Rule
No. 3: Be Foot Smart!
In our younger years, we used to run around in high
heels without any problem. As our feet
get older, we are faced with the usual dilemma of either wearing stylish high-heeled
shoes in pain or ugly flats in comfort. Years
ago, older women were given a measly choice of sneakers, chunky flat shoes, and
podiatrist-prescribed comfort shoes.
Nowadays, shoe manufacturers like Easy
Spirit, Clarks, Naturalizer, Aerosoles, Merrell, etc.
have incorporated style with comfort in their collections. Most are expensive, but you can invest in a
good pair that can last for years, or wait for sales, or order them
online. I suggest you first go around the
shops and try the ones you like. Once you
have identified the brand, style, and size that suit you, look for it online.
Be sensible in your choice of footwear. If you must wear heels for a special occasion,
choose a pair you can walk in comfortably. You don’t want to party with pain written all
over your face. You want to be able to
walk easily and gracefully. Besides, you
cannot afford accidents that can wreak havoc on your bodies.
For casual occasions, flats or low wedged styles are advisable. For walking or exercising, sneakers are your
best friend.
Rule
No. 4: Accessorize!
My accessories have saved me from spending lots of
money on clothes. I have a big
collection of belts, beads, bracelets, earrings, rings, brooches, and scarves
of various colors and designs that help expand my limited wardrobe.
There are so many ways to dress up your attire without
looking like a Christmas tree. A sparkly
brooch or a colorful scarf can perk up a dark solid top or dress. Add jewelry that will not overwhelm the rest
of your outfit. Dangling earrings can
look lovely with an open necked top. If
you must wear a necklace with it, choose a matching chain or something low-key.
In the image below, the timeless Catherine Deneuve wears
a beaded black short jacket with black satin top and trousers. She chose simple hoop earrings, a bracelet
and red nail polish on her nails and toes.
The emerald green clutch bag she carried made her whole ensemble a
success.
Combining accessories with your outfit is a skill that
can be learned. Practice in front of the
mirror days or hours before you go out.
It will give you an idea of how your whole attire looks. Do not pile up the beads if you have a short
neck. You’d look better in chains or
long necklaces. If you’re petite, avoid
chunky jewelry that can be overwhelming.
This doesn’t mean confining yourself to pearls or dainty designs. Medium-sized beads will work for you.
A bright-colored scarf can bring a plain dress to
life. You can tie it around your neck or
hang it loosely around your shoulders.
Use a plain brooch to fasten it on your dress if it doesn’t stay in
place. Remember when women used to tie a
small scarf around their necks? It
looked good with an open-necked top or a white shirt with a standing
collar. Practice and experiment on ways
to wear one! Be creative!
Whatever accessories you choose to accompany your
clothes, remember that less is more,
which leads us to the next rule.
