Hello ladies,
I have a question about turtlenecks:
They used to be my go to item – especially in black. I would wear one practically every day in the winter. Well, now that I am 42, they don’t look so hot on me at all. I feel like they highlight that little bit of loose skin right under my chin and cheeks that you can barely see otherwise. When I see other women I think this about them too…yet everyone still wears them. Is it one of those things that you just suck up and still wear as you get older even though it doesn’t look so hot (kind of like a bathing suit)? I am wondering if I should just bite the bullet and start wearing them again. Or maybe you know of a way to make them look better?
Thanks so much.
AJ
Dear A.J.
Off white can be much softer and suits this gal's silver hair
We wouldn’t suggest wearing anything if it doesn’t look good on you. There’s too many choices out there!
We know what you mean about turtlenecks. As we’ve gotten older they seem to have fallen off our favorites list because they sometimes do give you that turkey neck if you have a lot of loose skin.The contrast between the black up by our faces and our lighter skin and hair can look plain harsh, and actually emphasize every little wrinkle.
That being said there, are still some women who love their turtlenecks, like Diane Keaton. Nobody quite knows what is going on with her, but she wears them so much they’ve become her trademark. Sometimes she looks dull and stiff in them, but other times she can look great. You really have to judge for yourself how it looks on you.
 Diane Keaton in her trademark turtleneck |
 Diane looks darling here! |
I'm going to wear dark brown, rather than a black turtleneck with this.
With all the new chunky sweaters out there, it’s hard to get completely away from turtlenecks. For example, I (Deborah) just bought this great Diane Von Furstenberg wrap sweater that cries out for a turtleneck to wear underneath. My neck is not bad at all, so I can still wear a turtleneck, but a black turtleneck would totally wash me out, so I’m going to buy an espresso brown micro thin turtleneck to wear with it.
If you really don’t like the tightness of a turtleneck pushing up all that extra skin, a great alternative a a cowl neck sweater. They’re very in style right now and because they are much softer looking they are very forgiving on mature gals.
Here are a few we like:
Neck draping:
See how beautifully this drapes and shows off your decolletage. It looks perfect the way it is. Don’t ruin it by wearing a necklace. Only one caution : Make sure your arms are toned before you choose to wear this sweater.(Nordstrom) |
 soft and feminine- a cowl is a nice alternative to a turtleneck |
| Try a cowl neck cape:
Capes adds glamour and we love a touch of glam.They also hide your tummy on those “I feel bloated days”, which is a nice bonus .(Nordstrom) |
 A chic look over black pants |
| Go for Gray:
If you like neutrals, gray is a wonderful alternative to black. It’s just that bit softer and is very in fashion at the moment. (Nordstrom) |
 gray is softer than black |
| Try experimenting with Color:
Not everyone looks good or even feels good in gray. Green can add life, same with purple and red. There’s lots of choices out there. Love the button detail and raglan sleeve on this BCBG Max Azaria Cable detail sweater. It’s different and that’s what you want. (Nordstrom) |
 green looks fabulous on redheads |
| Choose slinky and stretchy:
Don’t hide behind oversized sweaters that hide your body and make you look like a polar bear. Slinky stretchy turtlenecks and cowl necks like this follow the curves of your body making you look much more sexy and modern. Worried about your tummy or bottom? Buy some shapewear. You’ll be amazed how it transofrms your figure. |
 If you have a great waist show it off in a form fitting cowl neck |
| Good way to wear black:
If you want to wear a black turtleneck, but worry about too much black up by your face, try this. It’s a Michael Kors twist front turtleneck. That touch of openess at the neckline brings in more skin and doesn’t make you look like your head is cut off from your body. Very sexy! ( Nordstrom) |
 a new take on a black turtleneck |
Fashion has cozied up to chunky knits this fall. It’s a great look, but can be tricky to pull off especially after 40 when your body is a little rounder and softer than it used to be. Chunky knits, if worn wrong, can make you look like a frumpy old lady. Here’s some tips for how to wear them.
| Sweater coat: You don’t want to end up looking like you are wearing a sloppy bathrobe. Be sure your sweater coat fits properly at the shoulders and isn’t too bulky at the thighs. Also, look in the mirror and make sure the belt loops are really at your waist and not your hips. ( Nordstrom) |
 Unless you are skinny, stay away from loose robes or you'll look dowdy |
| Cowl neck and Boat Necks: are great for pear shaped women because they add substance and width up top to balance out your silhouette. Beware of horizontal lines like this that can add width. A solid colored cowl neck is more flattering if you are trying to hide a few extra pounds. (Saks) |
 cowl and boat necks balance out pear shapes |
| Patchwork can be aging after 40 making you look like a granny wearing a quilt. Choose modern color combinations like gray and yellow for an updated look. Also, reserve patchwork for weekends. It’s a very casual look. (Saks) |
 patchwork can be aging |
| Vertical lines: like a row of buttons, a long zipper or trim down the front elongate your body, making you appear slimmer and taller. (Saks) |
 vertical lines are slimming |
| Sweaters that cascade: are soft, and more romantic. Wear a very simple top underneath, so as not to compete with the sweater, and make sure it doesn’t cascade below your knees. These sweaters look great with leggings or slim pants. (Saks) |
 Cacading sweaters are softening |
| Petites: have to be especially careful they don’t drown themselves in oversize knits. Choose knits small-medium in size, and shorter more fitted styles. (Saks) |
 shorter fitted knits don't overwhelm petites |
How many times have you wandered around a store, finally found something you kind of liked, but ended up frustrated asking yourself, Is this to old? Is this too young? What’s just right????
