Okay, by the time we get to a certain age, we've learned a thing or two about style that may not have been so obvious when we were younger and blinded by trendiness. I'm only in my 30s, but I have definitely learned the value of good pair of heels and a great fitting jacket, which can take just about anything from ho-hum to reasonably chic. So, "mature" fashionistas, share some of your hard-earned style wisdom . . .
To tone it down on the jewelery and choose accessories carefully.
I dunno....My girlfriend makes beaded bra straps and sell them on the net and in gift shows (btw, I talked her into putting an ad on this site too), tells me that older women buy big and bold jewelry, they tone nothing down. They buy big stones, big nugget necklaces and bracelets.
I'm 31, and one important thing I've learned is that the old rules have to go. Any rules that limit what I can wear and don't leave me looking my best with less time, effort, and money are just old and gone.
The only rules that really matter are these:
1) Dress modestly, according to the Jewish dress code- I'm an Orthodox Jew, so this comes before anything else.
2) Dress to flatter my body.
3) Dress to suit the context.
4) Dress to express my personal style.
Second, when it comes to rules, one of my pet peeves is when I see my friends and relatives limiting themselves needlessly because of old rules.
One friend of mine bought a gorgeous brown suit. Unfortunately, she goes by old rules, so she insists that the only way to wear it is with a beige shell and brown shoes. Too bad, because those old rules limit the cost-per-wear. That suit could look amazing with just about any color underpinning, and the jacket and skirt could each go with other things. I wish I could've bought that suit, if for no other reason than to shock my friend by showing her the possibilities (I imagined wearing it with underpinnings in aqua or purple), but the store didn't have it anywhere near my size.
To me, forgetting the old rules and using your imagination is what keeps you looking youthful and healthy.
Anyhow, I would add the best thing is to wear clothes that fit you now. Good advice for young or old, fat or thin.
You'll feel better and look better--honest. If the size you're wearing bugs you, cut the tag out.
Other than that, I say wear what makes you happy. Your confidence will show, and it won't matter how old you are.
That said though, I guess if what makes you "happy" makes you look like mutton dressed as lamb, then maybe you aren't really happy in your mature skin, and you haven't made peace with being over 40, or over 50. Wardrobe won't fix that problem. Being kind to and accepting yourself will, I think.
I think the hardest thing I've had to accept is how our bodies change. The waist is thicker, this tube around my midsection isn't going away any time soon, my arms are bigger. True, I can lose the weight, but really --I'm not fat. I've passed the latest round of Stress Treadmill tests. Anyway, these are all ponderings.
I found a GREAT dress over a Dress Barn yesterday. LOVE dresses. I like Dress Barn because I can haul six dresses in the dressing room, and I know I'll find the right one.
I know what you mean. I'm not fat either, but things migrate south, and I have the little pouch in the belly--dang, it's hard to dress around it! But I've come to love dresses too. I didn't wear them much when I was younger, but I like my dresses now. Makes getting clothes on a lot simpler, less matching!
