💌 In my newsletters, I am share with you tips on how I’ve lost almost 30 POUNDS and the recipes I used to get there. I also send out the weekly sales, steals, and deals. And it’s completely FREE. Sign up below!
And it’s completely FREE..sign up HERE!
Find out the details in this YouTube Video!
I’m sure you’ve seen the fashion “Sandwich Method” of creating outfits splattered all over social media and YouTube.
But DO NOT shop your closet and use this method until you read this post.
In short, the Sandwich Method may not be flattering on women over 40, women over 50, and women over 60.
In fact, the Sandwich Method might just be the FASHION ENEMY of midlife women.
Let’s explore why.
What Is the Sandwich Method?
The sandwich method is a straightforward styling trick: you match an element from your top half (like a sweater, blouse, or jacket) to an element from your bottom half (pants, skirt, or shoes), with a contrasting or different element in between. Think of your outfit as a sandwich:
- Top “bread”: Your top or jacket
- Filling: Your pants, skirt, or even a belt
- Bottom “bread”: Shoes, pants, or another accessory that echoes the color or texture of your top
For example, black no tuck blouse (top bread), white jeans (filling), and black sandals (bottom bread) create a visual “sandwich.”
Why *SOME* Midlife Women Like the Sandwich Method
- Easy Outfits: The Sandwich Method is an easy, go-to rule of thumb to create Spring and Summer outfits for what to wear…when you don’t know what to wear.
- Cohesion and Balance: The method instantly makes outfits look more intentional and balanced, eliminating that “thrown together” feeling.
- Wardrobe Versatility: It encourages you to remix pieces you already own in new ways, breathing new life into your existing wardrobe.
Let’s Review the Five Elements of Any Outfit
- Top
- Bottom
- Shoes
- Layer (Mid Layer or Outer Layer)
- Accessories
How to Build a Sandwich Outfit:
The Sandwich Method is the first three outfit elements: 1) Top or 4) Layer, 2) Bottom, and 3) Shoes.
- Pick Your “Bread”: Your 1) Top and 3) Shoes should be from the same general color family.
- Add the “Filling”: Opt for a contrasting piece for the 2) Bottom piece.
- Finish with Accessories: Sprinkle in 5) Accessories for added cohesion and flair.
Examples:
- Black blazer + White Tee + Blue Jeans + Black flats.
- White Denim Jacket + White Tee, Blue Jeans, White Sneakers.
- Black No Tuck Top + Beige Ankle Pants + Black Sandals
But the Sandwich Method Isn’t About Lengthening or Slimming…
It’s important to note that the sandwich method is designed for balance and cohesion, NOT FOR CREATING A LENGTHENING OR SLIMMING EFFECT. Here’s why:
- Breaks Up the Body Line: By intentionally placing contrasting or different elements in the middle of your outfit, the sandwich method visually segments the body rather than creating a continuous vertical line. This can interrupt the elongating effect that a “column of color” or monochromatic dressing provides.
- Focus on Symmetry, Not Streamlining: The method’s goal is to mirror elements on the top and bottom for visual harmony. While this creates a polished look, it doesn’t necessarily make you appear taller or slimmer because your eye is drawn to the “bread” at both ends and the contrasting “filling” in the center.
- Emphasizes Deliberate Styling Over Illusion: The sandwich method is about looking thoughtfully put-together, NOT about using fashion tricks to alter your silhouette. If your primary goal is to look longer or leaner, classic strategies like column dressing, wearing a single color head-to-toe or matching your shoes to your pants are more effective.
The Sandwich Method is the FASHION ENEMY of Most Midlife Women
This is a PROBLEM for midlife women: we generally have the menopause belly and need that extra slimming and lengthening illusion from our outfits. Fashion choices that break up our outfits into visual segments tend to accentuate the menopause belly. This is why the Sandwich Method might just be the FASHION ENEMY OF MIDLIFE WOMEN!
The Sandwich Method is a go-to hack to help you create outfits for what to wear…when you don’t know what to wear. It is NOT a method that makes you look taller and slimmer. It’s just a rule of thumb to create harmonious outfits with a flattering silhouette through balance and repetition. – Valarie
Shop Your Closet FIRST
The sandwich method is a fun, accessible way for midlife women to create balanced, intentional outfits using what’s already in their closets. It’s not a way to look taller or slimmer, but it can help shop your closet to create outfits that are stylish, fresh, and harmonious. So next time you don’t know what to wear, try “sandwiching” your wardrobe!
Happy Styling!
Valarie
“I am 5’0 with a 26” inseam and generally wear size 2P. All items fit TTS (true to size) unless otherwise stated.“
- Valarie
Sweater Tee + Palazzo Pants + Low Heels + Designer Tote + Clear Block Heels
Midlife Posh Closet uses affiliate links within this site. Purchasing an item through a link from MidlifePoshCloset.com or Midlife Closet social media (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) may result in a commission. Merely clicking on a link does not result in a commission, but if an item is purchased as a result of the link, a commission is earned. If you have any specific questions about my disclosures or affiliate links, please feel free to contact me directly at val@midlifeposhcloset.com
Reading this and looking at the this-or-this pics, I thought of my mom’s rule: Your shoes should never be darker than your hem, dress or skirt or pants. I try to stick to it. Thanks for the visuals.
Your mother was rather fashion-wise!
Great post Valerie
Thank you, Cindy!!!
I love the side by side comparison! It really helps to see that shoes can elongate your appearance. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you for the feedback – this is helpful for me in creating future posts!
Great video! I love the side-by-side visuals. So helpful in seeing the differences.
Thank you for the feedback – this is helpful for me in creating future posts!
I like that you put side by side photos. Big difference between the sandwich shoe choice and the elongating shoe choice. I’m finally going to order the clear sandals that you often wear – they look great with so many things! Thank you for ALL of your fantastic fashion advice.
This makes me so happy to read – thank you for trusting me!