In my 50s and wanting ideas about 'distractions'

[ChristmasTimeName]

I'm in my 50s and want some ideas for distractions. By this I mean things that distract the eye away from the wrinkles etc like scarves, big earrings etc. Ideas please, wise ones.

I like big rings now my hands are getting gnarly. I know it draws attention to them but I dont care, in fact I like the contrast. It's my Edith Sitwell look.

I've been thinking about this. I've never worn earrings but am thinking of maybe experimenting. What type of earrings would suit me if I'm plain. Obviously not diamonds as they would just emphasise the fact!

Not pearls and not gold.....And definitely not ethnic drops or Vera Duckworths !

OP, please allow me to recommend House of Colour. If you can afford it, spend a morning having your colours done and finding your "season".

Don't be put off by the twee-ness of the idea--it makes a huge change to your overall look. People know you look better, but can't put their finger on why that's so.

Diamonds are great, nobody looks worse in diamond earrings except Lewis Hamilton

I may be in a minority here but I think wrinkles can look quite sensual, like crushed velvet or a Fortuny style fabric. I would definitely agree with the advice to go to new places.

Ah, it's no good when your earrings are prettier than your face. I think a certain amount of good looks are required to carry them off around the face!

Well quite meandjulio. The boldness and contrast of visibly "elderly" skin / white hair /whatever with extravagant fabrics and fabulous jewels is always stunning.

scarlet I'm of the opinion that I'll probably only live one life - I don't believe that lovely things are only meant for other people.

I've been thinking about this. I've never worn earrings but am thinking of maybe experimenting. What type of earrings would suit me if I'm plain

Nobody is plain scarletforya EVERYONE has aspects that are physically beautiful even if they aren't aware of them it could be a gorgeous eye colour, a cracking smile, stunning skin, it could be a great profile and my favourite an open warm friendly face - so much more beautiful than an unsmiling top model. I've never seen a plain person.

If you aren't used to earrings, maybe a small stud type for starters, just go shopping and buy what attracts you.
small silver earrings in a clean scandinavian design (not 'frilly') always look modern and stylish to me.

Good post WildBillfemale. What do you mean by Scandinavian design earrings? I think the sound of the style would be ideal for me. Thanks

That Advanced Style blog is great !

www.georgjensen.com/en-gb/jewellery/earrings Georg Jensen is one of the well-known scandi jewellers...

OMG - I'm 47 and didn't know this was a thing.

Someone shoot me now.

Go to somewhere brilliant like selfridges and just try loads of stuff on - stuff you don't usually wear.
If you feel good in something try and figure out why. Don't do any big no-nos unless you've tried it. You can then look for those styles/items elsewhere.
Buy less but buy better. And when you like something just wear it - don't save stuff for best or have 'everyday' stuff and 'going out' stuff.

I wear dresses. I buy well made, well tailored things that I like - cos, whistles, Alice by temperley, reiss, Hobbs, Vivienne Westwood. Top shop and warehouse are good too if you look hard. If I like something I wear it all the time. Buy the hegarty dry cleaning kit. Get stuff you love altered.

Start with the basics.
I am 50s but have no wrinkles- used SPF 25+ every single day for over 25 years so if you don't now- start!

If you can afford it, think about some subtle fillers or Botox.

If you have pigmentation on your skin then use some products which lighten it.

Book a make over as suggested- Bobbi Brown, MAC, Estee Lauder, Laura Mercier.

Think about your hair- get rid of anything mumsy or too 'manly' granny-ish.

Teeth- if they are yellow or stained then get whitened.

Stop thinking you need to dress differently now you are 50! I'm no slave to fashion at all and have very few clothes. I buy skinny/ slim jeans, smart cigarette style trousers, knitted dresses and tunics, but rarely anything patterned or flouncy, lots of ankle boots and a few pairs of knee high biker type boots. Maybe this is a boring 50s 'uniform'! I don't go near any shops that are aimed at women 'our' age.

I like nice scarves, simple slightly 'chunky' jewellery in silver or white gold, and basically a 'less is more' approach.

I always wear drop-style earrings in silver or silver & pearl (Claudia Bradby do some nice stuff) or simple diamond studs.

OP You've disappeared (but it's Christmas, I forgive you) so I'm effectively speaking into a vacuum. Worse, the billion £ piece of white hot technology I'm clutching won't co-operate with MN to let me c&p. But what you need is

1. A US shopping site called "The Line". I'm not suggesting you dash off and buy everything - but it is beautifully put together, styled and photographed and practically everything available could be worn with aplomb by anyone from 20 to 120.

2. The entire archive of the "That's Not My Age" site. Again, you won't love everything but she presents an interesting ongoing conversation which I think can help to boost ones confidence in getting dressed for the next fifty years.

agree NEW glasses - and lots of pairs. Buy them so they make you go ' Woah" on first glance - the Scandinavians do this well - their women often have way out glasses that make a statement.

Thats a lovely website [The line] full of gorgeous things but what about those that havent got that perfect figure? Lovely if you are a size 6 -14!!! What about the middle age spread? Really inspirational though.
Havent had a browse of 'Thats not my age' yet.

I think the thing is that if one follows the mantra of buying less but better, well chosen, well fitting clothes should be able to accommodate and flatter any changes in figure (and ideally even in posture...)

Yes it is rather lovely. Particularly the parts where they talk about styliing rather than individual items. Think it's called "The Stories".

That's Not My Age is brill.

Can anyone tell me what style of glasses are 'trendy'? And don't say designer ones! My budget has been drastically cut this time round! I currently wear dark purple oval-ish frames but am thinking of gold rimmed ones again to lighten up my face. Is this a no-no?

Visit the opticians and ask for help. Have had a couple of goof consultants in Specsavers recently, who steered me firmly away from the old lady range (the per Una of specs, overly decorated etc) and into some tortoiseshell geek chic, which are not too 'out there'. Cheap too with the BOGOF.

Good, obvs. Not goofy (although some of the specs were - orange insides anyone?)

not the Gok Wan wide and slim ones

NO WAY
i have some torty ones and some harry potter ones and some really weird fugly ones like this optometristattic.com/images/PLASTIC_IMG/7003/7003-2FRNT.jpg

Thanks. I usually go to a local independent but I will try specsavers this time, sounds good.

Not sure many if us could carry off NHS chic. I couldn't when I was 9, and definitely couldn't now. Sure you look gorgeous though

Ooh I like the fugly ones

Chips - h HATES them with a venom
Teens like em