Fashion - Flattering50

Eastern Inspiration: The Costume Institute Exhibit at the Met

Flattering50 — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-08-24. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

I finally stopped by China: Through the Looking Glass, this summer’s Costume Institute exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The exhibit explores Chinese culture’s influence on fashions—in the East and in the West—over the centuries. Over 140 garments, many created by well-known designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs, are displayed in rooms on three floors. To emphasize the connection between culture and fashion, the garments are juxtaposed with Chinese paintings, films, porcelains and other objects. Don't you love the influence of Chinese porcelain on the garments above and below?

Although photography is allowed in the exhibition, the room lighting is often dimmed for dramatic effect. Nevertheless, I took a few snapshots to share with readers who may not be able to attend this wonderful exhibit.

ROMANCING THE EAST
The exhibition’s clothing spans five centuries, from the 16th century to now. However, exhibit’s curators emphasize that it isn’t meant to be a history lesson. There is, for example, a noticeable absence of traditional Chinese footwear, such as the Lotus shoes worn by women with bound feet. Instead, with few exceptions, the exhibit is a highly romantic, fanciful look at the impact of the Chinese aesthetic on fashion.

I’ve always been enchanted with traditional Chinese fashions—the silk fabric, the intricate embroidery and quilting, the sleek silhouettes, the Mandarin collar, and the use of red (a favorite color) and other bright colors. Here are a few examples...

DRAGON DAYS
Some of the most dramatic fashions featured dragons...

A MAO MOMENT
While the vast majority of the garments are elegant, sophisticated, and luxurious in their fabric and details, one display of “Mao suits” and Mao-inspired fashions gives a nod to the famous leader.

China: Through the Looking Glass runs through September 7, 2015. If you live in or near the city, or are traveling to it in the next two weeks, I highly recommend a trip to the exhibit.

Style Over 50: Repurposing the Sundress

Flattering50 — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-08-08. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

“Cute skirt,” said the women at the office.

“That’s no skirt,” I replied, smiling. “That’s a sundress.”

Yes, I’m over 50 and still wearing strappy sundresses. However, I’m not wearing them solo. Instead, I’m repurposing my sundresses by creating faux skirt looks with lightweight sweaters and accessories.

SUNDRESS AS FAUX SKIRT
Repurposing my sundresses satisfies the frugal fashionista in me, who hates to stop wearing a garment that is in good condition and still fits. Also, layering a sundress with a sweater offers warmth in the office, where the air conditioning is always blasting, as well as on cooler days in August and early September. Finally, mixing up sweaters and accessories with sundresses offers a variety of outfits, which I always appreciate.

Instead of giving a Gap - Women's Clothes sundress the heave-ho, I’m pairing it with different sweaters and scarves. Recently, I chose a trendy mint green pullover (above). I’ve also paired it with a beige cable sweater and a turquoise scarf (below).

When I'm heading out for a casual dinner on the waterfront, I'll pair the same dress with a lightweight navy cardigan and a jean jacket.

Here’s what I did with a black and white sundress a while back. The hot pink sweater offers a pop of color.

Dresses with Sleeves

Flattering50 — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-07-14. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Here's a collection of dresses with sleeves for women over 50 of different sizes, shapes and personal styles. Don't be alarmed by some of the dress lengths. It may just mean that the young model is very tall. I tried to include only dresses that are 36" long or longer. Unfortunately, the descriptions don't always give the dress length, so you'll have to check with the clothing company.

Click on any of the photos if you’d like more information about the dress…

10 Favorite Quotes by Donna Karan

Flattering50 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-07-10. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Photo credit: Christopher Macsurak

If you’re a follower of the fashion scene, you probably read that Donna Karan (above) stepped down as chief designer of her brand last week. LVMH, which has owned the label since 2001, has "suspended" the Donna Karan brand, according to the New York Times. Ms. Karan's other lines, DKI and DKNY, will continue to operate.

Ms. Karan held her first show in 1985. Fashion was a bit rocky in the 80s and early 90s. Whenever I look at old photos of girlfriends and female family members from back then, I inevitably cringe at the big hairdos, the big shoulders and, in general, ill-fitting clothes. In my humble opinion, it was the worst period for fashion in my lifetime.

Part of the problem with fashions in the 80s, I think, stemmed from the increasing numbers of women doing jobs that had been done by men in the past. No one seemed to know how to dress the working woman. I remember wearing boxy navy or grey pinstriped skirt-suits and sensible pumps to work. Cringe. (A girlfriend was told by her employer that she couldn’t wear sling-back pumps because they were "sandals.") Donna Karan designs were a breath of fresh air for women because they made them look and feel feminine and powerful during the day or night. (Scroll down to see Oprah's friend Gayle King in a luscious red Donna Karan gown.) Thank you, Ms. Karan!

Throughout her career, Ms. Karan has been a role model for women of our generation. I’m looking forward to see what she does next. She has been quoted as saying, “If I weren't doing what I'm doing today... I'd be traveling around the world on the back of a motorcycle.” Maybe she will.

For this post, I’m sharing my top 10 favorite quotes (so far) by the designer.

MS. KARAN SAYS…

Accent your positive and delete your negative.

Evening is a time of real experimentation. You never want to look the same way.

Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable.

Age and size are only numbers. It's the attitude you bring to clothes that make the difference.

I feel very strongly about dresses on every level - a dress feels like underpinning.

I live for what I haven't done.

We've come a long way. Power dressing now is designed to let the woman inside us come through.

Design and style should work toward making you look good and feel good without a lot of effort so you can get on with the things that matter.

Women should always take care of themselves first. It makes you more equipped to take care of others.

You don't have that much choice in your life, which is one of the big lessons I've learned. I was going to be a designer whether I wanted to be a designer or not.

