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1. Longer Tops – Cotton tee shirts, blouses, V-neck or jewel neck sweaters, and jerseys - all are easy to wear in the new longer length- about 8” below the waist or longer. Usually they aren't meant to be tucked in, especially with pants. That goes for most shorter tops too. Let them flow past your middle covering any lumps and bumps.
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Marc by Marc Jacobs Zebra Link Necklace
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2. Bolder Necklaces – Longer tops make longer necklaces the right proportion. Chains, pearls, often in multiple strands work well, as do interesting beads. Try a long chain or cord with a medallion or other focal point. Shorter necklaces with many strands also look new, as do large beads. Think a little drama. Prices and sources for chic items vary widely from Chico’s to Tiffany’s. (Don’t throw out your short delicate beads or pearls – it’s a matter of time until they come back.)
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Michael Kors Brilliance
Pave Slice Stud Earrings
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3. Small earrings for daytime – Little pearl studs, hoops and small drops all look right for every day wear - nothing too colorful or too large. Party time is different. You can go for longer, larger earrings then.
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Kate Spade New York Eddie Too Flats
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4. Animal Skin Print Accessories - Leopard print in black and gold is classic and very fashionable right now. You probably need only one or two pieces, but they do update an outfit. Buy a belt, a handbag, a blouse or a scarf. Wear them with solid color outfits in black, dark gold. Red or purple can work too.
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Trotters Dea Slingbacks
SHOP
Clarks Plush Bea Flat
SHOP |
5. Footwear – At last! We can look stylish and still walk comfortably. Lower shoes are in. Kitten heels have 1 ½ - 2” heels. (Bazaar says 3" but that pushing it. 3" used to be a normal high heel before 5" heels and platforms). Flats with lower heels and decorative elements – bows, buckles, embroidery are charming and comfortable.
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Eileen Fisher Washable Stretch
Crepe Slim Ankle Pant
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6. Pants- Be sure they still fit in the waist and hips. Do the colors work with your tops? Are they still long enough to reach at least the top of the heel in the back or have a slight break at the front. (They can shrink a bit from cleaning. If we gain a little weight that takes up length too) There are a good variety of basic styles for different figures but spend some time trying them on to find what’s right for you. Many pants are now cut with a too low a waist for most women past 50. Talbot’s has a number of classics. Gap is emphasizing pants in big ads but they are cut too low in the waist for most of us.
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Not Your Daughter's Jeans
Tummy Tuck Women's
5 Pocket Bootcut Jean
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7. Dark denim Jeans – An essential. See the article "Fashionable in Denim – At My Age?"
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PURE Collection Knitted Skirt
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8. Skirts – More important now than in the recent past. Check that yours are the right length - mid knee or just past the knee. Do they still fit well? If you’ve been meaning to shorten them and never get around to it, now’s the time to see the dry cleaner or seamstress for a fresher, newer look.
Watch for the emerging trend to longer skirts - mid calf or even longer. The problem is that it looks trendier on young women right now but could look like something dated from the back of the closet for us. The cut has to be right and probably new. (Don't you hate it that whenever a style comes back, it's always slightly, but noticeably different!)
For a new skirt, try on a number of straight or slightly flared versions – nothing with fabric gathered or bunched at the waist or hips. A solid color or tweed is most useful. Again be sure they’re the right length – even 2” too long makes a big difference.
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Eileen Fisher Scrunch Neck
Top in Viscose Jersey
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9. Turtlenecks - Don't forget this classic. They’re classy and somehow sexy while performing a useful cover-up. Remember Katherine Hepburn movies with her endless versions, and Diane Keaton in “Something’s Gotta Give” – even on the beach. (Not to mention Nora Ephron’s book “I Feel Bad About My Neck”) But they don't work for everyone's proportions, especially in the neck and chin area. Mock turtlenecks have the look and avoid the bulk.
Check that sweaters don’t aren’t worn, faded. Good quality wool or cashmere sweaters can last for years – a good investment.
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10. Special Occasion Clothes – If you’re likely to need something dressy in the next eight months, now’s the time to think about it. Occasions may be somewhat infrequent, but move beyond the same dress you've worn so often. It serves the purpose but doesn’t make you feel special.
Instead think about starting a collection of separate tops and skirts or pants that can be interchanged to look new. Add new pieces over time to create new looks staying with a matching or harmonious palette. Black works very well or black with a favorite color. Velvet, silk, jersey, something sparkly, something flowing, any number of fabrics will work. You can put together an outfit that is less dressy, or dressier as needed and also bridge more seasons.
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truebrit Florida
by TRUEBRIT, FL