My Super Stylish Friend Sandra Thompson

I know many of you love my ‘Super Stylish Friend’ posts in which I showcase someone whose style I find particularly inspirational. I have been an admirer of our LFF Ambassador Sandra Thompson since I met her in person about four years ago. Sandra has just turned 80, and has been entertaining us all on Super Troopers with her many and varied travels during which she always seems to have the perfect outfit for every occasion, whether that’s sight-seeing or dressing up for a special evening on an exotic cruise.

Sandra is testament to Coco Chanel’s belief that “fashion is ephemeral but style is eternal.” 

I’ll let her tell you how she embraces colour and always manages to look chic, and beautifully coordinated.

My Lifestyle

“I have lived for most of my 80 years in Lancashire and am fortunate that my son and  daughter live locally. I am blessed with 12 grandchildren aged between 3 and 27 who I see  regularly.  Sadly, my dearly loved husband of 46 years passed away 13 years ago after a very long  illness. They were very difficult times but, helped by my family and friends, I have been able to build a new life for myself which is both happy and contented. Locally, I am involved in a number of groups which keeps me busy, and I am very lucky to have a lovely circle of girlfriends. We meet up regularly and have lots of fun together. 

My Personal Style

I think my sense of style has developed over the years but looking back I think I have  always been interested in clothes.  

My first ‘grown up’ outfit was a cream duffle coat and tartan trews that I had when I was 13 and which I remember very fondly. I was already 5’7” by then and very self conscious. Fortunately I stopped  growing after that. In my teens, my Mum taught me to sew on an old treadle machine. I made my own clothes from then on and would buy remnants from the market so that I could make a mini shift dress from about a  metre of fabric! I don’t do any dressmaking now but it’s useful to be able to adapt and alter clothes if needed.  

My Look: Eclectic, Casual and Slightly Unstructured

These days my style is quite eclectic but I prefer a casual, slightly unstructured look to more fitted and formal clothes. I am a size 16 to 18 and a classic pear shape, so I like long tops over slim trousers. Balloon shaped dresses and slightly quirky styles seem to suit me too.

I get great pleasure from putting an outfit together and experimenting with what works best to create a well-coordinated look. I have a vast array of scarves which can often ‘lift’ a whole outfit by adding a finishing touch or a splash of colour. I really enjoy a holiday cruise and the opportunity it gives me to dress up which I don’t have at home. I particularly love formal evenings on board and seeing all the fabulous dresses. The men can look very good too! In more informal summer evenings I am much more comfortable in a lovely top and relaxed trousers.

My Colouring - Cool Winter

I’ve never had my ‘colours done’ but think I am probably a cool winter even though I have brown eyes. When I was younger I was auburn and used to wear autumn colours but, looking back, I don’t think I ever suited them much.  My hair is now naturally silver/white and I find the colours that suit me are clear brights such as fuchsia, cobalt blue, magenta and purple

My Favourite Brands

I love Sahara, Phase Eight and Marla Wynne, probably because of their slightly edgy styles. It’s nice to be a bit different but my budget doesn’t stretch to their prices, so I watch out on Ebay and Vinted. I have had some wonderful buys and buying preloved is becoming much more acceptable these days.  

I also love the kimonos from One Hundred Stars and have invested in a couple which I wear a lot, especially on holiday. They can transform a simple t-shirt and pants into a  stunning style statement.  

On holiday I like to wear a variety of tops, pants and casual dresses. I particularly like the ankle grazer pants by Foil. I have them in a few colours and they are great for holidays. 

I like M&S for basics and always buy my undies and nightwear there. Occasionally they  have an item that shouts out ‘Buy me!’  That’s what happened last winter when I saw a beautiful teal green velvet trouser suit. It’s so versatile as I can wear the pieces separately too. I wore it in December for a special  evening at the Royal Opera House to celebrate my 80th birthday. It was perfect for the occasion.

Accessories

Accessories can really make a difference to how you look. I love statement earrings and chunky necklaces but not both together. One statement piece is enough.  

In winter, my choice is often a jumper dress with leggings and boots or a chunky sweater and a warm jacket. I always love a long cardigan or coatigan as they are now called.  

My Makeup

I always wear makeup and love the range by Look Fabulous Forever. It’s perfect for my  older skin. I love bright, vibrant lipstick colours because it really lifts my face. It’s just me and I never go  out without my lippie on!

My Best Style Advice as an Older Woman

Being stylish has no age limit so embrace your unique style,

1. Don’t be afraid of colour or to be true to yourself. 

2. Dress with confidence in clothes that flatter your body shape. 

3. Avoid anything frumpy. I really don’t suit skirts so that’s a no  for me even though they can look great on some people - but on me they just look matronly. 

4. Try to wear colours that flatter your skin tone. I know I never look good in camels and  peachy colours so I steer clear of them.  

5. A modern hairstyle that flatters your face shape really helps. I’ve tried growing my hair over  the years but always go back to wearing it short. I like to zhuzh it up so it doesn’t look too  coiffured, which can look a bit old fashioned. 

6. Don’t be afraid to embrace your grey or silver hair.  It took my hairdresser a number of years to persuade me to stop colouring my hair and I really love it now and it’s so much easier (and cheaper!)”

Thank you Sandra - I love your attitude to life and enormous ‘joie de vivre’. The photos here are testament to how well you follow your own advice and show how perfectly you marry a great sense of style with an enthusiastic and inspirational ‘can-do’ attitude.

Tricia x

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