Choosing your style when you are over 50 can be daunting for some but you do have a new freedom of choice. Most women are no longer committed to wearing a work ‘uniform’ and trying to keep up with fashion trends that do not quite work. Dipping in and out is fine because sometimes there will be that special piece that will work for you. But my advice is always to dress for your current lifestyle and your personality.

“Living the Life More Fabulous” Book Launch

It seems more and more of us are enjoying being stylishly ourselves whatever our age. I am very proud to have contributed to Tricia Cusden’s first book “Living the Life More Fabulous”. At the age of 65, Tricia decided it was time for a new challenge.

She loves makeup but was regularly disappointed with products that just didn’t work for older skins. One of her pet hates is the phrase “anti ageing” – she prefers to talk about “pro-ageing”…

Tricia took up the challenge to put it right for all us ladies over 50 and started her own make up brand, Look Fabulous Forever, that has gone from strength to strength and her first book launched last week.  As I contributed to the fashion chapter, I was invited along to the launch party at The Ice Tank in Soho. The venue was a white architectural space with clever lighting and no clutter. And I have never seen so many well dressed over 50’s all making their own style statements.

Elizabeth Bessant and Hilary Fisher – Richmond Personal Style

In Tricia’s book I explain about the different style tribes. We all have our individual style but we can be grouped according to our favoured look. For instance, I could be grouped under the Bohemian Look – my signature look is my coloured tights always co-ordinated with my outfit; and I like to be comfortable so I usually wear separates. This gives me more options to combine colours, fabrics and textures. I also cross over between the seasons combining summer and winter pieces together – a summer skirt with woolly tights and a cosy jumper is a favourite.

Other fashion tribes include: The Fun Look, The Rock Chick, Chic French Style the list goes on and if you want to read more of my thoughts on these tribes it’s all in Trisha‘s book.

When ladies come to see me to have an outfit made whether for daywear or a special occasion, I spend time getting to know them over coffee because this is the key to understanding what will work for them. I don’t like to take people out of their comfort zone – rather just give them a gentle nudge to open up new possibilities.

Elizabeth Bessant and Penny – Frugal Fashion Blogger

Elizabeth Bessant and Caroline Geraerts – Look Fabulous Forever

My top tips:

1. Generally navy will be more flattering than black against the face. As you age, often you will find colours that previously worked for you are no longer flattering. When I was younger, I always wore cool tones but have now moved into warm tones. Colours I previously avoided are now key to my look.

2. Shoulder pads are a good way to improve posture – not 1980’s power dressing but a subtle way to define the way a dress or jacket hangs.

3. Unless you are very confident wear sleeves. Most women over 50 prefer to cover their top arm and often their elbows; three-quarter sleeves or bracelet length are very flattering.

4. The most flattering hem length is just covering the knee because from the side it will cut at the narrowest part of your leg.

5. A small amount of stretch can help improve the fit of trousers – trousers are one of the most requested items for my clients’ daytime wardrobe. It is very hard to find trousers that fit well and work for the over-50’s without looking frumpy.

6. Chunkier jewellery makes a statement and can be used to draw the eye to your best bits. Scarves are also useful to add colour and softness to an outfit.

Life is about looking good, feeling good and being valued for who you are. And that includes enjoying fashion whatever your age…