The Art of Dressing Alone
The Oprah US|Volume 3. No 3 - 2023
As she left her marriage behind, a muumuu became symbolic of this writer’s newfound freedom.
SHAYLA LAWSON
The Art of Dressing Alone

The art of newly single dressing is a Law of Dianes-Diane Keaton, Diahann Carroll, Princess Di, Diana Rossnotoriously untethered icons whose effortless glam ranges from intellectual chic to gala spectacular. No matter the look, the theme is always clear: I did this all myself. I don't need a partner.

I wanted to look like a mid-40s divorcée vacationing in Maine who owned a drawer full of designer sunglasses that some soon-to-be-ex was still paying for. I wanted to be drenched in unwrinkled bleached linen from head to heel. But I was 31. I'd comfortably settled into the status of my married wardrobe-a collection of skinny jeans and dinner host dresses and a life I thought was finally beginning; I was not prepared for this new ending. And definitely not new clothes. I was living in Bloomington, Indiana. We had a T.J.Maxx and one boutique. So I settled for a bold substitute: the muumuu.

The muumuu is the epitome of rich-auntie chic. I'd learned this from my mother. For years, she and every other rich-auntie-vibes adult I knew stumbled around the house on weekends in a big square sheet of fabric with two seams, prancing around, turning pancakes, listening to Patti LaBelle.

This story is from the Volume 3. No 3 - 2023 edition of The Oprah US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Volume 3. No 3 - 2023 edition of The Oprah US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE OPRAH USView All
The Perfect Gift Book for Everyone on Your List
The Oprah US

The Perfect Gift Book for Everyone on Your List

Sumptuous reads that look as lovely on your coffee table as they do on your bedside table.

time-read
4 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
Long Live YOU!
The Oprah US

Long Live YOU!

A head-to-toe guide to staying strong, sharp, healthy, and happy well into your platinum years.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
How to Manage Holiday Stress
The Oprah US

How to Manage Holiday Stress

Want to avoid family drama this year? Here are three ways to pregame.

time-read
2 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
How Makeup Artists Do the Holidays
The Oprah US

How Makeup Artists Do the Holidays

Time to put your party face on! These glam pros are sharing a look they love—and modeling it themselves.

time-read
3 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
On Everyone's Lips
The Oprah US

On Everyone's Lips

Carol Rasheed, the head makeup artist on The Color Purple, gives us a peek behind the scenes-and, thanks to her new lipstick collection, a memento.

time-read
2 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
THE MOTHER-IN-LAW Survival Guide
The Oprah US

THE MOTHER-IN-LAW Survival Guide

Ding-dong, she's here! But fear not-so are we, with advice on managing this singular relationship with grace, humor, and lots of heart.

time-read
10 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
The Enduring Power The Color Purple
The Oprah US

The Enduring Power The Color Purple

It has captivated audiences as a novel, a movie, and a Broadway musical. On the eve of its latest incarnation, a sweeping musical feature film out on Christmas Day, we celebrate Alice Walker's universal saga of resilience and redemption with behind-the-scenes stories from the new book Purple Rising.

time-read
3 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
Who (or What) Do You Need to Thank?
The Oprah US

Who (or What) Do You Need to Thank?

Gratitude isn't just a topic for your annual turkey dinner. It's been scientifically shown to improve your health eating depression, boosting immunity, and lowering stress. These thank-you notes (plus an ode to a heartbreakingly loyal pup) will inspire you to make it a daily practice.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
Beam Me Up
The Oprah US

Beam Me Up

Bethany Heitman's self-esteem was tied to her clear skin, so dark spots sent her spiraling. Then she saw the light.

time-read
3 mins  |
Volume 3. No 3 - 2023
Turn Around, Bright Eyes
The Oprah US

Turn Around, Bright Eyes

After years of despising the puffy bags under her eyes, Rae Ann Herman found a surgeon she trusted and woke up refreshed in every way.

time-read
2 mins  |
Volume 3. No 3 - 2023