Friday, September 17, 2010

Curious about where to draw the line between fun and foolish when it comes to 5 new fall looks? Read on...

1. Extra wide legged pants

1970's style has made a return in the form of wide leg pants. But some of the pant legs are so wide you could mop the floor in them. Grown up gals should leave this extreme look to tall 20 something models. Instead choose a wide leg pant with a more gentle flare. They are a fun change from straight leg pants, will be flattering on most body types and help to balance out an over 40 body , which is usually starting to widen through the hips.

2. Bright Bold Shoes

A shot of color on your feet is a great way to liven up an outfit and draw attention to your legs, if that's what you want to show off. But with the sea of colored shoes out there this fall, don't be tempted to go overboard. Jeweled toned plum croc pumps are classy. Hot purple patent leather shoes with fat straps, chunky heels and peep toes are LOUD. After 40, you don't need to shout.

3. Mini's

You might think that minis would be an automatic no-no for boomers, but there's always the exception to the rule. You can look fun and not foolish if you follow these style guidelines. Make sure your mini is not a micromini ( keep it below mid thigh) and wear it with dark tights and shoes, or tights and low boots. Also, most importantly, only wear this look if you're legs are still pretty nice and lean.

4. Wild Animal Prints

Animal prints are fun but if you are not thoughtful about how you use them, they can easily make you look foolish. Too much animal- a leopard dress, plus a croc bag, and matching croc shoes will make you look beastly! Keep it simple so it doesn't look costume-like. Just add 1 animal print accessory like a handbag or belt to a pared down outfit and you will look so much more sophisticated. It's the difference between fashion Victim and fashion Victory!

5. Metallics

Metallics are a wonderful new neutral that can go with most anything. A gold bag, a silver pair of flats, are fun and show personality. But too much shine, particularly against aging skin is going to magnify all your imperfections. So think twice about that shiny silver jacket. It just may make you look foolish instead of Fabulous after 40.

Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler (The Glam Gals) are Image and Style Experts specializing in helping women 40 plus look and feel fabulous. They are the authors of the e-book, The Glam Plan~ 12 Simple Steps to Take You from Frumpy to Fabulous, as well as coaches for their Tweak Your Chic™, Image make-over program. For more tips go to: www.fabulousafter40.com and sign up for their bi-weekly newsletter.

You can also contact them at: info@fabulousafter40.com