Page 86 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2022

SHOPPING
FASHION
for the Golden Years
story by Barbara Travis
Today, senior women have a redefined lifestyle, a different outlook, and a revamped wardrobe to match. They’ve cast aside archaic rules that forced them to wear beige and step to the back of a boring, colorless fashion lineup. It’s just not happening!
Today’s retired businesswomen, community volunteers, mothers, and grandmothers have acquired well-earned grace and wisdom through years of personal and professional experience. They’ve successfully jumped through the challenging ropes of life and career and can now embrace and enjoy the fourth quarter of their lives in the fashion style of their choice. Now’s the perfect time for seasoned ladies to be creative, bold, and have well-deserved fashion fun!
The Unexpected: Bold Prints, Bright Colors
Once you reach your 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond, your overall outlook changes. You learn not to take yourself or life too seriously. The same goes for the way you dress. Bold prints, bright colors, and something unexpected can easily update or avoid the “granny” look.
Bright colors trump pastel shades; bold prints or florals trump small, safe patterns; and different, eye-catching details like a stand-up ruffled collar, contrast piping, shoes with metallic embellishment or anything featuring a clever twist on
an otherwise classic presentation are welcome additions to senior wardrobes. Mix the treasured classics in your closet with a few, well-chosen new trendy pieces to spice things up.
Stylish Accessories and Sensible Shoes
Regardless of your age, accessories are powerful secret wardrobe weapons.
Scarves, handbags, jewelry, and shoes can instantly, beautifully, and creatively update any outfit and take it from commonly casual to something special. They’re also a fun way to try new colors and patterns you’ve not ventured out to wear before. But, as a precaution, take it slow. Keep shimmer and shine to a minimum; rely
on metallic accents rather than sequin embellishments. The same goes for fringe, embroidery, studs, and animal prints. Use them in small doses, if at all. Less is most definitely more in all these categories.
When it comes to shoe choices, be practical while maintaining a stylish eye. Sensible shoes do not have to be boring. Today, safe footwear choices are available in a wide range of color, design, and support features. Smart seniors keep their special occasion heels to a maximum
of 2” and rely on fancy flats for stylish impact. Don’t shy away from bright colored shoes, just use them sparingly as small pops of color to liven up neutral or basic color outfits.
Great-Fitting Jeans
Denim and jeans in general can work for everyone but for senior ladies, color and fit rule. A slightly higher rise in the waist is most forgiving and best flatters the senior midsection and elongates the legs. A classic straight cut leg is the safest choice and works well with most any style shirt, top or jacket. Jeans that are too fitted or flared unfortunately restrict what goes on top. A gently relaxed fit is good; too tight or too baggy is not.
Denim color is a major matter. The darker the color, the dressier the jean. Medium to dark blues are good, stylish choices. Senior ladies are best-served fashion-wise by leaving the currently popular tattered look to their daughters and granddaughters. Instead, give your great-fitting jeans an up-town classy look by adding a blazer, fabulous white shirt, statement jewelry and boots, low-heel pumps, or fun flats.
86 | November 2022
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