Fashion After Fifty

Get the Look Blog Clothes & Design

Dress well and feel more confident

Dressing well is an essential skill for the modern woman.It comes naturally to some lucky women and can be a real struggle for others, but like all skills it's never too late to acquire and can continually be improved.
As woman age, it's important to take more care about which clothes they select and how they are worn.
This is often a real headache, the old feeling of "I haven't got anything to wear" seems to multiply by a hundred.
Instead of having to gaze into your wardrobe thinking "there is nothing in here that I can put on today" or "nothing in here suits me", the following section aims to offer some ideas and inspiration for elegant dressing in later life.

fashion woman in trousers and see through white blouse

Step one: Assess your assets and problem areas

Take a long hard critical look at yourself from all angles in the mirror and identify your problem areas. Bare in mind that most people have things about their bodies which they're not particularly happy about and this is completely normal, it's just important to know and recognise where your own ones are.

Unfortunately woman are continually bombarded with airbrushed images, visual perfection that does not exist in the real world. This can often make normal women develop complexes and feel inferior when then are completely normal and beautiful.

Once you have completed this exercise, look in the mirror and take note of your best assets. Recognising your best assets is every bit as important as identifying your problem areas.

Step two: Choose clothes that flatter you

It's important to choose clothes which are going to accentuate your assets and camouflage your problem areas.

Example

Solution

Sally has large thighs, and chunky knees (a problem), but she also has a lovely slim waist (an asset). Her aim is to camouflage her thighs and knees but accentuate her waist when dressing. She looks good in close fitting short cropped tops that show off her waist ,but she has to pay special attention to finding clothes that cover her thighs and knees .

A jumpsuit such as the one pictured above would be perfect to conceal Sally's problem thighs. The fabric is soft and flowing and the leg is wide and flared. The top pulls in around the waist accentuating Sally's slim waist. This outfit looks fabulous.

Example

Here the problem area is the upper arm area. Karen has broad shoulders (an asset) but flabby upper arms (problem area). She must consider this when dressing. She feels more confident when they are covered up.

Solution

Here you can see how easy it is to camouflage the upper arms boosting confidence. This ingenious arm wear and is an essential part of my personal wardrobe. It covers up my upper arm but I can slip it off my shoulders to accentuate them nicely.

Step 3: Organise your wardrobe

Clear out and make space in your wardrobe. If you haven't worn an outfit for two years or more it's time to say goodbye to it. Include anything that is too tight, uncomfortable or unflattering in your pile of cast-offs and give them away to be either recycled or help someone in need. Colour code the clothes that remain, make sure you have a good variety of smart casual and evening wear. Make a mental note of which items are missing.

Make space

Colour code

Step 4: A perfect fit

Always make sure that you buy the correct size. There is no point trying to squeeze yourself into clothes that are one or two sizes too small. Most of us are guilty of making this mistake at some time. It WILL NOT make you look slimmer. In fact it has the exact opposite effect, showing up unsightly bumps, bulges and underwear lines

Step 5: Good basics

Establish a good basic wardrobe. Buy well made pieces made from good quality fabrics in classic styles that never age or date and can be worn innumerable times. Basic articles in black, white, camel and cream are essentials. Bare in mind that shades of brown and deep green are also very flattering. A crisp white blouse with a collar is a must and goes with just about everything.The colour white will brighten up your complexion by reflecting light onto your face illuminating your skin. Go for an excellent cut and finish and forget high street fashion, this is for the young and usually looks terrible on an older woman. It is better to invest in two or three quality items that can be mixed and matched than numerous fantasy garments.

Basic vest tops

Basic polo necks

Step 6 : Adding colour

Begin to add some colourful items to mix and match with your basic wardrobe. Remember that colours can either flatter you or make you look washed out and tired. Experiment with colours to find out what suits you best. Which colours complement your skin tone, your eyes and your hair colour? Inspire yourself from art and nature. We are surrounded by combinations of different colours that look incredibly beautiful together. Avoid wearing too much of the same colour, this can be ageing and not very chic. If you do decide to wear a red jacket or dress it's important to match both your lipstick and nail varnish to harmonise the look.
Horizontal stripes (these inevitably make you look larger) and large floral prints should be avoided, as should any other item that is instantaneously recognisable.

