Posted on: May 26, 2010
Don’t Dress Your Age
Style Tips every woman can use
By Anna Sachse
CTW Features
Most mature women want a modern, fashion-forward style, but sometimes in their attempts to look girlish, they end up looking decidedly grandma. The solution?
Raid younger generations’ up-to-date wardrobes for hip accessories and basics, but mix them with simple, timeless looks defined by quality fabrics and impeccable fit, says Sherrie Mathieson, author of “Steal This Style: Moms and Daughters Swap Wardrobe Secrets” (Clarkson Potter, 2009).
Here are six of Mathieson’s top tips:
1. Feet First
The shoes can truly make or break your outfit, Mathieson warns. She recommends investing in the most stylish and comfortable pairs you can afford. This means forgoing six-inch heels in favor of classic driving moccasins or contemporary favorites like ballet flats, kitten heels and boots. “Hunter boots, for example, are reasonably priced, have a rubber sole and always look great with skinny jeans and a tailored trench.”
2. The Eyes Have It
People abhor “wasting” money on their glasses, forgetting that they wear them every single day, says Mathieson. “Eyewear can also say ‘young’ or ‘old’ in a single second.” Skip the rimless or wire “granny” glasses, and go for modern plastic frames in black, tortoiseshell or a color like green or orange – just no silly patterns.
3. Rein in the Bling
Many older women wear too much jewelry or select items that are too dainty or garish. Mathieson likes exquisite native crafts like Moroccan cuffs, old Mexican jewelry, classic pearls, diamonds and gold (used sparingly) or chunky necklaces, bangles and silver hoops. When dressing up, try a trendy bib necklace over a black A-line gown with jewel neck.
4. Frame the Face
The neck isn’t your best feature as you age, Mathieson says. Help elongate it and flatter your jawline by donning a cotton shirt or polo with the top two buttons open and collar turned up. Another trick is to loosely wind a soft scarf around the neck. Opt for sumptuous fabrics like silk, cashmere, linen or wool blends in face-flattering neutrals.
5. Love to Layer
Top sleek silhouettes like tunics or crisp white blouses with a long, loose cashmere sweater, safari jacket or military coat. Wear them over navy or white skinny jeans, Audrey Hepburn-style tapered pants, cargo pants, jodhpurs or a bootleg cut, which flatters fuller figures.
6. Mix High and Low
Invest in a few pricey accessories like shoes, watches and “statement” bags, which lend instant sophistication to inexpensive pants, shirts or even sweaters, Mathieson says. Regardless of cost, opt for quality fabrics that flatter aging skin and choose the correct fit – not too tight and revealing or too over-sized and frumpy. Mathieson likes J. Crew, Ann Taylor, RLX and Nike and luxury department stores like Bergdorf Goodman or Barneys.