We may be “elderly” over 60 but that doesn’t mean we have to look that way. I wrote a post about how we can look like old ladies in terms of health and fitness, but this post is about how our fashion and beauty choices will also make us look old.
Watch my video that describes 6 beauty and fashion mistakes we make as we age.
These are highlights from my video.
Below are 6 beauty and fashion suggestions to look less like an old lady and more like your vibrant and gorgeous self.
The opinions below are my own. You may disagree furiously, and I understand. Just use them as food for thought.
1. The best way to wear your hair
First off, there is nothing wrong with having gray hair. For many older women, it is stunning. However, it may depend on how it comes in and how you feel about it. I readily admit I still dye my hair out of vanity.
Looking good with gray or dyed hair comes down to having a stylish haircut that flatters your face, body, and lifestyle.
Some of us have hairstyles that are not much different than how we looked in high school. The problem is, that it may not be the most flattering style for how we look now.
If you can, find a stylist with a good grasp of what looks good on you as an individual, and can cut and style your hair without making you look like a stereotypical “granny.” I decided to go with a shoulder length slightly layered bob with no bangs. It’s low maintenance and is a classic cut.
I do not believe there should be rules regarding the length of our hair just because we are older. If you love wearing your hair long and it looks good on you, go for it. Older women do not have to be relegated to short hair.
2. Wear less makeup to look younger
If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I am a proponent of wearing minimal makeup as we age. Less is more. Makeup, especially foundation, gets into our creases emphasizing them more. I only wear foundation for a photo shoot or special occasion. Otherwise, I let my skin go naked so it breathes.
Tinted moisturizers can work well as many contain SPF for sun protection. I never wear a powder foundation or loose powder especially because my skin tends to be dry.
The best thing you can do is practice good skin care is cleansing and moisturizing twice a day. The rest is optional.
I use a brow pencil because my brows are disappearing. The only eye shadow I wear is a nude-toned cream-to-powder stick that helps to highlight my brows and my lower lids. I skip mascara as I hate wearing it. I apply a little eyeliner to my upper eyelids.
To add a little life to my skin I love the glow balm trend, or I may wear a cream bronzer. Then, to finish my look, I wear creamy lipstick in a subtle rosy shade.
3. Quit wearing sloppy, unattractive, stretchy, out-of-date clothes
As we age, comfort becomes super important. And because most of us do not have bodies like we did in our 20s, we tend to wear clothing to cover our flaws. The problem is that some clothes make us look like a sack of potatoes which can seriously affect our self-esteem.
I believe in building a classic mix-and-match wardrobe with pieces that can be interchanged easily. Get rid of clothing in your closet that no longer fits, is out of style, and is unflattering for your body shape. If you still have clothes you wore in the 60s or 70s, donate them to a thrift store as someone may want them as a costume.
The first thing I banned from my closet is elastic-waisted pants because I need to lose weight. Elastic waistbands or overly stretchy clothes make it easy for me to overeat. I still have some stretchy pants to lounge around in, but I try to wear zippered pants as much as possible.
Other clothing choices that should be banned include ripped jeans, because they are ridiculous, shirts that are too full and make you look pregnant, capri pants (because they cut you off below the knees), and leggings, especially if you have a big cottage cheesy butt.
If you have a big belly, like I do, rather than cover it up with an oversized blouse or tent dress, wear a solid color for your top and bottom. Layer it with a contrasting jacket, sweater, vest, or open blouse. It will make you look slimmer and is much more stylish.
Wearing the right undergarments makes a difference but that doesn’t mean you have to wear uncomfortable shapewear unless you want to for a special occasion.
Some of my panties slipped down because of my tummy when I walked, which was embarrassing. I found some cotton panties on Amazon that are high-waisted and cotton with tummy control. They work so much better for me.
Make sure you are wearing the correct bra size. Our girls begin to descend as we age and determining the right size can be tricky. I found a bra-size calculator online. It surprised me to learn I was a B cup even though I thought I was at least a D cup.
Pantyhose has gone out of style but some comfortable tights that look like hose work well. I live in Los Angeles so I rarely wear hose, but in a colder climate, tights will keep you cozier and hold in your tummy.
4. Wear an alternative color to black to look more youthful
Switch out your black clothes for another dark color. I love navy blue because it is neutral and brightens up almost anyone’s complexion to make them look younger. Know what colors look best with your complexion. You may want to have a color consultation with an expert.
5. Always wear comfortable shoes
A nice pair of sneakers can be worn with almost anything. To look more chic, choose sneakers in black, white, or skin-toned (they make you look taller). Avoid loud and crazy color combos unless you want to make a statement.
I never wear heels or pointy-toed shoes because A. I want to avoid falls at all costs, and B. My feet need more room in the toe box to prevent foot issues. Comfortable shoes are important because they affect your health and posture.
6. Use accessories to add individuality to your wardrobe
You can add a pop of color by carrying a red purse, wearing purple shoes, a fun scarf, hat, or other item.
Wear minimal jewelry by finding one or two delicate pieces rather than large clunky jewelry that may get caught on something and cause an injury.
Most people over 60 wear reading glasses. You can wear ugly drugstore “granny glasses” or find something with a little more pizzazz, like a pair of red or sparkly frames. Have fun with them.
I hope these suggestions resonate with you. If you have other fashion and beauty suggestions that may make you look younger, please leave a comment below.
I agree that black is aging, so I always wear gray. I don’t why I like it so much, but it’s softer than black. I’ll have to look into flesh-colored sneakers. Anything that makes me look taller!
Gray can be very beautiful, Laurie. I agree.
I enjoyed listening to you. Thank you.
Thanks. Where did you hear me?