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Lisa Armstrong is The Telegraph’s head of fashion. She began her career in fashion at Vogue. She has written four novels, has an honorary doctorate from the University of Arts in London, and was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to fashion.
Each week, she responds to your queries, lending her expertise to help you shop smart. Have a question for her? Submit it below.
Dear Lisa,
Seven years ago, I left my high-powered director job in London to run a boutique hotel in Majorca. Where I used to have my uniform of Reiss suits, Karen Millen dresses and heels, I now feel very stuck since moving to Majorca (I’m sitting here in an old cardi and my daughter’s cast-off trainers).
The hotel atmosphere calls for something more relaxed. As I’m cooking breakfast and running to the laundry, I need something that doesn’t restrict me. Plus, there’s the summer heat.
Since the menopause I have put on weight around my tummy, and now my, top-and-bottom combos just cut me in half. I love monochrome but probably need a bit of colour as my hair is now completely grey, though a nice platinum colour.
As for shoes, flats are a must. I’m now 56 and just 5ft 1. I used to wear All Saints at the weekend and love high fashion, but combined with all of the above I just don’t have the income anymore to splash out on expensive items. I have also lost the patience to trawl through online shops. I want to look fashionable, confident, relaxed and ideally could do with a capsule wardrobe. Can you help me create a new style?
– Joanna
Dear Joanna,
Formulating a capsule wardrobe can be really fun as well as a great opportunity to start from scratch. If you have time, I highly recommend selling as much of the wardrobe that no longer serves you – on Vinted or eBay. Getting rid of anything you don’t wear will both clear your mind and help you understand what you do want, as well as generating some useful cash for new buys.
You say top and bottom combos cut you in the middle so we’ll leave those for the moment and focus on dresses. Slightly raised waists could be the most flattering option for you – lengthening your legs and skimming your tummy. Here are some good examples. Look for lightweight cottons, seersuckers and linen or (if the creases bug you) linen mixes.
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