Now I Have a Hero Piece!

Hey everyone! If you’ve been reading for awhile, you know that I had to learn by myself how to dress this mid-life body (and if you’re new to this blog you can read about it here). I scoured the internet for tips and helpful blogs. One thing I heard a lot about was a “hero piece”. I seriously did not understand what this was and how an item was determined to be a “hero”. But, now, I think I’ve got it figured out.

My Hero Piece Shirt!

One thing I enjoy doing is pulling out a lot of items from my closet and trying them in different combinations. Often, I find I wear the same top with the same bottom because they work together, but I don’t want to get into a rut and I don’t want to run out and buy something new just to mix things up. So, probably once each season, I’ll pull out what I’ve got and just start trying them on together, even if I don’t think it will work. I learn a lot about why an item of clothing works, or doesn’t, when I do this.

My Hero Piece Shirt!

So, I have some items of clothing that aren’t very flexible. For whatever reason they don’t go with many other items. These pants are an example. They have a wide leg, so traditional styling would have it that I would wear it with a slim fitting top. As you know, that is definitely not an option for my comfort level. The other reason why these pants are inflexible is that the waistband is a bit tight and definitely shows a dent in my mid-section, another non-starter for my comfort level. Enter the hero piece: the blue top.

My Hero Piece Shirt!

This blue top works with all of the finicky pieces of my wardrobe. It is a nice length, has flattering 3/4 sleeves and the material skims without clinging and without ballooning out. You’ve seen it before here but that was before I realized it’s super-power. So many tops when you have a big bust are either too form-fitting or too tent-like. This shirt is the perfect in-between. Now, when I have a finicky item in my closet, I pull out this hero piece and let it do it’s job!

My Hero Piece Shirt!

It also has an easy neckline to work with for jewelry, scarves, jackets and I have no worries about bending over and giving anyone a peep-show. Plus, with my white hair, fair skin and blue eyes the color is really flattering. Here is plus size options from JJill and a sleeveless version.

So, that’s how I figured out what a hero piece was. It’s a piece that can jump into any wardrobe catastrophe and fix things in a jiffy! When you find a piece like this, pull out the troublesome items in your closet and try them together. It really is worth shopping your closet and trying things on just for fun to find the hidden gems already in there.

My Hero Piece Shirt!
FYI: These photos were taken at the Detroit Children’s Museum

Side note: This is my 6 month blogging anniversary! I have really enjoyed everything about it, but have come to love the comments and discussions we have in the comment sections the most. It is the closest place where we can have real dialog about dressing and loving our mid-life bodies. So, if you’re feeling hesitant about commenting, please don’t hesitate any longer. Do it whenever the mood strikes, because we are a supportive group here! And thank you to all of my loyal readers who continue to read and comment and share. Bette, a regular reader, sent me this link about Tim Gunn’s rebuke of the fashion industry for ignoring women over size 12. Sound familiar? Here is the Washington Post article and here is Kelly McEver’s interview on NPR. We are not invisible. We’re not going away. We demand better… because we rule!

Linking up with the lovely ladies at Shelbee on the Edge!

I do not have any affiliation with any of the brands or stores nor do I receive any compensation. I’m just sharing what I’ve learned.

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8 Comments

  1. Congratulations Julia for 6 months of lovely blogging. I’m trying to get back on track after a very stretched summer season at work, and your blog is one I’ve missed. I’m such a fan of your writing as well as your style. It’s great to hear about your hero piece, and in fact to learn about such an item, as I hadn’t heard about them at all. I’m not a reader of fashion articles or magazines due to lack of spare time, so I’m always delighted to glean some vital info on the fashion world from ladies like you who are kind enough to enlighten their audience. You look so classy in these white pants and your hero top certainly does the trick to hide any danger spots. The necklace is a great piece: very eye-catching and also so versatile being silver. Have a great week x
    Anna
    http://www.annasislandstyle.com

    1. You know I was thinking the same thing when I was going through them. I think it’s because my hubby was taking them instead of my daughters — though I’m mad at him today so I really can’t say. We took them on Sunday, our 26th anniversary, so maybe that had something to do with it!

  2. That blue is perfect.

    A hero piece… I’m not sure I have one, but I’ll pay attention now and see if one emerges. Perhaps my dark turquoise 3/4 sleeve t-shirt — goes with every single thing I have. I’d better get another one before this one wears out!

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