Alyson Walsh from That’s Not My Age is one of my favourite style bloggers. Recently she was quoted in an article, How to look fabulous at 50 — and the years beyond:
…one of the things I think is important as we get older is to continue looking modern and this requires regular updates.
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The article she was quoted in also included 12 style tips that I’d like to capture here:
1: GET BACK TO BASICS
Every woman needs a wardrobe of classic basics for a lifetime of chic looks. Build a core of good quality basics that form your look and style. These will be your wardrobe workhorses, so they’ll need to stand up to plenty of wear and tear.
2: INVEST IN THE BEST
..You don’t have to dress head to toe in designer luxury brands, but quality will always outlast quantity….Donna Player, merchandise director of David Jones, suggests investing in key items such as a great blazer, or simple black heels or boots. …“One beautiful handbag, coat or piece of jewellery is worth 10 cheap ones…” Clements adds.
3: BLACK IS NOT ALWAYS BEST
It might be a favourite of fashionistas but black, Walsh says, can look harsh and severe when you’re over 50, especially when worn next to your face. Instead, she suggests softer neutrals such as navy and khaki.
4: WHITE IS RIGHT
Never underestimate the power of white. Coco Chanel didn’t champion white collars for nothing. Worn at the neck, white reflects light up and around the face, which is very flattering.
5: DON’T BE AFRAID OF COLOUR
Skin tone and hair colour lightens as we age, which is generally more accepting of bright colours….A pop of colour creates interest and can be used to highlight your best assets…
6: THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
Fussy details such as ruffles, gathers and pleats not only draw attention, but they visually add bulk. “Aim for a clean, lean silhouette with modern sharp lines and quite minimal,” says Player.
7: KEEP ABREAST OF TRENDS
….completely ignoring fashion trends is risky….“It’s important to stay relevant,” Marilyn Bracks says.
8: DON’T SUFFER FOR FASHION
When it comes to shoes, comfort is paramount.
9: KNOW THE POWER OF ACCESSORIES
“A statement necklace or earrings, an armful of jewelled bracelets or cuffs, a fabulous shoe or It bag instantly updates and adds polish to any look,” Bracks says.
10: PROPORTION AND BALANCE ARE KEY
Know your body shape, recognise what makes you feel good and dress accordingly.
11: ROCK THE FOUNDATIONS
Invest in the right undergarments: the right bra (get measured by a professional at least once a year and replace bras every 12 months) and body shapers — pieces that offer support in all the right places
12: EMBRACE THE CHANGE
Going grey (or white) is great but if you’re not ready to embrace it yet, resist the temptation to tint your hair to its original colour. Skin tone lightens with age, so aim for one shade lighter or have highlights to blend in the grey for a more natural look.
None of these ideas are new. Still, I think it is a useful and inspiring list of suggestions.