Society often tells us that fashion or striving to look your best isn’t important when you reach a certain age, giving the impression that older people have to dress a certain way, wear their hair a certain way, dull down their look, and in some cases, not even care about the way they look at all.
However, the truth is that fashion has no age.
Just like younger people, older people deserve the right to limitlessly express themselves, value their appearance, take care of themselves, and have confidence and high self-esteem in the way they look.
In fact, feeling and looking your best when you’re older might be even more important, as it allows seniors to sustain a sense of independence, improve their mood, engage in mental and cognitive stimulation, and maintain their individuality and sense of self.
The bottom line is that when seniors are happy with their appearance, it can have a beneficial impact on their overall health and well-being.
Read on to learn 5 tips for transforming your look from grandma to “glam”ma and looking and feeling your best, just as you deserve to.
True Beauty Tips for How to Be the Best Version of Yourself
1. Put on Your Thinking Cap —Start Searching for Your Own Personal Style
Switching up your style as a senior isn’t about changing who you are or what you like.
It is about having the courage to fully and unabashedly express yourself in a way that allows you to look and feel your absolute best—And feeling your best is the first step to looking your best.
Self-reflect and ask yourself what you like or are stylistically drawn to.
Have you always loved the color red but never believed you could pull it off or have secretly been wanting to go blonde for years? Do you really like leopard print but are afraid that it’s too daring or comes off as attention-seeking?
Let go of all those fears. Life is too short to not allow yourself to enjoy all of the things you love. There’s no time like the present, and now is the perfect time to do it.
Fashion is all about expressing yourself, having fun, and most importantly, feeling good in your own skin.
2. Buckle Down—Choose Clothes and Colors that Make You Feel Comfortable and Confident
Clothes make the man, so choose clothes and colors that make you feel comfortable, confident, and most importantly... authentically YOU.
Choose Colors That Complement for More Compliments
Colors have an undeniably significant visual impact. In fact, certain colors can be utilized to draw attention, create contrast, convey different moods, alter how people perceive you, and make you stand out in a crowd.
For example, displaying bold and vibrant colors can project energy and confidence, while neutral or dark colors might convey a more understated, elegant, or serious demeanor.
On the same token, you can use the colors you wear to express your personality, emotions, and how others perceive you. Colors even have the power to influence your mood and emotions, as wearing certain colors can uplift your spirits, boost your confidence, or create a sense of calm. This means that by selecting colors that resonate with your desired emotional state, you can exert more control over your overall well-being and even enhance it.
Finally, specific colors can complement each other when worn together in an outfit and also complement your skin tone, enhancing your natural features. On the flip side, this means that other colour combinations can clash in an outfit or against your skin tone, washing you out.
This is why knowing which colors work well together and with your skin tone can help you choose clothes that make you look your best.
However, at the end of the day, it is important to remember that the colors you wear are just a matter of personal preference. Wearing colors that make you feel happy, comfortable, and confident is the most important part when creating your own personal style, as positive energy and happiness radiate beauty from the inside out.
Want to learn more about what colors might suit you best based on your hair and skin tones? Click here to find the perfect shades to integrate into your new style.
Pick Patterns That Match Your Personality
While solid-colored clothes are a staple to have in your closet, patterns provide an opportunity for you to get a little more creative with your clothes.
From classic stripes, to delicate florals, to loud leopard prints, there are several fun and sophisticated patterns out there that can help you express your personality and interests.
Find the Right Fabric for Your Body and Lifestyle
The texture, drape, and appearance of the type of fabric all contribute to the overall look of the clothing. Fabrics with certain finishes or patterns can create specific visual effects.
However, remember that while you may tend to gravitate aesthetically to specific styles or types of fabric, comfort still matters. The fabric you choose can greatly affect how comfortable the clothing feels against your skin.
