I've been trying to figure out how to step up my fashion game as I age. Terrible physical pain necessitates I wear hokas with everything. (Otherwise I simply can't walk.) And, I wear a mask everywhere since COVID. I have a messed up immune system and masking has tremendously cut down on the number of days I spend in bed per year.

I have let my clunky shoes and mask hold me back for so many years in the looks and fashion department. I just need to find a way to step up my game even with clunky black and white sneakers on my feet.

Any suggestions?

@Kendrah....I often wear my black Hokas with baggie black running pants/tight ankle, and a turtleneck...with a North Face Black vest for instance. Or the white fake fur lined BR puffy vest. It's a casual outdoor vibe. Or I own a jacket and pants like this woman has on....no thumb holes in mine. :0) I've been stopped several times while out, and asked where I purchased my outfit. SO I know....it's working. ❤️ Link

Kendrah, my first thought about your above comment and one idea I have about having to wear Hokas and knowing nothing about you-would be to step up your game in Hoka tennis shoe area, with a solid colored outfit head to...ankle-and then add some bright and funky colored Hokas.

For example, just like pic #1 Nicole posted in the link, but instead of all demin-wear all black and then a solid red or solid green pair of Hokas for color. If you wear glasses-make sure they are fashionable. Hair must be stylish also. It's the whole picture.

The mask is a distraction, but you can still pull it off with the right outfit.

And please...no boa-looking anything! LOL

See solid red Hokas in link below:

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p/sportswear/womens_ua_phantom_4_shoes/3027594.html?dwvar_3027594_color=601&dwvar_3027594_size=8.5&country=US&currency=USD&gclsrc=aw.ds&&cid=PLA_QT_US_115_JYoxDN4WE9p&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADgZK6Y_yimdLvUArt4dSvoXa2MOv&gclid=CjwKCAiAmrS7BhBJEiwAei59i5gQLLETRzTd6Z0WFaPCqK3JEiSH87EyIcJWLBIe760VXT0P5hy7_BoCRr0QAvD_BwE

And...if Hokas don't come in leopard, they need to up THEIR game! Wearing one leopard item, still just works to dress up a solid-colored outfit!

@Kendrah

Athletic shoes are in style these days!

The first part of this video shows fashion sneakers, but keep watching for outfits with athletic sneakers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpQGRY2O87c

I like this outfit with a skirt and athletic sneakers.

https://lookastic.com/women/looks/white-dress-shirt-black-vertical-striped-midi-skirt-black-and-white-athletic-shoes/38630

Masks come in lots of colors. You can consider it a necessary accessory, like a belt or a scarf on a cold day.

https://lutema.com/products/made-in-usa-adult-5-layer-m95fi-travel-fish-style-face-mask-kf94-style?variant=42143171936415

https://shop.demetech.us/collections/n95-respirator-masks

https://www.armbrustusa.com/products/us-made-kn95-mask?variant=40071165083781

Lots of color choices, but not sure where these masks are manufactured.

https://brookwoodmed.com/collections/kn95-masks

I'd bet this group would have fun helping you put together outfits.

What an awesome article, thank you for sharing, nicole! I love every single look. One thing that stands out besides the wonderful outfits — confidence.

I came to #32 and thought, that jacket looks familiar. Went to my closet and found my similar one, now vintage. I’ve had it since the ’90s, I think! It’s silk and the shoulders are slightly padded. 😄

Anyway, I’d actually forgotten about it, it was behind my coats … I’m going to wear it again! It’s in perfect condition.

Thanks again for sharing the article; I’m putting it in my Favorites folder.

My niece sent me this text on Dec 19

"I just saw a senior man in the mall (very white thinning hair - no need to ask him just how old he is) wearing a pink puffer jacket, white bike shorts, hot pink leg warmers, and white and pink runners and I've never been so jealous".

I just thought he's living his best life and I wish I had the b@lls to do it.

Kendrah: if you wear glasses, get some in a fun/flattering color. Earrings? A good haircut? Those are things I tend to notice on stylish older women (no idea how old you are but I guess this applies to any age, anyway).

The only outfit I could even come close to wearing frim that article is this one, minus the boa. In fact, I kinda want that t shirt.

I didn't like any of these looks, unless I am misremembering 10 minutes in - very possible.

