Fashion favors youth and probably always will. But a woman middle-aged and older can put together stylish and moderately-priced outfits with a little creativity in both how she shops and how she wears clothes.
For example, don't bypass the contemporary department just because it seems aimed at younger shoppers. We found a great summer jacket with grommets there by Live a Little that is ageless. We also found a trendy shirt dress in a bold reptile print that only requires good legs.
Older or heavier women can often carry off big jewelry better than younger or slimmer ones. The freshest jewelry looks are just a little over the top, and the most plebeian materials are acceptable, even desirable. Nine West's metal chains with colorful, plastic beads are so contemporary -- and they make a statement.
The Latest Trends
The best dressers incorporate new trends in their wardrobes each season, but select only those that work for them. This season's trends include dresses, prints, butterfly wing tops, the color white, and details such as grommets.
Pant waists are beginning to rise. Take advantage of that with a pair of natural waist jeans by Lauren. You'll thank yourself every time you sit down without fear of flashing the folks behind you!
Go Separate
Women who grew up in the '50s or earlier often cling to "sets," said longtime image consultant Pat Patterson. They wear the top that came with the pants; the belt that came with the dress and matching jewelry. "You can end up looking like a Sears catalog," she said.
Jackets, pants and other separates should be hung together in the closet to encourage less predictable combinations, she said.
A fresh ensemble you'll see in magazines now, for example, is a short jacket with chunky high heels and city shorts instead of a skirt.
Wear a trendy wide belt over a khaki jacket, or slung over a long top and capri pants. Figure magazine, for plus-sized women, routinely belts a wide black belt over a clinging, tunic sweater, defining a model's waistline where there was none.
Add an unexpected color, such as lemon yellow, with a neutral ensemble.
In summer, forget about carrying a matching leather purse with your leather shoes. A big straw bag, a canvas tote or a soft fabric purse looks so much more relaxed.
The Long and Short of It
Proportion is another trouble spot for many women, said Patterson. In general, think long jacket, short skirt, high heels; or short jacket, long skirts and low heels. "A long jacket and a long skirt will make you look dowdy," she said.
Another good proportion recommended by stylists is a slim top with wide-legged pants or full skirt; or a blousy top with slim pants or narrow skirt. Two blousy separates can create that bag lady look.
Do Denim
A garment often under-used by mature women is jeans. Today, jeans can go casual and dressy for dinner and dancing. NBC Today show fashion editor Lloyd Boston, author of "Before You Put That On," advises owning jeans in four colors: solid white, faded blue, a classic medium blue and indigo or black. The faded ones are for hanging out; the medium for casual events; and the dark ones are dressy. It's classically American, and stylish, to wear them with a T-shirt, he writes. His favorite is solid white.
For dinner, wear dark jeans, a black T-shirt, a slim colorful blazer and boots. For clubbing, wear dark jeans, a V-neck T-shirt, and a metallic belt and heels, says Boston.
Silver metallic is hot this summer, especially in purses. Carry a silver tote with a white T-shirt and white jeans, and you'll look wonderfully cool, crisp, and on the cusp of fashion.
Source: The Commercial Appeal. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. Powered by Yellowbrix.
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