Christmas sweaters are frumpy
If you read our post about what to wear Christmas shopping you saw that there were some pretty fashionable women out at the malls. We wish we could say the same for the fashions we saw in the store windows.
A dowdy holiday look
I think by now we all know that cutesy holiday sweaters are a frumpy no-no.
But last week we saw a few holiday party outfits that were even worse. Everyone is trying to be new, different and hip and sometimes retailers come out with the most gawdawful stuff!
Take a look……… One trend we noticed was the crisp shirt with a sparkly top over it. Can you really imagine wearing the dowdy look above – the long black skirt, stiff cotton shirt and baggy gold sweater? Dowdy!
<<How about this frumpy odd couple combo?
The green shirt with sparkly tank is at least more fitted, but is that really attractive? Just because it’s in fashion, don’t go there! Use some common sense if you want to look Fabulous after 40 this holiday season.
What’s worse than dressing too old and frumpy? …Dressing like you’ve shopped in your teenage daughter’s closet! There’s a fine line between looking fabulous or foolish. Here are some Christmas cocktail dresses we found to illustrate the point. (All dresses are from Nordstroms)
| Example |
Don’t |
Do |
| Red satin is a bold and dazzling choice so be sure to wear it with class.
When you are young and firm you can get away with most anything, but after 40 more coverage up top and a longer length skirt will ensure you don’t end up looking like aging cocktail waitress. |
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| Baby Doll dresses have been popular in the last few years but on a grown up gal will make you look like you are playing dress-up.
You can still enjoy the ruffle look by wearing a dress with simple clean lines and no cutesy short or puffed sleeves. |
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| The draped look can be very elegant if it’s not overdone. Less is more if you are 40, 50, or beyond. |
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| We love these big collar dresses because they can put beautiful emphasis up by your face.
But at midlife you need to keep this look understated. Not too bright, short or exaggerated. Caution: don’t even go near this look if your arms aren’t in good shape! |
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| What gal can’t resist a bit of sparkle, but this mini on the left with it’s winged shoulders will make a woman 40 or better look like an desperate fashion victim.
We prefer the shift on the right with only a hint of shimmer peaking out from behind some sheer material. You can have fun with this trend, but not in a garish way. |
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| Grrr.. need we say more? If you like animal prints you might as well be a sexy cougar, rather than a baby cub. |
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| Pretty in pink? You can be if you choose to express the color in a sophisticated way.
Keep the cut clean, lean and modest. Stay away from the prom queen look. |
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| Bows. They’re tricky but they’re in style.
Forget the strapless, mini style and go for the regal Jackie O style. The tailored bow on the model on the right gives you much more presence and power than a floppy satin one. |
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| There’s a lot of green out there and it looks fabulous this Christmas.
Thin dress straps look lovely on a gal with perfect shoulders and decolletage, but after 40 they are too harsh. Also, avoid youthful fashion statements like these heavy black hose paired with a cocktail dress.
Opt for a dress like this one on the right with its stunning portrait neckline. It flatters most figures, especially 40+ ones that have experienced a little middle age spread because it balances out hips and shoulders. |
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| If you want to go sheer, do it in a tasteful way. Just a hint will do you. Be sure the rest of you is well covered up. |
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Shopping for our Christmas cocktail dresses we couldn’t help but notice that Black Lace is a huge trend this holiday season. Here’s a few of our favourites:
| For pear shapes:
This beautiful neckline broadens the shoulders and balances the hips making your bottom look more in proportion with your bust.
(Nordstrom) |
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| Tiger Lace:
If you want to look a little more chic than pretty..Love this simple sexy look. The lace is actually underneath the sheer netting that is draped to look like tiger stripes. (Nordstrom) |
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| Elegant:
She almost looks like a ballerina! This is very ladylike and alluring with the lace just at banded waist. Don’t try this look if you are shortwaisted or you will be all band!(Nordstrom) |
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| Romantic:
Very pretty but make sure this isn’t too short on you or it will look like you are wearing a nightie. (Nordstrom) |
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| Pink and Black Lace:
A flirty hinit of pink underneath this easy to wear sheath is great if you wory that all too much black lace will wash you out.(Nordstrom) |
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To accentuate your waist:
The scalloped edging is a gorgeous detail, and we like that the band and bow are not overpowering. (Nordstrom) |
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But last week we saw a few holiday party outfits that were even worse. Everyone is trying to be new, different and hip and sometimes retailers come out with the most gawdawful stuff!
