The question that I hear the most is also the complement I receive most often; “how do I always look so put together and classy?” LOL…..If any of you knew me in everyday life you would know that I am a very relaxed and open person and unashamed to tell almost anything about shortcomings. So the statement that I look classy can make me giggle a little bit. Because I don’t think of myself that way! I’m a pretty silly gal, to say the least!
I have five key things I do when getting dressed every day that make for a put together classy look, no matter how casual the outfit is. So I will share them with you.
Let me start by saying some of the things I will share with you some women my age will disagree. I can only share what works for me and provide my thoughts as honestly as I can. So let’s get started!
#1 Accessories; at 60 years old no matter what I’m going to wear I always add a few accessories. In my opinion, you don’t have an outfit without them, it’s like a cake without the frosting. For example, I will at least add some earrings, a watch or bracelets, and a belt. Or, possibly a scarf, earrings, and a bracelet. Now you have some frosting! I always try to add at least three accessories. I think this comes from my Interior design background rule of 3-5-7. I like to stay away from even numbers, as uneven numbers are always more ascetically pleasing to the eye. For example, you should not put two candles on the table. Instead, you should use an odd number, and either have one candle or three candles.
#2 Shoes; this is a difficult subject as we age because of foot problems etc. so comfort is key. However, some comfortable shoes are not very attractive and they can kill the whole look of your outfit. If you have issues wearing heels I do understand because when I was first diagnosed with MS at the end of 2012, I had to stop wearing heels for a few years until my health got better. So, it was a challenge to find comfortable flat and lower heel shoes that I wouldn’t trip in. But, if you put some effort into finding attractive shoes, it will take your look from frumpy to classy. I will often see older women dressed nicely with accessories, with their hair and makeup was done with big joggers on or orthopedic looking shoes, and it hurts the whole look. In some cases looking like an old bag lady. I know this sounds brutal and harsh, but it’s important to invest in attractive, comfortable shoes.
Many companies now make shoes for the mature woman who especially need comfort. I will make recommendations below of some shoes with a high comfort level and great style as well. Try a comfortable kitten heel or wedge bootie to wear with your pants. Even a pretty loafer. Try arch support added to a stylish flat. I always stay away from a jogger when going out. I keep them for wearing at home and going for a walk or hike. I know it’s an on-trend look right now to wear a jogger with dresses, but I say this is better left to the younger ladies! I personally have never seen this look pulled off well by mature women. I always think an attractive shoe looks on point! I will link some comfy shoe brands below.
#3 Layers; add a third piece. A jean and T-shirt or top is only that, its not an outfit! When you add a sweater, jacket, or even a scarf, now you have an outfit! By adding a lightweight sweater over your shoulders, or just putting a cami under a collared shirt you now look like you are wearing a well thought out outfit. The more layers you incorporate, the more put together you will look. Now I know in the heat of the summer this might not be practical so remember to accessorize! Simply adding a belt can kick things up a notch.
#4 Hair; this is another touchy subject with mature women! My preference for most older women is shorter hairstyles above the shoulder. I do know a few gorgeous women that look amazing with long hair! However, they have the right shape face for it and even more important, they have thick, healthy, and styled hair! If you have dry, thin, and damaged hair, it can make you look older than you are. As we age, we need softness around our face. We could also use some height on the top of our head to give a lift to our face. Everything we do needs to be lifting our face, not pulling it down as gravity is trying to do that already! If you have been wearing your hair the same way since high school, and you’re now over 50, its time for a change even if its small. Figure out what shape face you have and then pick a style that flatters your face. Then style your hair! This will give you a modern, current, more polished look in the end!
#5 Makeup; try some makeup! You don’t all have to wear as much as I like to wear. I understand we all have our individual style! And if you have been a natural kind of girl in your younger years, I understand. However, as we age our complexion changes. It greys and can tend to look sallow, and we often get age spots. If all you do is wear a tinted BB cream, a touch of blush on your cheeks and some lip gloss, you will always look more polished and put together.
If you saw two photos of me wearing the same outfit, the first showing my hair and makeup done, and the other without my hair and makeup done you would see what a difference it makes! I truly believe putting on some makeup and styling your hair is 50% of the overall look of your outfit! If you have never worn any makeup take a trip to a Lancome or Este Lauder makeup counter at a department store, or go to a Sephora and ask for a free makeover! Just ask for someone who understands how to do makeup for mature skin.
So there you have it! These are the five things I do that I know help me look like I’m sophisticated and classy even when I’m really not! These tips also help me feel more confident about how I look, and that translates into being more confident! I hope this has helped some of you. I will add a bonus tip, and that is to make sure you smile! A smile is the best finishing touch to any outfit and makes everyone beautiful.
Have a blessed day,
Sandy
Comfy shoe brands: Naturalizer, Clarks, Earth, & Rockport
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