5 things to do today

Loyal readers will have noticed it’s been a while since my last post. I took some personal time to deal with a hectic schedule and some health issues.

But I’m back and ready to talk about style for mature women.

I was recently asked about things that women can do to refresh their style. It’s a great question, because no matter how much attention we pay to our style, many women wonder if they’re keeping pace.

Relax.

The best thing you can do is understand your style personality. What looks best reflect who you are and what you like? Boho chic? Elegant simplicity? Sporty natural?

So long as your look is consistent with who you are, you’re all right.

But for those looking to add a little oomph to their style, here are five things you can do right away

1. Start with your hair. Hairstylist Ted Gibson (formerly of “What Not to Wear”) says changing your hair regularly is the best way to maintain a youthful look. I met him in New York a few years ago, and he says that any woman still sporting the same hairstyle for the past 10 years will inevitably look older and out of style.
2. Add trendy items as accents. Let’s face it. Trends are for 20-somethings. I don’t know many 50+ women who are prepared to rock thigh-high stiletto boots and mini skirt. But how do you incorporate trends in an appropriate way? Look at colours, prints and fabrics as ways to bring in the hottest trends. For example, if animal prints are hot for fall (and they are), think about a scarf or a great pair of shoes.
3. Quality over quantity. Choose quality pieces over cheapy of-the-moment fashion. Fabric, construction and tailoring ALWAYS matters and quality will always be in style. The difference between looking polished and looking schlubby is often the quality of the item.
4. Go easy on make-up. As we get older, a natural look is fresher than heavy foundation and lots of eye shadow. Try tinted moisturizer instead of foundation. Use neutral tones on lids. Keep a light hand – a little goes a long way. Pay attention to trends: for example, eyeliner on bottom lids is out and continuing its use can be aging.
5. Dress appropriately to the occasion. Be mindful of dress requirements when you attend events. If you’re going casual, keep one piece a little more formal, such as pairing jeans with an unstructured blazer. If you’re going formal, go easy on the bling. Better to wear one really great statement piece to complement your look.

Stylish fashion for mature women

I recently came upon The Bias Cut an online store based in the UK that features stylish fashion for mature women that’s neither frumpy nor mumsy.

The accessibly-priced clothes are cut to fit a woman’s body and range in sizes from UK 8-16 (US 2-12) in most pieces, although some go to UK 22 (US 16). The site’s founder is on a mission to offer a greater size range and is working with brands to encourage them to be more inclusive.

What I love about the Bias Cut is its mission to ensure that ageism is addressed by designers and shops.

The Bias Cut sells these buttons as part of a movement against ageism

From tokenism in campaigns, to patronising and offensive language, to frumpy and dreary styles, the Fashion Industry refuses to fully acknowledge the damaging and insulting message it perpetuates. 

So it’s time to come together and take a stance. Once and for all.

–The Bias Cut website

So what about the fashion?

I ordered a lovely bronze knit top to see the quality and fit, and was not disappointed. The fabric and finishing is high quality and the price-points are accessible. And, yes, they do ship internationally. All clothing on the site is modelled by “real women” (not professional models).

Narelle dress £158

Martina Tunic dress on sale for £42