And while I am by NO means a fashion critic or dress like a straight diva every day of the week, I do believe that just because we are aging does not mean that we can't look and feel fabulous.
That being said, let me just share my thoughts on how women over 50 should approach beauty and fashion.
(I can write this because I just had my 50th birthday. I've always admired a "well put together mature woman" so I'm going to enjoy putting my opinion out here.)
One word:
Elegantly.
As we age we have to step our game up a bit.
Lots of things that we once took for granted begin sagging...our skin is not as firm and elastic as it once was. I don't know what exactly happens to the collagen, whether it leaks out or just vanishes but it is sorely missed. You may even notice that you are beginning to develop "jowls" (I swear I think this is a cruel trick!), and we definitely know that if we have our own and real boobs, they start going south, too.
Another cruel trick!
I'm also discovering that my skin has become drier.
Which really sucks because I already have dry skin so I am really making sure that I spend more time moisturizing in the morning and in the evening.
As I talk to my sister, who is 2 years younger than me, and my friends and peers in this age group, it appears that most of us are facing many of the same "opportunities for improvement" and have come to the conclusion that we need to make sure we are on top of how we look and how we present ourselves.
I have three young adult daughters.
I don't want them to look at me and be afraid to turn 50. I want them to be excited about every season of life.
At this age I think that we should dress in clothes that are well-made, but that doesn't necessarily mean labels. If you're into labels....more power to you but not everyone is nor should anyone be judged if they aren't.
But our clothes should definitely be well made, fit well and not be frumpy or wrinkled. And you don't have to spend a ton of money on clothes, either. There are all kinds of stores where you can purchase upscale clothing at very reasonable prices.
I have found many beautiful clothing items by designers like Michael Kors, Jones New York, Chaus, Dana Buchman, and many others at resale and consignment shops. Dressing well does not have to cost a fortune. You can definitely get quality clothing for less than retail and if you like to shop this way...You are definitely my kind of girl. LOL!
But here's the thing, I really think that at this age, we should really go for clothing that is authentic to who we are. So if you like bright, vibrant colors..wear them. If you like jeans and t-shirts, wear them.
But always be neat, clean, and elegant.
You can be elegant in jeans and a t-shirt....remember Audrey Hepburn?
Need I say more?
If you don't know where to start but have a style icon then study that person's fashion sense and emulate her. My personal style icons are Audrey Hepburn and CoCo Chanel. (I love classic, simple lines to my clothing and love to accessorize with tasteful jewelry, scarves, shoes, bags, etc.)
Let's talk shoes and bags!
I love them both...equally!
But I can't stand to see someone in shoes that have seen better days.
If your shoes are running over (leaning to one side), talking (the shoe sole has separated from the top of the shoe), or they are all nicked and scuffed....Send them to Shoe Heaven.
I don't care if it's your favorite pair of shoes.
Get rid of them.
Trash them, throw them out.
The universe will bring you another pair. I promise.
Handbags.
Same thing.
If you are holding your purse together with a safety pin and it's scratched up, the zipper is broken, the hardware is broken and/or missing.....Toss it.
Nothing can mess up your look faster than a pair of wrecked shoes and a handbag that is crying for mercy.
Take care of your shoes and your handbags with regular cleaning and care and since most women have large shoe and handbag collections....consider and treat them as the investment they are.
The other thing I really think is important is that we keep our hair up and keep our nails manicured.
Going gray is a personal decision.
And while it's not for me, I admire women who are bold enough to wear their beautiful gray tresses.
I am finding that I do need to dye (or color) my hair more often as the gray hair is starting to be more noticeable around my hairline.
That is not a good luck so if your hair is colored, make sure you stay on top of that because that just makes you look frumpy.
There are many professional stylists who believe that as women age they should cut their hair but if you take a look at the beautiful ladies over 50 that I've posted (click here), many of them are wearing their long hair well.
Again....I think it all just boils down to personal preference.
Whatever makes you feel good and makes you feel like a queen is what you should roll with.
Except if it's raggedy and seen better days.
That's where I draw the line.
Here's why: As we age we have a tendency to start to feel "not so pretty" some days.
It's really important that we continue to do the little things that make us feel special and attractive.
We are getting better and better in every way imaginable so we cannot afford to present ourselves in any other way.
When we were younger, we used to look good for our spouses, our mates, our children, events, etc...
Now you should just focus on looking and feeling good for YOU!
More to come...this is a new blog/site so it's a work in progress!
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