As for leopard, a friends sent me this video (love) and at the end she showed this jacekt from J crew and I went to buy it immediately and my size is sold out. I put myself on a waitlist. Must have. I had a real leopard cape in college (thrifted).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4X1aS5bhXM

This morning, instead of sold out, it said "only a few left." But then would not let me add it to my cart.

I agree with Spanish about finding personal choices that are striking yet appropriate and not costume-y. Most of the clothing worn in those photos— while obviously colorful and fun— are more like costumes than outfits one would wear daily. That said, some of them are gorgeous!

Kendra, I have an autoimmune disease that affects my feet. I stand and walk at work 7 hours per day and my podiatrist and rheumatologist said the overly cushioned Hoka trainers were not as good as vionic for foot health when not training. Vionic has many cute styles and they have changed my life by lessening my chronic pain.

Thank you for sharing. It's fun to see all these creatives with their fun outfits.

I would be very uncomfortable wearing most of these, so not me.

That said I need to up my game. So bored with most things in my closet. Want to expand my options but not go to far out of my comfort zone as unlikely to be worn. I am fairly classic with a bit of vintage and bohemian, have worn a good amount of vintage over the years but now I need to be super picky with my choices as many vintage make my look dowdy. Also, good vintage is not easy to find when you are a modern size 10.

That was a fun scroll!

Out of all of them, I can see myself wearing maybe 4 of them. Some are definitely crossing over into costume.

“Also, good vintage is not easy to find when you are a modern size 10.”

That is SO true, Jill— the sizing has changed drastically just since 1980. I love original Liz Claiborne and often buy and alter it. I am anything from 6 to 10 in modern sizes and a solid 10-12 in LC. Vintage beaded cardigans from the 60’s and 60’s fit me best in a L or XL!

I have a scarf very similar to the gentleman's in #26. Other than that, there are a few individual things here and there, a shoe, a top or pants, or a piece of jewelry that would be within my comfort zone but for the most part it's all too-too. If you wear any of those things in a large, cosmopolitan area you would be at home and part of the scenery - but in most of middle America, not so much. IMO.

It's fun to look at those. I like #37 the black Persian lamb coat in Japanese style.

I have a vintage slim black persian lamb carcoat that was always too small for me; gave it to a DD

I have a couple of them, they're warm but very heavy.

That reminds me theres a persian lamb double breasted car coat somewhere in the house. Also have an ivory sort jacket with fur ruffles on the edges. All vintage, all secondhand.

I prefer a tailored fit, but would totally rock the pink feathers and t!

Thanks so much all for your encouragement and inspiration.

If only I could wear sneakers as cute as those in the first video - the chunky clunky of Hokas really are so different than slim cute sneaks. I do see how wide tailored trousers can help hide the shoe a bit so that is nice. I skinny legs that I like to show off because they are the part of me I feel best about. So I tend to wear more slim jeans or leggings but then I look like a clunky giraffe with the honking big shoes!

I used to be such an adventuresome dresser. I owned tons of vintage pieces, could shop TJMaxx runway section like a queen, had no problem wearing CFM heels to the supermarket. Not anymore. The mask and shoes have just gotten me so down! Jeans and crewneck solid colored shirts.

My hair sucks and could certainly use some style. (I do love my color though). Maybe I need to focus on some nice rings too. I never wear jewelry - not even my wedding rings! (I think necklaces and earring get a little lost with a mask.) Trying to step it up with purses too. My big Ralph Lauren, mid thigh, down coat is super warm and comfy but does look like I'm going to go shovel a sidewalk!

There is a citizen in my town who might in fact be one of these images. She is a memorable sight and personality.

@Kendrah my advice is to wear solid color sneakers as close to tan, black or navy as you can find. Wear them with no show socks - Nike makes some goos ones - and just forget about them. I’m a size 10 and this is my MO.

For your mask, I actually took apart a 1980’s tacky Hermes ascot and used the center section to cover my masks. It was free and I sold the end sections, but definitely a little extreme. Find a pretty statement fabric or simple neutral that you can wear over your mask.

Once you’ve done those two things, dress the rest of yourself as you did before. The eye will land on that and not the two things holding you back.

I dare you…😜

Size small Polo dresses are good for me here in Florida.