Five ways not to be invisible as an older woman

Four ladies over the age of 50 who I greatly admire - not just for their talent and intelligence, but their determination to look wonderful for their age.

Yet even the likes of Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker have had "off" moments when they've been pictured them on their way to the gym or shops without any make-up on and, shock horror, looking their age.

Unfortunately once we're over 50, it takes a lot of effort to look good. Unless your face or body provides your living, few of us have enough time and money to look fantastic all the time.
Frankly, becoming invisible has its advantages sometimes. We are no longer judged solely on our looks and appearance. When I was young, I hated wolf whistles so much that I would go on long detours to avoid building sites where it happened.

But if we have a special event to attend, a reunion, an interview or a wedding, we don't want to be invisible. We want to look fabulous for our age and turn heads for the right reasons.

My five tips are about working with you've got, and being a fabulous version of you.

1. The power of bright colours

Wearing black, grey. beige or navy blue is a comfort blanket. It's easy and safe, but on an older women most of these colours make us look tired and sallow. However you can wear these colours with alacrity if you have choose more flattering tones next to your face in the form of tops, scarves or jewellery, and if you make your makeup more colourful.

The fastest way to be noticed is to wear bright colours.  When you're wearing a colour that suits you, your skin and eyes come alive and you feel positive and energetic.

Colour analysis developed a bad reputation in the 80s and 90s but to have an objective stylist finding colours that suit you is fabulous. It can be done virtually, via questionnaires and photos.  Pamela Graham from Style Yourself Confident resolved my years of colour confusion after I'd had different interpretations. When I wear lilac, fuchsia and certain shades of green, I get lots of compliments. Below are the bright colours which Pamela recommended for me.

2. The magic of makeup

I've talked before about how to use makeup to restore radiance. For me, bright lipstick is a game changer. I spent years looking for the perfect nude lipstick, but even when you find it, it will do less for you than a perfect pink, red or orange. But "look at me" lipsticks are undoubtedly challenging to wear, particularly if you're not used to it. I wrote about lipsticks here.

Giving your eyes more drama, sometimes more than you feel comfortable with, is also a game changer.  A professional make-up artist, Joyce Ademasa, used eyeliner under my eyes in a shoot last year, which I have always avoided, but along with false eyelashes on the outer edges, it made such a difference - see below. I would highly recommend booking a session with a makeup artist like Joyce. Again, it's that third party objective advice and know-how.

Check out my tips on how to take years off your eyes.

3. The statement accessory

Become known for your striking necklaces, huge rings, scarves or shoes. I was thrilled when, five months into my new job, my boss said that in my 360 feedback, colleagues - mostly all millennials - had mentioned my cool shoes. My mum, 85, is known for her stunning scarves.

My mum in bright colours and trademark scarf 

4. Stand up straight at the back

Over time our shoulders have a tendency to become rounded, or rigid around our ears. The habits become engrained and before we know it, our heads are forward, like a pigeon's. I'm a great believer in good posture. Check out my tips on how to achieve it in my article on posture.

5. Try a new hair stylist

We're usually told to try a new hair style.  I'll go a step further and say find a new hair stylist.  If your stylist encourages you to have the same style and doesn't suggest changes according to the season or fashion, then he or she is doing you no favours.  It's very easy to stick with the same style all your life in the belief that it suits you. But it can quickly date you. A new stylist will give you a different perspective.

You'll find lots of hairstyle inspiration on Pinterest (check out my board on hairstyles) and a good stylist will talk you out of something that is impractical for your hair or lifestyle.

A few months ago I decided I wanted to be less blonde and to go a little darker.  I suddenly thought that most women my age have highlighted hair and perhaps that was ageing in itself. But I quickly realised that darker hair was more ageing on me. So now I'm gradually going back to blonde.

Sharing this post with Spread the Kindness at Shelbee on the Edge, Emma at Stylesplash, Jess at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish,  Wordless  Wednesdasy at Claire Justine, Fabulous Friday at A Pocketful of Polka Dots,Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style and Top of the World Style at High Latitude Style

Do you have any great tips to add? Do tell in the comments below.

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