Can you be gorgeous, sexy and attractive over 50? At what age do you need to stop wearing a mini-skirt? Are you so afraid of looking like your daughter you've started dressing like your mother?
We're all looking for that perfect "Ageless Style".
The best antidote to ageing is confidence. Wear your clothes with confidence and you will look ageless.
Here are my top tips.
1. Ignore Fashion and concentrate on Style.
Include contemporary touches to keep yourself looking on trend, but leave fashion to the youngsters.
Go for elegant, timeless clothes that create a statement.
Avoid “matchy-matchy”. It will date you. Be brave about putting together toning colours but don't match colours. Shoes and bag do not need to match – it worked for your mother but not for you!
2. Dress to show your body, whatever your size.
No one looks better in shapeless, baggy clothes.
If you don’t like some things about your body shape, a Style Advisor can help you find ways to minimise or disguise them and play up parts you do like. She will show you the designs and cuts which suit your body shape and proportion. It will save you a fortune in the long run.
Wear clothes that fit. Never wear clothes that are too tight. Forget the label size and focus on fit.
3. Find out which colours and fabrics suit you today.
Subtle colouring changes occur which you may not have noticed.
Increased ash tones in the hair, a slightly redder complexion – all these things affect the way colour looks on you.
Put together colours and textures that have a lot in common. Various shades of similar colour can look very elegant. Try mixing different shades of black and charcoal, red and orange, cream and white, greys.
Mix fur or leather with silks of a similar colour. Contrast can be very effective but make sure you do it deliberately to achieve a particular look.
Black & White is timeless and ageless when worn well. If white doesn’t work for you, try cream with black. Think YSL and add jewellery for a splash of colour.
4. Spend more, much more, on your lingerie.
The shapewear available today can transform your body no matter what your shape.
Yes, it is a little less comfortable than wearing little knickers but you will get used to it, and it will make such a difference.
Get a bra that fits and lifts – droopy breasts are never a good look. I recommend getting a free fitting at Rigby & Peller in London.
5. Discover dresses.
Don’t be afraid of dresses. A good dress can make you look taller and slimmer and can be topped off with various jackets, shirts, scarves etc to achieve a variety of looks.
6. Use layers.
Layered clothing is a great way to change the impression of your shape. It confuses the eye so can create a very different look.
Try wearing 2 shirts open over a vest top. Avoid bulk by choosing light fabrics and topping off with a long cardigan or shirt.
If you don’t want to show upper arms find a thin long-sleeved flesh-coloured top to wear under short-sleeved tops.
7. Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise.
Bags and accessories are an absolute must for anyone who wants to show they are not “past it”. This is where you can go right on trend with a big bag in a bright colour and interesting shape. A clutch bag for the evening or a stylish shoulder bag that fits snugly under the armpit will give you instant chic.
If you've never known the joy of a drawerful of belts and scarves, now is the time to start. Nothing will give you more flexibility and make your styel look "finished".
Costume jewellery is fun and fab. Choose jewellery to suit your proportions and focus on one main piece.
Wear small stud earrings with a statement necklace, or diamond drop earrings with a simple chain.
8. Be sexy.
Growing older does not preclude looking sexy and atractive. Think of the sexy women over 50 – Helen Mirren, Susan Sarandon, Cher, and Jaclyn Smith (pictured at 59).
The secret to looking sexy as you get older is to remember that less is more. Bare flesh is best left to those with toned, tight skin.
Play up those areas which flatter your figure and use your sensuality to demonstrate your allure.
Sensual fabrics, rich colours and a great cut are the way to attract attention.
9. Be comfortable, but be stylish.
There is no need to give up style to be comfortable, and you should be able to wear your clothes without thinking about them.
Kitten heels, suede boots, wedge sandals are all great for comfort and style. A good pair of Hunter wellingtons can look great in the winter and simple flip-flops are perfect for holiday time. “Crocs” may be comfortable, but they are never stylish.
10. Shine!
A little touch of lip gloss, shiny hair, a glowing complexion.
Nothing is more youthful than glow.
