Top 10 Midlife Fashion Questions

Remember how easy it used to be to get dressed? We didn't need to worry about whether or not we were flashing a wrinkled body part or wearing a style that added 10 years to our age.

Now that we're firmly in middle age, the style process may be more challenging but the rewards can be great (who doesn't want to look better?)

Here are some of the most popular questions that middle-aged women ask about fashion and style:

1. Which trends can I still wear?
   While there may definitely be hairstyles and fads you may be too old to wear - — just as many  new trends look right for grownups. The secret is limit yourself to one (two at the most) trends. For example, a maxi dress would look fine on many women over 40, but paired with a fedora and funky wedges it would look ridiculous.
2. What about sleeveless?
   Middle-aged arms (a.k.a. "bingo wings" ) can keep you from enjoying summer styles. The best solution? Go sleeveless if you want to and don't worry about those less-than-perfect arms (although there are ways to disguise your arms.) 
3. Are there "rules" about how short my skirts should be?
   There was a ridiculous rule bounced around that said something like No Miniskirts After 35. Ha! If we've still got them, we should flaunt our legs in shorter skirts. 
4. Am I too old to wear long hair?
   Have you ever heard the conventional wisdom that long hair is for women under 40? If so, forget it. Long hair is dictated by your hair, lifestyle, etc. If it looks good, wear it. 
5. Which hairstyles look updated now?
   There are plenty of trendy hairstyles you can try, in addition to tried-and-true styles like the pixie, the bob, the shag and more hairstyles for over 40 and over 50.
6. How do I avoid the dreaded mom jeans?
   The single most transformative piece you can own in your closet is an updated pair of jeans. Ones that hit below the belly button (no high rises!) and have either a slim or bootcut leg (no peg legs!)
7. What are easy updates I can make to my look?
   Other than clothes or haircuts, easy updates include new glasses, changing your brow shape, upgrading from granny panties  and ditching the old lady handbag. 
8. How can I dress for my changing body shape?
   From middle-aged spread to a neck you want to hide, our body flaws seem to increase with age. Fortunately, fashion (and body shapers) can hide most of your body issues.
9. Where do I start if I want to transform my looks at midlife?
   It's daunting to take a look at yourself in the mirror and not like what you see in middle age. On the one hand, you've gained so much wisdom, patience and life experience that you wouldn't trade the journey for anything. On the other hand, you'd still like to look attractive. There are steps you can take to get yourself back if you've let yourself go. 
10. How can I still look sexy, but age appropriate?
    None of us wants to be accused of "trying too hard." But neither do we want to cover ourselves up head-to-toe in frumpy looks. After 40, a little bit of sexy can go a long way. 

More age-appropriate fashion articles:

• Top 10 things that make you look older 
• 8 Midlife Fashion Icons to Inspire You 
• 7 Great Middle-Aged Makeovers 

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