Inner and Outer Style After 50

By Susan “Honey” Good

“A WOMAN’S INNER STYLE IS THE KEY TO GENUINE STYLE”
Honey Good

As far as I am concerned, I believe ‘older is the new black.’ Even though I have natural salt and pepper hair, my body has changed, I have bad feet, my hands no longer look young, my boobs have dropped and I notice when I walk through airports young people pass me, it matters not. My husband tells me all the time, “you have such a positive attitude.”

Most of you know that I am a 21st century grandmother with 22 Grands who call me “Honey.” I am married to an exciting man who wears red-framed glassed and loves to take me shopping.

I own my sense of style, hoard my classic clothes and use luxurious olive or coconut oil on my skin. I take daily walks with my soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Orchid, work out on a regular basis, write my blogs and eat lots of fish to maintain my health.

I have an emotional, inner style, routine. I live in the present, try to make lemonade out of lemons, see my glass half full, smile often and I always have a purpose. I don’t spend time worrying about aging; I worry about becoming boring. I spend most of my time with my husband. I text my family (22 Grands) who live in seven different states, write my blogs, run my business, HoneyGood.com, have a multi-faceted social life, solve my hardships as best I can when they present themselves (and they do) and keep up with fashion. As I often say, I am so busy, I am dizzy and I like it …just fine.

It has taken me years to get where I am and it ‘ain’t’ been easy. It is all about a positive attitude and a lot of effort.

I realize that a woman’s outer style is vital to a woman’s emotional well-being, especially for those of us over 50.  Therefore, I am going off subject matter for a short time to share some of the fashion no-nos I have learned over the years.

~  I don’t wear sneakers. Fine for working out. Period.

~  I don’t wear long skirts except for formal events. One of my girlfriends has a sassy personality and a nice body. Her style is long skirts. It ages her 10 years.

~   I don’t wear bland colors or multiple colors. My preference is monochromatic clothing with a pop of color in jewelry, shoes, handbags and striking eye- glasses.

My French girlfriend in Paris wears a grey suit with a light pair of pink pumps and handbag. I have learned from her. Be daring, darlings. My suggestion is to stay away from taupe and beige.

~ I don’t wear boring eye glass frames. Have fun with your glasses. Take risks. For example, I tint my prescription in my black frames blue and the glass in my pink frames, rose color. I treat my glasses as accessories. I have saved every pair of my glasses. I just replace my prescription. Remember styles return.

~  My hairstyle should be modern. Overly styled is out. Remember 50 is the new 40, 60 the new 50, 70 the new 60 and 80 the new 70. Consider layering your hair and wear any length that makes you feel vibrant and relevant. Subtle highlight in the front will brighten your face. I think grey hair can be sexy and modern but tricky. You have to know yourself.

~  Unkempt eyebrows are a no-no.  As we age, our eyebrow’s thin. I suggest visiting an eyebrow specialist for a tint and a wax. I use a powder with brush to darken my brows. Many of my girlfriend’s have tattooed their brows. I have taken a pass because I am afraid my brows may look unnatural.

~ Yellowing teeth should be whitened. Unfortunately, our pearly whites naturally yellow with age. Fortunately, there are several over the counter whitening products.

Asking your dentist is another option. As the old adage goes, “a beautiful smile is worth a thousand words.”

~  Nude and beige hosiery is outdated. For the summer months, I have replaced my sheer nude hosiery with fishnet colored hose, leggings or spray on tanner. I wear leggings, tights and opaque stockings in cold weather.

~  Never wear a poorly fitted bra. Invest time (it takes me forever) and money to find a properly fitted bra. If you have a hard time being fitted, I suggest you ask for the most experienced fitter in a department store or private shop.

~  Excessive amounts of make-up are unflattering. Thick foundation, heavy eyeliner and bright blush add years. Toss them out. I use a tinted foundation and a light shade of blush. I have greenish blue eyes so I wear shades of lavender and navy blue eyeliner. I use a white pencil to dot the inside corner of each eye because I have read that it opens up one’s eye. I agree. I have read time and again that women over 50 should wear soft lip color. I dance to my own drummer, preferring bold color.

~ I feel that an over sized handbag is not fashionable.  Consider your size when purchasing a new handbag. Your handbags should not carry you, you should carry the bag.

~ If you can wear ‘em flaunt ‘em…  shoes. I can’t wear them but I do. I just love my shoes. I wear platforms over pumps because they are gorgeous and easier to wear, buy your shoes a size larger and wear brands that have a large toe box.

You can follow my advice about the physical beauty blunders above, but first things first, darlings… remember, “A woman’s inner style is the key to her outer style.” So, love yourself and others, be passionate about your life, be brave, be informed, walk with confidence and attitude and you will have the best of everything… in style.

Susan “Honey” Good is the founder of HoneyGood.com where this blog originally appeared. The site is a collection of lessons learned, life advice and insights from not only her, but from a fantastic group of contributing writers, each adding their own spice to the recipe. Honey Good.com representing “a family tree of women” — wives, mothers, daughters, granddaughters, mothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters, aunts, cousins and girlfriends — coming together to talk about what makes them tick as well as what they have in common. Honey Good discusses life experiences with wisdom, humor and intellect, enabling all to attain a “Honey Good Style of Life.”