It's so hard to look good as you age

[googlepoodle]

Doesn't it take so much effort!! Wondering whether to just throw in the towel. I run regularly for health and eat healthy. Have managed in my 50s to stay around a size 8 and 8-8.5 stones. But went shopping today for a dress for a special occasion with a personal shopper and anything fitted just looks rubbish. Ended up with a fitted dress but for the first time ever had to buy a Spanx type thing for underneath. I'm trying to say that even with a lot of effort it still is hard to look good at this age.
How do other people cope - what helps women in their 50s look good?

Just be yourself - your body is ageing - that's life. Enjoy being 8.5 stones - you're very lucky not to be overweight.

I'm 50 this year hurrah and I'm pretty line free (non smoking/non drinking/good genes/vegetarian/not a Sun Seeker)

But one thing I need to do is not to wistfully think of the clothes I wore when I was 20/30/40. I've changed. They won't suit me now.
I'm in better shape at near 50 than I was at 45 (had my gallbladder out so I'm shifting some of the stubborn tyre that pg,middle age and bloatiness gave me)

I have always been 'ok', I was less than 7 stone as a teen, a size 10-12 until my mid 30s.

At my worst I was 11.7 but I'm getting back on track.
I would need shapewear if I wore a sleek dress.
Today I considered some crinkle fabric straight leg summer trousers (elastic waist ) but I had very similar trousers in my 30s so would it be something I'd want now? (Actually yes, they are fairly simple and comfy)

I am proud of my body, I incubated two children.
I don't need to worry about pesky periods now.
I have more money than when I was 20. I could buy Clarins or Estee Lauder if I wanted. I don't want.

What I really don't want is to be one of those pantomime dames types with the hideous dyed hair (mine is dyed but it's short and people always tell me my hair is a lovely colour) .
I don't wear alot of make up, certainly not to work.

It does take more effort for sure. I can't slob about in trackie bums.
I always need to wear a proper matronly unholstered bra,
I won't go out without a shower.
I'm not ready to go grey yet (I am a bit grey)

Maybe your Personal Shopper had a fixed view on what 50yo should be wearing so all the clothes she gave you weren't your taste?
Try another Personal Shopper or a friend with a good eye.

What's wrong with Spanx?

dont like wearing Spanx because I've never had to - always been able to maintain shape through running and exercise. So just find it a bit depressing that it doesn't work anymore.

I can't agree with you there. I love Spanx.

My jawline though depresses the hell out of me.

But to answer your question, I cope by laughing about it.

I've always been a bit curvy - am 10 and a half stone so I'm not really any different! I'm not too bad for 51, not sunbathing has definitely helped. One advantage is that since my hair is grey, it's much easier to be blonde than my natural brunette. So I'm finally the blonde I always wanted to be!

We'll never be as young as we were but now is the youngest we will ever be, if you see what I mean!

And I'm much more secure in myself than in my twenties so much happier now.

I agree. I'm finding that there's more maintenance involved in looking good as I age. However, I get the impression that your standards are particularly high.