Monday, January 25th, 2021

Style Mistakes That Are Aging & How to Fix Them

Whether you’re a fashionista or a woman who just wants to look great, I’m sure you don’t want to wear styles that are aging. And, let’s face it, if you’re not paying attention to what you wear, making these style mistakes is possible.

I’m here to help you prevent that from happening. Here are some  aging style mistakes I see and how to fix them.

#1  Long vests and shapeless jackets. How your clothes drape your body is major when it comes to your appearance.  If you wear tops that are too big in order to camouflage, you are bringing attention to the areas you want to conceal and you will appear larger.

Avoid

Avoid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instead, choose jacket styles that accentuate your shape –  a short jacket that nips at the waist.

Best Choice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2  Elastic waist pants and jeans that get baggy  are aging.

 

 

Avoid

Avoid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instead  wear slim fitting pants that fit well and choose jeans that have enough elasticity to stretch but not enough to become baggy.

Great Choice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3 A Frumpy Handbag: No matter how well you dress a single element that is out of line could throw you whole outfit off into the aging category. One item that is sure to do this is the frumpy handbag. What is a frumpy handbag? It’s a handbag that is one colour, is usually a square or rectangular shape, and has a wide strap

Avoid

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instead choose a stylish handbag one that complements your outfit. Or choose one in a colour that brings out a colour in your outfit.

 

Great Choice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# 4 Undergarments That Aren’t Doing Their Job and Avoiding  Shape Wear : Undergarments are the foundation of all great looking clothing.  Avoid bras that don’t fit and don’t forgo shape wear when wearing clingy clothes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bumps are aging and shape wear (they don’t have to be super tight to work) can fix this problem.

 

Choose shape wear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#5 Turtlenecks and Chokers:   Are aging because they bring attention to the neckline. Don’t wear these unless you’re young.

Avoid

Avoid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instead choose V- necks and long necklaces which draw the eye downward and create more space and length.

Great choice

Great choice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2018 Sheila Alley

From Carlisle Fall Collection

10 Ways to Look Fabulous For Less

From Carlisle Fall Collection

Carlisle

Many women tell me their biggest obstacle to looking great is they don’t have the money to put into a wardrobe. Although it is true that you need money to buy clothes, you don’t need as much money as you might think if you go about it properly. In their endeavour to build a wardrobe at a low cost many women waste money by shopping haphazardly (buying clothes they don’t wear). Consequently, they think it costs a lot of money to look great. So, how do you build a wardrobe that works and not break the bank? Follow these guidelines:

  1. Start at the beginning. Where’s the beginning you might ask? The beginning is a core wardrobe. Forget for a second that you have clothes and think of your closet as being empty. You need core items, those are pieces that will mix and match so you can easily add more pieces. You will most likely have some, if not all of these items. Start with 2 jackets (the type of jacket will depend on your style code), 5 bottoms (2 pants, 1 jeans and 1 skirt), and 4 tops.

 

  1. Get rid of what’s not working. I suggested earlier that you think of your closet as being empty but as you know it’s not – that’s a good thing. Take a moment and look through your closet. Do you have any or all of the core items? If they’re to be part of your core wardrobe they should fit well, be in good repair and in a colour that suits you and be a colour you love. If you don’t have all the items, be sure to put the ones you don’t have on your shopping list.

 

  1. Know what suits you. Before you can look fabulous you need to know what suits you. What’s best for your body type, your colouring and your personality? We are all unique, and to look fabulous we have to tap into our personal essence and dress for who we are not how others want or expect us to dress. If you’re thinking, “I have no idea how I should dress or what suits me”, I understand and can help. Start by filling out the style quiz.

 

  1. Take some time and go through your closet and take out all of the items you haven’t worn in over a year and those you don’t love. Keep only those that fit well and match your core wardrobe. Now for the plan. Make a plan of what you need to buy the next time you go shopping. If you do this you’ll be less likely to come out with items that you later discard.

 

 

  1. Buy wisely. This means buying items and styles that you love and love you. It also means not buying too many trends. Trends are okay if you know how to integrate them into your wardrobe and you’re not on a budget – but for now we’re talking about spending less. Pay close attention to spending habits that might be keeping your purse empty and your closet full (full of clothes you don’t wear). That dreaded habit is the “sale” motivator. Only buy on sale if it’s an item you love, it fits into your wardrobe, it looks great on you and you will gets lots of wear from. Another way to save money is to buy clothes at the end of every season (being careful not to get caught into the “sale” trap).

 

  1. Rule of 3. The rule is simple; when you buy an item make sure it matches 3 other pieces you already own. If it doesn’t leave it in the store. You just won’t wear it. Believe me, I’ve been there.

 

  1. Take care of your clothes. To save money, avoid buying too many clothes that need to be dry cleaned (a few pieces are okay). Also, rather than putting your clothes in the dryer, hang to dry. Dryers are not good for clothes. Buy good quality clothes. They last longer and they hang (on you) better.

 

  1. Shop alone. When you know what looks great on you you’ll want to shop alone. Shopping with a friend can cost you money if you’re easily swayed by what your friend likes and don’t pay attention to what’s best for you. You’ll end up with clothes that you don’t feel good in. And, you must feel good in what you wear to look fabulous.

 

  1. Accessorize: Accessories – necklaces, watches, bracelets, rings, scarves, shoes, purses – can be added to your outfit to create a different look and stretch your wardrobe.

10.  Mix and match: Choose 3 of your best colours to start your wardrobe – your best neutral (for pants, jackets and skirts) and 2 others (for tops). Buy pants, skirts, and jackets that match in style, occasion, colour and fabric to make matching easier. For example, pair heavy fabrics (wool, velvet) with heavy to medium fabrics (polyester) and light fabrics (such as jersey) with light fabrics. Also be sure the weight of your shoe matches the weight of your outfit.