Color Quest: Stepping back from Neutrals

Flattering50 — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-07-04. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

In recent years, the overarching fashion trend has been to ignore safe styling and look for opportunities to add a bit of edge. Women—yes, even women over 50—have been encouraged to “mix things up”—different textures, different prints, different attitudes. This summer, we’re being challenged to shake up the way we use color.

COLOR-CONSCIOUS STYLING
The notion of using colors in new ways appeals to me. I love “refreshing” what’s already in my closet as opposed to adding a lot of new stuff. (This year, when friends asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I said, “Come to my house and take something, anything—that’s what I want.”)

So…I’ve decided to see how many color-conscious outfits I can style this summer. I know I can’t shelve the neutrals—especially the accessories—completely. But I'm going to try to keep my go-to neutrals--black, white, beige or grey--from taking over the outfit. That’s my color quest for summer 2015.

To kick off this color quest, I wore a baby blue top with a lime tulip skirt yesterday. I'm not a big fan of matching shoes and handbag (more my mom's style), so I paired my orange handbag with blue shoes.

Happy 4th of July!

Style Over 50: 9 Things To Look for When Buying a Dress

Flattering50 — Sun, 10 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-05-10. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

I recently added a new draped dress to my spring wardrobe (photo, above). I'm a big fan of draped dresses for women over 50, so I was drawn to this dress, a Lauren By Ralph Lauren design. Upon closer inspection, though, I realized this dress embodies just about everything I look for in a new dress. Naturally, I grabbed it.

How do I measure the value of a dress? Let me share the 9 ways. I look for...

#1: Feminine Styling
These days, I'm finding style inspiration in what Dame Helen Mirren, 69, is wearing. Her style tends to be very feminine, if not downright sexy. I’ve always encouraged feminine style after 50. But each of us must decide: How much “sexy” is just right? My new dress is feminine, showing my curves, but it isn’t too revealing (no spaghetti straps, plunging necklines or cutouts). That balance of feminine and reserve is the right amount of sexy for me.

#2: Draping
I love draping--whether it's around the neck, waist, stomach or hips--because it conceals and distracts. My new dress is draped across the stomach, an area I always want to downplay!

#3: A Splashy Print
In general, I love prints. Like draping, prints conceal and distract. While floral prints are popular this spring (Diane Von Furstenberg, 68, wore a floral DVF gown to the Met Gala 2015 last week and looked smashing!), I pick flowery dresses carefully. My new dress has a trendy blurred floral print, which is colorful, but is neither demure nor dainty. Perfect!

# 4: A Comfortable Fabric
There are lots of comfortable fabrics out there, but right now I'm loving the ones with a little stretch. I love the way they give when I walk or sit.

#5: Lining
Like draping and a print, lining conceals those little lumps and bumps. Lining also increases the garment's weight, making it more sturdy and helping it hold its shape. I love the soft jersey linings, which also have a little stretch.

#6: Quality
Okay, I hate style rules. The reason: There isn't a style rule that women can't break and look fabulous doing so. That said, women over 50 are rarely flattered by cheap clothes. Cheap is cheap after 50. That doesn't mean, however, that you have to go into debt to buy well-made clothes. Thanks to the "labels for less" type sites, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Nordstrom's Rack and so on, as well as the millions of designer outlet sites, it's possible to find quality clothes with a reasonable price tag. Also, these days, huge, semii-annual-type sales happen almost monthly.

#7: Flattering Style
Even if a dress isn't loaded with lots of "plus"(ie, comfort, a jazzy print, lining and so forth), it still might be a good buy, if the dress flatters your body shape. The converse may not be true, though. A really well-made dress doesn't mean much if the design doesn't flatter you. There are tons of articles online to help you determine what designs flatter your shape.

#8 Good Length
Readers often tell me they can't find dresses with long hemlines. Those of us who are petite usually have the opposite problem--we can't find dresses that are short enough. Three things to keep in mind:

1) The models wearing the dress online are often 5' 10" or taller. Unless you're a really tall gal, the dress is going to be longer on you. Always check the dress's description for hem length.
2) If you're a tall woman, there plenty of sites with dress hemmed proportionately for women of height.
3) And, finally, petite women over 50 shouldn't allow themselves to be bullied into wearing dresses hemmed at or below the knee. Apparently, there's a rule floating around about hems and women after 50. I'm a petite and a hem that covers my knees makes me look shorter and stockier. Ugh.

#9: Reasonable Price Tag
I was thrilled to find a draped dress that was well made and flattered my shape. However, it would have gone back on the hanger if the price had exceeded my budget. I will push my budget a little at times, but if a dress costs too much, it loses its charm. Fortunately, this dress was nicely priced, making the perfect dress to wear to Mother's Day lunch with my husband and boys.

Have I left anything out? Leave a comment to let me know. Thanks! And...

Happy Mother's Day!

Spring Casual: The Versatile Jacket

Flattering50 — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-04-26. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

When I think of casual outerwear for spring and cooler summer weather, my mind immediately goes to jean jackets, hoodie sweatshirts or anoraks. However, none of these, with the exception of my white jean jacket, works for me when I'm styling something to wear out to lunch or a casual dinner. Recently, the folks at Territory Ahead, a clothing line with lots of casual styles, asked me to review their Shirred Slub Knit Jacket (photo above). It was a gorgeous day yesterday (note the cloudless blue sky over my head) and I decided to give the jacket a "test run" out to lunch on the waterfront with my husband.

COMFORTABLE JACKET FOR SKIRTS OR JEANS
As you can see, I styled my new jacket with a white colored blouse and skirt. I had to laugh when I got down to the waterfront because a lot of people--men and women--were wearing white. I think after the rough winter we had in the Northeast, everyone was in the mood to celebrate yesterday's warm weather by bringing out their summer whites.

