keywords

Looser Infinity Scarf In Bold Color

Infinity Scarves that drape loosely will work with my Soft Classic Style and add a POP of color to a simple poncho
Here I have added the Florence Infinity Scarf from Kettlewell Colours. It is made of the same jersey knit/t-shirt material so it is not bulky. I have arranged it in a loose infinity style. Soft Classic Style needs to avoid blanket scarves as they add way too much bulk.

Thin, Graphic Ikat Scarf

Prints for Soft Classic Style need to be almost blurred. This Ikat scarf adds interest and color and still reflects my style
Ikat print with a white background is a great choice. This scarf is thin with minimal fabric. I can easily drape it around my neck to soften a neckline and give an outfit interest.

Pashmina Style Scarf With Black Dress

Adding a pashmina style scarf can add color a softness to a black dress
I use a pashmina-style scarf to add color and soften a stark black dress. This is the Cashmere Gauze Stole from Kettlewell Colours

Draped Black & White Zebra Print Scarf

Draping a scarf such as this thin, gauze Zebra print scarf give this outfit interest and reflects the Soft Classic Style
Add a thin gauze-type scarf and simply drape it over your shoulders. This style softens and adds interest to an outfit without too much bulk or fussiness.

For Jewelry Think Round

Circle or oval-shaped earrings such as hoops, pendant necklaces, layered necklaces, bangle bracelets all add interest. These pieces are perfect for my style. Round =Soft.

Hoop Earrings & Circular Necklace

In jewelry, circles and ovals reflect the Soft Classic Style
Large silver hoop earrings and a statement necklace with circles keeps this outfit current and on-trend

Statement Necklace With Modern Round Pendant

Large silver pendant on the link chain is a bold statement piece but all the round elements work with my Soft Classic Style
The large silver pendant on the link chain is a bold statement piece but all the round elements work with my personal style

Leather & Silver Circular Pendant Necklace

The Eccentric Necklace from Chicos is one of my most worn pieces of jewelry because it reflects my Soft Classic Style
This is one of my favorite and most worn necklaces, The Eccentric Necklace from Chicos. It goes with all my Winter Color Palette and my Soft Classic Style.

Where To Shop For Soft Classic Style

Good news, because Soft Classic Style heavily emphasizes comfort, you can find pieces for your wardrobe from many different retails. Some of my favorite retailers to shop are:

Check Out My Posts On The Elements Of A Capsule Wardrobe

Rules For Petite Pear Body Type

Know Your Colors

What Is A Capsule Wardrobe

Coming Soon – Fashion Lifestyle Audit

About Nifty 50 Fabulous

Hi, my name is Regan! Welcome to my blog. I am married with 3 adult children (no grands... yet!) and 2 schnauzers, Emma & Grace. Plus Nora, my grand dog who spends lots of time at Mimi's House. I love discovering my new "Mid-Life Style" and sharing it will all my readers. Join me on my journey to a healthy, active, and COLORFUL lifestyle. Sign Up for my email list to receive the latest blog post and extras, just for my Nifty 50 Fabulous Friends

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *