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Over 40 and wondering what to wear to a casual holiday open house, an afternoon cookie exchange, or just cocktails around the fire? Here are 7 suggestions for How Not to Look Old During the Holidays:
1. Stay away from Christmas-themed sweaters
Stay away from costume-like clothing that makes you look like you raided a senior citizen’s closet. To be cool this Christmas, don’t be so obvious. Re-gift that Holiday themed sweater to the Good Will.
Instead, we suggest something like this hip red sweater paired with black pants, boots and a fabulous bag. It’s sexy, age appropriate and perfect for a holiday get together.
You’ll look cozy and sexy in this simple off the shoulder statement sweater. Can’t you just see wearing this as you sit around the fireplace and drink red wine?
Here’s another great option. This camisole with matching wrap sweater is also pretty, lady-like and perfect for the holidays.
2. Try wearing winter white
Winter white is chic and sophisticated. Even with jeans this pretty snowflake white sweater will dress things up. You can wear a winter white outfit like this with high boots, but a low heeled boot in chocolate brown would work equally as well. You could also try pulling the sweater out and belting it, if you are self-conscious about your tummy.
3. Show up in a pair of fabulous boots
Boots have image impact. You can wear them with anything and always look sexy and cool. You may have to trudge through the snow in a practical pair to get to your party, but once you arrive slip on a more fashionable pair that are fresh and new, and that make your legs look wow. Then enjoy the compliments!
If you want a lower heel, then these black beauties are a casual, modern choice.
4. Replace heavy knits with fine, cozy cashmere
You’re not living at the North Pole so don’t show up in something you’d have to wear to keep warm up there. Instead of a bulky heavy ski sweater, which will only make you look like a polar bear, try a light, pretty cashmere sweater. A more up to date choice is this purple cashmere sweater. It’s romantic and a nice change too from typical holiday wear. Be sure to wear some beautiful jewelry with this to accent this royal color.
Want a little more glamor? Try this stunning mocha sequined cashmere sweater set, and imagine how it will glow in candlelight!
Would you rather wear a dress? Here’s a comfy casual cashmere dress. We suggest you keep the tights grey for a nice lean line……textured grey would add a lot of interest.
5. Wow them with a hip satin jewel-toned blouse
A pretty silky blouse is an easy way to up the glamour during the holidays. There’s no need to stick to red, though. Any deep, rich clear color will look festive too. Metallics also work with the mood of the season. Wear your blouse with black pants or a black skirt and you are good to go. Here are a few we like…
6. Opt for festive, but not obvious, Christmas jewelry
A candy cane pin, a Christmas tree charm on a necklace. No matter how cute or sentimental, it will still look like it came from the dollar store. Instead try something festive, but subtle. See how this circle necklace looks like something you might string on an X-mas tree, but doesn’t scream “It’s Christmas.”
This charm bracelet also has a romantic feel…
7. Look lean and lovely in a long vest
A long vest is so classy and comfortable. You can pair it with slim pants that you tuck into your boots or wear out, like this. Add a belt at the waist or lower on the hips depending on your body type.
You might also want to pair a vest with something tighter like these double-knit leggings by Vince. They are thinner than tights and will keep you warmer. You would wear these tucked into boots. Unless you are very tall and thin, we would advise NOT to wear these with flats (as shown).
If you don’t look good in tight pants then here is a wide legged version.
It’s been a great year and we have learned so much from all our friends over at the Blogging Boomers Carnival.
If you are a Boomer, you will surely enjoy this week’s final addition for 2008. There are lots of great articles that you will find over at This Marriage Thing.
Check it out here and see you next year!
We love it when you ask us questions, so here are two sides of the coin about nighttime dressing that we received recently from two of our readers:
Dear Glams,
My husband is trying to save money and is keeping the house on the cool side this winter. At night I am putting on lots of layers over my flannel pajamas and feel like the Micheline man. Do you have any suggestions?
L.R., Pennsylvania
Dear L.R.,
Being cold is hard because you do have to layer. But if you are going to layer, do it in style!
* Go for a color theme in your bedtime wardrobe, so it will at least look coherent. (slippers, robe, and p.j.’s should all coordinate!)
* Underneath the robe, try something other than just pants and a t-shirt, like matching flannels.
* If you have a solid robe, go with print p.j.’s and if you have a print robe, go with p.j.’s that are solid
* We love Pine Cone Hill cozy warm robes. They are by far one of the most soft and cozy robes out there! and they come in tons of pretty colors for you to choose from.
Designer sleepwear is warm and elegant!
Pine Cone Hill cozy fleece robe
HI Glam Gals,
I am over 40, and am wanting some new lounge wear, but want something that
is supportive, and pretty. I live in a hot climate and need something cool.