The Shirred Slub Knit Jacket ($99) is well-made of a lightweight cotton/rayon knit fabric. The size is true to that shown on the site's size chart. The relaxed fit and good length (29") make it a super comfortable piece. It's roomy, yet has light shirring across the front and back, which gives it shape. And it's machine washable, which I appreciate. Unlike a jean jacket, which I always take off at a restaurant, this relaxed cotton jacket is comfortable enough to leave on when eating al fresco on the breezy waterfront or in a highly air-conditioned dining room.

Since I'm always counting my pennies, I shop for clothing and accessories that can be worn with a variety of separates already in my closet. This jacket works well with both pencil skirts and jeans...

I am excited to discover the Territory Ahead site. The clothing brand offers a nice collection of moderately-priced casual separates, including tunics, long Puma T-shirts, relaxed linen slacks and skirts, boyfriend sweaters and even shoes and jewelry. If you're looking for casual pieces to add to your spring and summer wardrobe, I highly recommend you take a peek at Territory Ahead.

Tall boots make way for leggings and bare ankles

Flattering50 — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-04-19. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Editor's Note: I'm happy to announce that Sheri R. is the winner of the most recent Flattering50 Swimwear Giveaway. Congratulations Sheri! And thanks to all Flattering50 readers who entered the giveaway.

So long down parka! So long tall black leather boots! Spring has finally arrived and I'm so ready for it! And yet...it's not all sunshine and 70 degrees here in the Northeast. We still have to contend with intermittent clouds and cooler temps, especially at night. For those times, I'll pile on the layers--jackets, lightweight scarves, and sweaters--before pulling on a heavy winter coat and tall boots again. For cooler spring weather, I'm loving layers that include my moto jacket and leggings. It's too early for sandals, but going sock-less gives me hope.

Happy Earth Day!

7 Sandal Trends For Spring/Summer 2015

Flattering50 — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-04-13. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

[Original image unavailable]

I'm hunting for a new pair of sandals this spring. A comfortable sandal with a small heel, 2"-3," would be ideal. I'm open to any stylish design, except one with an ankle strap--not a flattering look for me. As for color, I have no particularly one in mind--just not black. And lastly, I don't want to spend more than $125, if possible. Too demanding? Well, I began to search online this week and found a lot of great styles. I haven't settled on a pair, but thought I'd share 7 sandal trends (in bold green) for 2015.

If you like any of the sandals featured here, but not the color shown, click on the photo to see what other colors are available. For example, the Women's Bella Vita 'Leona' Slingback Sandal, Size 8 M - Blue, 2 1/4" heel ($89.95) comes in several different colors, including a jazzy black and white.

GLADIATORS OR CAGED
They're back! If you bought a pair of gladiator sandals last year, you're all set for spring 2015. Gladiators and caged-style sandals (as well as just about any strappy-style sandal) are trending once again.

[Original image unavailable]

Lots of BUCKLES AND OTHER EMBELLISHMENTS are another 2015 sandal trend...

METALLIC
Metallic sandals are another hot sandal trend for 2015. I'm seeing gold, silver and bronze sandals everywhere. This first pair has TIE-STRINGS in the back. Sandals that tie are trending this spring as well.

Over the years, I've bought a lot of Aerosole shoes, especially sandals. My feet love them. While I prefer the sandal designs in leather, a patterned faux leather like this Aerosoles Brasserie Sandals ($59.95) might work. It certainly keeps the price reasonable.

WEDGES AND PLATFORMS
Really? Wedge and platform sandals are a hot trend? Haven't they been around forever? Well, the fashion world is calling them a 'trend,' so I won't argue it. There certainly are a lot of wedge and platform designs to choose from.

[Original image unavailable]

[Original image unavailable]

ANIMAL PRINTS
Animal prints are another style that's hard for me to call a 2015 trend. However, they apparently are and you'll find lots of examples this spring.

[Original image unavailable]

[Original image unavailable: Neutral Snake Embossed Flats]

SUEDE AND FRINGE
If you've followed the fashion trends for spring, you've probably heard that designers felt it was high-time to revisit the 70s. I'm not sure why. Anyway. Sandals with 70s-flare include those made of suede and/or fringe.

Spring Skirt: Great Style And, Yes, Good Length

Flattering50 — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-04-11. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Three years ago, Pauline Durban introduced Covered Perfectly, a collection of super comfortable, well-priced tops for women in sizes Small through Plus. The tops are designed to flatter the woman over 50 by covering her in all the right places. Flattering50 has followed the progress of the brand, reporting the addition of new top styles. Recently, I was asked if I'd like to review one of the brand's newest additions: skirts. Needless to say, I said "yes."

COMFORTABLE AND WELL-PRICED
That's me (above) wearing my new Covered Perfectly Pencil Skirt in hounds-tooth. I've always been a fan of hounds-tooth prints, but really love the over-sized hounds-tooth prints that have been popular in recent years. The bigger print adds pizzazz to the classic pencil skirt style.

Just like the line of Covered Perfectly tops, my new Pencil Skirt is ultra comfortable and well-priced ($29.99). The fabric has a touch of Spandex and there's a wide, flat elastic waistband, both of which make it comfortable for walking and sitting. It also is long enough, falling just below my knees. I love jersey skirts, but they sometimes cling and ride up my leg when I'm wearing tights or stockings. My new Covered Perfectly skirt hasn't done that. And last, but not least, I'm always looking for pieces that are comfortable and nice enough to wear from work to dinner. This skirt will be perfect for those work-to-dinner nights.

The skirt, which is USA-made, is also available in solid black and a fun animal print. If you're planning a trip any time soon, you might want to consider taking one of these skirts along. It's super lightweight, wrinkle-resistant and folds up easily. Plus, it's machine washable.

For styling, I have paired my new skirt with a long cardigan. Whenever I wear a form-fitting skirt or slacks, I feel more comfortable with my bottom covered. The Covered Perfectly website shows the skirt with a long top, which would work, too.

