It's the time of year when even the most diehard Middle Ageless gals can let themselves down with one small slip. In the season of glitter and glitz, we want to appear fresh and intriguing, not desperate for attention. Yet so many of us do, partly because we believe we are "invisible" next to our more youthful counterparts. This just isn't true and upping the "glam" factor is not necessarily the way to get noticed - at least in a positive way.
So here are a few tips on how not to look desperate:
Cut back on the glitter:
Leave the gorgeous glittery makeup to the younger girls. I know it's hard. I spent a good fifteen minutes ogling the new Twilight makeup series in the local London Drugs. It is gorgeous, with dark purple body glitter, shimmering eyeshadows and dark, sparkly lipstick. The fact is, glittery stuff, especially around the eyes, will make you stand out for all the wrong reasons. It won't emphasize your lovely smooth eyelids, as it would on a 25-year-old. Rather, it will emphasize every line and crevice, and make you look like you are trying too hard.
If you want your skin to glow, exfoliate well, use a foundation primer, and finish up with Cat Cosmetics' Oscar Glow in "Angel Glow." Inner radiance without a hint of sparkle! The Body Shop also carries a really lovely highlighter called Glow Enhancer, which is both pretty and subtle.
Cut back on the glitter part deux:
All sequins and rhinestones should be banished unless they are part of your jewelry or accessories. Overly sparkly tops (particularly if low cut) are not half as flattering as plain black, deep purple, or the newly-fashionable navy blue, accessorized with something sparkly. Super-sparkly shoes are a fabulous way to up the glam without looking like a Christmas tree. And speaking of Christmas trees, wearing earrings that flash on and off, or resemble tree ornaments is so 1998.
Don't show too much skin:
A big mistake I see women of a certain age make is to wear something low at the neck with a mini skirt or dress. Some even complete their showy ensemble with stilettos. Choose just one weapon and use it well. If you have a pretty bustline and no chest wrinkles, wear your neck low, but keep your hemline low too, or wear pants. If you have killer legs, wear a mini with opaque black tights or pantyhose, but make sure your neckline doesn't reveal your cleavage. If you are wearing the new patterned pantyhose with a short skirt, boots or lower heels are the footwear of choice. While on the topic of patterned pantyhose, remember they look best with simple outfits - an unfussy LBD, or short skirt and silk polo neck. You don't want to wear a lacy top, silver skirt and lace pantyhose unless you are in your teens or early 20s.
Beware of black:
Black is not as appealing on Middle Ageless women as on younger ladies. This is particularly true for women with fair skins. Navy, dark purple and softer colors are way more flattering to the skin.
Dump the animal prints:
If you are out on the prowl, you don't want to be labelled a cougar. Wearing obvious animal prints is asking to be viewed as such. Animal print earrings, a belt, shoes or purse are the exception.
Of course, we all know someone who breaks all these rules and we love her for it. So take this as a set of guidelines only and go strut your stuff!
