Should you follow fashion rules?

They say rules were meant to be broken and we agree. Here’s a letter from a reader that drives home that point!

Hi Glam Gals,

I enjoy your blog and glad there’s finally something for us over 40 women.  I’m sending you a picture because I’m just not sure if puffed sleeves are too young-looking for a 55 year old woman.  Should I donate this dress?  What about the shoes– I thought they were cool looking but maybe I’m trying to look too young.

Thanks!
Janet

Somewhere along the line ( probably from us, as well as other fashion experts) Janet read that puffed sleeves were unflattering on a woman over 40 because they were too cutesy and also put too much emphasis on aging arms.

In general, that is  true, but there are always exceptions to the rule! Here’s how we responded to Janet.

Hi Janet!

OH Wow, wow ,wow!! You are FAB!!!  Thanks for writing us and sending us the photo! You are so fit and look fantastic in that dress and the shoes.

You should definitely keep them both! Your arms are toned and those puff sleeves are really not puffy at all. Plus, they’re on the long side which makes the sleeves look much more relaxed, so so you can totally pull them off! Love the shoes too.

Imagine if everyone followed all the fashion rules, then…… No minis Jennifer Aniston really shouldn’t be wearing a mini (but doesn’t this dress make her look darn sexy at 41!)
Only show a hint of cleavage If everyone followed fashion rules,then Halle Berry (44)  shouldn’t be showing off so much cleavage (Silly! – it would be sad to cover up that beautiful bosom)
Opt for a one Piece instead of 2 piece swimsuit If everyone followed fashion rules, then Helen Mirren (age 64) shouldn’t ever wear a bikini ( utter nonsense- she’s a boomer babe)
Steer Clear of Spagetti Straps If everyone followed fashion rules,then Lauren Hutton (age 61) should stay away from spaghetti straps which are really for twenty-somethings. ( a crazy rule in Lauren’s case)
Forget Long Hair. It doesn’t look age appropriate. If everyone followed fashion rules,then no woman over 40 should have long hair (Yah right! Any woman would die to have hair like Brooke Shields – age  45)
Do you see what we are saying? We can give you guidelines for what’s age appropriate, but if you have the right body and attitude you can look Fabulous after 40 in just about anything. Try some things on. Have a full length mirror. Listen to your gut. Be honest!