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9 Way to Beat the Clock for Over-50 Women

Aging brings new challenges for the woman who wants to look her best. Here are 9 tips for polishing your appearance so you will step out with confidence.

 

1.     Update your wardrobe.

Classic, simple lines and flattering colors are a must for women of a certain age. Consider your wardrobe an investment. Buy quality pieces on the basis of cost-per-wearing, rather than cost.

 

In other words, you can afford to pay more for a winter coat that goes with everything than a chartreuse jacket that will be in style for only one season.

 

Accessories are a fun and economical way to update. Buy a handbag or scarf in the on-trend color palette, instead of an expensive suit.

 

Anything that is too tight, too short, irreparably soiled, or in a color that looks just dreadful on you has to go.

 

Throw out useless items immediately. Put donations into boxes, and put the boxes in your car. When you pass a resale shop, drop off them off.

 

Just because something still fits does not mean it is age-appropriate. The mini-skirt and the bustier have to go. That tee-shirt with the glittery star on the front is okay for dancing around your home while you are doing the cleaning with your  favorite rock band playing,  but do not wear it to the office.

 

It can be tough to get rid of beloved older clothes. You've had some good times together. A flood of memories may rush over you. Be tough on yourself. You don't want to end up visiting these old clothes on weekends in the storage unit you've had to rent.

 

2.     A make-up lesson is a must.

 

New mineral-based products can add a youthful glow. Some lipsticks last forever. My favorite is Revlon, but it may be too drying for some women.

 

Your skin tone changes as you age, and it may be hard to accommodate these changes. Let an expert give you a fresh approach on looking good.

 

 

3.     A new haircut can take years off your age.

 

It isn't only men who suffer from hair loss. Long straggly hair – the female version of the comb-over – may not be the best way to disguise this condition.

 

A spiky, trendy, short haircut will do more to minimize thinning hair.

Don't be afraid to spend money on a good haircut. Get recommendations from friends and prowl the internet for hair-dresser biographies. Signs of someone who is probably very good is that he or she teaches, attends training at name-brand schools, conventions and contests, or whose model appears in a hair style magazine. These folks are not cheap, and mostly they are worth it.

 

You will feel like a million bucks for a hair cut that cost $100-$200.

 

4.     Pamper your skin with moisturizer and sunscreen.

 

Your skin tends to dry as it ages. Winter is especially tough on skin.

 

The key is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I've become fond of a product line that uses an olive oil base and makes my face feel smooth as silk.

 

Sunscreen can be sprayed on to avoid a sticky feel. Make sure it is completely dry before you leave home and start to sweat. That will ensure that the finish is not sticky.

 

5.     Find a signature accessory that is completely you.

 

Secretary of State Madeline Albright was known for her brooches which eventually were displayed in a museum. If a woman in charge of world peace can find time to accessorize, so can you.

 

Another terrific signature piece is an unusual necklace that you can wear with many outfits. Whether your signature piece is a faux leopard-skin handbag or a wardrobe of scarves threaded with glittery touches, find something that says, "I'm here."

 

6.     Have a dress-up outfit on hand that fits and is clean.

 

We never know when a special occasion is going to arise.  It may be a last-minute invitation to the boss's house or, at our age, a funeral.

 

Keep this outfit cleaned, pressed, and stored to avoid wrinkles, so it is ready to go at a moment's notices.  This little habit can save you lots of stress at times when you are finding it hardest to cope.

 

7.     Learn what colors look good on you and build your wardrobe to accent these.

 

Clothes shopping is easier when you know what colors look well on you. You will quickly flip through all those blouses, knit tops, and scarves so that you only consider those in your palette.

 

Make sure you own at least one or two luxurious pieces in this color. Whether it is a turquoise silk blouse or a pure white pashmina shawl, wrap yourself in a color and texture that pampers you.

 

This piece can be a focus point when worn with neutral colors.

 

8.     Just say "no" to activity overload.

 

Many of you are the go-to gal for your families. You are asked to mind grandchildren, bake cookies for the PTA, be the family peace-maker, buy gifts and cards for everyone for every holiday, as well as maintain your home. Some of you still work as well.

 

Getting enough rest is more important as we age. Avoid dark eyes and a grumpy personality by feeling rested.

The word "no" is your friend. Learn to delegate and trust others. Let other people share the work and responsibility of running the family.

 

Go to yoga, take a walk, read a book, and get enough sleep.

 

9.     Laughter makes you beautiful.

 

The first sentence in Rafael Sabatini's classic novel, Scaramouche, is, "He was born with the gift of laughter."

 

The lines around your eyes vanish when they crinkle up with a smile. The sparkle in your eyes in contagious.

 

There are even groups that meet just to laugh – because eventually the forced laughter becomes real.

 

You can give the gift of laughter, and you can do it today. When you do, you will be your most beautiful.

 

In summary, there are lots of things we can do to turn back the clock of aging. Update your look including wardrobe, makeup and hair, moisturize and get enough rest, delegate work and share some laughter with someone today.

About the Author

Enid Sefcovic, Ph.D., is the founder of Fashion After 50, with style suggestions for the over-50 woman, trend reports, a free fashion archetype quiz, gift ideas, and hints about how to develop your total lifestyle self-care plan,

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This entry was posted on Thursday, June 4th, 2009 at 2:36 am and is filed under scrapbooking. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.