By Mary Lou Andre

If you are young with a fabulous figure, you can pull of an endless range of styles. As you advance in age, your fashion options will drop off, even if you maintain the figure of your youth.

Of course, there are genetic miracles who look decades younger than they actually are. I personally know and have consulted with some of these lucky ladies. The most savvy among them would never wear short skirts, sleeveless tops, or other youthful fashions. They know that if they try to look too young, they’ll end up looking older.

Here are some tips for the over 45 crowd that will take years off your age.  These additional tips will help you focus on new ways to wear the clothing left in your wardrobe while giving you permission to get rid of any remaining items that will hamper you from dressing your personal best.

·        Even if they still fit, toss out the styles that date you. I have seen very few suits, jackets, pants and skirts that are not dated after five to seven years. Some sweaters, simple tops, classic skirts, coats, purses and belts (especially if they are designer or couture level) can last a lifetime. Yes, it is true that some styles come back after several years. After 50 (or 40 for that matter!) you’re typically too “mature” to make them work again. Adopt the attitude, “been there, done that” and select classic pieces that flatter your figure and personality while complementing your age.

·        At the very minimum, update your shoes and tops each season. A few fresh blouses in flattering colors can make you feel younger and stylish. Likewise, replacing shoes that may be comfortable but are shouting “old lady” with a pair that are more fashion-forward will do wonders for your psyche.

·        Make the most of sensible shoes. If you must wear “sensible” shoes due to arthritis and other ailments that often result from years of wear and tear on the feet, long skirts and pants are nice style choices. They conceal footwear the best. In other words, your shoes won't be the focal point of your outfit. And, yes, coordinating shoe and hose color is always a safe bet.

·        Stand tall. As we age, we begin to shrink. Creating support systems in our outfits that help balance our figure while drawing the eye to our face is an excellent dressing strategy. In addition to balancing out your hips, a modest shoulder pad will make you appear less frail. If you are wearing a blouse or sweater without pads, try wrapping a cardigan sweater around your shoulders.  It can give you the same kind of lift as shoulder pads. ·        Give yourself a facelift without ever seeing a surgeon! A collared blouse or shirt can do wonders for an aging face and neck because of the coverage they provide. The trick to wearing this type of top well is to be quite deliberate with how you position the collar around your face. Start by lifting the collar up in the back and then gently folding it down around your face. The goal is to have the collar create a sloping effect instead of wearing it flat around your face. Practice does make perfect! Play with your collars in the mirror and you’ll get the idea.

·        Limit the black. While black clothes can be a young girl’s best friend, too much black in a more mature wardrobe can literally suck the life out of your face.  I’m not suggesting that you abandon all your black clothing-- I love black base pieces. I am, however, suggesting that you become more aware of the colors you wear next to your face. If you need to select a dress for a special occasion, for instance, you might want to use the opportunity to lighten your wardrobe. Silver gray, teal green and periwinkle blue are my favorite colors on a variety of my senior clients, especially those who choose to wear their hair gray or white.

·        Consider your sleeves. Many 50+ women ask me if they can wear sleeveless tops. I think of this as a very personal decision.  If you are pleased with your bare arms, keep showing them -- particularly in casual situations.  In more formal settings, such as weddings or work, opt for short and long sleeve styles.  Layering is another option.  A sleeveless tee under a linen shirt, for instance, in the summer (especially in air conditioning) often works.  You can always remove the top layer when you feel warm.  Along with necks and hands, arms can start to show your age first.

·        Defy gravity.  Many aging women are still tucking their blouses and sweaters into their pants and skirts. As we age, we often put on weight in our midsection. While tucking and belting makes sense with some outfits, tucking in all of your tops is probably unnecessary and can create visual interest where many of us don’t need it! Start un-tucking and you’ll be amazed at the pounds that appear to come off. The trick to un-tucking with style is to be sure the tops you choose to wear untucked are not too long, and that they hit you at a flattering point on your thigh.  

  Behind Closed Doors:  Ode to My Grandmother

Attending a family wedding a few years ago with my 93-year-old grandmother reminded me once again about the power of having clothes that make you feel your personal best.

When my Mom and I arrived at the assisted living facility where she lived to get her ready for the wedding, her dress, shoes and bag were laid out waiting for her.  The light blue and rose chiffon dress my Aunt Pam selected for her was perfect.  Not only did it bring out the blue in her eyes, but it was also lightweight enough for her to move around easily and, therefore, enjoy herself more at the wedding.  A touch of make-up and a matching cane were all she needed to look great.

Right up until the time she passed away, my grandmother was a savvy woman who prided herself on her appearance. Her nails were always flawlessly manicured and hair perfectly coiffed. She seemed to always be prepared to take the world by storm – which she did on a daily basis!

When she was a widowed mom of three small children in the 1950’s, I believe the extra attention to her appearance was one of her survival tactics.  Over the years, I heard story after story about her ability to negotiate car deals, buy a new house for her growing family and get all of her children into college.  No small feat for a woman who was barely five feet tall.

No matter her age, details mattered to my grandmother and spoke volumes for her good taste in so many things.  I am grateful to have had her as one of my earliest style mentors.

Mary Lou Andre is founder and president of Organization By Design, Inc., and author of Ready to Wear: An Expert’s Guide to Choosing and Using Your Wardrobe. Website: www.dressingwell.com