Fashion Tips For Us

If you are on the plus side of fifty, you may feel a little overwhelmed when making new choices for your wardrobe. Many of the fashion articles and store displays seem to be geared to the twenty-somethings. Those styles may not be appropriate or comfortable for our bodies, so we must make adjustments to create a flattering and comfortable style but keeps our look current. It's also a plus to use what we already have in our closet and update it with a few key fashion pieces.

I've named the photo set below "Street Style" because it represents my formula for getting dressed for the daytime. Layers allow you to be prepared for cooler restaurant temps, a sudden spring rain, or a ride in a convertible. Push up the sleeves of a lightweight cardigan in a flattering color for your skin tone and wear a body-skimming tee underneath. This gives you a flattering deep V neck, and pushing up your sleeves to show the forearm always adds height and takes away pounds visually. Layering in lightweight fabrics allows you to feel confident that you aren't showcasing those extra pounds around the middle that we find so very difficult to get rid of.  

I often wear a hat in the summer for several reasons. My hair is not as full and thick as it once was, but I also like covering my hair when it will likely stick to my head with perspiration. (Never a good look!) Some rules will always apply when wearing a hat. Your other accessories need to be less in number and scale when you wear a hat. If the weather becomes too warm later in the day, I can take off the cardigan and drape the scarf across my shoulders. Try on several styles of hats to find the one that is flattering to your face shape. Remember, round plus around is never good when it comes to faces and accessories.

Sunglasses in shapes that flatter your face and protect your eyes are a wise investment for anyone. I have several styles and always make sure I have the correct sunglasses and shade of lip gloss before leaving for the day. Lip gloss or lip color of any type should blend with the color of your top. Image a beautiful red blouse with lip color in the orange tones. (Clash!) I like to wear earrings and bangles in my accent color in hot summer weather. A necklace, earrings, sunglasses, and a hat all at once are way too much going on in a small area.

Platform sandals are much more flattering with cropped pants or walking shorts because they visually add length to your lower leg to balance out the fact that cropped pants shorten the length of your leg.  A nude color leather with accents such as jute, straw, or cork is great summer neutrals with white or khaki pants.