Colourful vest tops

Colourful polo necks

Prints such as large floral prints can be ageing so be very careful if your thinking of using these. Snake and panther prints can be used in small quantities but too much looks vulgar on a mature woman. A small panther print stretch silk vest top underneath a smart black blouse looks chic, a fluffy panther print pullover does not.
The aim is to be able to wear items in different combinations again and again, without onlookers thinking "oh she was wearing that last time I saw her". After fifty it is also wise to avoid to many frills, anything too fluffy (this looks cheap), anything too clingy or items with oversized bows.

Examples for inspiration

Step 7: Accessories

Once you have sorted out your clothes, got some good basic items and a few colourful pieces, it's time to add some accessories to your outfit.
Accessories of contrasting colours can compliment a basic outfit giving it an original twist, a yellow scarf can set off a black outfit or an orange bag can revolutionise a navy blue Jean look, a string of pearls can add the finishing touch to either an evening dress or smart day wear. Adding a corresponding accessory, for example a yellow bag and a yellow string of beads will enhance the effect ,but the shade of yellow must be identical.I love the mantra "Less is more" when it comes to accessories. Don't be tempted to overdo it. ©

Earrings

Pendant

Beads

Gloves

You need some good versatile well made accessories such a leather belts, leather gloves, a selection of necklaces, bangles, earrings and lots of different scarves. Too much glitter and sparkle looks cheap but a very small amount presented tastefully can finish off a party outfit perfectly, for example a pair of crystal drop earrings.
Handbags are a more expensive investment, so if money is short go for basic colours that will look good with most outfits. Cheap plastic items should be avoided, it is better to wear no accessories than something shoddy.

Belts

Scarf

Handbag

Bangles

Comfortable shoes that still look fashionable are difficult to find, but extremely important to your well-being in later life. A good pair of sunglasses are invaluable as they will both protect your eyes from the damaging UV rays, protect from sun damage which causes wrinkles and will hide your eyes if you have to dash out somewhere quickly and haven't had time to do your make up.

Step 8: Saving money

Don't waste money on unnecessary buys. It is very easy to go out for some retail therapy, buy a few items then get home and find you have practically the same item already in your wardrobe. When I go shopping I have a few guidelines that I now follow religiously.
Firstly ALWAYS try the item on.

Then follow my friend Suzy's mantra and ask yourself "does this look better than the outfit I'm wearing?" If the answer is "no" don't buy. If the fit isn't perfect don't buy. If the garment passes these three tests then inspect the seams, ask your self "is it well made?" check the label, what sort of material is it made from? Which country was it made in? Is it easy to wash? and finally ask yourself if you have anything in your wardrobe already that is almost the same.
When you find your missing an item when dressing, make a note of it and hunt around until you find the perfect item, if it's not EXACTLY what your looking for then don't purchase the item!
These simple rules will help you to stop wasting money on clothes that are either badly made, difficult to care for or that you don't really need.

Step 9 : Select an appropriate outfit

Dress to reflect your personality. The clothes we choose to wear say a lot about us. Ask yourself if the way you look is giving onlookers the right message about who you are. Overdressing is as bad as under-dressing. A well groomed, impeccably turned out woman will give the impression of someone who is in charge of her life and knows in which direction she's moving. A mature,chic woman who is happy and content with herself.

On the other hand, turning up for an outing or appointment in inappropriate clothes just looks stupid ; Be pragmatic! You wouldn't go hiking in stilettos! Most of my friends keep a pair of flat healed shoes or training shoes in the car so they are prepared for anything that comes up. Put a pair of leather flats in your bag when You know you're going to have to do a lot of walking.

Power dressing works, if you're going for an important interview or meeting the bank manager, people automatically respect you more, take notice and listen to what you have to say if you are smartly dressed. If you're cowering in the corner with dirty hair and a pair of baggy leggings unfortunately nobody out there will give you the respect you deserve.

It is also important to embrace the fact that you can no longer dress in the same way as you did twenty years ago! Avoid "mutton dressed up as lamb", think classy, chic, tasteful, elegant, not tight, short, clingy or sexy. A more mature woman is physically attractive in a more sophisticated way.

