Fashion Tips for Midlife Women to Appear More Youthful
An expert shares advice on clothing choices that can make women appear older, and offers six alternative styles to consider.
Fashion columnist Shane Watson offers advice for midlife women on how clothing choices can impact their perceived age, highlighting specific styles and colors to either avoid or embrace.
Statement Earrings
Bold, sculptural earrings are a prominent trend, according to Watson. She suggests that women avoid dainty styles in favor of larger, eye-catching pieces, noting Zara's rhinestone-encrusted coral resin drops as an example.
Color Choices
Watson advises against certain shades of gray, believing they can be aging unless they are a very light, snowcap hue or paired with contrasting colors like ivory or sky blue. Similarly, camel and beige can be tricky. Navy, particularly in crepe or suiting fabric, is also suggested for avoidance, with very dark, soft wool navy being a potential exception.
High Necklines and Color Placement
To achieve a more youthful appearance, Watson recommends garments that bring color closer to the face. Funnel neck jackets, sweaters, and high-neck blouses are effective for both disguising the neck and drawing attention to the facial area. Marks & Spencer's funnel-neck quarter-zip red jumper is cited as an example. Additionally, wearing a fine-gauge polo neck or high-neck T-shirt in white under a shirt or sweater can act as a face-lifter.
Embellishments and Textures
Details like lurex or metallic thread trim, fluffy fringing, and decorative buttons can brighten the face. Watson points to Chanel-style jackets as an example, noting that Zara's knit tweedy jacket with frayed trims and metallic thread offers a similar aesthetic. Faux fur is also recommended, particularly for framing the face. It should appear expensive and have plenty of texture, with dark browns and blacks being less desirable. Marks and Spencer offers various faux fur options, including parkas and snoods.
Subtle Details
While avoiding overly elaborate lace collars, a touch of detail can be beneficial. Watson suggests that a subtle lace trim can have a positive effect. An example given is & Other Stories' satin-effect V-neck ivory top with a double-layer black lace V trim, which can be paired with black trousers or a long black skirt.