Is there a store that sells pretty nighties with a lacy top with a built in
under wire?
thank you!
C.W., Florida
Dear C.W.,
We have a few suggestion for you. Sounds like you want to look sexy, but might need a little support. We have a nice video about a great line of ladies lingerie called Yummy Tummies. I don’t think they have an under wire, but they are very supportive especially around the tummy! They are very sexy and can be worn as P.J’s or every day wear.
Buxum's silk knot chemise
Also, if you are busty, there is a line of ladies nighties, called Buxom Inc. These lovely nighties give those with ample vavoom, the room they need!
One more note - for a fabulous selection of p.j.s go to www.herroom.com! Sweet dreams!
Dear Glam Gals,
I know holiday time is nearing because my mail box is bulging at the rivets! I have shopped by catalog for convince, now it seems as if I receive every catalog ever printed! I would like some advice from the professionals; so I am going straight to the Glam Gals. What is the best way to approach my (growing) catalog pile? I know, I should begin by putting my VISA away and develop a plan (I have listened to you!) But what is next? What is the plan??
Sincerely,
Shops-By-Phone
Hi Shops-By-Phone!
When it comes to getting all those catalogs it can be rather overwhelming. When it comes to the question, should I or shouldn’t I buy from them we say, please by all means put that Visa away… we would much rather you get your body into the store and try things on, than buy from a catalog. However, that being said, we actually think these catalogs are a great tool to use in making your shopping plan.
So…here are 10 tips to what to do with all those catalogs:
1) Read catalogs like you would a fashion magazine. Look at what trends are coming in style, look at what colors they are showing. This will give you a good feel for how you might update your wardrobe for the coming season.
2) Be picky about which catalogs you read. Throw out the rest. Don’t be tempted to read the ones that are not worthy.
3) Catalogs we like are Nordstrom, Neiman-Marcus, Saks, any high end store. For casual, we like Banana Republic, Anthropology, and even J. Crew has got some great finds!
4) Catalogs we think will get you off track are Coldwater Creek, Chico’s, Talbots, anything too “earth cookie” will make you look matronly and uninspired.
5) Just remember, there are good and bad styles in all catalogs, because they have to sell to all types of tastes. Its not how much it costs; it is how it looks, fits and how much you love it.
6) You should not buy things from catalogs if you can help it. It is always better to go to the store when possible and try things on.
7) Use catalogs to inspire you to try to imitate a “look” if you have a budget. One of our favorite stores for a great bargain is H and M. They do a great job of selling clothes that have lots of style and a low price tag.
8 ) If you do buy from a catalog, go ahead and buy 2 different sizes so you can try them both on and return the one that does not fit. It’s very hard to buy things and have them fit the first time around. If you love it, and it needs a little alteration, get it done. Never feel guilty about getting something altered. Its so important that your clothes fit your unique body and its almost impossible for anyone to buy something that does not need a little nip or tuck here and there.
9) Only keep things that you absolutely LOVE and adore…most people get things from a catalog, and keep it, even if it is less than wonderful.
10) Finally, start noticing what colors they put the models in. Usually they put the right color on the right model. If you are unsure of what colors look good on you, find the models with your coloring and go for that . The jacket or top in colors that look good on you are key to looking great!
Good Luck!
Dear Glam Gals,
I have enjoyed your website tremendously. I do have a question regarding the recent trend to “unmatch” items. It seems that it is “in” right now to have shoes not match the bag and also to have almost mismatched items in an outfit. For example, I have seen leopard print shoes (brown and black) with a bright red dress and black belt (I would have gone with a black or red shoe). If I still match, does it make me look dated and out of fashion? The term “matchy-matchy” has been used. How do we know when to match and when not to?
Thanks,
TC
Hi, TC! We agree that this can be a confusing issue. Matching clothes is really based on your own personal style. It’s a lot like how you might want to decorate your house. Some people like the mixed-matched Shabby Chic look and others like an upscale, contemporary, monochromatic look. However, you are on the right track just by being inspired and seeing how stylists in magazines are putting outfits together.
It's all about personal style
Your description above with the leopard print shoe with bright red dress and black belt sounds right on track! One note of caution: If you are going to wear that leopard print shoe, leave the print at that. Don’t go buying the matching purse or belt.
A pattern made up of neutrals can be used to accent any solid bright color.
Moreover, when trying to wear a bright color shoe, do NOT match it with the same color bag. The idea is to have a fun “pop” of color, and not overdo it. If you want to keep it monochromatic, keep the colors subtle by using neutrals like white, tan, black, or grey. A bright yellow, red, or bright blue from head to toe is just too much!
Ellen as the new face of Covergirl
Looking radiant in a black pantsuit, Ellen DeGeneres, looks like she is thinking, “yeah, life is good!”
