Age and shape should not determine your style, Julie Dickson shares her top tips for dressing comfortably after 50 but in flattering styles that will improve body confidence.
Dress it up
A favourite night time colour has to be black – it looks glamorous and is always slimming but it’s important to add interest to an all-black outfit by looking out for textures such as lace, crochet and sheer fabrics. Black can sometimes look a little harsh on mature skin so liven up your look with a bold necklace or a colourful silky scarf.
Keep control
Control underwear really helps to give you confidence on a night out. Look for waspies which are pants with a control panel that holds in the tummy or a control slip that gives you a smooth silhouette under a dress.
Lose the sleeves
If your dream dress or top is sleeveless then look for a lightweight cover up to give you confidence and still keep you fabulous! An alternative would be a silky shawl or pashmina to drape over your shoulders and hide the top of your arms.
Be bold
If you’re feeling adventurous – a night out is a good time to road test colour. Red looks great on either blondes or brunettes, just choose your tone carefully. Bluer shades such as fuchsia tend to suit blondes whereas more orange tones like coral are better suited on brunettes. Other fail-safe shades for post menopause wear are emerald and cobalt.
Tailor it
If you’re top heavy, either busty or rounder in the middle, then look for 'V' and scoop necks which elongate the décolletage. Avoid very clingy fabrics as they tend to emphasise lumps and bumps – instead, go for semi-tailored shirts or slim-fitting tops and a tailored jacket. Keep your bottom half slim with well-fitting jeans or a pencil skirt.
Go darker
If you’re more pear-shaped go for darker colours on your bottom half and look out for a tunic shaped top with detailing such as sequins or beading to add a touch of glamour! Tops or jackets that finish at the waist will only emphasise hip size so choose a longer length – mid thigh is the best choice.
Accessorise
Don't underestimate the power of great accessories. Even if your outfit is quite plain a strong necklace or a pair of statement earrings can add the WOW factor for a fraction of the price of a new outfit.
For more advice of dressing for your shape visit Damart
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
