How to Look Younger - But Not Too Young

Many of my clients over 40 tell me that they want to look younger, but not too young.  They fear that if they follow the advice of their daughters and the fashion magazines that they will end up looking like they are trying to be 16.  And no woman who has been through puberty once wants to go through that again.  By following these simple tips you will be sure to stay youthful yet age appropriate.

Check Your Do
It’s important to have an up to date hair style.  If you are over 35 your hair should not be much longer than your shoulders.  The typical style of long hair to your mid back that is all one length screams to everyone that you are trying to look like you are still in high school.  This isn’t the look you should be going for.  Trim your hair, keep it healthy, and get a modern cut that suits your lifestyle and hair type.

Update Your Make Up
Although we’d all love to walk out of the house without a stitch of make up, most of us can’t.  As we age, we lose some of the color in our skin.  It’s important to start out with a great sunscreen and foundation that smoothes the skin to create an even surface.  Eyeliner, mascara, and a touch of blush are sometimes all that is needed.  Visit the make up counter at a good department store to learn how to expertly apply your make up.  Avoid any fashion colors that are in at a particular moment.  Your make up should not change depending on what color you are wearing.  Matching your eye shadow to your outfit should be erased from your memory.

Update Your Jeans
Nothing makes you look older and more out of date than high waisted jeans with a tapered leg.  Now I’m not saying that you need to buy super low rise jeans that expose your rear end.  But you should definitely find a pair of jeans that sits below your navel and has a slight boot cut.  When the leg of the jean flares slightly at the ankle it balances out the thigh and makes your leg look leaner.

Accessorize With Trends
Don’t ignore the latest trends, just don’t over do it.  Just because something is “in” doesn’t mean that it is right for you.  If a certain color is in this season, or a theme like the nautical look is in, you can easily incorporate these into your look through accessories.  You don’t need to be dressed from head to toe in the cobalt blue of last season.  Instead you could find a great pair of cobalt blue shoes or a fantastic bracelet in that color to make you look up to date without going over the top.  Think of trends like you do junk food…all in moderation.  Less is more.

Stay Out of Velour Sweat Suits and Ugg Boots
Velour sweat suits and Ugg boots are great for lounging around the house, but that is where the line should be drawn.  Once you leave your house wearing this, even to just run to the supermarket, you have made a huge fashion felony.  This outfit simply creates added bulk where you need it least.  It’s hard to find a 16 year old that looks good in this ensemble, let alone anyone over 40.

Once you start introducing these tips into your look you will be sure to be fashionably fabulous every year.  Remember, style is not about what’s “in”, it’s about creating a look that is current and right for you and your body.  It is possible to look younger without looking too young.