"For a long time, I felt like I was bound by the fixed idea that cool-toned clothes like blue are only for summer. But recently, with 'all-white winter outfits' becoming a staple, I'm excited to see how old theories are being rewritten. When you look at it again, blue and white really do stand out in the crisp, cold air."
To complement that "winter blue" sweater, she added a blouse with a frilled collar. A frilled collar is a helpful item for women in their 60s as it brightens up the face, and by letting it peek out from the neckline of the sweater, it seems like it will be useful in the coming seasons as well.
"I used to wear Aran sweaters and tartan skirts a lot when I was younger, so I feel like I can still pull it off easily. Not only the colors and length, but also the details like the elastic waistband on the skirt have evolved to be more modern, so I'm happy that I can wear it in a fresh way without feeling outdated."
The back has a simple knit pattern, which is great because it makes you look sleek from behind.
"For the bottoms this time, I paired it with a checkered skirt with an off-white base color, but chinos or corduroy pants in the same shade would also work well."
- Items to wear
トップス：Aran sweater that looks like it's hand-knitted¥ 7,590 (tax included)Click here for product details
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
The next blue top Mimi chose was a pullover with a small floral pattern.
"When you consider how it looks on your face, the brighter the color of the tops that women of our generation wear, the better (laughs). It's even better if there's white in the pattern. Delicate small floral patterns look sophisticated on their own, so they're really useful for casual outings."
The softly puffed cuffs also add to its elegant look.
For the bottoms, she chose black pants with cutwork embroidery below the knee.
"Sheer items are usually associated with summer, but incorporating them into your winter wardrobe can create a deliberately stylish look that elevates your overall appearance. Playing with the colors of your tights and socks would also be fun."
- Items to wear
トップス：Sunny Clouds feat. HOKKOH Flower Kaleidoscope Top¥ 7,590 (tax included)Click here for product details
ボトムス：Cutwork embroidered witch pants *Mimi is wearing size M¥ 6,490 (tax included)Click here for product details- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
Next up is mint, a slightly unique shade within the blue family. It's a gentle color that makes your skin tone look beautiful. This is a simple two-piece outfit of a sweatshirt and pants, but thanks to the striking mint color and gingham check, it looks much more stylish.
On days when you're going a little further afield, add a beret. With the right accessories, your casual loungewear can be instantly elevated.
The puffy texture of the corduroy and the soft, warm material of the pants also give it a special feel.
"When you reach your 60s, many people probably find that the places they go are mostly limited to the local supermarket or gym—places that are only a few minutes away. I'm certainly one of them (laughs). If that's the case, I think the important thing is to 'make your one-mile wear stylish.' It's easy to let your guard down when you're just going to the neighborhood, but I feel that simply choosing eye-catching colors, materials, or your favorite patterns for your one-mile wear, which is the outfit you wear most often, can definitely increase your daily happiness."
- Items to wear
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
Finally, Mimi chose a blouse in a sophisticated grayish-blue color. As you reach your 60s, tucking your top into your bottoms can be a bit challenging, so a top that's just the right length to wear untucked is very useful.
"I noticed there was some red in the pattern of this blouse, and when I looked closely, I realized it was actually a pattern of red turnips and carrots! Playful clothes like this really lift my spirits. Sometimes I have days when I feel a little down, but I feel like I can get away with anything if I have clothes that make me smile."
To match the brownish-red pattern, I chose a brown skirt. The front is made of corduroy and the back is made of canvas fabric, and the pocket area has a workwear feel, so even though it's a long skirt, it has just the right amount of casualness.
"I used to love gathered skirts and wore them often, but as I've gotten older, my stomach has gotten bigger and my hips have gotten wider, so it's become difficult to find a good balance... So recently, I've been trying out skirts with a straight silhouette. This one has a design that flares out a little towards the hem, so it's not too tight and I can walk easily in it, so I really like it."
- Items to wear
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
[Mimi's Fashion Class] Retrospective Interview
—"Winter blue" sounds kind of refreshing, doesn't it?
"Right? Just by venturing a little bit beyond the colors you usually wear, your style level will increase dramatically, so I really want you to try it."
— Do you have any tips for coordinating outfits using "winter blue" effectively?
"When coordinating blue clothes, think of it as an extension of navy, which is also a shade of blue, and you'll find it easy to put together. If it goes well with navy, it should go well with blue too! For people of our generation, a bright color near the face makes a big difference in appearance, so if you choose a bright blue for your top, you'll look much more vibrant (laughs)."
—But I feel like it's hard to find blue winter clothing.
"Instead of limiting yourself to just knitwear and outerwear for winter, why not broaden your options to include thick sweatshirts and shirts, as we've shown you today? You can easily incorporate them into your wardrobe by layering a turtleneck sweater underneath or adding a cardigan or down jacket."
Profile
Mimi
65 years old, 167cm tall. Lives with a cat in an apartment in the suburbs of Kochi Prefecture. Started a YouTube channel in her 60s."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