Walk in a coastal village

Casual chic around town

Step 10: Lingerie

Now your clothes are organised, you need to carefully revise your underwear drawer. The right underwear for the outfit is essential and needs to be perfect or it can completely spoil all your meticulous preparations.

Knickers, ladies should be bought one size larger than your actual clothes size. This means that if you wear a size 12 (40 European sizes) you will need a size 14 (42 European size). Don't be embarrassed about asking for a larger knicker size, a good fir is essential ! If it's possible, try your knickers on, sizes often differ and it is easy to been caught out by sizes that have been cut too small. Your knickers should not dig into your skin, either round the hips, on the waist or around the tops of the thighs. Knicker lines are unsightly, and you will also feel uncomfortable in knickers that are too tight.

If your wearing trousers or shorts or a clingy skirt you need to select a thong style, made from very thin fabric which will be soft to wear and invisible under your clothes. If your wearing a long skirt, a shorter skirt, a dress in a thicker or double lined material you can wear either traditional or shorty styles as the outline will be invisible under your clothes. If it's very hot ,natural fibres are best, cotton or silk.

Traditional style

Thong

If you are wearing close fitting clothes, your knickers should be smooth and not too lacy with bows as these will show through your clothes and look lumpy.
Bras should also be a perfect fit. Have your bust measured professionally. This is a free service offered in all large department stores and it is often quite surprising to find that you are no longer the size you thought you were.

Breasts change size during the menopause and it's very common to find that your bra is no longer a good fit. Getting the correct cup size is as important as getting the correct width.
Treat yourself to some beautiful, well fitting underwear. Hand wash it with care and it will be an invaluable investment for the future years.

Smooth T.Shirt bras in Lycra are a must for all close fitting tops, again lace will look lumpy. Do treat yourself to something lacy or satin as well though as this will do wonders for your moral and sex life.

Be careful to choose the correct colour shade for the clothes your wearing. A white top needs a skin coloured bra, a black top needs a black bra.The same goes for white trousers, again you need a skin coloured pair of knickers not white ones for a totally invisible effect. ©

Smooth finish T.shirt bras

Lacy bra & pants set

Clever Camouflage

Fashion Get the Look Blog

Clever Camouflage can boost your confidence by disguising any problem areas you may think you have.
Some women are perfectly happy about the way they look and that's great, but for the ones of us who have certain areas they would rather distract attention from,the following tips are aimed to inspire, encourage and offer some solutions.
Our bodies are no longer the same size or shape they were twenty years ago and many of us have lost muscle tone as our bodies have aged. This is completely normal, and part of the ageing process.But it can be rather difficult to accept.
Bearing children, injuries, illness and just being alive takes it's toll on our silhouette.
Here are some simple solutions to camouflaging some commonly perceived problem areas.

Problem Area

Upper Arms

Excess flesh, flopping around, hanging down under the upper arms can make you extremely self concious. The skin is frequently indented with loss of tone due to ageing. It can be impossible to firm up.
If you have a problem area you would like the site to deal with, please use the contact page.

Solution 1

Use a wrap

Draping a wrap or scarf over your shoulders or off the shoulders but over your arms looks not only chic and elegant but gives numerous possibilities for different looks with the same clothes.

Solution 2

A Bolero

Slipping on a Bolero
is a simple solution. It finishes off an outfit beautifully. In the winter jackets made from tweed, wool, angora, cashmere and fake fur can be worn, and in warmer months, choose thin cotton or linen.

Solution 3

3/4 Sleeves

This is one of my favourite solutions. 3/4 sleeves show off the best bits of your arms and camouflage brilliantly. T.Shirts, cardigans, blouses and dresses can all be found with this flattering sleeve length.

Additional Solutions:
These include lacy cardigans, any cardigan or crocheted top with either long or 3/4 sleeves. Specialized arm wear is now available and all lengths of jacket work, either tailored or flowing. Any top that has bare shoulders works by drawing the eye away from the upper arm, a little bronzing oil on the shoulder will optimise this effect.
Clothes to avoid:
Avoid cap sleeved tops as these really accentuate your upper arm area. Tight ribbed tops make your arms look larger, as do horizontal stripes in clingy fabrics. Very fluffy tops don't look good as they increase bulk. Pale Lycra and tight thin white cotton don't do you any favours either.