For example, some individuals have allergies or sensitivities to certain fabrics, and no one enjoys being stuck in an itchy blouse. Choosing fabrics that are hypoallergenic or less likely to cause irritation can be important for those with sensitive skin.
Another important factor to consider when choosing fabrics is the weather and breathability of the material. Different fabrics have varying levels of breathability. Fabrics that allow air to circulate easily help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating, while fabrics that don’t permit air circulation tend to trap heat, ultimately raising your body temperature.
Natural fibers like cotton and linen are fabrics that are soft, breathable, and lightweight. These fabrics are often preferred for everyday wear, especially in warm weather. Fabrics like wool and fleece with good insulating properties help retain body heat, keeping you warm in chilly weather.
Furthermore, clothing fabrics are often chosen based on the intended purpose of the garment. For example, activewear might use fabrics designed for stretch and flexibility, while workwear might prioritise durability. It is important to take this into consideration when buying new clothing that will fit not only your style but also your lifestyle.
Something else to always keep in mind when picking out new clothes is that different fabrics require different levels of care. Some fabrics are easy to wash and require minimal maintenance, while others might need special care like dry cleaning or delicate washing. Make sure you are aware of the level of care required for each article of clothing.
Pick the Perfect Shape and Fit of Clothing
Finally, the last important piece of information when completing your personal style is finding the perfect shape and fit of clothing for your body, preferences, and comfort.
Wearing well-fitting clothes that make you feel good now can boost your confidence. While we may have our preference on how we like our clothes to fit and while there are some styles that are intentionally loose or form-fitting, try to pay attention to proportion and balance and avoid extremes that can make you feel uncomfortable or look disproportionate.
For example, if you're wearing a loose top, consider pairing it with fitted bottoms, and vice versa, to create a visually pleasing silhouette.
Remember to keep in mind that sizing can vary widely among different brands and regions. We are not numbers—We are people! Focus on how the clothing fits your body rather than the label size.
This means that you should choose clothing that fits your current body shape and size, rather than buying for a future body shape. Our bodies come in many shapes and sizes, and they are all beautiful and perfect the way that they are. Give your body the love and credit it deserves by wearing well-fitting clothes that make you feel good and confident now.
Another helpful tip is to understand and appreciate your body proportions and shape. Common body types include hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, and inverted triangle. Different clothing styles emphasize different shapes and parts of the body, so highlighting your favorite features while minimizing the areas you might be less comfortable with can be a great confidence boost.
It is general knowledge that certain clothing styles and cuts tend to especially flatter specific body shapes. However, to be clear, this is not to say that people are only limited to clothing shapes that are said to be flattering for their body types. These are simply recommendations.
Any body type can look great in any piece of clothing. If you feel amazing and confident in something, no matter what body shape you are, keep it on.
3. Roll Up Your Sleeves—Don’t Forget About Accessories!
Remember—Even tiny details can make a huge difference, so don’t forget to add accessories to complete your look!
Jewelry
What they say is true—Diamonds are a girl's best friend.
Why is this? Well, jewelry can really complete your look, accentuate your style, and bring out your beauty with just a little sparkle and shine.
There are many types of jewelry you can use to accessorize such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and anklets.
Whether you are going for a low-key look with a small, subtle pair of pearl earrings and a thin chained necklace or are shooting for a more eye-catching look with big, blingy hoop earrings and a sizeable statement necklace, there is something out there for everyone.
Hats
Are you having a bad hair day but still want to look stylish and put together? Does your outfit look like it still needs a little touch to take it over the top?
That’s right. It’s time for the hat trick.
With various shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from such as cowboy hats, beanies, berets, fedoras, and sun hats, you are sure to find one that fits to your style and personality—And you know what they say...If the hat fits, then wear it.
A well-chosen hat can serve as a statement piece that draws attention and becomes a focal point of your ensemble, helping you stand out and make a memorable impression.
So, hats off to all of the hat-lovers out there—Or should I say hats onto you.
