|
|
|
  5 Fashion Mistakes of Women Over 50 A simple thing such as choosing the wrong type of print, or wearing the wrong length hemline can either give you a mutton moment, or have you dressing like you are 10 years older. Whilst most of us, once we have past that half –century mark have a good idea of what suits us, there are still some fashion faux pas that many of us make. The trick is to avoid those outfits that can be ageing, whilst steering clear of those that make us look as if we are trying too hard to be young. Another tip, once you get to your fifties, is don't buy cheap. Whilst a teenager can get away with wearing something from the bargain bin, now is the time to invest in better quality fabrics and more tailored pieces, which are kinder to (dare I say it) an ageing figure. 1. The Flesh Rule Whilst I am normally an advocate for women dressing more for their body shape than worrying about their age, there is one key rule that it is sensible to follow for a more elegant, age-appropriate look. Don’t try to look like a teenager by showing too much flesh. If you are wearing a short hemline, such as a party dress, shorts or a mini skirt, then cover up on top. Conversely, if you are wearing a revealing top, then make sure your hemline reaches the knee. This keeps you looking elegant, but still allows you to channel your inner fashionista. 2. The Wrong Kind of Colour and Print Adding colour to our outfits as we get older is a great way to look young and stylish, and it an ideal way of looking on-trend, whilst still keeping an outfit less fussy. Jewel colours such as crimson red, emerald green, ameythst, etc .look particularly good against an older skin, plus women over 50 have the experience and maturity to carry them off. However, bright primary colors can look cheap, as well as draining against the skin. That good old wardrobe staple black, can also make some older skins look washed out, in which case, add a hint of metallic in an accessory, or wear a brighter colour near the face in the guise of a necklace or scarf. Colours such as plum, deep red and chocolate brown look sophisticated on women over 50, and wearing black with beige or navy looks both expensive and elegant. There are certain universal prints that will flatter any age such as stripes, leopard print and polka dots. However, some floral prints can be incredibly ageing, such as dark wallpaper florals. It’s also time to avoid those ditsy prints that look better on 20- and 30-somethings, in favour of a medium-sized print, or one with a solid background of single color. Choose a print that relates to your body frame – i.e. if you are petite them look for a smaller print (such as on-trend polka dot or swallow prints) or you will look lost in an oversized one. The opposite is also true; a tiny print on a large frame will make you look bigger than you are. 3. Problem Hemlines The length of your hemline can also impact on how old you look. If you wear your hemlines too long, i.e. finishing around the calf, then this can be ageing unless you have the height and a great pair of legs to carry it off. On the other hand, wear your skirt too short, and you’re mutton dressed as lamb. The ideal length of a dress or skirt is just on, or fractionally below, the knee. When it comes to the summer then what kind of shorts to wear (if any) can provide another dilemma. Now is the time to relegate those short shorts of your 30s and 40s to the back of the wardrobe and invest in a more tailored style that finish just above the knee. 4. The Wrong Fit By the time we hit 50 many of us have figure flaws that include flabby arms, excess fat around the stomach or large hips and thighs. Some may try to hide these under diaphanous clothing, which makes them look shapeless and larger than they are, whilst others may squeeze themselves into tight fitting outfits that do them no favours, revealing every lump and bump. The key is to go for more structured, tailored outfits in better quality fabrics that skim the body – not cling, and that actually show off your shape without drawing attention to it. 5. Not Dressing for Your Body Shape One of the most important rules to follow for fashion over 50 is to learn to dress for your body shape. For example, if you are top heavy then go for darker colours on your top half and lower necklines such as a square, scoop or V-neck. A woman with an ample bust dressed in a polo neck will not only look larger but will appear as if her breasts have merged into one. Horizontal stripes will also make you look larger acorss the bust, but are great on women who have a more boyish figure as it gives them curves. If you are conscious about a fat stomach then avoid outfits that add excess bulk around the middle, for example, pleats that fall directly from the waistband. When it comes to following fashion at 50, be selective with trends and buy only those pieces that you know will suite your body shape. "You can be gorgeous at 20, charming at 40 and irresistible for the rest of your life." Coco Chanel.
|
|
|
|
|
|