Over at Perezhilton.com, it was just announced, that Ellen is thrilled to be featured as the new covergirl for Covergirl & Olay, Simply Ageless foundation.
How nice to see some diversity in advertising and we agree with Perez, “…She looks damn good!”
I have a confession to make (JoJami here…)
I was TOTALLY STUMPED this weekend… I had a daytime, holiday party to go to and boy, did I have to work hard to find just the right thing to wear…
It seems that every time the weather changes or I have an event to go to are the times that I struggle with what to wear.
This party I was invited to was a cookie exchange party with a twist. You had to bring your cookie dough and bake cookies at the party, while enjoying martinis! Fun concept, but hard to imagine what to wear…. It seemed on the one hand, I should dress casual for the cooking part, while drinking cocktails with the girls, I wanted to look chic, but not too dressy.
But wait, there was one more caveat… My girlfriend that was also going to the party, called me a few days before, to ask me what I was going wear and I told her DEFINITELY NOT JEANS, but probably a skirt of some kind.
Well, one of my rules to myself is, when I tell someone what I’m wearing, I better wear it!!! So of course it was a 1/2 hour before the party, I was in the closet and the clothes were flying all over the place, and all the skirts just seemed too dressy, it was a really cold day and I wanted to be comfortable! OH, how I wished I could wear my jeans, but my friend was probably already on her way, and I could call her to tell her that I had changed my mind. (Ends up that NO ONE wore jeans, so it was a good thing I didn’t!)
Anyway…. I floundered along and did find a casual dress to wear and I felt comfortable and that I dressed perfectly appropriate for the party!
So here is a Glam Plan on how to look comfortable but chic for an afternoon holiday party!
1. Plan ahead! Don’t just pick out what you want to wear, try it on and make sure it looks good and you have all the accessories you need.
2. Start your outfit with what shoes you want to wear. If you know your going to be doing alot of standing at the party, think twice about those killer heels. Boots are great for this time of year, low or high, you can still pair them with a skirt, pants or leggings
3. Fabrics should be cozy and comfortable (colorful cashmere comes to mind!)
4. Invest in a beautiful top or jacket. If you’re out shopping for an outfit, so as not to go into overload, start with one piece that stands out to you. It could be a pretty jacket, sweater or again, you can start in the shoe department.
5. Beware of going for the same look you always wear. Search catalogs and magazines first, to get a fresh idea of how to pair 2 pretty colors or a new type of look. (Did any of you happen to see Nicole Kidman on Oprah the other day…. we LOVED her outfit!) Her purple suede jacket with a tank top the exact color as her hair, pencil jeans and matching heels!! Perfection and not too hard to duplicate!)
Just jeans, heels and a jacket - but it's perfect!
Here is my outfit, that I was so comfortable in. I admit, grey is not my best color, but I tried to liven it up with the scarf, and overall, I think it was a good casual look for this type of party. (In case you are wondering…yes, that is a paper plate I am “modeling”) Also, I have a new hair do AGAIN!!!
The scarf and belt completed the look
Wondering how to dress after 40 to look sexy and hip, but still age appropriate? Buy yourself a pair of tall boots! Be they high heeled or flat, boots that cover your calves and sit just below the knee are alluring, chic, and ageless.
Here are 9 Top Tips for How to Wear Tall Boots:
1. When wearing pants tucked into flat boots make sure the boot is tight enough around the calf, so there’s no gap. Any gaping will make your legs look twice as bulky.
2. Boots are most flattering to the leg when they go all the way up to the knee like these chic Croc boots. Be picky, don’t buy a boot that is 2/3 length, unless you will be only wearing them under pants.
3. A suede boot will always be the best choice for comfort.
4. If you have large calves, choose a pair of these Viva Spiga rouge boots with hidden elastic goring that adds stretch at the 15 inch circumference collar.
5. Avoid boots with too many straps or too much bling on them. A simple classic boot looks more elegant and age appropriate and won’t date as fast.
6. For comfort, a wedge heeled boot is a great option. You’ll be able to walk for miles in comfort and still look tall!
7. The newest style of boot has an asymetrical cuff at the top of the boot. It’s a very youthful look and is meant to be worn with a more casual outfit. If you want to give it a try, wear your flat cuffed boots with jeans. Don’t spend too much on these boots as they are super trendy and might not be the “in look” next year.
8. Don’t forget to pair your boots with tights for a modern look. Nylons are too lightweight and will make you look dated. Black tights (or leggings) would be great these gorgeous black suede boots. Your tights should match the color of your boots in order to elongate your legs and make them look lean and sexy!
9. The slimmer the outfit the slimmer, the finer the boot. For example, a slim skirt and chunky, heavy boot like these DON’T mix. Best to save these for pants.
