By Josephine Lalwin –
Age should not be an excuse. We can maximise our potential and look stunningly chic at any age. All we have to do is make this choice. Easy chic may sound like a contradiction in terms, yet once you begin to pay attention to what really works for you and ignore or discard all those styles that do not fit either your shape or your lifestyle every visit to your wardrobe in search of an outfit becomes a joy rather than a confusing task.
Women who are able to create the essence of chic have a deep understanding of themselves and who they are in the world. Fashion trends may come and go. However femininity, glamour and style are ever enduring qualities.
Every woman is an individual and by the time you reach a certain age it is time to step out and dress to suit your own personality and style and not copy others or vainly attempt to attain the ideal of conventional beauty often personified by the celebrity cult.
Clothes and fashion are designed to be fun and enjoyable. After a certain age a quirky sense of humour in the way you present yourself can take years off your chronological age. Learn not to take things too seriously. If you feel at ease in floaty prints and florals – wear them. If classic is more your look, then stick with a more elegant approach.
Style comes from feeling that the clothes you are wearing belong to you. When you know that you look and feel good in what you are wearing you automatically begin to feel more confident. It is just as important to pay as much attention to how you feel in your clothes as to how you look in them. When you begin to care about how you move in a dress, how you walk in it, how wonderful it is to be inside that dress, trousers, sweater or coat and begin to experience how amazing you feel; you will definitely look amazing.
10 top tips to looking chic and elegant
- Always pay attention to grooming
- Make sure your hair is cut to suit your face shape.
- Pay attention to hands and nails
- Your clothes should complement your figure shape
- Clothes that fit well are essential
- Wear clothes that are harmonious with your natural skin and hair colour
- Accessories can make or break an outfit. Less is more
- Invest in styles that work for you and avoid the ones that don’t
- Simplicity rather than complication is the key.
- Build up a core capsule wardrobe of key essential pieces in you best neutrals and then add accessories as the mood and season dictates.(this is how French women always look so “chic”)
Here are some examples of basic figure flattering styles to get you started.
The basics:
Trench by Isabella Oliver
White shirt by Thomas Pink
Jacket by Isabella Oliver
Bag by Mulberry
Ballerinas by French Sole
Shirt dress by Hobbs
Jeans by NYDJ
Cashmere cardigan by Pure Collection
Remember style is an attitude of mind. Defining style on your own terms is a process that evolves as you gain confidence in yourself and come to know and accept your body shape and personality. Entering your 50’s is not an end to looking fashionable and feeling confident. It can be the beginning of a new chapter which when accepted and embraced can be the beginning of a new journey of discovery.
Josephine writes a fashion and lifestyle blog http://www.chicat50plus.com/ from London and St.Tropez, in which she shares her experiences and advice on how to look chic at any age. She worked for over 10 years in fashion PR, then trained as an Image Consultant, beauty therapist and qualified as a Professional coach. Over the years she has helped hundreds of women look and feel more confident in their personal and professional lives.
8 thoughts on “Chic at Any Age”
Great article, Josephine! Looking chic and elegant after 50 is exactly what you said…a state of mind! Aging gracefully requires being ‘comfortable in our own skin’ and, as you said, simplicity! Thanks for the piece! http://www.fiftyisthenewforty.net/fashion-beauty/fashion-tips-for-50/
Great tips. Love the white blouse and ballet flats.
As I got older, I was always afraid of wearing clothes that made it look like I was trying to be young again. But I soon realized that as long as I feel good in what I’m wearing, I will look good as well. I’m a strong believer that confidence is key. How you feel on the inside, radiates on the outside!
Hi Sharon
You are absolutely right confidence is key. A sparkle in the eyes and a smile also helps. best wishes
Great article with great tips to feeling and looking better about the skin you’re in! Being the minimalist when it comes to accessories, I also agree that they can make or break an outfit. Less is definitely more.
Hi Cathy
I am also a minimalist and believe it is better to spend as much as you can afford on one good accessory than buying lots of cheaper ones.
Great article…….to add, taking good care of skin and wearing an appropriate make up also makes you more confident….though not to go overboard with makeup, choose shades wisely and accentuate either eyes or lips
always accessorize with quality scarves….they add color and drama to your outfit!
Thanks Nisha.
If you check out my blog I have just written an article on skin care. I agree with your other comments.