Too Old Too Soon?
After six years of writing a monthly newsletter, the issue from March 2008, Eight Things That Will Get You On A Makeover Show, is still the most popular. In honor of that issue, I'm going to address the eight things that age you. Are you ready? Take a deep breath (okay, maybe more than just one), and read on.
(If you didn't read the first issue, CLICK HERE)
I've divided the list into things I see in an office and things worn casually however, don't be fooled as all eight things can bridge both worlds. The first four things are things I see on the street and in closets, and the last four are things I see in office buildings, meetings and networking events.
Wearing Everything with Khakis
I get asked a lot, "What do you think of khakis?" Khakis are fine, they work as a neutral, but wearing them all the time and pairing everything with khakis can date you. Khakis, a black top and black sandals are okay, but the outfit would look just a bit better with other neutrals like white, grey or olive. Khakis can sometimes be too plain and not really chic or stylish.
Wearing Pants Too High
While we're still on pants, I would like to talk about pants worn too high - this is a definite no. After spending some time people watching, I realized that many women don't know that there are different rises for pants. They don't always have to be as low as Britney Spears or cover your belly button. Too low, and you'll end up with a muffin top, too high, and we encase the stomach and just emphasize it. The ideal fit is one that sits about an 1"-1 1/2" below the belly button and falls straight down.
Pants too high are not flattering, age you, and make your butt looks like it goes on forever (especially when you are tucking something in!). There is a much more modern and flattering fit out there - I promise. It does exist.
I found this picture on a blog. The caption: Mom Pants.
Square Toe Shoes
Many people have heard me talk about square toe shoes, but I feel it's still important to talk about this because you could have a fantastic outfit, and then kill it with bad shoes. Not Good. (Whereas an okay outfit can instantly be great with fabulous shoes - not the other way around.)
Square toe shoes are very '90s and they're not very flattering. They chop off the line of the leg and create a very blocky appearance. Look for shoeswith a round, pointy or combination of both. These styles are not only flattering, but will stand the test of time.
The shoe on the left has a very square heel and toe. It's very clunky and not very pretty. The shoe at the right actually has a lower heel (remember, stylish heels don't have to be stilettos), but it's much more flattering than a square toe shoe. This one has a rounded point, so it's not super pointy, but still comfortable and stylish!
Matching Jewelry
I've also talked about the next item quite a bit - matching jewelry. What I mean by matching, is a blue beaded necklace and the same blue beads are used in the earrings. If you wear them separately, that works, but together, it can look old. Jewelry bought, sold or given as a gift in "sets" is not good because items should look like they go together, but they don't have to match.
Michael Kors once said that women of style always throw one thing off, so just because your dress is red, doesn't mean your jewelry has to be as well. And, just because your necklace is blue, doesn't mean your earrings 
have to be - try silver, gold or just let the necklace be the focal point. Avoid matchy, matchy and you'll take years off your look.
The necklace and ring shown above are by too different designers, but it's too much of a match. However, these gold earrings echo the gold on these bangles, so they go together, but aren't exactly the same. More importantly, each of these pieces is visually interesting on its own and can be worn separately or with other items.
One Pin
And speaking of jewelry, I want to address something that I see in the work crowd, but does make its way into holiday parties - the pin. Pins can be beautiful and unique accessories, but when you wear just one worn on a cardigan or lapel, that looks old. Instead, I tell my clients to wear a cluster - two or three pins together. This doesn't look so 
"grandma" and brings us into the 21st century. It looks a little bit more like you know what's going on, that your style is effortless and not so "right off the mannequin."
The picture on the left illustrates just one pin, which doesn't really do anything. I can tell the person is trying to accessorize, but it's not quite there. The picture on the right includes the same pin, but in a group, and it's much better.
Note: Michelle Obama does wear one pin, however, she opts for a very big, standout piece. This is okay because it's like a statement necklace; it livens up a simple outfit. However, one small pin, doesn't do the same.
Collar vs. Lapel
The lapel or collar of a jacket is also something that's important to point out. I see a lot of women wearing a jacket with this type of collar in the picture on the right. This is one of those visual things that I can't quite explain, but it looks dated. A jacket with a traditional lapel or even no lapel, like thepictures on the left, is much better.
The jacket on the right is something older women wear, which is okay, but it'snot doing them any favors! Opting for a simple lapel looks stylish, yet still professional and put together - plus, it gives you more room to add a cluster of pins!
Skirts - Too Long or Too Short
The length of your skirt is also something that can age you - in either direction. The difference of an inch or two can bridge the gap between dowdy and trying too hard. A skirt begins to date you when it dips too far below the knee.
However, when a skirt is too short (too far above the knee), then this can look like you are trying too hard. One side note, if your legs are your best feature, definitely show them off, but be careful with the rest of the outfit. Too much skin or too many flashy pieces and it looks like you haven't accepted your age or are shopping on the wrong floor of the department store!
A skirt is best at knee-length, which means, right above, at, or just below the knee. If you can't bend down to pick something up, or sit down without tugging at your skirt, then it's too short.
Nylons
Lastly, I must address nylons. Nude nylons are always a no. The days for these has passed. In general, nylons, sheer or black, will date you. Bare legs are not only the style, but accepted and the norm. Opaque tights, pattern tights or pattern nylons are okay, but if you need to smooth out skin tone, mosquito bites or any other imperfections, then I highly recommend Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Make Up (sold at Walgreens, Amazon or Drugstore.com). I have many clients who swear by this. It's easy to apply, washes off in the shower, and doesn't stain or transfer to clothes.
For an evening out, many people choose black sheer nylons, but I think it's best to opt for something with a little more oomph - go for the nylons with a pattern (subtle is fine - think small dots or a diamond pattern), pattern tights (there are some nice, non-bulky styles out there), or nylons with the seam up the back. Très chic!
(Note: I know that some offices require nylons, so I don't suggest you go against office policy, but I get asked about nylons a lot and wanted to address the topic. And, I will admit that there is one place that even I would wear nylons: a meeting with the Queen. Aside from that, I just say no.)
Looking old or dated is not a look anyone strives for, but just because you've hit a certain age doesn't mean you have to give up. I know some of these items are very small, but it's that little tweak that can take your look from drab to fab. If you need help, give me a call!
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How to Accessorize a Simple Dress
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