Nobody, I suppose. No matter what our personal style is, we all want to look current. I love Glam Guru Hannon’s humorous expressions. He says: “Vaal is nie ‘n kleur nie, dis ‘n toestand. The best Afrikaans-translation for “frumpy” must be his expression: “treurkoeklik”
Update your style with the following tweaks:
1. Nothing dates you more than the same hairstyle from your younger days, or no hairstyle at all! It is so easy to gather the hair in a ponytail or bun every day or just clip it up. I am not advocating weekly visits to the hair salon, but maybe a cut every six to eight weeks in a style manageable for you.
Personally, I cannot blow dry my hair, so after washing my hair, I set it with good-old rollers and sit under the dryer. I prefer my hair not poker straight, but alternately I do not feel comfortable with wash and go. I admire my daughters and so many from all generations rocking their natural hair.
2. Many women do not use any make-up, except lipstick, and everybody has their own reasons why not. Each to her own, I say. I enjoy wearing make-up whenever I am going out, but not when at home. We all look better with than without make-up, but as we age, it should be applied with a light hand.
3. Stay aware of fashion trends. Unless you are a fashionista, it does not mean you should wear all the trends, but you will be able to choose one or two to incorporate into your wardrobe.
As an example, what are the trending colours? Pantone chose grey and yellow for 2021. Pink in all its shades were seen in various international fashion shows. If you need to buy clothes, why not look for something in one of those colours? A scarf or other accessory could be used to introduce fashion colours.
Be careful of wearing trends that do not flatter you. The on-trend puff sleeves for example, do not flatter everybody.
4. Wearing a denim or leather jacket with any outfit, will immediately banish the frump.
5. Replace old, worn-out shoes with flat boots or sneakers; these are just as comfortable.
6. Look out for jewellery trends, it is an easy way to update your outfit of the day. For example, costume jewellery in fashionable colours, a more modern way of wearing pearls, or the trend of layering two or three dainty necklaces.
7. Wearing the same spectacles or sunglasses for years? A new pair of specs is sometimes all you need to bring your style up to date.
8. All dark colours are slimming, not just black. Shapeless outfits that hide your body, may add visual bulk. Camouflage the parts you do not want on display, but emphasize the areas you like, rather than hiding your whole body.
9. Wearing the right bra makes a huge visual difference to your silhouette. Going for a professional bra fitting is a good idea.
10. Be aware of your posture and take care of your teeth, hands and neck. Taking time for self-care, is a great gift you give to yourself.
Among the many Youtube vloggers covering style, I find Beth Djalali, Susan Street, Cindy Hattersley, Kay Harms, and so many more, generously sharing their tips and tricks.
Till we chat again, gratitude and kindness.