Impress

As you become wiser in years, your choice in clothing options becomes limited regardless of whether or not you have maintained a great figure. Women over 40 have an amazing energy and confidence about themselves that most 20 somethings would die for. Here are some simple tips to ensure that your visual appearance matches your internal vitality and spirit!

Relax the black – As fabulous as it may have been in your 20's and 30's, black can appear a little harsh now. I'm not suggesting you toss it completely. It remains a classic option for some great pieces in your wardrobe. Now is the time to be more aware of the colours you wear close to your face. The harshness of black will tend to emphasize signs of aging and tiredness. Try charcoal for a change. Your best personal colours worn close to your face will ensure you look energetic and healthy.

Wear a collar – A collared shirt will do wonders for a wiser jaw and neckline. It has the effect of providing some coverage for this area and creates the illusion of taking the eye up. The trick is to have the collar standing up at the back and gently slant the points down in front of your face. Just keep practicing this one in front of the mirror.

Have great posture – With the coming of wisdom, we tend to shrink a little. Stand tall and check the posture of your shoulders and back. A light pair of shoulder pads will work wonders for you. They provide some structure at the shoulder line.

Dressing too old or too young for who you are right now?

Time to freshen up your wardrobe then!



Wearing sensible shoes – A very sensible thing to do – however, lets take the focus off them for a minute. Wearing pants or longer skirts is also a clever thing to do now. Of course, toning down your hosiery is going to work well for you too. Keep toe polish in subtle colours and always meticulously maintained. Let’s get the focus back up to your smiling face!

Toss dated clothing – You have no option now but to keep yourself looking 100% current. This means that you just can’t wear that sundress that has been sitting in the wardrobe for the past 5 -10 years. Seriously, only classics last this long! Purchase a new top every season and keep your knitwear current and pill-free! This will ensure you look stylish and feel great.

Update accessories – Purchase a fun necklace to wear in summer and ensure your earrings are current. If you are still wearing big 80’s earrings you are looking old girl! Glasses must be updated every 3-4 years. The fearless fly look is out! Wearing up to date scarves and jewelry will ensure you have a more youthful appearance and you’ll feel great too. A great hairdresser can advise you how to go grey when the time is right. Take the advice.

Skim the body – Nothing is going to age you as much as tucking in your tops and wearing the wrong size. The aging process tends to thicken women around the middle. Avoid clothing that is too tight or too big. The correct fit is one that will skim the body with an elegant drape. You are going to look stunning!

Go long and lean – Employ some visual trickery to produce long, lean lines. Jeans and pants with a bootcut leg and a top that fits your body silhouette combined with a bit of a heel will create height with a long leg line and take a few sizes off your frame. True!

Shine on – Purchase a bit of lip gloss. Yes, go ahead. On your bottom lip, over your favourite lipstick or just on its own.

Hoick em up – Go check out the latest shape wear in your local lingerie shop. Mother Nature always intended for us to get a little help here. Undergarments have come a long way ladies. Your bust will be sitting where it is supposed to be, your butt will sit up and your tummy will be tucked flat in no time! I’m not joking!

By Helen Robinett

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