Is there such a thing as age appropriate and how the heck do you know when you find it? The truth is that while dressing after 40 depends partly on your body and partly on your attitude, there are some basic style guidelines you can rely on to make you look modern and fresh. Take a look at these 3 examples.
JEANS
 |
Too Old
The reason jeans have remained a staple in womens’ wardrobes for so many years is that the right pair can make your body look goddess-like.
But not this pair! They’re stiff, boring and unfeminine. The high waist sits up past the belly button. Instead of complimenting your curves, high waisted jeans will emphasize your tummy and behind, making you look very big and round. To boot, these jean narrow at the leg making the hips look larger. Also the length of the jean is all wrong, exposing your shoes and making you look shorter and heavier. Donate these to some farm hand. |
 |
Too Young
Skinny, tight, low cut and flashy. Let’s be honest. These jeans are designed for a tight Little twenty-something body. Sure if you have long thin legs and you wear a big belted top that covers your bum over top of these jeans you might be able to get away with this. But for the majority of women over 40 who Carry a Little extra weight, these jeans will make you look like a stuffed sausage on heels.
Also, don’t know if you can see that this particular pair features faded kitty cat whisker lines across the crotch area. Meow!… another good reason to stay away from these if you are over 40. The whisker lines will only draw attention to your lower stomach and by trying too hard to be trendy you’ll end up looking tarty. |
|
Just Right
The right choice of jeans is something sophisticated and modern. We like these classy jeans with a medium rise that lands just a tad below the belly button because they are really flattering to so many body types. These jeans are clean and simple without fussy distracting details (like cat whiskers! or glitter or embroidery, which by the way ladies, is now out of style) A dark blue wash like this always looks rich and also makes you look skinnier-bonus!
See how the wider flare at the bottom balances out the hips beautifully and the pants length comes right to the shoe. Also, make sure your jeans have some stretch to them, like these do. A little Lycra goes a long way to help get the perfect fit. |
TURTLENECK SWEATER
 |
Too Old
Oh come on let’s all admit it. You’ve probably owned one of these at some point and maybe even still have one hanging around in your closet somewhere. It’s the classic turtleneck we all grew up with. Beware, because this very conservative style just shouts “Old lady”. The color could work if it were another sweater but the cable knit pattern, stiff high neck, looseness at the waist and shorter sweater length all add up to a much needed trip to the Salvation Army. |
 |
Too Young
Yes it’s new, yes it’s modern but it’s also a great way to add twenty pounds. The problem with this top, is that first of all the short sleeves are hard to pull off after 40. There’s all that jiggly stuff going on when you lift your arm up, right? Don’t want to play that up, do you? Plus, cute cute baby doll sleeves do not make an older woman look cute. They make her look like an older woman who is dressing babyish.
Thick, chunky knits like this add bulk for sure, and make you look heavier. Finally the bell shape of the sweater, might make you feel like your hiding that tummy, but in reality it will draw everyone’s eye to this detail, and therefore your pooch. Need any more reasons to stay clear of sweaters like this one? |
 |
Just Right
This beautiful black turtleneck has a very relaxed classy feel. The cotton modal fabric is lightweight, comfortable and smooth. The neck is still high but softer and the whole top is fitted just enough to skim the body and give a womanly shape.
The length is great because it hits the hipbone,covering up any gap between pant and stomach and it camouflages the tummy. You will never go wrong with a high quality black turtleneck like this. |
BOOTS
 |
Too Old
If you really are serious about looking chic and updated, you will not want to be seen in a boot like this. Sure it’s practical, but really ladies: Life is too short to be Frumpy. We’re sure you can find so meting with just a little more personality. Stop settling and buy something you really love. |
 |
Too Young
The magazines may be saying that these rusched boots are current fashion rage, but after 40 it’s your job to take a Style stance and just say no to fussy trends like this. These boots are too busy and funky for gals our age. Think of it this way- they’re scrunchy and wrinkly so they are going to emphasize the other parts of you that are scrunchy and wrinkly. Do you want to look like an old Boot? |
 |
Just Right
This snakeskin boot has just what it takes to look classy with a bit of fun. The heel is just high enough to make you feel sexy but not so high where you feel that you might topple over minutes after you put them on. They’re elegant and modern, but subtle. Subtle is the key. |
One final tip about Boots: Invest in a quality pair of boots. It shows! If you take proper care of them, they should last 3 or more seasons. Make sure to spray them with a good leather or suede sealer when you first get them, and reapply often. Don’t forget to touch up the toes! Nothing worse than great boots where the color has worn out at the toe.
