4 Style Mistakes a Chic 64-Year-Old Is Vowing Not to Repeat

Susan Feldman is the founder of One King’s Lane and In the Groove, a style destination where she shares her age-defying outfits and shopping tips. Feldman is also our resident style expert here at Who What Wear and she’s shared everything from the basics she packs for every trip to the items you’ll always find in her H&M shopping cart. Today, we’ve tapped her to discuss the style mistakes she’s leaving in the past and what she’s learned from each.

I’m the kind of person who believes style can be acquired. It’s taken time for my personal style to evolve to a place where I have a very clear sense of what works for me, and more importantly, what doesn’t. I know what makes me feel good, inside and out. Today, I’d describe my style as “classic with a twist.” No need for me to go chasing after fashion trends. I make sure to invest in pieces that will work for years or I’ll wear all the time. But that doesn’t stop me from sprinkling fun trendy pieces every once in a while that won’t break the bank.

At the end of the day, the biggest style mistake is to try to look like someone else. Find what works for you and embrace it. Don’t compare your style to anyone else. After all, the key to looking your best is always confidence. With that in mind, here are a few mistakes that I have made along the way…

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1. The days of chasing after trends are over

My days of chasing fashion trends are over. You won’t catch me in bike shorts, a neon top, shoulder pads, or over-the-knee boots any time soon. Every once in a while, I’ll dabble in a trend that resonates with me. Fashion is supposed to be fun, so I’m not afraid to try new things. But at the end of the day, what’s more fun than feeling good in your own clothes?

Shop the staples we think are trend-proof:

H&M Ribbed Cardigan ($30)

See by Chloe High Waist Tapered Trousers ($475)

Bardot Cocktail Slipdress ($89)

Sea Gabriette Pleated Coat ($650)

Shashi London Calling Necklace ($42)

2. When it comes to shoes, don’t skip out on comfort

I can’t remember when I was ever comfortable in a stiletto, even if it was a fabulous shoe. If you don’t feel good, you’ll never look your best. I still believe that a little height can help finish a look or even give you a bit of an edge, but now I look for 2-inch or 3-inch pumps instead of a sky-high heel. Invest in a pair of black suede Manolo Blahnik pumps, and you’ll always have a pair of shoes you can count on.

Shop comfortable heels:

Manolo Blahnik Bb Pump ($665)

Who What Wear June Mule ($110)

Sam Edelman Dori Pumps ($150)

By FAR Diana Slingback Pumps ($562)

Miista Nedda Pumps ($320)

3. Denim is here to stay, so don’t lose sight of the styles that work for you

Wearing ripped-up jeans isn’t for me—why are the rips always on my knees? This should have been the first clue that this was not a good look for me. But I couldn’t help myself! Denim is here to stay, and there are so many options out there. I’ve found jeans that I feel great in and can dress up or down. I love the feel and color of vintage-inspired jeans, in particular, as they look good with everything, from sneakers for every day to my (not-too-high) high heels for date night. The other jean style I’ve been wearing all the time are high-waisted boot-cuts. They make my legs look longer, and I don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style.

Shop vintage-inspired jeans:

Agolde Lana Low Rise Vintage Straight Jeans ($188)

Good American Good Vintage Twisted Seam Straight Leg Jeans ($179)

Shop bootcut jeans:

Frame Le Crop Mini Bootcut Jeans ($210)

Reformation Cindy Bootleg Jean ($98)

Everlane The Cheeky Bootcut ($50)

4. The oversize look isn’t always for everyone, but tailoring is gold

I love suits, so I thought the oversize suit trend was right up my alley. Uh, not so much. I tried it, but I could never get comfortable with it. With every boxy blazer, I just kept thinking how ridiculous I looked. This trend fail hasn’t diminished my love for blazers, though. A blazer is the MVP of every great wardrobe. They’re so versatile and you never have to worry about them going out of style. I just know that I need to stick to blazers made out of yummy fabrics and a perfectly tailored fit. For spring, that means the perfect linen to help me lighten up. In the fall, I gravitate toward wool and velvet for the holiday celebrations.