Thursday, September 16, 2010
Are you over 40, weary and feel you've lost your sense of style? Before you give up on fashion forever, think about this: Is there still something deep inside of YOU that is just burning to come out? Is there a part of you that you have always wanted to express to the world, but just never have? Do you have an inner biker chick or something else just waiting to emerge?
Then it's time to get in touch with your wild side and bring some fun back into the way you dress, so you don't end up looking and feeling like a dowdy little old lady. Why not get noticed for the delicious dynamite that you are - and use clothes to do it! Here are 5 Do's and Don'ts to help you find your true style after 40!
1) Do Search for Inspiration
Do you know a woman who is fabulous over 40 because she always seems pulled together and has a style that you love? Take note of what she has on and shop for something similar. For example, if she is wearing leather, and you don't normally wear leather, give it a go. Experiment with different pieces. Try adding a leather jacket, skirt or pants. If you find that leather is just too way out for you, try suede. It is similar but has a softer look and feel.
2) Do Shop somewhere New
If you're still shopping at the same stores, in the same departments, why not shake things up a bit? Step out of your comfort zone and try shopping somewhere new. Small boutique stores tend to carry the most current styles and updated merchandise. They also carry small designer brands, so when you buy something, you are sure to look unique in your new outfit.
3) Don't Allow yourself to Blend in
After 40, it's time to sizzle, not fade away. One way to express your true personality is with color. Even if you live in black, just a dash of color from your purse, shoes or scarf, can take you from can go from dull to dashing in an instant. If in doubt about the right color for you, drape the item near your face and analyze how it complements your hair, eyes and complexion. The color should not wash you out, or be so loud that you see it before you see you.
4) Don't Be afraid to Let Go
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome can be all those clothes stuffed in your closet. Pull up your bootstraps, roll up your sleeves and start throwing things out. Get rid of everything that is no longer who you are today-at this present moment. Let go of the past and leave a great big hole in your closet to welcome the new you.
5) Do Spend a Little More if Necessary
If you seen something that's really you, but are holding back because of price, then it's o.k. sometimes to just buy it! You will wear it many more times than just another cheap, boring item from a sale rack.
We like to call this price per wear. If you average the amount you spend on an item by the number of times that you wear it, it can justify the original expense. Don't let price hold you back from looking Fabulous over 40!
6) Don't get stuck in Hair Rut
If you are still sporting a style that you've had for the last 15 years, you look old! Even if you wear the latest clothes and accessories, if your hairstyle is dated, you look dated. How do you know when you need a new do? Make an appointment with a reputable hair salon. Ask for one of the top stylists. Discuss your personality and lifestyle, not the haircut you want. Let them suggest what the look they think will reveal the real you. Listen to what they say and believe them. Add color, a new cut or style. Make the change and don't look back.
Discovering the real you is a process but it's well worth it to rev up your wardrobe and start dressing with more flair and pizzazz. You'll be force to be reckoned with and see if you're not feeling stronger and more ambitious each day~ Embrace all your style…It's not about just one look. It's about finding a style that reflects the inner you.
Have fun!
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