Fabulous, Fashionable and Over 45

by Leslie Davies

Have you walked into a store lately only to wonder "How the heck do I wear this stuff?" Well, you're not alone! For years retailers have been catering to a younger demographic with a larger disposable income and sometimes it seems that there is nothing to wear for those that are "more sophisticated". The fashion chasm has existed and finally retailers are recognizing the boomer bracket's potential for business. Fall 2006 watch for Josef, a mature extension of Montreal-based Boutique Jacob Inc., and Yzza by Liz Claiborne to spring up across Canada - these will be stores with you in mind. But being mature doesn't mean that we have to give up being "hip" - in fact, it's a wonderful time to inject some fearless fun into our look without looking like "bubblegum". Look for inspiration from your favorite celebrities; Oprah Winfrey, Diane Keaton, Candace Bergen, Bette Midler, Sigourney Weaver, Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon, Julianne Moore, Demi Moore (mmm, okay maybe not), Stockard Channing, and Raquel Welch. They hire image professionals and stylists that help them look terrific - take what you like about their look and try it on for size!

GET HIP QUICK Tips:

1. Get a haircut! Your hairstyle is one of the easiest ways to update your look and should be done at least once every 3 to 5 years. Have your stylist show you different ways of wearing it - and try it! Choose hair colors that flatter your complexion and avoid those that appear unnatural or that do not harmonize with your natural coloring. Consider changing hairstylists if you keep getting the same style, color and look every time. The next time that you encounter a woman's hairstyle you admire, ask who her stylist is!

2. Choose new eyeglass frames. Before shopping for new frames identify your facial shape and choose frames that mimic that shape. For example, if you have a rectangular face shape, select more rectangular shaped frames. Know what colors look great on you and choose frames that harmonize with your skintone. Wait for a "Two-for-One" Sale and select one pair of eyeglasses that are elegant and one that is a little "edgy" and fashion forward for more casual occasions.

3. Update the way you wear your make-up. Book a Make-up Lesson. Still applying your makeup the same way you have been for years? Not sure what colors flatter you best? It's time for a change! When selecting your make-up artist find someone who's makeup and look you admire and who is knowledgeable about skin tones and color theory. They should ask about your lifestyle and the amount of time that you will spend in the morning applying your make-up - this will ensure that you can duplicate the results. Ahhh…but to duplicate the results you have to learn current hands-on techniques by trying it yourself while being coached and guided. There is a difference between "lesson" and "application" - be sure your going to get the coaching that a lesson provides.

4. Wear styles that flatter your body shape. Even if something is "in-style" it doesn't mean that it suits all body shapes. For instance, the fall season's hot item was Military inspired jackets adorned with epaulets and detail at the shoulder. This style isn't for everyone - particularly those of us that are broad through the chest and shoulders. Choose the garments that flatter your body best and don't compromise. Not sure what your body type is or what flatters you best? Time to do some research…there are six different body shapes; A, V, H, O, X and Standard. A's hips are wider than the bust, V's hips are narrower than the bust, H's waist is thicker than standard, O's waist is thicker than the bust and X's waist is smaller than standard. Ideally, we want to create the illusion of a balanced body shape meaning that the bust and shoulders are "balanced" with the hips, and the waist is in proportion. For example if we look at the Military inspired jacket as mentioned above, with the epaulets and detail at the shoulders this garment would draw the eye upward and depending on the cut and fabric, would balance an "A" body shape beautifully and it certainly would not be attractive on a "V" body shape. In a future article we will look more closely at each of these body shapes, what to wear and what not to wear for each. Our body shape can change as we gain and lose weight so occasionally re-analyze your proportions to see that you are selecting the right garments to flatter your body.

5. Be Brutal… when it comes to "Fit". You can spend hundreds of dollars on a beautiful garment but if it doesn't fit properly it won't matter how much you've invested. Find a terrific tailor or alterationist and have your clothing altered to fit and flatter your body. When clothing is mass manufactured it has been designed to fit the majority of the population making allowances for many body types. So, it is reasonable then to expect that to get a garment to fit you properly extra modifications need to be made. You can even have some of the garments you already own altered somewhat so that they reflect current trends and suit your body without spending a small fortune.

6. Boots baby, boots. Every woman needs to own a pair of stylish boots to wear with jeans and trousers. Boots "elevate" the look of a casual pair of jeans by injecting a little more formality, elegance and "hipness". They can be dressed up or down and they always feel sexy. Create a longer looking leg by selecting a boot with a slight heel (not flat) and choose a tone that is darker than your trousers or jeans.

7. Energize your Body! Years ago, I tuned into an Oprah show where the famous choreographer and actress Debbie Allen was a guest. Known for her great moves and youthful, elegant appearance Debbie talked about posture and body movement as being key to looking and feeling youthful. This thought has stuck with me over the years and I began to take notice of people who appeared youthful and those that did not. Do you move with purpose and energy? Is your posture upright and graceful or hunched over and labored looking? How about your facial expressions…are you generally optimistic, happy and open-minded? Observe people around you and take note of what their body energy communicates.

It is possible to be fashionable over 45 without becoming a "Fashion Slave". Be fearless and try a new look, starting with something as easy as changing your hairstyle! Breathe new life into your wardrobe with some new accessories! Inject a skip in your step with a sleek pair of boots! Get intimate with knowing the shape of your body and purchase only garments that look GREAT!

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