Dear OMF:
What kind of clothing do you think is appropriate for 50-somethings? Deciding what is age appropriate sometimes can be tricky. I don't want to look matronly nor do I want to look like a hoochie mama. --Susan
What kind of clothing do you think is appropriate for 50-somethings? Deciding what is age appropriate sometimes can be tricky. I don't want to look matronly nor do I want to look like a hoochie mama. --Susan
Dear Susan:
Thank you so much for your question! I've been thinking about a couple role models and a few clothing tips to keep women looking great at any age. Please let me know what you think....
Oprah is better with age.
Did you see the cover of this month's O magazine? At age 58, Oprah looks better than ever because she dresses to accentuate her body. She also looks much more confident now than she did in her 20s. The cover story in this issue talks about how to improve with age: the article features several women who have come into their own as they have grown up. What I take away from Oprah's lead is age-appropriate clothing is what makes you feel beautiful--inside and out! Find your strengths and celebrate them. Love your curves, dress with sex appeal but stay classy.
Thank you so much for your question! I've been thinking about a couple role models and a few clothing tips to keep women looking great at any age. Please let me know what you think....
Oprah is better with age.
Did you see the cover of this month's O magazine? At age 58, Oprah looks better than ever because she dresses to accentuate her body. She also looks much more confident now than she did in her 20s. The cover story in this issue talks about how to improve with age: the article features several women who have come into their own as they have grown up. What I take away from Oprah's lead is age-appropriate clothing is what makes you feel beautiful--inside and out! Find your strengths and celebrate them. Love your curves, dress with sex appeal but stay classy.
| "The best age is the age you are" --Maggie Kuhn | More below or click "read more" |
| At age 53, Madonna looks hot hot hot! Another great role model is Madonna. In her latest music video, just as she did at the Super Bowl, she flaunts her assets and downplays her flaws. While Oprah plays up her curves, Madonna shows off her legs and downplays her neck, decollette, and belly. What are your best features or strengths? Some women wear tighter tops, waist belts, and longer skirts to downplay their legs and play up their waists. Or you may have a signature style all your own: I know one woman who makes beaded jewelry--her arms are always covered with bracelets, her own favorite pieces. | |
 Macy's Lauren by Ralph Lauren Top, Nevis Sleeveless Printed Halter, $79.50  White House Black Market cutaway zigzag sweater, sold out :-( | Flaunt your assets, downplay the rest. If you look more like Madonna than Oprah, you may want to downplay your neckline and show off your other features. Criss-cross and split-neck tops and dresses cover the neckline and play up other features--open shoulders look great on most women.  Macy's Charter Club dress, $69.99  Boden notch-neck shift, $86.80-$124 |
| What mature women might learn from teens. You've got teenage girls, Susan, and I'd love to hear their fashion suggestions for older women. I've also been comparing teen catalogs with ones for mature women. The most striking difference is that the models in the mature outfits wear their clothes way too big!--especially their shirts and skirts look boxy and shapeless (now, on the other hand, those teen girls may be wearing their clothes a bit too tight:). I've also noticed that the pants marketed to mature women almost never change: they're almost always bigger in the hips and thighs and then taper to the ankle. I think the best way to avoid looking old is to wear your clothes so they fit right and keep your pants up to date (skinny, bootcut, or wide leg)--I know you're rocking skinny jeans, Susan! Higher heels don't hurt either. |  Alloy Spoon trouser jean, $19.99--Alloy is a top teen catalog |
When you get a chance, see what you think of my Top 10 Fashion Rules: http://www.openmindfashion.com/top-10-fashion-rules.html. I give some more specific suggestions there about how I believe mature women might want to dress.
Let's keep the conversation going:
Readers: what kind of clothing do you think is appropriate for 50-somethings?
Teens, how do you think your mom should dress?
Let's keep the conversation going:
Readers: what kind of clothing do you think is appropriate for 50-somethings?
Teens, how do you think your mom should dress?
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