For more about Covered Perfectly and the pieces I've styled in the past, take a peek at...

Stylish Top Covers Perfectly, Feels Wonderful

Tops Over 40: New Styles, Colors and Plus Sizes

Style Over 50: A Vest Above the Rest

Women's Tops That Cover and Flatter

The Woman Behind A New Line of Stylish Tops

Lauren Bacall's Look: An Exhibit

Flattering50 — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-04-09. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Last week I stopped by the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York to see an exhibit celebrating the fashion and style of the late Lauren Bacall. The exhibit, Lauren Bacall: The Look, featured photos of the celebrated actress taken during her modeling career for fashion magazines, a display of her clothing by such designers as Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Cardin, and a clip from Bacall and the Boys, a 1968 television show in which she modeled fashions from the Paris fall collection. I've always been a big fan of Ms. Bacall's look and appreciated the opportunity to take a peek at some of her clothing. I snapped a few photos from the exhibit to share with you.

TO HAVE THE LOOK

My first encounter with Ms. Bacall was in the movie "To Have and Have Not." What always impressed me about Ms. Bacall's look was the contrast between her strikingly statuesque frame and her understated fashion sense. She tended to wear simple, comfortable clothing in rich and often sensual fabrics. She also liked outfits with classic tailoring and menswear-inspired details. Regardless of what she wore, the look was confident, but always easy-going and feminine. It's a look this over 50 woman aspires to.

Ms. Bacall gave the Museum at FIT a collection of 700 items between 1968 and 1986. Twelve pieces were on display in recent exhibit. One of my favorite outfits is an evening set by Norman Norell (circa 1958) (below). I love the simple, classic cashmere coat over the gold sequin-charged sheath.There's something a little dangerous about the mix of textures.

Here are a few more examples of clothing with ultra-simple lines...

Her look wasn't always so simple, though. A couple of dresses in the exhibit, like a pink Pierre Cardin molded mini-dress or a wrap dress with fringe (below), show a willingness to add a little whimsy to her look. The wrap dress reminds me of the 70s-inspired fashions I'm seeing in the magazines this spring.

“I am not a has-been. I am a will be,” Lauren Bacall once famously quipped. I thought of this quote as I walked through the gallery of her garments and fashion photographs. Some fashion icons seem to live on, inspiring new generations. Audrey Hepburn is one of these women. And I think Lauren Bacall is one, too. Ms. Bacall may no longer be with us, but she will continue to be a "will be" for future generations of women looking for style and fashion inspiration.

Unfortunately, Lauren Bacall: The Look has closed. However, you can still see Yves Saint Laurent and Halston: Fashioning the 70s, which runs through April 18th, at the Museum at FIT. If you're embracing that 70s look this spring, the exhibit might inspire you. There is also an exhibit entitled Faking It: Original, Copies and Counterfeits, running through April 25th.

For more quotes by Ms. Bacall, take a peek at Still Learning: Quotes By and About Lauren Bacall.

Wedding Guest Blazers for Slacks or Dresses

Flattering50 — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-03-29. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Editor's note: Congratulations to Alicia S., winner of the Flattering50's $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!! There's still time to enter the Flattering50's Swimwear Giveaway. For details, click Giveaway.

A Flattering50 reader recently asked me for the shopping sources for blazers I featured in a post about Slacks and the Evening Wedding. Unfortunately, that post is a couple of years old and the blazers shown are no longer in stock. Since we're entering a time when there's often lots of wedding invites, I thought I'd post some 2015 spring blazers that might do nicely with slack or a dress for a wedding guest outfit.
SOFT LINES
Flattering50 readers have taught me that wedding guest attire often hinges on a wedding's location. Different regions have different traditions regarding what to wear and not to wear. Time of day is, of course, important too. That said, if wearing a blazer with a dress or slacks is appropriate for your affair, here are some "fashions for thought."

For any occasion, but particularly a dress-up event, I like a feminine-looking blazer. What is a feminine blazer? In a nutshell, one that doesn't look like something one of the Mad Men might wear. It has soft lines and is nicely tailored. I'm particularly fond of draped or tuxedo lapel, like the jacket above.

CHEERY COLOR
Skirt and pant suits aren't as popular as they once were, but monochromatic styling--wearing the same color or shades of color from shoulder-to-shoe--is. If you want to make a splash on any given day, wear a blazer and slacks in the same bright color scheme. A wedding, however, may not be splash appropriate. A splash may be best left to the bride and mothers-of. Instead, I like blazers in a flattering, cheery color (my over 50 complexion can use a bit of cheering up) paired with slacks in a complimentary neutral color.

That said, I searched online and found a dearth of bright-colored blazers. Apparently, if you want to be trendy this spring, don't wear a bright-colored blazer. I don't care much about trends, but I do care about the amount of time on spend on shopping. To save time, I'll be looking for other pieces to brighten up my look this spring. I did find this one bright blue blazer, however.

[Original image unavailable]

FABRIC AND FIT
Needless to say, slacks for a wedding guest outfit have several advantages. They're super comfortable, versatile and solve the aging leg dilemma. While a well-made and well-fitted pair of slacks will serve you for many years, the blazer is the outfit's standout piece. It's the piece I would probably splurge on to get the best fabric and fit. Any dress-up blazer I wear has to be lined to support the fabric and help keep the garment's shape. While the blazer below is more "masculine" in styling, the snakeskin fabric keeps it feminine.

[Original image unavailable]

Here's a beautifully-made blazer with very feminine lines. While bright-colored blazers are hard to find, jackets in pastels, especially pink and lavender, are everywhere. If you can look past the teenage model, I love the color combo of the lavender, grey and white--very sophisticated.