Sunglasses
They protect our delicate eyes from the scorching sun, and let’s be honest. Who doesn’t look too cool for school when sporting some striking shades?
Bring out your inner diva and flaunt those fabulous frames to add that special touch to your look.
Whether you prefer the sleeker style of aviator sunglasses or the sharpness of cat eye sunglasses, dark and mysterious shades or playful pink shades, or are on the search for prescription sunglasses that will still make a statement in your style, you are sure to find some lenses that you’ll love.
To learn what type of glasses would best fit your face shape, click here.
Watches
Not only are watches “handy” whenever you need to check the time, but they can also serve as a fashion accessory that can make a statement, emulating a sense of sophistication, minimalism, classic elegance, cohesion, professionalism, and an overall clean-cut look to your style.
Watches also come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles, allowing you to further customize your choice to complement your skin tone and align with your preferred style.
Makeup
There is a reason that people get paid to flawlessly apply makeup to faces. It’s a delicate art form that can completely transform your look.
Makeup can be a fun way to change up your look, enhance or coordinate with your outfit, artistically express your individualism, boost your confidence, showcase your personality and creativity, as well as accentuate the natural beauty of your unique features.
For example, bold red lipstick can draw attention to your lush lips, certain eyeshadow colors and eyeliner styles can complement your eyes and make those peepers pop, and a creamy foundation can help even out your skin tone and smooth out some of your lines or wrinkles.
Whether you want your makeup to be subtle for a more natural look or bold for a striking look, applying it is a fun and easy way to feel more confident, beautiful, put together, and unique.
If you are new to makeup or just want to shake things up, click here for some makeup tips that will help you showcase your inner and outer beauty.
Bags and Purses
Like watches, the amazing thing about bags is that they have both a practical purpose and superficial significance.
Not only do they keep your hands free from juggling too many things at once, but they can serve as the perfect accessory to complete your outfit.
With bags and purses coming in a variety of sizes, colors, materials, styles, and designs, you are sure to find one that you love to fling over your shoulder and strut with.
4. Let Your Hair Down—Play Around with Different Hairstyles, Haircuts, Wigs, and Colors
Now is the time to literally let your hair down and have some fun!
Hair Colors
Just like clothing, hair color can dramatically accentuate or wash out your facial features, as well as complement or clash with your skin tone and eye color.
If you want to try something new, you can make a transition from one traditional color to another, such as dyeing your hair blonde, brunette, or red.
However, if you’re bold and not afraid to take a risk on your lovely locks, you can also venture out into the more unconventional color choices such as pink, green, blue, and purple.
Haircuts and Hairstyles
Haircuts and hairstyles are another powerful way to dramatically change your look.
For example, a flattering haircut and beautifully styled hair can perfectly frame the shape and structure of your face, bringing out its beauty.
5. Knock Their Socks Off—Remember that Confidence is Key
Perhaps one of the most underrated accessories is confidence.
Being beautiful isn’t just about what you look like on the inside—True beauty radiates from the inside out, and this starts with confidence.
Confidence often radiates positivity, self-assuredness, freedom of expression, and self-love—And what could possibly be more beautiful than that? When you're confident, you exude an air of self-belief that can be attractive and appealing to others.
Feeling confident can also positively impact your mood, making you more upbeat and approachable. This positive energy can be reflected in your interactions with others and your overall demeanor. When you are confident, self-consciousness is reduced, allowing you to live your life to the fullest by focusing on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about how you appear to others.
Not only does being confident make you feel amazing, but confidence can be contagious. Your self-assuredness might just inspire others to embrace their own unique style and feel more comfortable in their skin.
Remember that fashion is never right or wrong. Rather, it’s a way to freely express all of the unique characteristics of what makes you, you. It’s owning your style and having the confidence to fearlessly fill up space, unapologetically be yourself, and courageously command a room.
No matter what earrings or hat you choose to wear, never forget that you’re never truly dressed without a smile.
