The Wardrobe Wakeup: Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age

by Lois Joy Johnson, Cheryl Tiegs (Foreword)

In a fashion world that constantly speaks to youth, The Wardrobe Wakeup, is an essential look book for every woman 40+. Leading fashion and beauty editor Lois Joy Johnson shares style-boosting, closet reviving, money-saving fashion tricks she's learned over thirty years working with A-list models, celebrities, and real women.The Wardrobe Wakeup is packed with solutions to fashion dilemmas specific to women 40+, changes in skin that make baring legs, arms, and chest an uncomfortable experience; working with colleagues half your age or a boss twenty years younger; going on job interviews where the competition is thirty years old. Lois also addresses fashion problems surrounding lifestyle changes including the horrors of dating again, what's sexy vs. sleazy, and rethinking spending on clothes if living on investments or 401(k)s. Featured in photos throughout are glam women 40+ in the fashion and beauty business. Each woman provides inspiration through interviews about their own style and fashion solutions at this time of life. In Lois's engaging point of view and straightforward approach, she teaches women to maximize their wardrobeand feel fabulous at any age.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion, Self Help, Reference, How To

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2012

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't love it. For one thing, I checked this out from my library and I wasn't really paying attention - when I read "at any age" I assumed we were talking about timeless classic wardrobes and styling tips. Not so. This is for the 40 and above set - which is fine, but let's call it what it is. I also feel like they spent so much time on format that there is actually precious little information that would help the average woman. It's mostly women with overinflated egos and pocketbooks talking about how that $80 skirt will never fit as well as that $400 skirt and isn't that just so sad? Seemed unapproachable for the audience it was probably trying to reach. And, from my librarian view, no TOC, no index. I did pick up a few tips but not anything I couldn't have found elsewhere.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful. Good tips. Nice layout.
Same clothes- Edit wardrobe, wear (only) 1 color, wear navy with black, elongate neck (show collar bone) and legs, (re)tailor for fit, thinnest to thickest layering, relax the look, wear 1/2-1" thin belts, mix prints, wear ironically
Spending - print dresses, low cost piece with expensive accessory, ruching/shirring/draping, red, cheap white t-shirts and camis, a few trendy pieces, wear shapewear, consignment, get the size that fits; rent a dress or bag, sell what you don't wear, buy on sale
Own style - posture!, shape first then clothing style, ageless items, break a few rules, get in shape, sexy shoulders and show off polished toenails, some fun pieces, feel-good fabrics,
Age - decide on your fashion style, leopard/"neutral" animal prints, dresses over skirts, wear knit blends which hold their shape, wear color, think about how much skin to bare, play a bit, combine dressy with non-dressy items, wear the 'right' leggings
Work dressing - wow at interviews try a dress first and it not then a suit, color! and focus on good shoes, take weather into account, tailored coat, pencil skirt (draped, tulip or faux-wrap, don't get too casual regardless of what others wear(!) - stay relaxed but professional, stylish shoes with basic 2 - nude pump, classy black heels and neutral flats, update glasses, camel colored piece are more chic than black - great for all skin and plays well with all, shinny by face (ex. gold earrings, lip gloss) and cheery colors for meetings
need cloths for funerals, travel, slimming and support underwear, sequins/velvet/lace can dress up any last minute look, test drive a look and pre-wear new shoes, use costume jewelry
now - shop online, shop alone and use customer service, list what you wear and compare with what want and what need, buy midway trends, stay with stores and brands that are 'you', comfort and style,

ask 4 - 1. does it work in your life? 2. does it flatter your body? 3. can you afford it? and 4. does it upgrade/update?


take away? I need a new wallet!

[BookBully · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent primer for women "of a certain age" and in this case that means over 50. Johnson has a suitcase full of ideas for dressing age-appropriate while still looking chic and she unpacks all of them. My favorites were tips on dressing in the same color from top to bottom; layering your top half with ankle pants; and her tips on underwear, leggings and shoes. She also targets women getting back into the work force, addressing questions of how to dress when you're the oldest person in the room; and dressing after a life change such as divorce or illness.

I also appreciate the fact that while the author shows women of all shapes and sizes, she doesn't skimp on ideas for women who are in shape. Frankly, I'm tired of the belief that all women over 50 look like frumpy grandmothers. Thank you, Ms. Johnson!

