Looking good after 65 doesn’t necessarily have to involve chasing your youth, but instead, it’s more to do with knowing what works well on you and your body.
Get clothes tailored to your current shape
It sounds simple, but it’s true. Clothes that almost fit are the ones that’ll make an outfit feel slightly off, and that’s why it’s so important to make sure yours fit you. It’s not even that difficult of a fix.Â
You’ve just got to make sure your jacket doesn’t pull at the back, and your pants don’t puddle over the shoes. Take your usual clothes to the tailor and ask for everything to be checked. That includes the hem, sleeves, waist, and shoulders. Don’t get hung up on the label size.
Choose fabrics that hang well
There are some fabrics that look beautiful on a hanger. It’s a completely different story in real life. They’ll cling to every bump the second you put them on, so you should try bending and sitting in them before picking them out.
The best kinds of fabrics are usually ponte and crepe, as well as soft wools. They have a little weight and will fall more smoothly. Very thin knits are usually quite nice too. Try holding the fabric away from your body and letting it drop to see whether it skims or sticks. Easy as that.
Wear colors that brighten your complexion
Color’s a weird one. Some shades look gorgeous on the rack, yes, but then they make your face look tired when you wear them. The shades that you completely ignored could be the ones that make your eyes pop.
Stand by a window and hold a few colors under your chin. They don’t need to be drastically different or anything, they could be cream versus white or navy versus black. What you’re looking for are shades that make your skin look more even. Don’t overthink the season.
Use contrast instead of piling on accessories
Newsflash, you don’t need six necklaces and giant earrings. Overaccessorizing means each item starts fighting for attention, and that’s never a good look. Try sticking to one sharp contrast for more punch. You know, like a pale shirt with dark pants, or a black dress with a cream jacket.
Contrast comes in many different ways, including color and shape. Jewelry is only a small part of it. Once you’ve found a little contrast, then comes the hard part. You’ve got to just stop. That’s it. A little contrast makes your whole outfit look more finished, so don’t go overboard.
Keep shoes polished and in good condition
The truth is, a good outfit can only do so much. Tired or scuffed shoes have a huge effect on how charming your clothes look, and small things like worn heel tips or peeling edges can ruin an outfit for you. The good news is that it’s not hard to fix.
Keep a brush and cloth near the door. Wipe down your shoes after wearing them, and make sure you use the correct cleaner for the fabric. You should also make sure you let your shoes dry naturally, and yes, that means don’t put them next to a radiator. That never goes down well.
Use makeup to add definition, not to erase age
So many older people think they need to use makeup to cover up any signs of aging. That’s why they look older. You’re better off using a little definition with makeup than pasting on a thick layer to cover every line. Start with moisturizer.
Then, use some light coverage where your skin tone looks uneven, and add a little mascara close to the roots. Put on a soft bit of blush to add some color around the cheeks. Cream formulas may look better on your skin than powder formulas, especially if it’s dry.
Give eyebrows some attention
One thing most people forget about is their eyebrows. Yes, these can fade or thin out, making your whole face look less framed, and that’s certainly not a good thing. Try brushing the hairs up and filling any obvious gaps with small strokes. Soften everything afterward with a spoolie.
That way, it won’t look drawn on. Make sure you keep the inner part lighter and give a little more shape to the arch and tail. But be careful if any hair loss is sudden or patchy. A pencil won’t be able to fix that. You’ll need a dermatologist to have a look instead.
Build outfits around clean lines
You probably don’t even recognize it. Your outfit might look busy before you’ve even added jewelry, and it’s all because of too many competing shapes. To fix it, start with a single piece that has a clear outline, such as straight-leg pants or a collarless jacket. A simple dress will do, too.
You should then look at the bits that seem cluttered, for example, a sleeve folding over itself and a top bunching at the waist. Fix those small issues because they matter way more than any kind of accessory. A clean shape carries the whole thing really well.
Show off the areas you genuinely like
Perhaps you’ve always liked your shoulders and your hands. It doesn’t really matter which part it is, the important part here is that you should use that as the starting point. Don’t start planning your outfit by thinking about what you’d rather cover.Â
Think about the part you do like, and try to make it stand out in an understated way. You could try wearing a boatneck top to open up your shoulders, and a couple of bracelets to bring attention to your wrists. Put the details where you want people to look.
Stop saving the good clothes
It’s true. There’s always one item of clothing that you hold onto for years because you’re saving it for a special occasion. But you never bother putting it on. Don’t be that way. Wear that ‘special’ clothing on an ordinary day, even if you’re just going to the grocery store.
We’re not saying you should wear every delicate piece because some of them won’t be able to last that long. No, just stop saving the good clothes for an important day that may never actually come.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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