AM I TOO OLD TO WEAR CERTAIN ITEMS:
After fifty, most women’s style naturally begins to evolve to harmonize with the changes in their lives. These changes don’t have to herald your change from stylish to unstylish; it simply means a rethinking of the trends that caters to your changing circumstances and shape.
All women, regardless of their age, shape, weight or height, can look amazing – all it takes is the know-how and a little practice.
1. YOU ARE AS YOUNG AS YOUR FACE AND MIND
The first thing to understand is what age you appear to be and feel.
Many women do not look their age and are still very young at heart. She knows her personal style, looks for current styles of clothing and accessories that flatter her shape and work with her lifestyle.
2. SKIN EXPOSURE
Knowing where to draw the line with skin exposure within these limits is probably the most important thing when it comes to being stylish over 50. When it comes down to it, there are several areas of our body that tend to give away age: our face, neck, hands, upper arms, thighs, and chest area are the main culprits.
3. NECK LINES:
How much you expose depends on the condition of your skin and the length of your neck. V-necks and open collars are very flattering and are always in fashion.
The upper décolleté on most women remains quite firm and smooth and allows for many neckline trends. It’s only plunging necklines that expose your chest area that can expose a somewhat puckering cleavage that should be avoided if you want to appear more youthful.
4. UPPER ARMS:
A common place that worries women over 50. Opt for bust to mid-length sleeves instead and there are plenty of great bell sleeves to choose from right now. Transparent sleeves are always a winner, making the best of both possible.
5. UPPER LEG AND BACK AREA:
Length is a big topic on the; “am I too old to wear it,” list.
A 60-year-old shouldn’t be wearing a mini skirt that a 16-year-old would wear, if their goal is to project a polished style. The reason for this is our thighs are generally not our best feature after 50. I recommend you avoid dress and skirt hemlines more than 2.5cm above the knee, high slits and shorts no higher than mid-thigh.
Similarly, plunging open back evening gowns and swimwear can also be unflattering.
6. STYLE AND YOUR SILHOUETTES:
Not only is age a factor when we get older, but it’s a general rule for everyone. If something feels uncomfortable or restrictive and it accentuates unflattering bumps, it’s not flattering or stylish. If there’s one golden rule, I can give to ladies over 50, it’s that comfort becomes a priority for most women. There are plenty of flattering and stylish items to wear without feeling pressured.
7. YOUR WAIST:
This is an area that becomes difficult with age. If you have a long body and defined waist, high waist designs will always work in your favor. A high waist can create a flattering fit and is also fashionable.
8. COLOR, PATTERN AND ACCESSORIES:
These are the fashion elements where you can really have fun with your style and stay up to date without breaking the bank. They are often the pivots of fashion that can keep your classic outfits in the here and now.
Any overly loud or bright patterns can be replaced with medium to low contrast ones. You don’t have to stick to classic color palettes, but make sure you choose colors that suit you. With the many patterns and colors out there, you’re sure to find something to suit your style!
Age questions to ask yourself when it comes to dressing:
1. Does it show too much skin
2. Is it formless
3. Is it too bright
4. Is the style flattering
5. Does it fit my style personality
That golden question “am I too old to wear this,” is easy to answer with a process of elimination. Try things on, see what fits best, what looks good, and most importantly, what you feel comfortable in. Never stop experimenting with your style, pick and choose, try new trends, but most importantly have fun with your clothes, age is just a number!
Lizel Van Der Westhuizen is the Proud Owner of Full Circle Image since 2015. She is an International Qualified Image Consultant and Makeup Artist. Being a mommy of 2 she know’s it can be a real struggle to find time to look good and feel great, being professional and not look worn out next to the sport field.
Her passion for people, combined with her love of fashion, make her great at what she does. Her background in Corporate is a proven asset, as she was an HR Manager previously.
She is currently the Stylist on Glam Guru, DSTV, Channel 144, changing ladies’ life’s one episode at a time. She will also be a mentor for SterStatus, Season 5.
She loves crowning woman and showing them their inner beauty.
For more information contact her on:
083 610 2214
lizel@fullcircleimage.co.za
www.fullcircleimage.co.za
