Millie Rainer
It is said that aging gracefully is an art. Not all women, however, succeed at mastering this one. Sure, age is just another number and we all want to look and feel young, but the fact remains that we’re are better off looking graceful and elegant, than like an over-the-top wannabe.
At age 50, you’re neither old and dreary, nor inexperienced and bashful. You’ve been there, done that, and have learned enough about life to relive it all over again, but maybe in a better and more-knowing sort of a way.
A lot of mature women find it hard to come to terms with the fact that they’re over 50. But being in that age bracket does not make one old. Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, Kim Cattrall, Vivica A. Fox, they’re all over 50 and look a lot better than some of their younger counterparts. These women have the grace, the poise, and the polished beauty which comes with styling according to one’s age.
If you’re 50 (or over 50), and looking for information on how to avoid fashion blunders, which can make you look tacky and loud, then here are a few fashion faux pas that women in their 50s should definitely avoid.
1. Wearing the Wrong Makeup
Wearing the wrong makeup can totally backfire. Makeup should hide your imperfections and simultaneously look natural. Since your skin changes as you age, you need to upgrade your makeup and application techniques accordingly. Everything, from the foundation to the lip color, as well as the nail color needs to undergo an upgrade.
Never make the mistake of applying too much foundation to hide your wrinkles and fine lines. It’ll just make you look cake-y, which is a big turn-off. Keep it low-key with light foundation, lip color and eye shadow. Keep the use of eye-liner and mascara to a minimum. Dark makeup will only attract more attention to your features, which won’t work in your favor.
2. Wearing the Wrong Clothes
Dressing like you did when you were in your 20s and 30s will not work if you want to look classy. Throw out your old pair of skinny jeans or shorts, and tight-fitting crop tops, if you’re still holding on to them. Stock your wardrobe with comfortable and well-fitted stylish clothes for more mature women, which are available in plenty if you make the effort of looking around.
3. Wearing the Wrong Innerwear
It’s not just about how you look on the outside but the way you feel on the inside that also matters! Remember, because your body is changing, you need give it the required support. Figure out the right size for your undergarments and stay away from smaller, ill-fitting sizes. They’ll just make your shape look weird. Invest in shape wear and spanx-type panties which will help you avoid the visible panty line.
4. Not Looking After Your Skin
Just like it is important to upgrade your makeup, you need to upgrade your skin care essentials as well. You might want to consider investing in skin creams and lotions that will slow down or hide the signs of aging by erasing fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. These lotions should also help provide your skin with suppleness and radiance.
5. Not Using Sunscreen
Use a sunscreen with high SPF every time you step out of the house, as it will slow down the occurrence of more wrinkles. Talk to your dermatologist for which product is best for your skin type.
6. Applying a Single Tone of Hair Color
Sometimes, applying the same tone of hair color throughout your hair can make you look older. You can try highlighting them and mixing them up with another natural color for the whole head. This will surely give you a youthful appearance.
7. Matching Everything
Matching all aspects of your attire is passé. It is better to adopt a look that is clean, sophisticated, and simple. You do not need to match your nail polish with your clothes or your bag with your shoes. It just screams “wannabe.”
Instead, you can opt for a look that’s subtle by acquiring statement pieces of clothes and accessories over time in classic colors, patterns, and themes.
8. Accessorizing Too Much
Nothing can kill the elegance of a beautiful outfit like over-accessorizing. If you’re wearing a bold statement necklace, you will do well in ditching the earrings and vice versa. Similarly, if you’re wearing a heavy bracelet, wearing rings is unnecessary. It is always better to make one accessory the hero and tone the others down.
Additionally, avoid large opulent hats and bags. And say no to bows and buckles, bells and sequins, and you should do just fine!
image credit9. Wearing Running Shoes with Everything
How can one wear athletic shoes with everything and everywhere? It’s just disastrous and looks funny! Unless you’re running, playing sports, or exercising, leave your running shoes in your wardrobe. For footwear that’s comfortable, you can opt for flat sandals, ballerinas, low-heeled pumps, boots, or slip-ons.
10. Following Trends Blindly
This is criminal, especially if you’re not a teenager. Sure, it’s tempting to slip into that sheer skirt or those trendy denim shorts, but it can make it appear like you’re trying too hard. But that doesn’t mean you give up on trends completely. Being trendy is great when it comes to handbags, sunglasses, scarves, and jewelry. Just not with all the items of clothing.
Play it safe and keep it low-profile. Instead of splurging on passing trends, buy a few pieces for flair. For example, keep your outfit simple and let your handbag, scarf, or your sunglasses take the center stage.
Conclusion
There’s nothing wrong in trying to look younger than your real age, provided you do so correctly. Looking like a 25 or a 30 year old should not be the objective, rather it should be to look good for your age. Being fashionable will only work in your favor, but you also need to bear the dos and don’ts in mind, else it could leave you looking all out of place.