Spring is on its way but my wardrobe is still stuck in Lockdown casualwear

Spring may be drawing closer; however, I am not sure we will spring into more formal clothes just yet. We are still stuck in lockdown, and even when we are released, it will be a while before we are back to life as it was in 2019. Parties, holidays abroad, theatre or shopping trips are all a distant memory. However casual dressing in your 50s, 60s and 70s is an art. We want to be comfortable but not frumpy. We certainly don’t want to be thought of as mutton dressed as lamb.

I have realised that it is easier to dress for a party or a theatre trip as we spend more time choosing these outfits. More often than not, they cost more money too. Cashmere sweaters, silk blouses, tailored trousers or feminine dresses will rarely let you down. However, when you look for casual dressing in your 50s and beyond, you choose practical fabrics, with a minimum spend and yet these are the outfits that you wear more often.

Grace and I are always looking for small brands that are good and maybe a little different. So it is with Artichoke, a shop based in Swaffham, Norfolk. The owner, Sarah Simonds, is always on the lookout for brands that work on women over 50. Over these past 12 months, she has had to develop her online business. This has meant we can all enjoy her collections. Pomodoro is one of the Artichoke favourite brands. There are quite a few items from Pomodoro on the Artichoke website that are currently reduced. She sent Grace and me a few pieces for you to see on ‘real women’. The three tops we are wearing are all in a light denim-look fabric. It is softer and more forgiving than regular denim.

Sarah has kindly offered all Annabel & Grace readers a free scarf (see below) when they order one item from the Artichoke Collection.

The code is A&GSCARF, and the offer is available until the end of February.

There is so much more fabulous clothing on the Artichoke Collection website but Grace and I were both keen to smarten up our casual wardrobe and so one shirt and a scarf did it.

Artichoke Collection founder, Sarah Simonds, has invited Annabel to join her on Facebook Live on Sunday, 14th February at 10.00 am. for a chat. Go to the Artichoke Facebook page and click ‘Interested’ or ‘Going’ and you will get an alert on Sunday morning. See you there.

Grace is wearing her favourite high-waisted, straight-legged jeans from Marks and Spencer. They are called Sophia. These jeans are made from recycled polyester yarn using recycled plastic bottles and have added stretch. Meanwhile, I have popped on my Winser London Miracle leggings which are at least 7 years old, and must still be popular as they continue to be part of their collection. They have been a staple for me this winter. Just the right amount of hold and easy to wash and wear. No colour fading and in terms of cost per wear, it must be pence by now for this pair of mine, as I have worn them so often.

I have also just popped onto the Me+Em website as apart from their formal wear, they also have some reasonably priced casual wear. I love the way they have styled the pale blue sweatshirt with a ruffle blouse underneath. This simple addition has turned something casual into a more dressed up look.

I may long for a more socialised life but for the moment I am happy to dip my toes into Spring fashion without spending a fortune. The occasional item to cheer my wardrobe up and keep me on trend with my casual dressing for over 50s.

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