https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 22:10:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty/page/2#post-1340933 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 14:37:16 +0000 Vix 1340933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><span>Hi Truecolors --</p> <p>You said:&nbsp;<br /><i><br />"I'm about to write a blog article and thought I'd consult "the wise ones" on this forum. My clients are generally women over fifty who are reinventing their careers and styles."<br /></i></span><br />so "boxes" aside,&nbsp;I'm pro keeping your planned title. [SEO and turning readers into clients&nbsp;for the win!]</p> <p>While you got tons of&nbsp;good tips above, I'm kind of surprised by some of the responses.&nbsp;YLF members are by definition CURRENTLY interested in personal style/fashion/trends, so not your target audience. </p> <p>However, I know a lot of us began our style etc&nbsp;journey with lots in common no matter our age at the time. We had: <ul> <li>similar desires&nbsp;(reinvention, looking more current)</li> <li>similar cluelessness (how? what? when?)&nbsp;</li> <li>similar internal and external barriers (workplace factors,&nbsp;body shape issues, physical limitations, money, time)</li> </ul> <br />I've both read the stories and BTDT....</p> <p>Of course any person can chose to wear any thing. But floundering people generally like direction! Some will follow it to the letter; others will use suggestions&nbsp;as a jumping off point and pass it through their own filters.</p> <p>For any style&nbsp;article, visuals help -- and for yours I'd think they'd really help. It all depends on how you want to structure your article, but I could see posting a range of "shows" along with your "tells." </p> <p>So take haircuts. Show&nbsp;-- '90s bob --&gt; updated classic bob --&gt; trendy short cut. Show -- Outdated long --&gt; updated long --&gt; trendy long. Ditto for makeup and accessories.</p> <p>For casual, similar with an outfit (jeans + top?) so you could show boyfriends, skinny jeans, straight and/or bootcuts with a variety of tops.</p> <p>And then the same for professional wear (casual business casual, dressier bc?)</p> <p>You get the idea.&nbsp;Maybe it's a series that includes&nbsp;hair/makeup, accessories, and clothing. Or maybe you show outfits that include the extras.</p> <p>And FTR,&nbsp;I'm mid-40s but my friends range in age&nbsp;and stylistic tastes. My most seasoned pal (mid-70s) dresses the most trendy/young and doesn't care what people think -- and she admits it's a luxury that she doesn't have to care!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty/page/2#post-1340833 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 12:41:42 +0000 Quietgirl 1340833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As my husband&nbsp;I age, I&nbsp;believe people around&nbsp;us tend to age more. (I sincerely hope I am not in denial!!) I think that is because they&nbsp;do injury to&nbsp;themselves. </p> <p>Yesterday, I noticed one man my age (late 50's) in the store yesterday buying cigarettes. That is certainly going to age your skin, your lungs. </p> <p>What about fitness? lots of fruits and veggies...skipping fast food. EXERCISE? enough SLEEP?</p> <p>You cannot simply "think" or dress yourself energetic. It has to be a lifestyle effort that I see many boomers simply ignoring. Yes, it is about discipline. Vegetables take more work in the kitchen than a doughnut. It is hard to walk&nbsp;outside&nbsp;on days&nbsp;of rain, sleet or snow. It is tempting to watch television into the wee hours instead of getting the necessary sleep. </p> <p>I believe these personal-care habits are just as important as how we dress. I believe we&nbsp;communicate these habits whether we&nbsp;want to or not!</p> <p></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty/page/2#post-1340717 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 04:53:58 +0000 Adelfa 1340717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How to be energetic--do something you truly care about. You may not always love it (this is something I haven't found yet) but you CARE.</p> <p>As for the rest, Angie helped me find ways to incorporate trends into an extremely classic base wardrobe. I had no clue how to do this before and in fact sort of despised trends. Now people say I'm hip, or fashionable, or whatever, but they also say I'm age appropriate!</p> <p>I didn't understand that classics alone don't quite say what I want. They don't say I'm flexible or open or easy to get to know. For that I need citron, and a moto jacket, and super cute booties. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty/page/2#post-1340554 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 00:02:00 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1340554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou your descriptions of various characters are so apt. Stealing sugar packets from Denny's indeed. Multiple chuckles.</p> <p>Yeah, and on the topic at hand: I concur, be energetic, not a couch dweller. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340546 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 23:43:51 +0000 unfrumped 1340546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I noticed " professional" in the post title.<br /> I'm aware that there are so many different workplace cultures and dress codes that it's become nigh impossible to have any guidelines-- it has to be tailored(!) to the specific situation. </p> <p>But, I work in an environment in which, I believe, at least, there are lavlog of perceptions and associations between more conservstive or " expected" attire and issues like trust and competence/ authority.<br /> I find a lot of trends and updates rely on casualization such as semi- tucking, rolling pant hems, slouchy and very unfitted styles. I really enjoy those looks for non- work but have found professional attire may need more subtle updates or be based on tweaking classics. These changes may be harder to " teach" or even to recognize compared to bolder changes.<br /> I think some aspects of " trying too hard" are situational and not absolute.