I picked up this book from the library but will invest in a copy of my very own. Would have given this four and a half stars - yet again I beg Goodreads to add half stars - and the only thing keeping it from getting a solid five may sound petty to some but here goes: I wish she had addressed bunions, the bane of some many women my age. Still, highly recommended.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuff I should have known but didn't. :-(

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best guide to wardrobe I've read in a long time! Practical and wise advise galore. Lots of great pictures of down to earth fashions. Good for younger women too!

[Sophie Rayton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is aimed at American women aged over 40, which I am not. Still, I found some good actionable take aways from it (buy and wear more skinny belts). There is quite a lot of photos in this book, but I felt like there wasn't enough relevant photos. For example, there were childhood pictures of the author, but when describing the 10 ways to tie a scarf; no pictures to accompany what they should look like. All in all, it was OK.

[Patricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Whoo-boy did I hate this. It was incredibly prescriptive (I will continue to wear long skirts, thank you) and incredibly self-congratulatory, which is a thing that drives me crazy about baby boomers. There was some lip service to looking good no matter your weight, but every woman featured in this was tiny in that way that means endless salads and no pasta.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas from scarves (love them!) to necklines, dress length, colors, etc. Inspirational tidbits from some smart and elegant ladies.

[Liesl Gibson · Rating 1 out of 5]

A few good tips here, but could there be any more vanity photos of the author?!???

[Lisa Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean honestly if you don't fall in love with this book; you are missing the point. It's so wonderful especially if you are woman in transition. It doesn't insult but encourages us how to live with the clothes we love, reinvent the ones we are maybe discouraged with and asks us to regularly take stock of how we look which should never be work but should reinforce style and class. The pictures of the women here are stunning and I didn't know most of them. The intro is done by Cheryl Tiegs, a native Minnesotan which makes me smile. Minnesotans are always misunderstood. Johnson's tips are ones that will stay with you and can be done immediately. I was encouraged to know I was already doing some of them myself and I thought I was a novice at fashion. I loved this book! It's true when you are well dressed you feel like a million bucks.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Fabulous at Any Age" yet, primarily for those who want to disguise their age--not deny their age, mind you, but to gracefully flow into the next age. I appreciate that there is a market for this, and by all rights, this includes me, yet I did not appreciate the condescending tone of "I know what looks great on me. Don't worry, you'll catch up." The photography is excellent, but how many photos of Johnson looking radiant do we need? I didn't not feel enthusiastic about fashion after reading this book.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book for rich women in their 40s, 50s, and older who want to hide "flaws" more than they want to accentuate assets. I wish there were illustrations of different styles close to when they were mentioned rather than a few photographs scattered throughout. Though there were a mix of high and "low" price designers, most of the clothes and accessories mentioned were too expensive. There were a few interviews of people in the fashion industry where they mostly agreed they decided to stop wearing mini skirts, sleeveless tops, and uncomfortable high heels.

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

The style advice is probably pretty good, but it was so focused on slim white ladies it just didn't work for me.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading through this book - just to brush up on my fashion sense. After all, with time all things change. I was happy to see that I am already doing most of the things recommended in the book to keep myself up to date and fabulous, and somewhat fresh instead of frumpy. Still have a ways to go.

However, the only thing that I struggled with is that they didn't really provide much information for stores where a woman with a really limited budget can shop routinely to stay up to date. I want to purchase quality items that will last for more than a season or two. However, the suggestion of purchasing and then spending money at a tailor is laughable - in my small town there is no tailor. The nearest one is within an hour but only offers hours of 9 - 3, with no evening or weekend hours available. I work 9 - 5. Guess I'm going to have to learn to do some in depth alterations myself. sighhhhhhh. Any recommendations for an excellently prepared very detailed book on how to alter your own clothing????

[Vicky R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The subtitle says “Your Guide in Looking Fabulous at Any Age,” but it’s actually targeted for women in their +40s. Nevertheless I try to keep an open mind while reading but her tips are definitely out there…She includes tips like wear your cardigan backwards, own leopard-print leggings or leopard-print jeans, act entitled when shopping in store and encourages to buy online. I mean, what?! I understand this book was published 13 years ago but those kinds of tips just sounds outrageous. Also, she wore a black couture gown at her daughter’s wedding as the mother-of-the-bride. Unless it was goth themed, that must’ve been awkward for a fashion stylist to miss the mark on her own daughter’s wedding. Overall, this book had a lot of content, but it was too wacky for me to pick up any quality tips.

