By Sam & Jordi Woods
“Style doesn’t have an age limit” – let’s get this clear from the start!
Many clients think that once they approach a certain age their ability and need to get dressed up and wear the “latest trends” or stylish attire expires. They often voice their concern that “what does it matter anymore, I’m old”, “no one cares what I look like or notices me anyway”, “fashion is only targeted at the youth”. Well these are no reasons (or excuses) at all to not enjoy feeling stylish and confident about how we present ourselves to the world everyday – at every stage of life!
I believe it is important that more mature women realise the impact they have on younger generations rather than allow themselves to become invisible. In recent years, fashion has started to market for the more mature woman however, many of my clients (including myself) love to shop and wear brands/styles that our daughters, granddaughters and younger women are wearing and there is nothing wrong with this, In fact I encourage it – it keeps you modern. The trick is to style yourself in items and looks that are authentically you and work for your colour palette, body shape and personal style.
A personal share – I feel blessed that from birth I was surrounded by a mother and grandmother who valued the importance of good grooming, personal style and keeping modern.
My beautiful Mum, who is now in her 80s, still manages to turn heads and I believe her love of colour and always wearing a touch of “what’s in” is what keeps her so modern and stylish even in her later years.
I (Sam) used to also love seeing my Nan take pride in herself and her appearance. In fact, she wore lip gloss and knitted scarves in the latest colours until she passed at 90 years of age!
In this article, we share five of the most common concerns we hear and our professional and personal solutions.
Style Concern “I don’t want to look like mutton dressed up as lamb!”
Solution: Stay true to your style, but don’t wear anything that is an undesirable distraction to your appearance. Undesirable distractions can be: clothing that doesn’t fit well or flatter your shape, colours that are too harsh or too pale for your complexion, footwear that you can’t easily walk in.
Style Concern “I dress older than I am”
Solution: Don’t go too safe with your wardrobe and styling choices – you could end up looking matronly. To avoid adding years to your appearance always add an on–trend element, be it a scarf, handbag, lipstick or shoe in the season’s “it” colour. A new hair style or change of hair colour at least every two years will also help keep your look modern and fresh. If you do decide to embrace your natural hair colour, be sure to always wear colours in your makeup and clothing that work with your skin tone and features. This will ensure you stay true to your personal style.
Style Concern “I am too old to wear fashionable things”
Solution: As we mentioned earlier, style does not have a used by date! Since staying updated is an important part of being stylish, you are never too old to wear something that is modern and “in”. That said, there are two important rules to abide by: Only wear the fashion item if it is suitable for your body shape, colour palette and style. If you can remember wearing the fashion item or look previously (another decade prior), don’t wear it the same way this time around! Even when a trend reappears, it always has a slightly new take. If you wear the trend as you did previously you risk looking outdated.
Style Concern “I can’t shop where I want because I’m not the target market”
Solution: In today’s competitive retail world, fashion houses are doing all they can to diversify their ranges so they can benefit from a greater share of the market. Most brands cater for a wide age demographic and even if they don’t necessarily cater for your age demographic, it doesn’t matter! You may not find an entire outfit but you could find the perfect item that can modernise your look. See for yourself: next time you’re in your local shopping centre pop into a shop you wouldn’t normally go to and have a good look around, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Style Concern “I’m scared I’ll look ridiculous if I wear the latest fashion”
Solution: Over–styling and excessive accessorising is a style no–no at any age. To ensure you never commit this style sin, don’t have more than 2–3 “fashion focus” and “style statement” elements to your look. These can be an item of clothing, shoe, bag, accessory, hairstyle or makeup look. For example an outfit consisting of a knee length leather skirt (style statement), silk blouse (timeless piece), animal print bag (fashion item), new season statement earring (fashion item) and patent leather pump (timeless piece) is a stylishly balanced outfit for a woman of any age. If a studded belt and statement necklace (fashion items) were added, the outfit’s focal points would be fighting for attention and could make the wearer appear overdone.
We hope these solutions will help you realise that style doesn’t have a used by date. It is just a state of mind and a knowing how to implement a few “Senior Style” solutions!
Vibrantly yours, Sam & Jordi Woods xx
Understanding styling and fashion is one thing. Having a super natural flair for making everyday people look incredible is another. Once you’ve met Sam & Jordi Woods, it’s hard not to catch their infectious passion for dressing to match your own lifestyle, personality and charisma. Through their consultancy ‘Vibrant Concepts’, Sam & Jordi have transformed the lives of thousands. Let Sam & Jordi show you how to look and feel fabulous every day at their Style Studio in Erina – learn the art of illusion dressing, colour matching, styling, translating fashion trends and savvy shopping with their unique VC Signature Styling Systems and services that are truly personal and really work! To contact Vibrant Concepts phone 0425 221 676