Article by Judith Brady
Who would you describe as stylish? What is it about them that made you think of them? Chances are that it will be someone with a discernible look that they feel totally comfortable with. It is unlikely to be one of the many ‘celebs’ who routinely wear whatever their stylist tells them is the latest fashion they must be seen in.
Lots of women can ‘lose the plot’ in their 50s
Fundamentally style is all about confidence. The confidence in knowing what suits you and most importantly, what makes you feel good about yourself. The internal and external confidence which comes from knowing that you look good and that your appearance is expressing who you are, is very powerful. Lots of women seem to ‘lose the plot’ regarding how to dress when they reach their 40s or 50s – the secret is to walk the line between trendy and dowdy.
Stylish not Trendy over 50
Many avid fashion followers become fashion victims and the clothes end up wearing them. This is, of course, the role of the catwalk models – to be anonymous and show off the clothes – the person is invisible. It is important to look modern, but equally important not to end up looking like ‘mutton dressed as lamb’.
Donatella Versace is a prime example of ‘mutton’ and also clearly shows that money does not guarantee style!
Stylish not Dowdy over 50
On the other hand, the last thing we want is to look dowdy. There is absolutely no reason why you can’t look modern and stylish whatever your age. A lot comes down to your attitude – you are not automatically banned from wearing certain things just because you have reached a certain age. I have heard it all from clients: ‘I can’t wear white jeans anymore’, ‘I’m too old for leggings’, ‘Dangly earrings are only for young girls’, ‘I’d look silly in a maxi dress’, I can’t have long hair’ (what about Jerry Hall who’s 54!). If you always stick to neutral colours, safe, out-of-date styles and conservative accessories you will probably look and feel older.
Often we are prompted into taking some action to update our style when faced with a change of circumstances – maybe you are newly single, retiring, changing jobs, returning to work, have changed size, or have a big social event coming up which has thrown you into a panic about what to wear.
Creating Your Own Style over 50
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a whole new wardrobe. In fact it’s often best to gradually introduce new things that take you a little bit outside your comfort zone. As you become more confident, you can add to it and create looks that really suit you and make you feel good.
A great starting point for everyone is to have a review of their wardrobe and a good de-clutter. How many things have you got hanging in your wardrobe that you never wear or even still have the label on? The record among my clients is 24 items with the labels intact! Having a ruthless sort out is such a liberating experience and once you can actually see what you have got, you can start putting together outfits more creatively. Remember ‘less clothes, more outfits’.
There are then lots of small steps you can take towards creating your own style:
• Try out a slightly bolder colour lipstick – I can’t tell you what a difference this can make especially as we tend to lose colour in our lips as we get older. NB Stick with it for a few days, to start with all you will see is a pair of lips coming towards you when you look in the mirror!
• Change your eye make-up – how long have you been wearing the same colours??
• Buy some new accessories – a very cost effective way of updating an outfit. Try out some of the modern costume jewellery, an eye-catching necklace can breathe new life into a plain dress or top.
• Learn different ways to tie scarves to change your look.
• Don’t try and match everything you wear – it can look dated. Try wearing things in unusual combinations, either colour, texture or design, mix and match formal and informal. Play with your clothes to create a look that is you.
• If you constantly wear neutrals, white, beige, grey or black, try a colour near your face and see the effect is has on your skin, eyes and hair. If it’s a good colour for you it should enhance all your features.
• Think about a new hair style- having a modern cut can immediately take years off you. Collect pictures of styles you like and discuss with your hairdresser.
• The fastest way to look 7lbs lighter is through good posture. It’s a cliché, but standing up straight with your shoulders back really works. Everything looks better on you if you hold yourself well!
Age is no barrier to style
Age really is no barrier to style and in fact I believe that the most stylish women around are often ‘older’ ladies who know exactly who they are and what suits them and wear their clothes with poise and panache. We can all achieve this and this is one ‘fab after fifty’ who is determined to get there!
Related articles: Having confidence in High Heels
Judith Brady is an Image Consultant and can be contacted via www.judithbrady.co.uk
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