Take a critical look at trendy clothes and adapt them to fit your age and your body type. No one wants to look old and silly. If you only adopt trends the right way, you can look young and chick.
I am am average Baby Boomer mom who lives a regular life like the rest of you suburban moms. However, I like to get a bit wacky and experiment with fashions that most older women are afraid to wear. And, I have a lot of fun.
No one can tell me what to wear. Well, my husband tries, but I don't always listen. And, now that I'm retired, I can't even be fired for playing with hats, dresses, shoes and other fun objects. So, if you want, try the fashion ideas that work for me or find your own style that works for you. And, remember that almost anything is better than looking like an average old lady.
Mix and Match
Anyone can learn to mix and match prints, but it helps if you were a groovy hippie back in the day. It's fun to play with mixing and matching prints and accessories, because it's a way to make your clothing into an artform. Just try not to cover every square inch of your clothing with prints and patterns. Keep a few areas of solid color. Here are the easiest prints to mix and match:
- Animal prints can be used as solids. Leopard and cheetah prints can be used as the new black.
- Floral prints are easy to mix and match. Pick one of the main colors in the pattern and pretend it is a solid. Flower prints are good for camouflaging bulges. Yay!
- Watercolor prints blend with any similar color you put next to them.
- Tribal prints become whatever you want, but a lot depends on the fabric. .
- Polka dots, stripes, and other simple geometrics go with almost anything, especially other geometric prints.
Bold Colors for Women Over 40
If you think that mixing and matching prints is over the top, play areound with bold colors this spring and summer. Try putting Crayola colors together any way that looks good on you, and looks good to your discerning eye. Try some of these ideas:
- Bold Color Blocks: Make sure that the intensity of each bright color is about equal.
- Head to Toe Bold Color: A similar color from head to toe will make you look taller. If orange is too much, try cobalt blue.
- Bold Color and White: Wear a bold color with white accessories or wear it the other way around. You can, of course, do this same trick with black or another neutral. Just be careful with black and orange, unless it's Halloween.
If you are a Baby Boomer Chick, you will probably look best if you pair your bold colors with white or beige. And, a bright maxi dress is an easy way to wear one color from head to toe.
All-White Outfits
When the heat is on, one fabulous look is Minimalist White, and there is a good shade of white for everyone. If white makes you feel pale, all you need is a bit of a tan. You can get it from the sun or you can "fake and bake" it with a body tanner. And, give your face a lift with blush or bronzer. Then add a white or pink sun hat. Fabulous.
1970s Style for 2011: Platform Shoes
Try to remember what you wore during the Charlie's Angels and Farrah Fawcett days. And, don't forget your platform shoes if you want to legitimize the look.
- Platform Clogs: Even if you wore these to college in the 70s, I think you can wear them again. Clogs look best with high-waist flare or bellbottom jeans. And, don’t forget the big sunglasses.
- Disco platform shoes: Don't wear exactly what you would have worn when you were young and foolish. Try a DVF wrap dress or other designer style.
- Seventies knee-high boots: This style of boot was worn with a knee-length dress or skirt. Forget the hotpants.
- Seventies style platform shoes: These shoes would look purfect with a dress with a bow at the neckline or a pair of wide-legged denim jeans.
This year, you should go all out. What if you look back on your life (and your photos) and all you see is black, black, and more black? Don't be boring.
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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