FAMILY FASHION: It’s the little things that age us
April 16, 2015 by admin
Filed under Choosing Lingerie
WE all know that too much sun and smoking speed up the ageing process, but some innocent habits and wearing the wrong clothes can also add years.
The good news is, a few every day precautions can help turn the clock back.
Let’s first discuss some of our famous silver stylistas.
Mary Berry
With Mary Berry’s fashion icon status rising higher than her sponges; she is definitely setting the trend for her generation.
The look:
Youthful, colourful and rule-breaking, Mary Berry’s style is brilliant for her petite frame.
Why it works:
Statement jackets are flattering but eye-catching, neat knits don’t swamp her and when she dresses up she keeps it simple and colourful which suits her blonde hair.
Dame Helen Mirren
Dame Helen is the red carpet queen. Whether in chunky boots and belt to pull together off-duty pieces or at a premiere in London wearing Dolce and Gabbana she looks chic.
The look:
Dame Helen Mirren exudes red carpet sex appeal, wearing body-con dresses that women half her age would not wear.
Why it works:
Dame Helen knows how to dress her curves, choosing fitted dresses with lots of stretch that show off her bust and waist. She opts for long sleeves and demure lengths and often adds a maverick touch, such as a leather biker jacket over a full-length gown.
So as well as taking some tips from Mary and Dame Helen why not try my 6 secret steps for a more youthful look:
1. Ditch sensible shoes
Overly sensible shoes are an instant ager. Although comfort takes priority as we get older, shoes with clumpy rubber soles risk looking orthopaedic and square toes are outdated. A low heel or wedge will always look more glamorous and for chic flats opt for a coloured ballet pump.
2. Don’t play too safe
There’s a fine line between looking classic and boring. Drab washed-out neutrals worn top-to-toe can easily fall in to fuddy-duddy territory. Don’t be scared of colour and make sure they are the right colours for you. If you have had your colours done years ago, it may be time for an update if your hair colour has changed.
3. Show a little not a lot
To look years younger, show a bit of skin. Collarbones, along with shoulders and wrists are the slimmest parts of our body and weather well, so worth showing off. Keep your collarbone exposed with elegant open necklines and accessorise with a bold statement necklace. Also wear boat necklines and ¾ sleeves to accentuate these areas.
4. Get clothes that fit
Baggy, shapeless clothes that hide your body will make you look wider and older, while clothes that are too tight will look tacky.
No matter what your size, softly tailored garments and gently-draped jersey dresses will give a youthful silhouette. Show off the part of your body you like the most, whether its your boobs, legs or arms.
5. Say no to saggy bras
A great outfit will always start with good foundations. Make sure ‘Bridget Jones’ style you have some big knickers to hold in that tummy and always get fitted for your bra by a reputable lingerie shop. My preference would be to invest in a trip to London and go to Rigby and Peller. If they are good enough for the Queen they are good enough for me!
6. Update your hair style
Another silver stylista in my book is Dame Judi Dench, silver hair she may have, however, the thing that makes her look younger is that ‘funky’ cut. So if you have had your hair in the same style for years then use her for inspiration.