[Tara Blais Davison · Rating 3 out of 5]

4/5 This was a great fashion book. Lois really knows her way around the American fashion industry. She offers some excellent advice—targeted at older women—and all of her rules can also help many young fashionistas to save money and look well put together but I think Gen Z are already quite conscious of the benefits of buying vintage and secondhand clothing, repurposing items and dressing smarter not costlier.

The book would have benefitted from more photos and a more user friendly layout; a wider range and reference of designers and an expanded section a on capsule wardrobe, dressing the four basic body shapes and resources for readers who are less aware of what brands and fabrics promise quality pieces, what to look for in terms of fabric performance so you can look beyond the label.

[Tram Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really enjoy this book! It has some really helpful advices which could apply to now, 6 years from when it got published, which proves that her advices could stand the test of time. The only thing that I felt a bit off from the book is that it is mainly catered for older women (in their 40s and above). Therefore, the title is really misleading considering that half of the book is written with a perspective of a fashionable 40-year-old to read. Other than that, I wish there could be more photos and illustrations besides the advices, since not all the readers are familiar with the clothing terms. 3*/5*

[Brenda Thomas Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely geared toward those shopping more high-end brands, but with advice that can be applied at any price point. Consider this a tutorial on capsule dressing and finding your style for the middle aged woman. Something for everyone, it's an easy read with more than a few morsels of wisdom from the fashion industry. Take what applies to your lifestyle, and chuckle at the NYC fashionista references.

[Maureen Heipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found some useful information here but felt the book was targeting women who can afford to spend more money on their clothing than I can or want to do. I am retired and in SWFL which is mostly very casual. Even though I don’t have a very busy work or social life, I still want to dress well, within my budget. I’m surprised she didn’t include TJ Max in her list of retailers.

[Anne White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Out of many fashion books at our library, this was one of the prettiest but also one of the least practical. Agree with other reviewers that this is aimed at women with both money and a lifelong clothes interest, who just need a little help as they get older.

[Barbara Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm re-reading books in my personal library during coronageddon, and I ran across this guidebook. It's focused, colorful, and age-appropriate. But some of the ideas seemed a bit outdated and irrelevant, which surprised me, since this was published in 2012.

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book speaks, mainly, to the over 50 audience. While it says at any age, it is certainly geared toward upwardly mobile, older women.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

good information and many ideas to consider. Nice topic.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, worth the read.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

liked some of her suggestions; will consider specific retailers she has suggested.

[Corinnagoodwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

a little unimpressed, a little outdated felling, but the basic info was good.

[Meg]

*grumble*

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, full of timely advice for anyone looking to get or keep a modern, fashionable look. It offers frank advice from an experienced author and many other contributors who are headlining names in worldwide fashion. The layout of the book is pleasing, with great photos that show there is lots of room between teen-queen and matronly.

One of my favorite things about this book is that it doesn't pigeonhole women into categories (how many fashion books give you a quiz in Chapter 1 that determines what's right for you the rest of the way? Not here; general advice for all women is augmented with ideas for concealing the things we grow to dislike about our bodies and showcasing the best parts we offer!

As a woman who long left her teens-and-twenties look, it is great to see how you can be youthful and well-dressed at any age.

Highly recommended for anyone in a professional field, and all women over 30.

[Lisa Scovill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in my early fiftys and have just lost a significant amount of weight. I had gone through my closet and realized that this was my chance to really learn to look pulled together. This book was just what I needed to start looking at clothes critically in terms of how they work together and how to put together a more polished look. The ensembles in the book lean to a more urban, New Yorkish style than I would maybe wear all the time, but there's definitely much to learn here. What was missing was more about casual day-off clothes, but I don't think that was really in the scope of the book. It's more about professional work looks.

[Erin C. Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a jeans and T-shirt gal, but I knew as I aged and advanced at work I needed to do something to perk up my appearance. I LOVED this book. It was simple, easy to read, laid out in quick segments, all of which made me want to read about a subject I care little about. By the second chapter, I was starting to care a whole lot more. I began applying Lois' principles and already I look more professional and feel more confident at work. She is definitely a good friend in book form, steering you away from what honestly doesn't work after 40 and toward was most certainly does work! A definite keeper.