Gone are the days of our mothers and grandmothers, when reaching
50 really did seem old (or was that just because we were so young?) For
many, 50 meant dressing in loose-fitting, shapeless clothes, having a
weekly shampoo and set and perhaps even giving up wearing make-up
altogether.
In the 21st century we don't want to look like our mothers, but it's not advisable to try to look like our daughters either, despite many in the media who would have us believe that the only way to be noticed and valued is to be in your twenties with a slim body, perfect teeth and long, glossy hair, i.e. a Cheryl Cole lookalike.
OK, so we can't all look like the latest batch of young celebrities and most of us certainly can't afford the stylists, make-up artists or personal trainers they often have in their entourage, but that doesn't mean that we should give up and fade into the background.
There are of course some things you would be advised to leave behind when you reach your 40's and upwards, such as mini-skirts, crop tops and ripped jeans. It's probably also time to consider alternatives to skimpy underwear (especially those thongs that make you feel like you're wearing a cheese wire).
It's vital that you get the foundations right should your once-toned body be suffering the effects of gravity. There is so much choice available these days for all shapes and sizes - gel-filled bras to give you the look of a larger bust, an increasingly varied choice for those of us above a D cup, pretty and practical styles of mastectomy bras are finally becoming more easily available and there are endless ranges of 'hold it all in' shape wear. It may not be sexy but it will certainly help to give you a fabulous silhouette.
Where your bra is concerned you should be professionally measured regularly - about every 6 months. Lingerie departments in most of the large stores will provide this service, along with the High Street lingerie chains, but don't forget your nearest independent lingerie shop. They can usually tell you what size you should be wearing without the use of a tape measure. They can be hard to find these days, but if you manage to locate one do give it a try.
Once you've got the basics right the next step is to find the styles that flatter your shape and stick to them. If you understand how to dress for your shape, proportions and scale you are well equipped to look stunning every day, regardless of age. If you've reached your middle years without ever understanding why some outfits look great while others just don't work at all, then perhaps it's time to seek some professional advice. Image consultants such as myself can really help you to discover which styles and fabrics work well for you and which are best avoided, as well as showing you how to pull together a complete look that works for your lifestyle and budget.
Just because we are more mature it doesn't mean we want to completely give up on fashion. It's true that some of the more outrageous styles would be best left to the younger generation, but adding some on-trend accessories, or a few pieces in the latest shades (assuming they suit your natural colouring) will help to keep you looking up-to-date.
Lastly, one element that is important whatever your age is learning to develop your own individual style. Each one of us is unique and we should embrace that. Think about the type of clothes and accessories you are drawn to, how dramatic, casual or classic your overall look tends to be. Do you love pretty prints and frills or great tailoring? Do you prefer a wash and wear hairstyle or a sharp asymmetric bob? Reflecting your personality in your overall appearance will help you to look and feel confident, with no thoughts of becoming invisible.
Judith Mercer - Personal Image Consultant - http://www.ulookgreat.netIn the 21st century we don't want to look like our mothers, but it's not advisable to try to look like our daughters either, despite many in the media who would have us believe that the only way to be noticed and valued is to be in your twenties with a slim body, perfect teeth and long, glossy hair, i.e. a Cheryl Cole lookalike.
OK, so we can't all look like the latest batch of young celebrities and most of us certainly can't afford the stylists, make-up artists or personal trainers they often have in their entourage, but that doesn't mean that we should give up and fade into the background.
There are of course some things you would be advised to leave behind when you reach your 40's and upwards, such as mini-skirts, crop tops and ripped jeans. It's probably also time to consider alternatives to skimpy underwear (especially those thongs that make you feel like you're wearing a cheese wire).
It's vital that you get the foundations right should your once-toned body be suffering the effects of gravity. There is so much choice available these days for all shapes and sizes - gel-filled bras to give you the look of a larger bust, an increasingly varied choice for those of us above a D cup, pretty and practical styles of mastectomy bras are finally becoming more easily available and there are endless ranges of 'hold it all in' shape wear. It may not be sexy but it will certainly help to give you a fabulous silhouette.
Where your bra is concerned you should be professionally measured regularly - about every 6 months. Lingerie departments in most of the large stores will provide this service, along with the High Street lingerie chains, but don't forget your nearest independent lingerie shop. They can usually tell you what size you should be wearing without the use of a tape measure. They can be hard to find these days, but if you manage to locate one do give it a try.
Once you've got the basics right the next step is to find the styles that flatter your shape and stick to them. If you understand how to dress for your shape, proportions and scale you are well equipped to look stunning every day, regardless of age. If you've reached your middle years without ever understanding why some outfits look great while others just don't work at all, then perhaps it's time to seek some professional advice. Image consultants such as myself can really help you to discover which styles and fabrics work well for you and which are best avoided, as well as showing you how to pull together a complete look that works for your lifestyle and budget.
Just because we are more mature it doesn't mean we want to completely give up on fashion. It's true that some of the more outrageous styles would be best left to the younger generation, but adding some on-trend accessories, or a few pieces in the latest shades (assuming they suit your natural colouring) will help to keep you looking up-to-date.
Lastly, one element that is important whatever your age is learning to develop your own individual style. Each one of us is unique and we should embrace that. Think about the type of clothes and accessories you are drawn to, how dramatic, casual or classic your overall look tends to be. Do you love pretty prints and frills or great tailoring? Do you prefer a wash and wear hairstyle or a sharp asymmetric bob? Reflecting your personality in your overall appearance will help you to look and feel confident, with no thoughts of becoming invisible.
Working from my home on the edge of the Cotswolds I offer a whole range of image consultations, including colour analysis, style consultations, make-up lessons, personal shopping and wardrobe audits. I also run regular workshops, attend pamper events and speaking engagements for womens groups.
Registered consultant for Kettlewell Colours clothing range.
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