NEUTRAL NEWS
Neutral color, especially black and ivory, are all the rage this spring. I wear a lot of black (it's the New Yorker thing), but the only time I'd consider wearing a black blazer is to a evening wedding in New York in winter. Just as the color black tends to be a little grim for a wedding, an all white or off-white outfit might be a little too bridal looking. I like an off-white blazer like the one at the top of this post, but would pair it with pieces in other colors.

Black and white blazers are another trend this spring. I like the clean, crisp look of a the black and white outfit below. My demure days are over.

LONG OR SHORT?
Since turning 50, my comfort zone has evolved in response to my changing body. For instance, I tend to wear longer blazers that cover part or all of my bottom with pants. For dresses, I like shorter blazers. A short print blazer may be a nice choice for a daytime affair. Another trend this spring: Zippered pockets.

[Original image unavailable]

Style Over 50: The Green Scene

Flattering50 — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-03-08. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

The color green is having a moment. And, no, not because it's March and some people like to put on the green for St. Patrick's Day. According to the NY Times, green, especially forest green, started trending during Fashion Week in New York last month. The newspaper's online site created a slide show of celebrities (ie, Anna Wintour, Julianna Moore) dressed in high-end green outfits a few weeks ago. I was I was reminded of the slide show this week when I was in the city and saw three women wearing green winter coats. How many green sightings makes a trend? I sometimes wonder. I'm sure Bill Cunningham knows. No matter. Then, on Friday, The Guardian, a UK publication, created a slide show of green outfits. This slide show shows women with more down-to-earth clothing allowances styling green. So...off to my closet I went this weekend to see what green I could find.

GOING GREEN

I actually have a lot of green--pale green and olive as well as forest green--in my wardrobe. However, the darker greens seem to be the ones trending, so I pulled out a ribbed top, a crossbody handbag and leather gloves. I hadn't used any of these pieces in a long time. And that's why I like to follow trends in the media and observe what women are wearing on the street: It inspires me to mix things up a bit, which I love!

My style instincts--what little I have, that is--told me I probably should resist piling on the green. Hence, I've paired the ribbed top with either the handbag or the gloves, but not all three at the same time.

Have you tried styling green lately?

Buying a Dress: 10 Tips for Women Over 50

Flattering50 — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-02-14. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

I'm a huge fan of dresses on women over 50. A dress is…

Flattering. A dress’s continuous color or print from shoulder to hem is slimming and elongating.

Easy. There’s no debating what top goes best with a particular skirt or pair of pants.

Comfortable. Most dress styles don’t have a confining waistband.

However, shopping for the perfect dress online can be challenging—to say the least. Here are a few tips that have helped me along the way. If you have other tips, please leave a comment. Thanks!

#1 ~ Know Your Body Shape
Knowing your body shape—hourglass, pear, pencil, apple and so forth—will help guide you to flattering dresses online. Some women—yours truly included—experience a shape shift after menopause. My hourglass shape has morphed into a pear shape in recent years. It's not a bad idea to reassess your shape now and then. For help with what defines the different shapes, check the Internet. There are tons of articles.

#2 ~ Know What Dresses Flatter Your Shape
Fear not: There is a dress to flatter every woman's body, whether she has a bust, a tummy, hips or not. Some dress styles tend flatter certain body shapes, other styles are more versatile.I say "tend" because women aren't cut from cookie-cutters--obviously. When trying to find the best dresses for your shape, it's not bad to take a peek at some of the online guides.

It doesn't hurt to do a little in-store research, too. In recent years, when trying garments in brick-and-mortar shops' fitting rooms, I've become more conscious of what does and doesn't flatter my shape. This has really informed the way I evaluate dresses online. Often, dresses get tossed into categories—sheath, fit and flare, wrap, and so forth—but not all sheaths or wraps are cut exactly the same. Some are more form-fitting, others are a more roomy. For me, doing a little homework has increased my online shopping success.

#3 ~ Know Your Measurements
Do you know your dress size? I don’t—not really. Depending on the dress style and the dress maker, my dress size can be any of four different sizes on any given online shopping day. As a rule, I find the higher the price tag, the lower the dress size. But that’s not a guarantee. It's best to know your measurements, including your preferred hem length. What’s the best way to take your measurements? Good question. Again, there are online guides. However, my most successful online clothes shopping experiences have been on websites that offer their own guide to measuring. And I keep the tape measure nearby.

#4 ~ Know the Dress Makers
Shopping for dresses online is so much easier if you have a few "go to" dress makers. Searching for favorite dress makers--either by googling the names or by searching the names on online department stores and other large sites that feature many dress makers--speeds up the process and increases the likelihood of success. In this age of very short hems and cheesy craftsmanship, it can be terribly frustrating to just randomly search the web for dresses. One of my "go to" dress makers is Adrianna Papell (below). The brand's dresses tend to be moderately priced, well made, and have reasonable hemlines (38-41").

#5 ~ Know the Hem Length
Can you tell the hem length of the Women's Adrianna Papell Rosette Side Lace Dress below? Unless you're 5’11” and a bean pole, it’s pretty impossible to look at a dress photo online and know whether it will fall above, at or below the knees. At first glance, the vast majority look much too short. And these days, many of them are! However, if you like the dress style, I strongly advise you to click on the photo and read the garment description. You may be pleasantly surprised. A dress that look like its hem length is 34 or 35" because a 5'11" model is wearing it, may actually be 37" or longer. That's the case with this lovely lace dress.

[Original image unavailable]

Most descriptions give the shoulder-to-hem length. Some, however, give the length from natural waist-to-hem. The Calvin Klein Cascade Sheath Dress at the top of this post measure 27" from the natural waist. As a petite woman who wears dresses just above my knees, I'd probably have to shorten that hem. My sister-in-law, age 64, shops at Pure Collection because the hem lengths are often around 40". To see the site's spring dresses, click Shop Pure Collection's New Arrivals

#6 ~ Know the Fabrics
Personally, I look for dresses that will hide my little lumps and bumps. Consequently, dress fabric is important. My taste in fabrics, however, varies depending on the dress style. For example, I don't mind a lightweight fabrics, especially lightweight jerseys or silk blend, for a wrap or draped dress. A wrap or draped dress's overlapping fabric hides the lumps and the lightweight material keeps the dress from becoming too bulky.

