How to be Stylish From Head-to-Toe

How to be Stylish From Head-to-Toe

Chris Hauri

Ed. Note: In our series on how to be stylish, fashion for women over 50, Chris Hauri offers her advice from head-to-toe.

By Chris Hauri

While there are vast changes we can make to look great, here are a few easy and inexpensive steps for women over 50:

1) Get a new hair style. Visit a new stylist, someone who isn’t going to automatically give you the same old look. Consider getting highlights around your face to brighten your look and hide the gray roots growing in. (And when the gray does grow in, quickly use an inexpensive root touch-up like L’Oreal’s Root Rescue)

2) Whiten your teeth. A Crest Whitestrips series can make a huge difference in brightening your face and overall look.

3) Go for a bra fitting. Get “the girls” up where they belong and your clothes will look so much better!

4) Get your make-up done at a department store or Sephora. Before you waste your time getting a look you don’t like, look around and see which cosmetics maven is applying a look you like. Then invest in some of the products that make the most of our aging skin — a Face Primer like Smashbox that smoothes your skin for a velvet-y look, tinted moisturizers that are so light and don’t emphasize lines, a great eyebrow pencil like Armani’s, because our eyebrows tend to fade as we age.

5) Try on A LOT of clothes in different styles. Shop for classics vs. very trendy clothes. Nordstrom’s, Macy’s, Talbot’s and several others offer fine selections of classics. Add trendiness and whimsy in jewelry, tops and accessories. And stay away from “costume-y” looks that you often find at Chico’s and Coldwater Creek. If you can, find a salesperson who will give you honest opinions about the many styles you try on. Or bring an honest friend.

6) Remember alterations can make a huge difference, especially if you have a body you find hard to fit. Invest in good clothes and have sleeve and pants lengths tailored, waists and hips slightly adjusted.

7) Watch hemlines. Generally, skirts should be knee length. Too long and you look dumpy, too short and you look like you’re trying too hard. Trousers and bootcut jeans should be long enough to break over your shoe. You’ll look taller and thinner and much hipper than if your pants are too short.

Shoes can be comfortable without looking too dorky. A little heel or a wedge is much more comfortable than today’s trendy flat flats. Or if you’re wearing flats, consider adding arc supports for comfort. Avoid straps that cut your leg at the ankle which look more frumpy than sexy at our age.

9) Bring color around your face. All black can look slimming, but can also be harsh as our hair and facial tones change. So add an aqua or teal blue scarf or other flattering color. And scarves are stylish right now.

10) Dress – and buy – in outfits. Pants, top, jacket or dress, scarf, sweater – and don’t match all the colors. Matching sweater sets went out with Bobbie Brooks in high school. Even though you might be tempted to color match, mix it up a bit to look more contemporary. And when you buy outfits, you’re making it easier to get dressed each day. Also, “shop in your closet” by putting outfits together ahead of time of clothes you already own and that fit. (And aren’t stained or threadbare.)

When you dress up a bit, you almost always feel more alive, smarter and definitely more stylish. Why not look your best every day?

Chris Haur, Founder & Leader, Mirror Image Helping women over 50 get to know and like the woman in the mirror. www.mirrorwomen.com. Their Chicago events are designed for women over 50 and facilitated by two Baby Boomers — Julie Judd, Fashion Director for Talbot’s and Chris Hauri, who studied aging and self-esteem in women.

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How to be Stylish From Head-to-Toe

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