Top tips for ‘Silver Style’

Everyone has their Style Challenges – be it grief, illness, financial difficulties, divorce, or physical conditions such as scoliosis, post-surgery body changes, mastectomies, weight loss/gain or chronic arthritis.

But getting older is no reason to opt out and wear wide-legged elasticated waists ¾ length pants, shapeless cardigans and crocs.  At STEELEmystyle we regularly help ladies select and add to their wardrobe and are happy to share some of our best tips with the StartsatSixty.com.au community…

Here are my TOP TIPS TO SILVER STYLE

• Build a core wardrobe of neutral-coloured (black, white, cream, beige, khaki, grey, navy) basics that you update and inject personality into with statement pieces.
• Choose simple, uncomplicated shapes in the highest quality fabric you can afford – this is the best way to look good no matter what your shape.

• Don’t be afraid to inject some wit and fun with leopard print, metallics, sparkles, bold colour or patterns – just not all at once and not head to toe.

• If you keep everything else simple– you can easily wear a necklace, scarf, hat , sunglasses etc from a trendier younger store (Sportsgirl, Cue, Diva).

• If you are on a budget – buy well – invest in some key, quality pieces – then mix and match with sale finds, high street brands, Kmart, Vintage stores, eBay etc.

• If you wear spectacles everyday – think of them as an accessory and have different pairs – make them the statement piece of your outfit.

• Skirts/dresses whether full or pencil look best on the knee. Any longer is daggy old lady territory, any shorter your chic points diminish rapidly.

• Don’t be matchy matchy – if you have a red top keep that the only piece in red – and contrast it with a print, metallic, other bold colour or neutral. This stops you looking outdated.

• Embrace jeans – just look for simple black/dark indigo slim fitting or straight cut. Don’t wear ¾ Capri pants unless you are very slender legged.

• If your hair is going grey – consider silvery, whiter colours and toners as an option to darker colours. This can look really elegant & stylish.

• Find inspiration – most fashion magazines are made for the under 40s. If you are online check out inspiration board social network Pinterest and style blogs for style icons that are your age group. STEELEMyStyle is on Pinterest and has a board called Silver Style. Advanced Style Blog is a great blog celebrating vibrant stylish older women.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help – if you can afford it, a good Personal Stylist and Shopper can be life-changing and not only save you money but unlock your Inner Style and confidence.