Ed. Note: Style and fashion for women over 50 is always a hot topic. These experts share their style tips for women.
As a professional model in the sixties, and a woman now in her sixties, I can assure you that the basic rules for looking stylish haven’t changed. First, you must know your body type. In front of a full-length mirror, starkers, see yourself as you are today, not like you may have been in years past. Analyze yourself carefully. Are your hips too small, too big, or just right? How about your bust and thighs? Is your waist long or short? Do you have a short neck or round shoulders? List your pluses and minuses. Then go to your closet and see which shirts, sweaters, pants, and dresses flatter your figure as it is today.
If chosen carefully, the lines of your clothes can skillfully disguise or minimize your figure faults. For instance, a slim silhouette creates the illusion of height, while a full silhouette shortens and broadens the figure. A v-neck will lengthen your neck, while a turtleneck will make it appear shorter. Color is also an important factor. A one-color outfit will make you look taller. Bright colors add inches, as do extreme contrasts at the waistline. Dark colors decrease, and light colors increase the apparent size of your figure. The weave and pattern of a fabric can make your figure look either trim or bulky. If you’ve gained a few pounds, don’t opt for oversized tops – they add inches.
Looking stylish doesn’t have to mean buying the latest trends. It simply means paying attention to what you wear and making sure your clothes lift you up instead of letting you down.
Judith Marshall, Author of HUSBANDS MAY COME AND GO BUT FRIENDS ARE FOREVER, www.judithmarshall.net
When talking about bodies that shift as we age, we are usually talking a downshift. Kick into high gear and higher style with a simple, free, packable, one-size-fits-all fashion tip; Have Good Posture!
The most expensive, well-made top in the world will hang awkwardly and listlessy on a woman who is hunched and slouched. A simple shirt on a woman who stands lifted, long, and open will exude confidence, energy, beauty, and vitality. What is more stylish than a woman who looks proud to stand and move at her full potential?
Posture, people, posture! You will instantly look 5 pounds leaner and everything about you will attract positive attention.
Kymberly Williams-Evans. MA, http://funandfit.org
Being stylish and saving money while I’m at it is something that’s dear to my heart. I am a baby boomer who has been shopping the thrifts since 1977. I believe that pre-loved clothing offers a way to look great on a budget, which is why I wrote my book, _The Secondhand Wardrobe._ Unfortunately, secondhand stores are often looked at as places that sell desperately sad clothing to desperate people. The truth is that secondhand stores offer such diverse style choices that designers frequent them, buy interesting garments and sell them as part of their “new” collections. For just a few dollars and some information about what to choose and what to leave behind, we can all the same stylish choices that designers have.
Cheryl Gorn http://secondhandwardrobe.com
Have fun with these quick style tips for women. Share your own suggestions.
Other Fashion Tips Articles:
How to be Stylish From Head-to-Toe
Fashion on a Budget For Women over 50
Look Stylish in Middle Age and Beyond
Women in Their 50s Look Stylish
Retirement Life Personal Image Consultant Offers Style
How to be Stylish For Women Over 50
Fashion Advice For Building a Functional Holiday Wardrobe
The Top Items Women Over 50 Should Have in Their Wardrobe
Dress Your Age: Fashion for the Mature Woman
Fashion Tips the Woman Over 50 Can Make to Improve Her Image