·      Unless you live in an ashram or some remote part of the world, you will have most certainly come across headlines claiming that 50 is the new 30 or grey is the new black. Thanks to modern science and our fascination with celebrities, the days are gone when women of a certain age just blended into the background with no real issues about how she looked or where she bought her clothes. Unfortunately for us, this obsession with youth has bought with it many problems. The ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ or the ‘dated and frumpy’ labels are those that most of us would not wish to have attached to the way we choose to dress. The problem is that, for many of us, aging doesn’t just bring about a change in how we feel about ourselves, it also brings with it the menopause, resulting almost certainly in a change in our body’s shape. Waking up to the fact that gravity is taking its toll, your waistline has disappeared and your skin has lost its youthful bloom can be very soul destroying, especially if you are someone who has enjoyed fashion/stylish dressing in the past. So here are my top tips for ageless personal style, whatever your age.

 

·      Love your body. It may have changed in size, shape & appearance but it has served you well ‘til now. Make a date to really look at yourself in the mirror. Thank each part for the joy it has given you and the role it has played in your life to date. None of us are perfect, but the confident woman is the one who enjoys her life without overly fretting about her large thighs or wobbly tummy. You are more than the sum of your parts.

·      Build Your Foundation. What you wear underneath your clothing is key. The wrong bra or a visible panty line can ruin the most expensive outfit. The softer your body becomes, the more structure you’ll need in your clothing. It will also help your carriage and we know that a great posture can knock off years – and pounds.  

·      Fit and Flatter. Choosing the correct size, shape, cut and fabric is essential. A curve on the body needs either a curve in the design or a drape/stretch in the fabric to accommodate it. A large bust will not thank you for dressing it in a cotton shirt with no shaping. You’ll appear larger or have gaping where the buttons strain to meet. Any ‘too-small’ garment will automatically gain you pounds. Much better to cut out the size label if it upsets you. A drape of fabric over a challenging tummy will be much more flattering than a cinched in waist. Not sure of your arms? A ¾ sleeve suits everyone. 

·      Change the Focus. Accessories are a godsend. Don’t like your tummy, then sport fabulous bracelets, shoes or spectacles. Bright colours will always attract the eye so use them to create attention diverting tactics to those parts of you that you do like.

·      Colour Coordinating. Colour plays an important role in how we appear to others and how we feel about ourselves. Feeling blue, seeing red, green with envy and so on are not just whimsical phrases. Colour is made up of vibrations which affect us according to how we feel about ourselves and our lives. We fade as we age but that doesn’t mean we have to live in beige. Image consultants can analyse your most flattering colours but take into account what your mood is saying to you. Brighter scarves or accessories can cheer, softer fabrics can soothe. Notice how you are feeling and select accordingly. If you want to appear slimmer, opt for darker colours in matte fabrics. Shiny materials can enlarge so be careful where you wear them.

·      Layer your clothes. A fabulous option if you have hot flushes and very euro-chic at the moment. Choose fine, light weight fabrics in natural fibres as your bottom layers, with medium weight fabrics on top. Your outer layer can be heavier, such as a jacket or sweater. To get maximum wearability choose 2 or 3 neutral colours in plain fabrics, adding a couple of patterns (if you wish) to create a mix’n’match capsule wardrobe. Don’t worry if the first layer shows up lumps and bumps. As you add extra pieces, they will disappear. Lowish necks, open collars or button/zip fastenings will also help reduce any heat.

·      Create a Canvas. Bypass gimmicks, too much flounce and froo froo, overlarge patterns and clashing styles. Whether or not you follow the trends, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t, it’s just more flattering to keep it simple. Girly is just that.

·      Balance: Just because you’re older doesn’t mean “no” to short skirts or low necklines. Just don’t wear them at the same time.

·       Let Your Clothes Speak - Positively. Who are you? Your clothes should tell us before you’ve spoken a word. Unfortunately, we make up our minds about someone within seconds of meeting them and most of this is down to the non verbals which includes what you are wearing. Think hard about your fundamental values or adjectives that you would love to represent you. Congruence and authenticity are essential even if you are menopausal. If you’re funky and dynamic don’t choose understated shift dresses unless you’re going to add something a little daring in the accessories. You are unique, celebrate it.