Problem Area
Large Thighs

Large thighs are a common area women want to cover. Basically anything that covers them will look better. Luckily there are many different lengths of skirt and lovely wide legged trousers available.
If you have a problem area you would like the site to deal with please use the contact page.

Solution: 1
A long skirt

A long skirt just covers up the problem, the bigger the problem the more flared the skirt. If you have a small waist this can be accentuated. If your waist is large it can be camouflaged further by layering.

Solution: 2
Trousers

Wide Wide legged trousers are a fabulous way of disguising large thighs. Dark colours will enhance this effect further by making your legs look even slimmer. A good cut in a fabric that hangs well but is not too clingy is advised. Some polyester mixes can be very flattering.

Solution:3
A skirt

Wearing any skirt that is long enough to cover your thighs will help. Double linings are good as they will hang well and prevent the skirt from clinging.Flared skirts work well as do long skirts, wrap over skirts and even pareos.

Additional Solutions:
A boot leg Jean enhances the leg, a short tailored jacket or a long flowing top or cardigan flatters the thighs and Palazzo pants work as they draw attention to your waist and ankles. A belt worn loosely across the hips draws the eye away from the thigh area, or a large belt showing off the waist.

Clothes to avoid:
Avoid anything in a clingy fabric, especially leggings and tight pencil skirts. Shorts, Capri pants and combat style trousers with lots of pockets don't flatter large thighs, and tops that are the wrong length and sit on the thighs don't work either.
Click on Camouflage 2 and camouflage 3 for more problem areas and solutions .

Large Bust
problem area

Having a large bust can be perceived as either an asset or a problem area.
Some women dream of having one, others find it a nuisance or are self concious about it. If you have a problem area you would like the site to deal with please use the contact page

Solution 1
Layering

Layering works well , wear a close fitting vest top with a tailored jacket or blouse over the top.
Leaving the buttons unfastened ,can improve the look further.

Solution 2
Basque

A fitted Basque top will hold, separate, support and accentuate. A jacket, blouse or cardigan can be worn over this in cold weather.

Solution 3
Large collar

Drawing the eye away from the bust , towards the face will take the emphasis away from the bust.
A crisp blouse with a large open collar will do this wonderfully and illuminate your face at the same time.

Additional Solutions: Dark colours will make your bust look smaller and vertical stripes worn on a crisp tailored blouse also work well. Tight tops can be worn, but often look smarter with a layer worn over them, such as a matching or contrasting cardigan. A criss-cross top , blouse, cardigan or dress, lifts and separates the breasts , beautifully enhancing . A good supporting bra is essential underneath to get the right look. A large necklace or beads will draw the eye away from your bust or a scarf may also be worn. Scooped necks, V necks ,or a polo neck with a necklace are all flattering.

Clothes to avoid: Avoid all Smocks, these will make your bust look large! Bolero style jackets, Horizontal stripes, clingy tops in transparent or pale colours. Slash necks or high round necks should also be avoided. ©

Problem area
Lined Neck

As we age the skin on our face begins to droop. This is of course unavoidable,
gravity pulls us down. The neck area can sag and what is sometimes unflatteringly known as " Turkey neck" can appear. For others it's the chin that drops and flesh can hang below the chin.By dressing carefully and cleverly this can be disguised.

Solution 1
A Scarf

A good selection of scarves are invaluable in the mature women's wardrobe. Some neutral basic colours as well as some more exotic patterned and embroidered scarves, such as pashminas can enhance an outfit time and again. A few thinner
scarves made of fine chiffon or silk ,or even netting or lace can be used with evening or party wear.

Solution 2
A Polo neck

Polo necks in the basic colours and a few other colours are foundation pieces in the wardrobe.
Fine polo necks can be worn under jackets, waistcoats, cardigans,or as part of a twin set, and thicker ones can be worn alone. Polo neck "bodies" are good with hipster trousers, skirts or jeans as they prevent separation round the waist area.