I like more sturdy lump-hiding fabrics for sheaths. Or, if the fabric isn't sturdy, I look for lining. And for extra comfort, I've fallen in love with fabrics that have a little stretch. Poking around your closet is a great w ay to start learning what fabrics work best for you.

#7 ~ Know the Reviews
Product reviews can be helpful. I’m not going to dismiss a dress because of one bad review. However, if I see that multiple shoppers have been pleased, it definitely weighs in the dress’s favor. Often, reviews will alert shoppers to the fact the dress runs large. Sometimes, a review will point out something I hadn't noticed or thought about.

# 8 ~ Know the Customer Service
Many times, I want to speak to someone who really knows the dress. I have found customer service a huge help, especially when I’m debating over the size. Yes, CS wants to make the sale. However, a reputable online shop doesn't want a dissatisfied customer either. Before you spend too much time on a dress site, check out the Customer Service – how easy is it to communicate with someone? Is there an 800 number?

#9 ~ Know the Site’s Security System
I shop only at sites that use encryption. Web addresses that start with "https://" or have a closed padlock have this increased security. Note: The padlock should appear when you go to "check out" and are asked for payment and billing information. Personally, I tend to shop at well-known sites, which tend to have good security. For example, the CATHERINE Catherine Malandrino Tinka Dress (Marina Blue) Women's Dress (37" hem) is on the Zappo's site, which displays both the "https://" and the padlock at check out.

However, we all heard what happened to Target last year. Pay Pal offers some level of security. I use Pay Pal when shopping at smaller, lesser known sites. These days, our online security is so shaky, but I feel I'm doing what I can by taking these steps.

#10 ~ Know the Return Policy
I’m drawn to sites like Zappos that offer free returns with virtually no hassle. This is so important when it comes to shopping for clothing, since even the most careful shopper can’t know for sure how a dress is going to fit until she tries it on. My other "go to" online shopping sites are ones that have brick and mortar stores in my area. Not to rub it in, but I live in a shopping hub. Every clothing chain store, from The Gap, Ann Taylor, Land’s End and White House/Black Market to Macy’s, Lord + Taylor, and Nordstrom are within 30 minutes of my house. (Designers like Prada and Gucci are less than 15 minutes from where I live. Oh, that I could afford them!) I hate to have to return something, but when I do, I want it to be relatively easy.

Well, there are my tips for dress shopping online. Please leave a comment with your tips.
Thanks!!

Style Over 50: Totally Textured Separates

Flattering50 — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-02-01. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Is there a limit on how many different textures a woman over 50 should wear at one time? I hope not. For today's in-between snow storms look, I've combined a black moto jacket, a light grey fuzzy sweater, a lace midi skirt and black leather boots. The sweater is new to me, though not exactly new. I've been looking for a fuzzy sweater for some time now, but couldn't find one I liked and could afford. Then, a week ago, a friend was visiting and I took her to Second Time Around, a chain of second-hand stores that specializes in "gentle used" designer fashions. My friend and I stumbled upon the store's winter clearance sale and I got this Vince fuzzy sweater for a steal. Here's a better look at the sweater's fuzzy texture.

2014 Fashions Favorites for Women Over 50

Flattering50 — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2015-01-04. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Happy 2015! Can you believe the 2010s are half over? Crazy.

A year ago, I reflected on my favorite fashion looks and trends for women over 50 in 2013. I thought it might be fun to repeat the fashion look-back for 2014. However, I wondered: Would I have anything new to report? Had my fashion favorites changed at all in a year?

FASHION TRENDS AND STREET APPEAL
At times, I've doubted whether my fashion favorites have ever changed. A few nights ago, I was reminded of how wrong that perception is. At a New Year's Eve party, a friend passed around a tablet with recently scanned photos of weddings and other social gatherings in the 1980s (hands down, the scariest decade in fashion during my lifetime) attended by many of us at the party. When I saw what I was wearing back in the 80s, I thought: "Thank goodness, my style has changed since then!"

Not surprisingly, my favorite fashions for 2014 are a mix of old and new. I don't have the time, money or desire to reinvent my look from scratch every year. Instead, when I shop in stores or online, I pick the "hot trends"--the latest styles and colors--I think will flatter my over 50 shape and work well with things already in my wardrobe. My shopping decisions are also heavily influenced by street fashions. I hunt for garments and accessories I've admired on women over 50 on the street. The look is new for me, but not necessarily trendy. So without further ado, my fashion favorites for 2014 included...

THE GRAPHIC SWEATER COAT
Here in the Northeast, the Winter 2014 was frightfully cold. My defense against freezing temps has always been layers, the warmer the better. Long sweaters, particularly with graphic prints, were trending in 2014, so I grabbed one. I wore my sweater coat with skinny jeans as well as straight skirts and tall boots. The thing I love most this sweater: The pockets!

FITTED DOWN VEST
The NY Times recently reported that down vests, long considered a very un-hip, preppy layer, are being worn by well-dressed men this season. That may be, but on the New York streets, fitted down jackets and vests have been gaining fashion momentum among men and women for the past year or two, ever since Uniqlo introduced a line of the garments in a range of muted and bright colors. The popular vest offers lots of warmth with very little bulk. Last winter, I wore my vest (below) over a warm sweater on milder days, and under a wool coat or down jacket on the bitterly cold days.

