7 Ways To Look Great As We Age...

Don't rush into something just because it looks good, because a lot of things that look good aren't always good for you...

There is not a single person out there that I can think of who does not want to age gracefully and if possible slow down the aging process as well.  We all know that we cannot stop the aging process, but there are a fer things we can actually do to help that aging process.

Another good article by celebrity stylist Lois Johnson.  Now I would like to share with you, and she says:

Be bold with color
We all love black, but we also know that black can be draining, where as  the right colors can be energizing.  For example, Michelle Obama.  Always in vibrant colors.  Makes her stand out and come to life. 

Those colors that work with your complexion can make skin glow, soften lines and shadows, even made boost your mood.   If you want a non-scary alternative to black, pale neutrals like sand, ivory, and camel tend to work with everything. For more of a splash, find inspiration from your makeup colors (corals, cobalt, reds) and incorporate those shades into accessories like jewelry, bags, or scarves. The colors you feel good in are most likely the ones that look best on you. 

Layer like a stylist 
When done right, layering casual clothes can make you look more put-together. To keep the look from appearing sloppy rather than stylish, pay attention to the weight of the fabric and length of each item. When it comes to your top half, it is suggested wearing the thinnest, longest piece on the inside, and getting thicker and shorter with each subsequent layer. This means starting with a long tank, adding a V-neck tee, and topping with a shorter jacket or cardigan to expose the different lengths. Balance the look with leggings or fitted jeans. 

Bring back dresses 
"Dresses are a no-brainer because you don't have to worry about putting a look together by having to pair separate pieces," says Johnson. "They work for any situation as they can be dressed up and down, and worn with boots, flats, or heels." Prints and ruching camouflage flaws, and make cheaper fabrics appear fancier. "One of the great secrets of celebrity stylists is that even a tiny bit of tailoring makes a difference and helps an inexpensive piece look expensive."  

perfect bra

I guess I have to raid my closet and take out some of those dresses I try on all the time but hardly ever use.  Can be interesting to see what I have.

Create a longer, leaner silhouette 
Pull out the wardrobe pieces that expose your neck and legs.  The idea isn't to go for plunging necklines that reveal tons of cleavage, but to choose boat- or V-necks, or to leave a few buttons of your blouse undone. Pair tops with a skirt that falls at your knees and nude pumps that blend with your skin tone to add inches to your legs. "This creates the illusion of a swan-like neck and lanky legs by stretching your body at opposite ends," says Johnson. 

Go monochromatic 
While a white top and black pants may be your go-to outfit, breaking the line of your body at the waist or hips isn't the most slimming option. Instead, try to stay within the same color group for a sleeker vertical line, says Johnson. Shades don't have to be an exact match to work. For instance, a navy sweater paired with dark-washed jeans or a charcoal cotton top with gray cords would be gorgeous. 

Smooth lines with shape wear 
Having just one piece of shape wear in your closet, such as nude Spanx bike shorts, makes you feel like you can wear anything because it improves the fit of your clothes and prevents pulling, says Johnson. It's a simple way to get a firmer, smoother look that'll give you a sense of confidence.  Also essential is a seamless bra that hikes up your girls and is smooth enough to wear under sheerer fabrics, says Johnson. Avoid bras with trim that shows through tees or creates bulges. To find the right bra, try options on under a thin, white tee. "It's a winner if it improves your look from the front, the side, and the back," she says. 

If you want my recommendation, you will never go wrong with the bras from Victoria Secret.  Absolutely the best.  Have been using them for as long as I can remember and the fit and comfort is unbeatable.

Add definition with skinny belts 
A belt gives your body just enough definition to enhance curves, which can make the difference between looking frumpy and looking chic.   Skinny belts are better than thicker belts for most women  because they keep the length of the torso, whereas thicker belts make you lose that sense of space between your bust and hips. Just be sure to wear belts at the narrowest part of your waist rather than at your hips. Never understood why "girls" wear that big belt right under their bust.  Being Arvid his comment is, "they look ridiculous."

As usual this is all based on using common sense and bottom line is one must do what is most comfortable for us.  No one can really tell anyone what to wear and what not to.  They are just suggestions does not necessarily mean it will apply to everyone. 

I'm not obsessed by how I look or with being reed thin, but I do think that as a woman  reaches her 50s, they have 40 good years ahead. Looking after yourself goes hand in hand with looking good...

~Nadiya~