If you are still in the workforce having a current look will also help others see you as someone who still is up with what is going on and someone to respect and take seriously.    
So, how do you interpret fashion trends without looking like mutton dressed as lamb or feeling trussed up like a chook for thanksgiving dinner? 

#1: Reconcile with, and Adapt to The Body You Have Today

If you are over fifty your body will have changed and finding the right trends and adapting them will be a useless exercise if you do not intimately and accurately know the body you have TODAY. I’m always surprised at how many over fifty women do not know their body shape.  Maybe it’s a case that they’d rather not know – but please…that approach is only going to limit your life, opportunities and look.  I PROMISE YOU even if you do not like the body you have today and it looks like gravity and cellulite are winning you CAN LOOK FABULOUS, so stop putting it off. Go get into your knickers, stand in front of a full length mirror and take a good long loving look at your body from head to toe and work out what shape you are today.  This includes your horizontal body shape, bust size, weight, vertical ratio, and prominent features. If you need a little help My Private Stylist is here to help with our $25 professional photo assessment service.  

Color is the next thing to consider.  If you have had a color analysis in the past, then all you may need is an update if you hair is a different color or if more than 10 years have elapsed.  Everyone’s coloring changes overtime with most women getting paler and cooler with time.  Probably the most important thing about color is to avoid wearing dark colors near your face as they will make you appear paler and will throw shadows onto your face exaggerating any lines or dark areas.    

#2: Assess Your Hair, Makeup and Eyewear.

When was the last time you updated your hairstyle and the way you apply your make-up?  If you’ve been doing both the same way for years it’s definitely time for a change. A new hairstyle and makeup are the quickest and most effective way to update your look and gain instant gratification.  In fact a good hairstyle can have similar results to a mini face-lift. This photo from a makeover by Carol Tuttle is a great example.

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The second thing which needs evaluating is your makeup. What worked even a few years may not be doing you any favors today. You can “try on” make-up at Taaz to see what colors and types are appropriate for you.

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The third thing you need to consider is your glasses. Out of date frames make you look older (and out of date). Get to your local eyewear store and take some time trying on various styles – especially ones you’d normally not choose. Who knows? You might discover a color or style that really makes you pop. Don’t limit yourself to one pair. Purchasing a couple different frames enables you to switch out your look, keeping it fresher longer.

#3: Get and Stay Active

You’ve already heard it said but it bears repeating: eat right and exercise! A healthy body and mind are crucial to maintaining a healthy appearance. Consult your physician on what exercises are right for you. They might be lifting weights, walking, core exercises, or short bursts of high intensity exercise.

#4: Determine Your Signature Style 

How do you determine your signature style? Make a list of adjectives which describe the look you’re going for. This includes the type of clothing, other people’s impression of you, your personality, and what you want to enhance/minimize. Take this list with you or memorize it when you go shopping. Any garment or accessory which doesn’t reflect the list should be disregarded no matter how cute it is. If it doesn’t match your list, you probably won’t be comfortable wearing it and it won’t get worn, which is a waste of money.

For example, my adjectives are Comfortable, Accessorized, and Tummy Hiding. You may come up with a longer list. What’s important is to know your body shape and colouring before you make this list.

#5: Know Before You Go

Before you hit the stores, hit the Internet to find out what’s available. Websites like Pretastyler are like online department stores and cover many price points. You can also go to their trends area to see what’s new and what’s on the way.

As you investigate, you’ll spot common threads (no pun intended), such as:

• Themes: nautical, mod, ethnic, military, romantic
• Shapes: strong angular shapes, round, straight
• Fit: very fitted, soft and flowing
• Colour: red, blues, yellows
• Fabric: tweed, chiffon, anything textured
• Patterns: floral, ethnic, checks, stripes
• Surfaces: Matte, sheen, shine, sparkle
• Accessories: types of bags, necklaces, shoes, eyewear
• Makeup and Hair: short, long, up, down, casual, stylized

If you’re not happy with what you find, don’t worry. You’re only a season away from a new crop of styles. Your investigating will also show you which stores carry the styles you prefer, which makes shopping simpler.

#6: Wardrobe Core Decisions

What are the best wardrobe decisions when thinking about fashion for 50 year olds? Trends are fleeting, but fashion is flexible. What does this mean? It means spend your money on high quality core, go-to items which flatter your shape, are simple in style, and can be mixed and matched with other items. For example, a solid blazer can be worn with jeans for a dressy casual look or with slacks or a pencil skirt for office attire. A crisp pink poplin shirt can add a light, feminine touch to tweed or give structure to a gauzy crinkled skirt or capris and sandals. If you aim for neutral colors in your core items, you can add colour through non-core seasonal garments and jewelry, scarves, shoes, and handbags, which are easily changeable through the seasons.
If current trends have you thinking there’s no way you can wear them despite how cute they look, remember this: clothing manufacturers and pattern companies know many customers do not have supermodel figures and adapt fashion trends into more figure-flattering styles.

#7: Lift & Support

As you age, gravity’s effect on your body becomes more noticeable. Thankfully, you can forego plastic surgery and liposuction and buy shapewear. Shapewear can be your new best friend. Imagine those bulges and jiggles smoothing away in this breathable, comfortable support. You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll look and feel.

Speaking of support, if you haven’t been fitted for a bra in a while, get yourself to a store where a trained bra-fitter will help you find the right size and cup. The higher and perkier your girls are, the more youthful your figure will look.

#8: Avoid ‘Mutton Dressed as Lamb’

We’ve all seen it; women who cross the line from tasteful to tacky, chic to freak, vivacious to vulgar. Not all trends are appropriate for women over 50. They were never meant to be. A simple way to decide what’s hot and what’s not for your age is, “When in doubt, don’t.”
Here are a few suggestions of no-gos for 50+ women:

• Bare midriffs
• Mid thigh or higher skirts
• Over the knee boots
• Anything ultra tight
• Low cut tops if you have a saggy chest
• Sleeveless tops if you have saggy upper arms
• G-string swimwear

The Fab Life

Once you embark on this new journey into 50+ style, you’ll be amazed at how you respond mentally and physically. Don’t be surprised when you discover a more confident you walking out the door with your head held high and vitality energizing you steps. You may be a grandma, but you look and act ready to conquer the world with the best fashion for 50 year olds.

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