DENIM DAYS
For years, the denim shirt has cycled in and out of fashion favor. In it's current re-birth, the denim shirt is made of a lightweight cotton and is fitted. The biggest change, though, has been the way the shirt is being styled. Designers, fashion stylists and street fashionistas have shown us that the denim shirt looks "hot" when it's styled with unexpected colors and fabrics. In March 2014, during that transitional period between winter wools and spring cottons, I wore my denim shirt with a black biker jacket for the urban cowgirl look.

BELTING IT
In 2014, everything I wore seemed to look better with a belt. More and more, I've been seeing women, like Michelle Obama, using belts to create a little feminine shaping. A belt defines what's left of my waistline. When styling an outfit with a belt, my personal rule of thumb is to use a belt--the thinner the better--in a color that blends with the rest of the outfit. I wear belts just below my rib cage. A belt that rests closer to my hip emphasizes my bottom. I don't need that! And lastly, I keep whatever I'm wearing under the belt (a sweater, blouse or dress) loose to hide the "lumps and bumps."

FIT AND FLARE DRESSES
The Fit and Flare dress was hugely popular in 2014. It's a little silly, considering the dress style isn't new. It's just a new name for a dress with a full skirt. Still, the style is great for women over 50, like myself, who are pear-shaped (a bit bottom heavy). The dress shows off my smaller upper half and conceals my wider lower half. For a June 2014 wedding and early afternoon reception, I wore a Fit and Flare dress (below) in a trendy graphic print that I bought at Lord and Taylor.

NEUTRAL PUMPS
There was no way I was going to go through another spring-summer season without a pair of neutral-colored (nude, beige, taupe) pumps. In 2013, neutral pumps seemed to appear on every magazine stylists' list of the best ways to make a woman's legs look longer. The neutral color keeps the leg line going straight to the toe. As a petite woman over 50, I'm always looking for ways to elongate my silhouette. However, I didn't just take the word of magazine stylists. Nude, beige or taupe pump soon exploded on the street, too. Everywhere I turned in spring-summer 2013 and again in 2014, I saw neutral-colored pumps on women of all ages. I was determined to make a pair of taupe pumps part of my 2014 spring-summer look.

LONG SKIRT
Last summer, I wrote about the explosion of long skirts and dresses on women in Manhattan in a post entitled, Summer Dresses and Skirts: Back to the 1960s. I felt transported back to the 1960s. Long skirts have had a fashion moment once or twice since the 60s and I still had one or two favorite long skirts. Wearing a long skirt with a graphic print (below) was a nice on summer weekends. For me, the key was to avoid looking like an aging hippie.

COLOR BLOCKED
Like neutral-colored pumps, color blocked dresses and tops were something I'd been admiring in magazines and on the street for a while. I recognized the slimming effect of blocking, particularly when the middle panel is a lighter shade than the side panels. Last Fall, the folks at Covered Perfectly sent me a color-blocked top to review on Flattering50. The super soft top instantly became a fall 2014 favorite.

GREY DAYS
No sooner had the 2014 summer semi-annual sales ended that fashion forecasters announced the hot color for fall: Grey. Everywhere I went I started seeing all shades of grey tops, bottoms, dresses and accessories. At the same time, I was getting tired of the spring-summer colors I'd been wearing and was ready to advantage of the grey forecast, buying a silver grey cardigan (top of the post and below) and a grey T-shirt at Banana Republic. The tops were an inexpensive way to update my fall wardrobe. By the way, large silver hoops also made a comeback (below) in 2014 and were definitely a fashion favorite for me.

THE STATEMENT JACKET
I wrapped up 2014 with a lovely new statement jacket. I had written about statement jackets in a September post, entitled Style Over 50: The Statement Jacket. Then, in December, the folks at Ronen Chen sent me one to review on Flattering50. If you ask me, that statement jacket is a knockout look for women over 50. It's a highly versatile garment that can be dressed up or down, and it's super easy to style with a skirt or slacks. Below, I've styled my statement jacket with a simple skirt and pumps.

Style Over 50: Repurposing the Sleeveless LBD

Flattering50 — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2014-12-29. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

Recently, I was watching an episode of the television show Madame Secretary. In one scene, the stunning Téa Leoni, 48, wore a dark jumper with a white collared shirt and pumps. "What a fabulous look!" I thought. The jumper was classic- and crisp-looking, yet easy and comfortable. Before long, I was wondering: "Would any of my sleeveless dresses work as a jumper?" I immediately thought of one of my little black dresses (above).

Repurposing a sleeveless LBD as a jumper solves two problems for me. First, I'm always looking for something to wear when I have to make a presentation or do training for work. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but after many years of public speaking, I still get nervous and overheated when I have to talk to a large group of people. I want to look and feel professional, but I hate to wear a suit jacket, even a lightweight one. I'm thinking the LBD as a jumper plus heels is a professional, yet comfortable solution.

Secondly, these days, I'm less inclined to wear sleeveless dresses.While I didn't see much change in my arms in my early 50s, in the last year or so, my arms are clearly showing their age. I'm not about to wear long sleeves 24-7 or retire all my favorite sleeveless dresses and tops. Not yet, anyway. However, I am always on the lookout for stylish ways to wear 3/4 and long sleeves. Again, a LBD plus a crisp 3/4 sleeved blouse is a nice arm-covering solution.

My New Favorite Product: Marc Jacob Highliner

Flattering50 — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2014-12-28. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

It would take a lot of blog space to describe all the reasons I appreciate my girlfriends. One reason, though, is because they are constantly introducing me to new things, big and small. When one of them introduces me to something related to fashion or style, I often want to turn around and share with Flattering50 readers. Case in point: In October, during dinner with a girlfriend, I mentioned I'd tried countless eyeliners (above is a tiny sample) and found them all unsatisfactory. I knew my girlfriend wore eyeliner and asked if she could recommend one. She said she was pleased with the Marc Jacob Highliner. I've been using the product ever since and am pleased, too. Here's why...

