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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Colour code
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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
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Basic polo necks
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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.
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
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Colourful polo necks
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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.
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. ©
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
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Pendant
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Beads
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Gloves
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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.
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
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Scarf
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Handbag
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Bangles
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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. ©
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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
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Solution: 1
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Solution: 2
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Solution:3
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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 .
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
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Solution 1
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Solution 2
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Solution 3
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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. ©
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
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Solution 1
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Solution 2
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Solution 3
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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. ©
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
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Solution 1
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Solution 2
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Solution 3
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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.
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 stomachMiddle 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
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Solution 2
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Solution 3
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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 page
Click here to return to the home page
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 page
Click here to return to the home page
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