Many women wear styles that make them look older … Here is a list of the top things to avoid
(sources: Cynthia Nellis, women’s fashion expert, About Style, and B.Divine, Personal Stylist)
Wearing black pants/tops constantly. Don’t get into the black pants light/bright top look. It is an outfit wrecker. Here is why: the light stops at your hips where the black pants finish the outfit. Those color combinations emphasize the hips…largest spot on your body (for some of us). A better option is black pants, a coordinating grey or black printed jacket and a colorful top underneath.
Being matchy-matchy. This is a challenge. Every color you are wearing does not have to coordinate. They can be in the same color family…our younger sisters really understand this. For instance: shades of red, purple and burgundy are all in the same color family. They go together. Explore color!
Tweed. Don’t overdo it, especially with tweed suits. If it’s a menswear look you are after, opt for pinstripes or oversized houndstooth instead of tweed.
Reading glasses. If you don’t have to wear them, don’t. I recently got a new contact lens prescription form my doctor, and I no longer need readers. They do make you look older, especially with the chain.
Gray hair. Maybe when I’m a senior I’ll be cooler with the idea of going gray, but in middle age I still want to look as young as possible. I’m not saying gray hair can’t be chic (I know many women who look beautiful with it), I’m just saying it never made anyone look younger.
Cardigans. They can be aging for women since they don’t have structure and show lumps and bumps. Also, jackets are in stretch and even knit fabric now so they feel like a sweater! They also wear longer than a cotton or wool blend sweater, and many can be washed now.
Sensible shoes/comfort shoes. Want to ruin a perfectly good look? Wear comfort sandals with it. There are too many cute shoes in the market that are comfortable without the clunky soles and features of so-called comfort sandals.
Mom jeans. Peg-leg jeans with a high waist – a.k.a. mom jeans – are unflattering and outdated. It’s such a simple thing to change because every conceivable label has a version of jeans that work for women our age, from affordable Lee jeans to upscale Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, from skinny, straight leg to a slight flare leg.
Any color that washes you out. For me, that means I avoid mauves and yellow; for others, it is black. The right colors (almost everyone looks pretty in the right shade of red or blue) can brighten your skin and make you look younger.
Old lady handbag. Are you still carrying that logo bag from 15 years ago? An updated option would be a cute cross body bag or a fun leather bag.
Too much or too little makeup.So to a department store and get free makeover with the latest products. I am also not a fan of the nude lip color: ladies, we need color more than ever as we age.
Socks and (white) sneakers with anything other than workout clothes. There are many cute fashion sneakers now from Sketchers to Converse versions.
Being matchy-matchy. This is a challenge. Every color you are wearing does not have to coordinate. They can be in the same color family…our younger sisters really understand this. For instance: shades of red, purple and burgundy are all in the same color family. They go together. Explore color!
Enjoy!