MAKEUP AND ME
Plenty of women over 50 can't be bothered with makeup anymore. I respect that and often ask my self: Why do you bother? For me, the answer is simple: makeup is an important defensive against the effects of sleep deprivation. Like many over 50 women, my sleep habits have been pretty erratic in recent years. Right now, I sleep an average of four hours a night. It's not unusual for me to work a 10-hour day after only two or three hours of sleep. Ugh! I'm working on improving my sleep, believe me. In the meantime, however, makeup adds a little color, brightens up my washed-out appearance, after a lousy night's sleep.

Eyeliner has been part of my daily makeup routine since I was 45. A little eyeliner helps to define the eyes and open them up. Now that I'm well into my 50s and experiencing many sleep-challenged nights, eyeliner has become even more important. However, what I use and how I apply it, has changed. I have heeded the advice of the makeup experts.

Makeup Experts Recommend that Women Over 50 Wear Eyeliner...

Along the lashes of the upper eyelid to open and lift the eyes. "If the area below your eyes is already dark and puffy, why darken it with eyeliner?" the experts ask.

In a soft color. A deep blue or a flowery purple (ie, lavender) brightens the eyes.

In a soft pencil or crayon for a softer, smoother look.

My go-to eyeliner was a liquid one for many years. The liquid eyeliner created a very thin line that lasted all day. However, when I started drawing the line along my upper eyelid, the liquid liner became problematic. Suddenly, the line was jagged because of my upper eyelid's wrinkles. I started trying different soft pencils and crayons. However, even the more expensive department store products, spread, crumbled and/or melted away during or soon after application.

A LINER THAT STAYS PUT
My girlfriend said she likes the Marc Jacob's Highliner, a waterproof gel crayon, because it glides on easily and stays in place for hours. She did warn that the liner had two drawbacks, though. First, it's a bit pricey ($25 at Sephora). And secondly, it's got a thick crayon point, making it difficult, if not impossible, to draw a thin line. My friend said she uses a Q-tip to make the line thinner. I decided to give it a try.

I've been using the highliner for almost two months and I'm very satisfied. The product goes on easily and evenly--no jagged line. A smaller tip to create a thin line would be nice. However, it takes two seconds to create a thin line with a Q-tip.

If you're frustrated with your current eyeliner, you might want to test the Marc Jacob Highliner next time you're shopping at Sephora. The eyeliner is available in 15 shades. I've been wearing the midnight blue shade. If you already have the perfect eyeliner, leave a comment for Flattering50 readers and me. Thanks!!

Ronen Chen Jacket: Style and Comfort from Desk to Dinner

Flattering50 — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2014-12-25. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

What to wear over 50? Five years into writing Flattering50, I've discovered what to wear isn't my biggest fashion challenge. I look best in clothing that flatters my body shape, suits my lifestyle and is well-made. The real challenge is where to find flattering fashions. Designer Ronen Chen seems to understand this challenge and has created a collection of fitted and relaxed fashions that flatters a range of body shapes and lifestyles. Recently, the designer sent me his fitted Miriam Textured Jacket (above) to share with Flattering50 readers.

If you're are just learning about Ronen Chen, now is a great time to visit his site, with up to 40% off on the entire collection.

A STATEMENT JACKET
As a petite woman over 50, I know that fitted jackets, sweaters and tops suit me best. Also, since the aging process can be a little harsh on many levels, I look for clothing that is soft and feminine. In other words, my days of wearing shapeless man-tailored suit jackets are over. The Miriam Textured Jacket (was $265, now $179) is a beautifully fitted piece with feminine detailing, like the draped standing collar and row of buttons set just off center. Made of midnight blue jacquard fabric, the knit jacket is super comfortable, which makes it a perfect piece for a long day at the office and then, dinner out.

Not long ago, I wrote about the Statement Jacket, which is a great way to energize your style over 50. A well-made statement jacket, like the Miriam Textured Jacket, with its texture and detailing, is also easy to style. All you need is a simple skirt or pair of slacks and a pair of heels. For the photos above, I chose a lightweight black skirt. (I love pairing black and blue!) Since I was wearing the jacket to a holiday lunch, I added a couple of long strands of pearls and glass bead--for a little festive twinkle.

These days, I'm mad about textured pieces and will, on occasion, mix textures. Below, I've styled the jacket with a black and white skirt. The belt adds a little extra structure.

GREAT DRAPE
Even this petite woman doesn't live by fitted pieces alone. On the weekends, I like to relax in super soft fabrics with a more relaxed fit. The trouble is, it's not always easy to find relaxed fashions that have style. The Ronen Chen collection offers a wide variety of draped and relaxed fit garments--tops and bottoms--in prints and sophisticated monochromes. Many of the tops and tunics offer asymmetric styling as well as three-quarter or long sleeves. These well-made garments in jersey blends and soft knits feel and look wonderful. Just style with your favorite jeans and you're ready for anything--shopping, a movie or a casual dinner out with friends. I wear my Ronen Chen draped cardigan constantly!

Fall Work Outfit: Long Sweater and Skirt

Flattering50 — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2014-11-25. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.

November 2014 has been a particularly fickle fall month in terms of temperature. In the course of one week, I've grabbed a wool coat one day, a down jacket another day, and, yes, just a sweater on still other days. I hate to admit it, but the eradicate weather has made me a slave to checking the temperature on my phone before getting dressed each morning. Today, the weather people were predicting a high of 58 degrees, so I reached for a long sweater to wear to work. Long sweaters have become a wardrobe staple for me. I love the way you can dress them up with a skirt for work or dress them down with jeans for the weekend. For today's work outfit, I paired an long, patterned sweater with a white blouse and a black vest, skirt, tight and short boots for work(above). All that black helps to create a slimmer silhouette, but the patterned sweater keeps the look from being too severe. FYI: Tomorrow the weather people are predicting snow for my area.