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!

Railingsono here is my order. What do you think? I seem to like pretty things that are a bit interesting. IMHO of course

Hollie No I haven't seen her WDYTYA it sounds interesting I'll see if I can get it on line.

She's presenting the Best Parent programme atm on Channel 4 and wore a lovely necklace last week. She's the best part of a not very well 'thrown together' series.

Just catching up.

I like Anita Rani and Morven Christie in the A word

I looked on Instagram and doesmybumlook40 looks great but not something I'd be able to pull off or feel right in. There were some things on dresslikeamummy that I did like.

Someone said my look is plain and that's definitely it. I think I was wrong saying I don't want to look middle aged I just want to look and feel good about myself rather than feel a bit dull!!!

I have never really 'got' jewellery (though I have some). Prefer costume frankly. I don't even wear my engagement ring most of the time. A half eternity, my wedding band and a Russian wedding ring given to me on my silver wedding anniversary. Earrings, sometimes, but usually quite insignificant because I have to wear spex, and it gets too busy very easily. I did buy a cocktail ring this year, but it was such a steal that it was an investment. I could sell it for 50% more than I paid.

It's dramatic and v beautiful IMO, but not comfortable to wear.

@Justtakeatowel, dressing very plain is a look in itself. Borrowed from menswear, but feminised, I suggest you look at That'sNotMy Age blog. Unfussy, comfortable clothing, and not all the suggestions requirre selling a kidney. She's quite grounded in economic reality, and always points our what she's been lent or given.

@Justtakeatowel I think it was me that recommended those - thanks for checking it out!! Does my bum is not my style but she knows what suits her and looks good I think. Dress like a mum is more my thing - nice jeans, cool t and trainers. Up to date jeans that aren't TOO expensive - BDG (urban outfitters), Dr Denim, Levi's (these are more expensive). Also weekend and Monki. Nice tshirts or tops from urban, weekend and monki. In fact, the latter two are very scandi cool and plain and not pricey. You can get them on asos. I'm 40 and often buy things from urban outfitters. It looks very "teen" but they've good jeans and tops and nice maxi dresses and skirts. Just avoid the crop tops! Ahh I love shopping for other people -

Fascinating thread!

'Not to look middle aged' ... to look 'younger' then.

What do younger people look like? What makes someone look younger to you? It's actually a harder question than you think. We'll leave out wrinkles and say from a distance, in the street - you recon they're young because ...

Hair?
Posture?
Moving around quickly/easily?
Body shape?

For me i think these are the main things.

I would not include 'statement piece' clothes, chunky jewelry, sunglasses or a very salony hair cut in that list.

My two pence worth - (might be unpopular)
I think worrying about specific hair cuts, 'quality pieces' and chunky jewelry should not kick in until you're 70s + 80s +.

Certain hair styles and these 'statement pieces' when not on someone shaped like a catwalk model just scream 'middle aged and trying hard'. A certain demographic having the spare cash to worry about looking 'put together' and younger, ironically ends up looking the epitome of middle aged.

@Laiste I have to agree with you - I recently started watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I think the woman were mainly in their 40s when it started, but they all looked much older, because they were trying too hard to look "glamorous". Plastic surgery, a salon blow-dry, designer clothes and expensive jewellery just made them look elderly rather than their actual age.

I love beautiful well made clothes and now in my 40's can afford them. I hate fast fashion. I do a lot of yoga and my posture is good and have no "enhancements". Totally disagree about it being something you should be concerned about in your 70's +.

I couldn't care less what younger people are wearing.

Everyone thinks they aren't noticeable if you pay enough for them; well they are. And they make everyone look the same with the weird flat screen TV forehead and the slightly "off" proportions of the rest of your face. Even very wealthy/famous women.

This ^^

I totally agree Zara also saymy

Even ridiculously wealthy people like Jane Fonda and poor Tony Curtis who ,no doubt, spend\spent thousands and thousands on the best surgeons for face lifts etc etc. Do not look younger they just look silly for bothering.

I feel sorry for Olivia NJ who has'nt got her own face any more.

Laiste and Bikini - I totally agree. When I meet someone of my age who looks young/cool, I never notice if they have manicured nails or expensive accessories. It’s normally the overall impression they give, that does not look try-hard or too pulled together. Cropped jeans, trainers, half tucked in shirt/tshirt can look current. Looking young is often more dependent on how thick/long your hair is.

I've started taking collagen bern using for about six months now once a day.

I think it's shaved years of my face I notice my skins plumper and more glowing plus my joints feel amazing.

It could be placebo affect 🤣 but I always say feel good and it shows

@tomhardyfan what collagen do you take?

She has linked the product.

I take omega 3 in linseeds and in oil. I eat loads of fresh organic fruit and fresh veg. My skin and hair is good for my age. I'm also slim (not thin) and fit . I do pilates type stretches\plus kitchen dance nearly every day. Gingko and hawthorn are both good herbal supplements for the brain and the heart.

What's kitchen dance? Sounds good!

It's called edible health and yes I linked it in my last post :)
It helps with my exercise regime as well very nutritious.

Just dancing round the kitchen to the radio It could be in the sitting room anywhere with a bit of space and music .

Love it! Thought it was a zumba type programme.

@Frankiemintz

Laiste and Bikini - I totally agree. When I meet someone of my age who looks young/cool, I never notice if they have manicured nails or expensive accessories. It’s normally the overall impression they give, that does not look try-hard or too pulled together. Cropped jeans, trainers, half tucked in shirt/tshirt can look current. Looking young is often more dependent on how thick/long your hair is.

Totally agree although the OP has clarified that it’s not so much younger as more stylish.

I got volume extensions as my thin hair was really ageing me. It’s made the biggest difference to my appearance I think.

very very late but I just want to say @Floisme your first few posts were great.

My fivepence....

Grow out your layers and get a blunt bob. Lovely with a wave, and so so much more modern. I don't think you should colour it, I like the cool light brown it is naturally, and condition is more important anyway.

Statement jewellery - god no! It's the new indoor scarf. Fine, multilayered gold-toned jewellery looks great but needs styling properly. Otherwise just focus on clothes...

Spring maybe you need to let Vogue and Harpers know they've got it wrong with statement jewellery ....

www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g29038434/spring-2020-jewelry-trends/