The Art of Dressing Elegantly - For Women of a Certain Age: Basic Rules 1 & 2

Below are basic rules to follow in developing the art of dressing elegantly:

Rule No. 1:  Do not wear tight-fitting clothes.

Can we really look good in our autumn years?  Yes, we can!  Women come in all colors and shapes but we all get the extra flab in our bodies as we age.  We should not put our mature figures into form-fitting clothes that may have looked good on us in our 20’s and 30’s.  Be realistic!  If you have clothes that you really like and don’t want to part with, have them altered to fit you better.  If you decide to wear leggings to go to the corner store or a yoga class, make sure you wear a tunic, a long shirt, or a cardigan that covers your bottom. 

Rule No. 2:  When in doubt, wear separates.

Take a look at yourself in the mirror.  Be honest but don’t despair with what you see.  You may be top-heavy and slim at the bottom; slim at the top and heavy at the bottom; top and bottom heavy, etc.  Whatever your shape is, it is almost always safe to wear separates. 

A woman who is top heavy and slim at the bottom will look good in a loose top that covers the hips, and a slim skirt that is just below the knees (or a pair of slim trousers that will balance the big top).  It is probably time to donate all the mini-skirts you still have in your closet.  However, if you’re lucky enough to still have a good figure, you may get away with “doing” the usual list of “don’ts”.  Be adventurous and bold if you please, but keep it classy.

In the next image, the British actress Charlotte Rampling wears a simple pant suit, black handbag, and black wedged heels.  She is very slim, but her jacket grazes her figure just right – not tight nor loose.  Her standing collar could have allowed a small string of pearls but she chose not to, thus emphasizing her long neck.  She could also have worn a bracelet, a ring, and a watch, but her style is relaxed and unfussy.  It is a very simple outfit, yet rich and elegant.  You don’t have to follow Ms. Rampling’s style.  Just take a cue from how she carries herself and develop your own.