Can you be too old to wear certain styles?

Last week I was invited on NewsTalk, an online talk show. I was on with a fahionista and the topic to be rehashed was if we can be too old to wear certain clothes. An ex-editor of British Vogue had sparked a massive reaction when she said that Helena Christensen (50) was “too old” to wear a bustier and a lot of other unflattering comments. First, 50 isn’t old these days and I disagreed with the critique which I thought was harsh, not to mention unfounded. Helena was at a jeans party and looked completely appropriate for the occasion. Her age had nothing to do with the way she sported the outfit. Her body is well toned, shapely and her skin glowing. I thought she showed just enough cleavage to be tasteful. But unlike the fashionista on the show who voiced strongly that everyone can wear everything, I have had too much experience dressing and shopping for clients who aren’t 6 feet tall and size 2.

Most of our clients come to us to look current but want help to adapt fashion’s extremes. How can we look updated and youthful, yet gracefully age-appropriate to suit our figure type, coloring, curves and confidence level? Here are my top tips!

1. Don’t show skin everywhere! If you show off your legs, keep the neckline higher. Show cleavage (but not all of it) in a longer dress.

2. The tighter the leggings or jeans, the longer the jacket or coat can be to balance the line and silhouette of the outfit. Wide trousers look good with a cropped jacket or tucked-in top and belt. Avoid loose square tops and wide trousers even if fashion decrees.

3. Replace your underwear when it no longer serves you; bras don’t come with a life-time guarantee! Position your bust line approximately halfway between the shoulder and elbow.

4. A flattering neckline for a less-than-firm-jawline is the cowl which is softly draped and frames the face at about mid-chest. As a matter of fact, curved lines and draped fabrics like the wrap dress are kinder to the figure and gracefully ride the curves instead of pulling and creasing.

5. After a certain age, facial muscles have an unfortunate habit of following gravity. Totally age-defying is a style with a side parting and a flattering shoulder length or above. A mid-length hairstyle with movement away from the face to reveal the curvature of the cheekbone and the neck is feminine and youthful.

Contact London Image Institute at (404) 255-0009 to learn more!