How to not look middle aged

[Justtakeatowel]

I've seen a few pictures of my recently and I look frumpy. I don't mind looking my age (mid 40s) but I just look uurgh.

I've started curly girl and I think curly hair ages me loads! Where do I need to buy from to make myself a bit more with it? I've a tendency to buy cheap supermarket stuff which I think isn't always cut the best and I'm willing to spend a bit more.

I'm 5 ft 7 and 9 stone 9 if that makes a difference but a definite apple and have a bit of a belly which I think adds to the frumpiness

Thanks!

"look' nice of course

As soon as someone plonks on a couple of stone and cuts their hair short when long hair was their best feature

I'm not advocating for anyone to have a particular hair style, but most people's hair changes in colour, texture and thickness as they get older.

Women can look stunning with long white hair, but (unless she went grey early), it won't be the same 'best feature' that she had at 28.

Ah yes I know what it is now, had one ten years ago I would have been 31!! Found it very handy actually!

I've an order ready to go for Cezane now, hope I have the sizing right.

I used to have great hair. Thick, shiny with a slight wave, and I wore it long.

As soon as I hit menopause my hair thinned so dramatically that I looked like an ageing poodle. I cut it all off and have worn it very short ever since.

Hair is not always 'a crowning glory' as we age.

Statement jewellery is a no no.

www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/may/06/the-good-wife-diane-lockhart-necklaces

It depends what look you are going for.

I don't think many women on this thread are going for "Successful Chicago lawyer in her 60's", but there are definitely days when I want to channel Diane Lockhart!

Exactly merrymouse, it's all about the personality and style of the person wearing the items.

I like the look of the presenter Anita Rani, whatever she's doing on Country File or wherever, she always looks good.

I know she's not popular on MN but Holly Willoughby is nearly 40 & I think she always looks good.

I dislike her. From what I’ve seen the simpering, giggling and inappropriate smirking spoil any positive impression.

Cant stand holly exactly because of her sniggering and smirking.

@ppeatfruit Agree about Anita Rani, I like her look and also love her as a presenter. Have you seen her episode of "Who do.you think you are"? Very moving.

Totally disagree about statement jewellery being a no. I have bought amazing jewellery when I've visited Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Discreet is fine but a bit dull.

www-vogue-fr.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.vogue.fr/jewelry/article/the-9-jewelry-trends-you-need-to-know-for-fallwinter-2019-2020?amp_js_v=a3&amp_gsa=1&amp&usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA%3D#aoh=15929922437901&amp_ct=1592992262078&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vogue.fr%2Fjewelry%2Farticle%2Fthe-9-jewelry-trends-you-need-to-know-for-fallwinter-2019-2020

Leggings under twee dresses should be avoided.

Discreet jewellery is not the ideal alternative to so-called statement jewellery. Sometimes less is more - as in no clunky necklace. Cos does some angular stuff which looks good. And modern.

Or simply opt for no jewellery at all.

I dunno, I think it depends on the necklace. I'm 27 but I actually think Prue Leith's style is amazing....definitely what I would want to look like when I'm old. It's bright and edgy without being "kooky art teacher" or "retired woman who's just come back from a RTW trip and picked up some wavy stuff from Marrakech market".

@Heygirlheyboy

Ah yes I know what it is now, had one ten years ago I would have been 31!! Found it very handy actually!

I've an order ready to go for Cezane now, hope I have the sizing right.

@Heygirlheyboy what did you order? Always love to see others purchases

It depends on the person too. I’ve never been a “polite” jewellery kind of person, it doesn’t work with my style or my personality. Never has, never will. A million years ago when I was young I wore big Indian type costume jewellery.

@Alsohuman

It depends on the person too. I’ve never been a “polite” jewellery kind of person, it doesn’t work with my style or my personality. Never has, never will. A million years ago when I was young I wore big Indian type costume jewellery.

Very true. I also am drawn to more flamboyant jewellery 💗

I really liked Theresa May's Frida Kahlo bracelet.

Discreet jewellery is not the ideal alternative to so-called statement jewellery. Sometimes less is more - as in no clunky necklace. Cos does some angular stuff which looks good. And modern.

Thanks we have totally different taste as shown by the scarves you posted.

I agree that style is very geographical and weather dependant. I also don't think all these rules exist in real life. I think frumpiness and lack of style comes from being too apologetic in your own look. A person confident in their own look (be that with long hair, short hair, statement jewellery etc....) will always look pretty good IMO, even if it's not necessarily the look I'd go for myself.
I also really agree with those people saying how useful it is to have your colours done. I'm a Spring and it is really noticeable how much fresher I look when I wear one of my 'wow' colours (yes, I know...! ) I had a top on yesterday in just the right shade of coral and it brightened my skin so much that I looked like I'd put a full face of makeup on!

@TheHoundsofLove

I agree that style is very geographical and weather dependant. I also don't think all these rules exist in real life. I think frumpiness and lack of style comes from being too apologetic in your own look. A person confident in their own look (be that with long hair, short hair, statement jewellery etc....) will always look pretty good IMO, even if it's not necessarily the look I'd go for myself. I also really agree with those people saying how useful it is to have your colours done. I'm a Spring and it is really noticeable how much fresher I look when I wear one of my 'wow' colours (yes, I know...! ) I had a top on yesterday in just the right shade of coral and it brightened my skin so much that I looked like I'd put a full face of makeup on!

Totally agree with all of that! I know black and white are chic but I look rubbish in them!

I love jewellery!!! I wear it all the time but generally silver or gold not costume unless it's a friendship bracelet or similar.

I can't wear much at work as an HCA so I love to wear it out of work.

I really liked Theresa May's Frida Kahlo bracelet.

Me too. Bit about her wearing it due to her own brand of politics but it was a good bracelet.