I'm all for women being comfortable in their own skin at any age, but I'm also a big believer in looking as young as possible (without looking ridiculous.)
Keeping a young attitude simply shows you are confident enough to take care of yourself; dressing in a modern way also shows you are a progressive thinker (not stuck in the past.)
Here are easy ways to stay updated and keep a youthful approach to beauty and fashion:
- Whiten your teeth. Nothing ages you faster than yellow or dingy teeth. I've actually been really pleased with inexpensive whitening strips that you can buy over the counter (I've also done the expensive dentist office whitening), and most work in a week or so. Whatever route you choose, the results are well worth the small investment.
- Wear a ponytail. Fashion pros tout the ponytail as an instant mini-facelift. Whereas longer hair can drag down your face, a ponytail lifts it. I like a lower ponytail, fastened with something in a neutral color (no scrunchies or bows, please.)
- Wear pink. Get an instant glow by wearing pink close to your face. A medium pink (think Barbie pink) looks great on everyone.
- Add a large bow or ruffles close to your face. Michelle Obama and Madonna use this fashion trick to soften the face, while at the same time bringing attention to pretty features.
- Cut some bangs. Hide forehead wrinkles and highlight attractive eyes with long bangs. Bangs work with everything from longer, layered hair to short bobs.
- Buy great shoes. Forget "comfort" shoes: you'll look younger instantly if you choose something fabulous in footwear, from tall boots to sexy sandals. No need to give up comfort, though. You can find wearable styles in everything from sexy flat sandals to comfy wedges. Embellishment or a color that "pops" (yellow, bright green) are easy ways to add a youthful vibe to what you wear.
- Wear jeans. If you choose a great pair (I like a dark rinse, bootcut jean) you can freshen up everything you wear. Wear jeans with a top you'd normally wear with black pants; a dressy blouse with dark jeans and heels looks so much younger than a skirt or black pants would.
- Switch to an updated bag. Try something fresh like a crossbody bag or a fun bright color. Skip garish logo bags and pack away organizer purses: both are outdated. A sleek clutch for evening is always young and chic.
- Blush. Give your skin a healthy glow with the right hue of blush. One of the most popular blushes on the market is a pinky-peach Nars blush.
- Show a little skin. As we age, we are tempted to cover up more, but that isn't always the most flattering look. Off-the-shoulder blouses are a no-fail way to show a sexy shoulder without baring all. Going bare legged with skirts or cropped pants is another great way to show a little skin.