<br /> And, just reiterating that it can be challenging to update when the goal is for your attire really to be neutral-- an appearance that is neither outdated nor<br /> trendy but just seems to fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340544 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 23:43:37 +0000 Gigi 1340544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like this will be a great article for your blog, since your clientele are reinventing themselves in their 50s. I'm only in my forties, but I have heard that sometimes women feel more "invisible" as they age. I hope that your readers take away some great pointers from your article.</p> <p>I can only share what I have learned in my own fashion journey. I think it's similar to what Angie said: Go ahead and wear the trends, but make sure they have a level of sophistication. Sometimes it's as simple as buying a (trendy) moto jacket that has only two zippers instead of five, or maybe buying a pair of moto boots that has only one buckle instead of three.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here's an example:&nbsp;A few months back, I was looking for a white miniskirt to replace my American Eagle one (yes, I'm 41 and still wear miniskirts every now and then). I found one at Lucky that was almost exactly like the American Eagle one, but for some reason it "read" really different. It had two zippers instead of three, and the zippers weren't so dark compared to the material, so they didn't stick out so much. It was amazing to me how such small changes made the skirt read much more grown up! So that's what I am talking about.</p> <p>I think that Angie's main tenets of any style refresh are great to do too: get a hairstyle update, get an eyeglasses update (if you wear specs), get a makeup refresher with a professional consultant.</p> <p>Angie's idea too of taking a trend and wearing it with very classic pieces also helps up the sophistication. I know she has talked about a client she has who wears coated skinnies; I think the client is in her 70s. But she doesn't wear the skinnies skin-tight (that might be another tip to wearing trends—if you like something body-con, buy a size larger so as to make it more of a tailored fit), and she pairs them with classic pieces.</p> <p>Good luck with your article! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340514 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 23:10:02 +0000 Caro in Oz 1340514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What MsMary said; I start to twitch too.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think the best advice I could give anyone on anything is:<br />to gather information (not rules) <br />&amp; trust themselves </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340508 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 23:02:57 +0000 LadyLilac 1340508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, here is a link to other 50+ dress and fashion blogs. :-)</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://unefemme.net/daily-reads">http://unefemme.net/daily-reads</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340497 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 22:45:16 +0000 LadyLilac 1340497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even though I cannot relate age-wise, I know of a blog (below) that may help. I always love the quietly chic quality&nbsp;and elegance in all of her outfits. Hope this helps!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://unefemme.net/">http://unefemme.net/</a>&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340478 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 22:17:23 +0000 Anonymous 1340478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh , I'd love to jump in here with both feet - but can see the thread is winding down already. I'm into my 50's and feel quite confident saying that I look professional, energetic and pretty darn good not just because of what I wear, but because of who I have decided I am and what is important to me.</p> <p>I am quite strongly opinionated on this topic, and have to shut up my inner judgmental voice at times, but to me, nothing ages and detracts more than "the try". &nbsp;Too much makeup, too much jewellery, too much nail art and wacky colours , and too much sun. &nbsp;Drink a ton of water, get a ton of sleep, don't drink too much, get as much exercise as you can ,&nbsp;take meticulous care of your skin : then the energy and professionalism follows! &nbsp;Looking professional depends on the profession too: &nbsp;sales, teaching, research, management? &nbsp;Dress quietly, and thoughtfully and pay attention to fit. &nbsp;Quality over quantity etc. &nbsp;When in doubt, cover it up, and take a piece of jewellery off &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340374 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 19:03:34 +0000 Truecolors 1340374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, ladies, and Angie, for the stimulating and idea-filled conversation. I think I hit on a passionate topic! I learn and gain new approaches for my style workshops every time I read all the opinions posted on this website. </p> <p>Nebraskim, I, too, sport blue (and other fun colors) toenail polish and I've gotten so many positive comments, too! I agree that women of all ages get stuck in a style rut and it's energizing to try something new. It can be as simple as blue polish!</p> <p>For example, my daughter, 32, was wearing a lot of black early in her career (easy, goes with everything). She works in high tech, with mostly men, and didn't want to stand out. I convinced her, slowly, that finding other colours more complimentary to her skin tone and personality (she's a bubbly, friendly California blond!) would be a positive step. Finally, she started buying navy, white, peach, and she started receiving so many compliments it convinced her to stop wearing so much black. My point is, a style rut can happen at any age... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340371 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 19:00:12 +0000 DonnaF 1340371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would say this to any woman including my daughter, age 20:&nbsp; Be very, very careful about wearing a lot of black, especially flat non-textured black, next to your face.&nbsp; Deep black, lacey black, low-necked black, textured black, etc. can be okay, but huge swaths with no other color can be a bit deadening.&nbsp; Somewhere in the archives, Angie has a wonderful blog entry on wearing black where she mentions these tips. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340366 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:56:00 +0000 rachylou 1340366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I missed the party... but I had to say I had the same first thought, put so well by <b>Suz</b>:</p> <p><i>My main tip to</i><b><i> look</i></b><i> energetic over age 50 is to </i><b><i>BE</i></b> energetic.</p> <p><i></i></p> <p>and by <b>MsMary</b>: </p> <p><i>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; How about this:</i></p> <p><i>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 1. Be professional and energetic</i><br /><i>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Be over 50</i></p> <p>It's like, live in the present. Don't be the walking dead. It occurs to me, however, that we could be talking about ladies who don't really want that. Not deep down. They just want to make it until their full pension kicks in. </p> <p>To be honest, not everyone wants to be all peppy forever. Ex-boyfriend, right - he was one of the walking dead. He was *done growing and learning* (words straight from his mouth), and awaited his 55th birthday with baited breath so he could start stealing sugar packets from Denny's.</p> <p>Anyways: You can skip Facebook, so long as you have LinkedIn. That's enough.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340360 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:51:42 +0000 Janet 1340360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, I'm coming to this late, but I love how you're reframing the concept of the article. I know women who are a lot younger than I am (I'm 49) who feel "invisible" or like they need a refresher. I love the idea of taking age out of the equation and making it about rediscovering what makes someone look and feel fab, after a period of time when they've not been feeling that way.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340346 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:33:41 +0000 Mo 1340346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recall Joan Rivers on Fashion Police last year rocking the one nail different color trend. &nbsp;She's, what, 80? &nbsp;How fun is that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340331 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:19:59 +0000 Nebraskim 1340331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 59 and I agree that to appear energetic is to be energetic. I think one thing some women do is they get stuck in a rut, particularly regarding their hair and makeup. Changing your cut (and color) can be revitalizing. I love to wear blue shades of nail polish --everything from ink, to ice blue to shades of turquoise and periwinkle. I never wear traditional red, pink or neutrals. I cannot believe the comments I get from women younger than I am about how they are "too old" to wear blue polish. Or the vaguely judgmental comments like, "oh. your polish is blue. Do you like that color?" Step out of the rut once in a while. Which means, of course, I need to try a new shade of red polish this week. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340327 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:17:13 +0000 Alana in Canada 1340327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*applause*&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340320 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:08:32 +0000 Angie 1340320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for your thoughts, Truecolours. I'm glad you found the comments here helpful and enlightening. Age appropriate dressing is a passionate subject, and you're brave to ask these questions and share your&nbsp;opinions.&nbsp;</p> <p>Personally,&nbsp;I vote wear the&nbsp;trends that tickle your fancy&nbsp;with a sophisticated edge as you get older. Add that&nbsp;level of "grown-up" chic to your outfit and you'll look current, youthful and hip at any age. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have a handful of clients who are over the age of 70, and they are all trendy. In fact, we are bringing back client Karen tomorrow (who is 73). She incorporates new trends into her look every season - and with SUCH elegant sass. Cherry picking the trends and manipulating them into a look that works for who we are is part of what makes fashion fun, and it's very&nbsp;&nbsp;empowering at any age.&nbsp;</p> <p>If we are interested in fashion and style, there is no harm in trying hard. Here are my thoughts on the subject:&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2012/04/30/trying-too-hard/">http://youlookfab.com/2012/04/30/trying-too-hard/</a></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340296 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 17:28:29 +0000 Peri 1340296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming off the bench briefly to applaud all these answers. Thank you all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340280 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:59:23 +0000 Truecolors 1340280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OKAY, I got your messages loud and clear!! No more forum queries that mention age...</p> <p>I meet plenty of women who are feeling invisible and who need a little push to get their mojo back. It's an ageless issue. I will rework my blog article and write about how to BE powerful and energetic at ANY AGE.</p> <p>Peace. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340271 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:46:40 +0000 Marlene 1340271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just turned 50 this year and I will say that I am MORE trendy now than I ever was! &nbsp;I really have to protest any "rules" about what is appropriate for certain ages. &nbsp;I make style adjustments because of my own personal taste...nothing what so ever to do with my age advancing. &nbsp;</p> <p>I, personally, take issue with the idea that we older ladies want to be young again. &nbsp;I would never go back to those days. &nbsp;If I wear something trendy its because I want to...not because I'm "trying to look young again". &nbsp;That's just insulting to an entire class of women. &nbsp;</p> <p>If a woman wants to look powerful and energetic, she needs to BE powerful and energetic. &nbsp;And I am finding that most women over 50 ARE powerful and energetic. &nbsp;What makes me sparkle with joy is the acknowledgement that older women are awesome, experienced and wise. &nbsp;Since I turned 50, I feel I have been accepted into an elite club of awesomeness and I have no intention of wanting to go back in time. &nbsp;</p> <p>Oh and aside from all that, really great shoes. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340267 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:38:42 +0000 deb 1340267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find these types of articles are nothing but ageism. It is putting us into a box and creating rules when we should be free to enjoy life and our age.&nbsp; Wouldn't it be more helpful to write about specific issues like what shoes are better when a person has foot issues no matter what their age? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340266 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:36:02 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1340266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary, reminds me of those 'how to get a bikini body' ripostes: step one, get a bikini. Step two, put it on your body. Voila! :)</p> <p>I think that developing a signature style can backfire on some older women, because sometimes it looks gimmicky or like you've been wearing the trend since it was hot the last time. Take the new thing for silky track pants and printed loose pants. When not styled carefully it can read very 'early 90s' in a bad way. That's why I think that no matter what your age, if you don't like a trend don't force it. If you do like it, go for it, just keep it suitable for your life and your figure.</p> <p>I also think the casualization of dress has made a difference here. When I was a kid my mom dressed very differently than my grandmother and from young unmarried women. Now, the same jeans and top could be worn by a 25 year old and a 65 year old. I think what's suitable depends a lot more on your lifestyle and your career these days than your age. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340259 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:29:54 +0000 LadyGeek 1340259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with MsMary.&nbsp; The same advice that is true at any age:&nbsp; make sure your clothes FIT. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340242 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:07:09 +0000 Gaylene 1340242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YES, MaryK!! xoxoxo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340240 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:02:25 +0000 Parsley 1340240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary- </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340238 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:01:02 +0000 MsMary 1340238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about this:</p> <p>1.&nbsp; Be professional and energetic<br />2.&nbsp; Be over 50</p> <p>Honestly, these "over X age" posts just make me twitch.</p> <p>Coming back to say.&nbsp; "Energetic?"&nbsp; Really?&nbsp; As if once you hit 50 the default is to become tottering and doddering?&nbsp; Gah...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340232 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 15:51:53 +0000 Suz 1340232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, I love your outfit!! &nbsp;:)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340230 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 15:47:45 +0000 Gaylene 1340230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I agree with Parsley that trends are not the enemy as long as YOU are wearing them, not vice versa. I think the key elements for looking good are the same as for any age: get a modern haircut, wear a great-fitting bra (and, yes, that means a professional fitting and spending serious money!), update your eyewear (buy a couple of pairs and be adventurous on at least one), revamp your makeup and skincare routine, and invest in good outerwear and shoes.</p> <p>I think too much emphasis is placed on slotting an older woman into a particular "look" that might be timeless and elegant on some, but which goes against an individual's lifestyle and preferences. Black pants, a tailored jacket, and a LBD don't work for everyone. At 65, my outfit today is cropped and rolled slim pants, a linen T, and wedged espadrilles--perfect for a warm, late-summer day of running errands. When it cools down later tonight, I'll throw on my silk bomber-jacket to meet up with friends for drinks on a patio.</p> <p>ETA: And, by the way, I don't wear much color, except for cobalt blue and the occasional hit of turquoise. My preference is, and always will be, to dress in black, ink blue, white, and charcoal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-to-look-professional-and-energetic-over-fifty#post-1340228 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 15:45:55 +0000 Suz 1340228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm. So you're looking for more specifics. I think I get it. Like .... now that I am older I find I cannot wear a lower cut neckline because -- while it never probably suited me all that well -- with body changes due to age, it suits me even less, these days! So I search out higher cut necklines instead.&nbsp; </p>