Solution 3
A collared Blouse

A crisp white blouse is one of my favourites. It always looks incredibly fresh and smart. The collar hides the neck beautifully and if the collar is worn open a fine scarf can be added on the inside for extra concealment.
The white reflection illuminates by throwing light onto the face. A crisp white blouse can take ten years off you!

Additional Solutions: A blouse with a slight frill around the top will hide your neck, in summer I suggest wearing a sleeveless blouse with a collar or higher neck or a top with a low scooped neck with a thin scarf or long beads wound around the neck, this look can be varied for day and evening wear and cleverly disguises this common complaint.

Clothes to avoid: Avoid any necklines that accentuate your neck unless you are going to add accessories to camouflage. Tight tops will draw the eye to your neck whereas a looser fit will compliment. ©

Problem area
Large Bottom

Here's another common problem area. As we age some of us tend to put on weight around the hips and bottom. It's usually better to avoid squeezing into tight trousers. Wearing longer tops that lie just below the bottom are extremely flattering. They can be either straight or flared. Even a long baggy cardigan can look good for a casual look.

Solution 1
Long Jacket

Here the jacket finishes just below the large bottom. It is beautifully disguised. The red belt draws attention to the waist,drawing the eye up, so the lines we look at are the lower line and the middle one. If there are love handles too, we can't see them either. The dark pants are a good choice, further slimming down the silhouette.

Solution 2
Flares

An all in one or a pair of wide trousers that are expertly cut will soften your lines and draw attention away from the rear. I would suggest a long jacket over this look finishing either almost below or under the bottom, or a brightly coloured silk scarf, knotted in front just below the waist, again drawing the eye away from the rear.

Solution 3
Flared Skirt

This flared skirt falls beautifully from the hips ,softening the lines and drawing the eye to the hem area. An underskirt helps to make the skirt opaque, but it finishes above the hem, the focus is on the sexy see-through area just above the hem. Nobody is looking at the bottom area! Again black is a good
colour as it slims!

Additional Solutions: Dark colours always slim down , lighter colours can be blended in on top ,but either go for short tops with long jackets ,or longer tops with rounded hems than finish below the bottom. Waistcoats are great provided they are long enough, and long flowing dresses in the summer months will look both romantic and be comfortable.
Clothes to avoid: It is more flattering to avoid all tight trousers unless you are wearing a flared or longish top with them. Tight skirts that mould to your behind in clingy materials such as Lycra should exchanged for a more structured lined or tailored skirt which looks far more flattering.

A rounded stomach

Middle age is renowned for what is unflatteringly know as "middle age spread". Tummy fat is laid down on the abdominal regions resulting in a faded waist line that blends into the torso giving a straight down, less curvy ,androgynous effect. "Love handles "can develop on either side of the waist.

Solution 1
Clever
Co-ordination

This look is wonderfully put together. The jumper matches the skirt and finishes below the waist so the eye is drawn to the line where it meets the skirt. The skirt is made of good quality wool and is double lined, so it falls well and doesn't cling. The co-ordinating scarf picks out the blue in the skirt and falls in front of the tummy . It disguises the problem area perfectly and looks fresh, trendy and chic.

Solution 2
A Flowing dress

A long soft flowing dress that billows in the wind hides the waist and tummy area completely and gives a wonderful, fresh, feminine look during the spring and summer months. The bow at the top of the dress takes the eye to the bust and the slit is maybe a touch high but can be stitched
a little lower to provide more leg coverage.

Solution 3
A Flared jacket

This flared look disguises the tummy and waist area beautifully. The line around the hem gives a youthful feel to the look and the front pockets add extra charm and disguise any bulges. The beads are the perfect length and take the eye just above the tummy.

Additional Solutions:
Any top that finishes below the waist looks better. By pulling up a jumper and letting it sit in casual folds around the waist area you can simply disguise love handles.
Clothes to avoid:
Tight tops that hang onto to the skin and accentuate all the problems. Tops that are too short and show skin when you reach up. Bolero jackets that accentuate the waist area.

To contact the website please use the form on the contact p age
Click here to return to the home page