First, Mimi picked out a blouse and skirt with the same check pattern.
"If you have both, you can wear them together to create a dress, or each piece can be the main focus of your outfit. Buying the top and bottom set is definitely more versatile and a better deal than buying just one dress!"
Let's get started, starting with the outfit on the left.
Like One Piece
(Left) The check pattern has subdued colors, so it doesn't look too flashy when worn as a set, and it's easier to wear than a dress, which is a great advantage.
(Right) Tucking in the hem of the top creates a more classic look.
The puff sleeves, which use plenty of fabric, change the overall look of the garment with even the slightest movement.
Blouse only
Pairing a checked blouse with black pants instantly creates a masculine look!
(Left) The black at the neckline, cuffs, and buttons tightens the look of the face. Tucking only the front of the blouse in and showing the belt makes it look even sharper.
(Right) The pants are made of a soft, double-faced jersey material, making them incredibly comfortable to wear. Fastening the buttons at the hem changes the silhouette, giving them a slightly softer look.
Skirt only
Instead of pairing a checked skirt with a monochrome top, try a blouse in a similar color for a fresh look.
You can also wear the blouse open, like a cardigan.
"Wearing it with the collar slightly pulled back, like a kimono, gives it a nice touch. As autumn deepens, you can dramatically change the look by switching from a white T-shirt to a dark-colored turtleneck."
As a petticoat
Finally, layer a checkered skirt under the dress. These two outfits use the same clothes, but the impression changes completely depending on how you button them.
(Left) Button the dress all the way up to create a turtleneck, then unbutton a few buttons at the bottom so that the skirt is fully visible.
(Right) Leaving the top button open to reveal a white T-shirt creates a relaxed look, so keep the bottom buttons all fastened and only let the skirt peek out from under the dress.
(left)"The subtle check pattern makes a huge difference when viewed from behind! It makes you look so much more stylish than just wearing a plain black dress."
(Right) The deep side slits make it easy to move your legs and walk in, and the check pattern looks cute too!
- Items to wear
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
Next up is a boyish checkered shirt. While autumn and winter often feature dark colors, Mimi chose a checkered pattern with white in it to brighten her complexion.
"When men in their 60s wear checkered shirts, they can sometimes look a bit old-fashioned, so a little ingenuity is needed. Choose a slightly oversized shirt, fasten only a few buttons, and let the T-shirt underneath show at two points—the neckline and the waist—to avoid looking 'old-fashioned'!"
Pair it with chinos in a dark camel color for an autumnal feel. The deep pleats will help to cover your stomach and hips.
When it gets hot during the day, you can tie your shirt around your waist. Just shifting the position where you tie it slightly to the side will give it a more sophisticated look.
- Items to wear
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
"A blackwatch pleated skirt is an eternally coveted item. Back in the day, they were knee-length (laughs). It was a classic combination to wear it with a denim jacket. But now, if a woman in her 60s wears the same combination, she might look like someone who can't forget the past and has been left behind... To avoid looking like someone who has time-traveled, I tried something a little different this time and paired it with a denim blouse."
(Left) Because it's made of denim, the cutwork applied to the sides of the buttons and cuffs doesn't look too sweet, and it goes well with the check pattern.
(Right) With an asymmetrical design featuring pleats of different widths on the left and right, and a long length that reveals the ankles, this dress is basic yet full of trendy elements.
I used to choose blue in the summer, but in the fall I'll switch to navy, and I'll also change my accessories, like earrings, from silver to gold.
"Just choosing a rich, deep color like mustard for your socks can surprisingly make going out in the fall more enjoyable."
- Items to wear
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
![[Mimi's Fashion Class] Retrospective Interview](https://www.felissimo.co.jp/niau/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/09-01-1024x512.jpg)
--The checkered pattern suited you very well, Mimi!
"I'm so happy. In autumn, we tend to wear more dark-toned clothes, but if our outfits are too plain, it can make our complexions look dull, so it's really important to make use of patterns. That said, I think many people are hesitant about floral or geometric patterns, so I recommend starting with checks, which are familiar to our generation."
—In autumn, not only the pattern but also the color choice becomes important, right?
"Yes, I change my makeup colors with the seasons. If I switch to autumn colors for my clothes but stick with summery, refreshing makeup, it looks out of place. So, as soon as I feel the autumn breeze and sunshine, I switch to brown tones. However, brown tones can make my complexion look dull, so I make sure to use a light beige as an eyeshadow base to brighten my complexion, and I also pay attention to other techniques that are appropriate for someone in their 60s."
—Are there any other items whose colors you update with the changing seasons?
"I think nail polish is the easiest way to get a head start on the season with color. Even if the lingering summer heat is intense, having autumn colors on your fingertips feels refreshing, and it lifts your spirits every time you look at them. This year, I'm planning to enjoy coordinating autumn colors like khaki, moss green, dark orange, and chocolate with the colors in my checkered patterns."
Profile
Mimi
64 years old, 167cm tall. Lives with cats in an apartment in the suburbs of Kochi Prefecture. Started a YouTube channel at age 61."Mimi's life"She runs a website where she shares ideas about daily life, including clothing, food, and shelter. She has also authored numerous books on fashion and styling, including her latest work, "Rethinking Fashion in Your 60s: Wear Clothes That Let You Enjoy the Present" (Shufu to Seikatsu Sha).
*Items without a credit listed are Mimi's personal belongings.
*Unless otherwise stated, the size Mimi is wearing is MT.
Plan:Lifestyle and Fashion Editorial Office
Photo: Hiroshi Kiyonaga
