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!

Curated is the latest wanky term in the fashion and beauty world. Sali Hughes uses it a lot. All it does is expose their ignorance of what it actually means.

In case anyone interested my Cezane order arrived and the quality is excellent but the sizing is a little large. I am a size 10 but the Small is too big which is a pain as the tiny models are wearing XS, are they stitched into them? I ordered one in the XS and that's perfect. Shirts are especially nice. Thumbs up.

I really like the way all the youngster's "curated" ears look in the piercing groups, I just wish they'd describe them differently because my kneejerk reaction to the word 'curated' is quite strong!

I've always been a sucker for piercings though. I spent far too many years listening to people tell me facial piercings looked unprofessional, immature, unstylish etc etc etc and last year had my nose re done and have a bigger than average hoop in it these days. I love it, it makes me happy every time I see it in the mirror, which is always going to be more important than whether someone else likes the look or not!

Anyone bought a casual rain jacket, so difficult with sizing and not being able to go and try on.

Steering towards Joules but it is expensive and Maine - Debenhams look old lady

List of things that make you look less frumpy:

good teeth- visit dental hygienist regularly, take calcium supplements. If you have missing teeth consider cosmetic dental surgery.

Healthy hair or great wig
Get colours done- don’t wear too much black, it can be ageing

Lose weight- being overweight makes you look more frumpy. Aim is to be slim or curvy( not the modern day definition of curvy aka fat). You should aim to be Beyoncé, JLo curvy.

Exercise-,in particular weight bearing exercise.
One thing I will say is that some women can bulk up if they use heavy weights , despite what some posters have said .I am testament to this, which is why I tend not to use heavy weights. It depends on one’s body type.

Power walking is great exercise when one reaches middle age. If done regularly can tone your legs, stomach and behind. Running is not great for the knees
Callanetics/yoga - brilliant for posture

Btw, agree with those who say that statement scarves can age you.

Wear makeup- I don’t care how beautiful a woman is, when you get older you need a bit of slap. I am not saying that it should be applied with a trowel .

Not too much botox

Confidence- fake it until you make it.

@Heygirlheyboy

In case anyone interested my Cezane order arrived and the quality is excellent but the sizing is a little large. I am a size 10 but the Small is too big which is a pain as the tiny models are wearing XS, are they stitched into them? I ordered one in the XS and that's perfect. Shirts are especially nice. Thumbs up.

That’s annoying about sizing. I would have thought French sizing would have been small too. Do you have to pay for returns? Any photos?!

@woodhill I have this one. Not that I’m saying it’s the epitome of style but it’s practical and relatively stylish as these things go. I got the olive.
www.barbour.com/uk/barbour-subtropic-waterproof-jacket?source=googleshopping&locale=en-GB&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj7SC6Oym6gIVxrHtCh1PMw-ZEAQYAiABEgLyR_D_BwE

@woodhill

Anyone bought a casual rain jacket, so difficult with sizing and not being able to go and try on.

Steering towards Joules but it is expensive and Maine - Debenhams look old lady

No, I’ve just resigned myself to looking like a bag lady when I walk the dog in the rain. I haven’t seen a single rainproof jacket that doesn’t remind me of old ladies’ anoraks, unless you go the shiny pvc route and that’s just not me.

Btw- many expensive creams are a waste of money. I have been using astral ( which is a cheap moisturiser) for years and have great skin

No I don't have to pay at least and I love the two shirts especially. Did you see the pic I posted of the order itself above? I am uncertain on two tops, to the waist but I think too wide (the navy and white) but if brave later I will post some pics.

Thanks Railing

Lovely but way too expensive- more £50 max😊

Alsohuman a super stylish friend who seems able to turn herself out perfectly for every conceivable occasion has a gorgeous rain jacket, she said she got it in Canada. I will find out make but expect it is expensive.

I have never met a woman who wouldn’t look great in a pair of smart track pants and a tailored jacket
This woman obviously has no arse.

Please do @Heygirlheyboy, I’d love to be proved wrong. I’d also be prepared to pay. I like Barbour very much but it doesn’t like me, unfortunately.

Haha. I have arse. Tracky bottoms and blazer would look shite on me.
Also, anyone old enough to remember rab c nesbitt? That was his uniform. Not pretty.

I've also got a feeling liz jones wears tracky bottoms and blazer

@famousforwrongreason should we wear a string vest as well?

Is that what we should be aiming for now: Rab C Nesbitt with curated ears? 😂

Lol. I don't know what curated ears are but I do remember rocking a string vest in the early noughties. Think I had one in every colour. With a Mini skirt and biker boots .

Alsohuman it's a company called Arc'teryx. Her jacket is a few years old she says but worth a look.

So I got my first Stitch Fix box today. Five items total cost £138. I had done a lot of the style choice input and give a detailed brief but I was surprised at how much the stylist "got me."

Four out of the five items I never would have tried on, but am keeping everything - you get 20% off that way so I have convinced myself that means I get the Mango denim shirt for free!!

I got skinny jeans in a lovely soft stretch denim. A gorgeous navy maxi dress, the denim shirt, and two cotton tops. It was close enough to my usual style that I happily tried it all and it will go with stuff I have, but different enough that I wouldn't have bought it myself if you see what I mean?

I really didn't expect to keep all of it so am very impressed.

@Heygirlheyboy

Alsohuman it's a company called Arc'teryx. Her jacket is a few years old she says but worth a look.

Found them, thank you. Aaaargh, the prices! Bag lady it is!

arcteryx.com/gb/en/shop/womens/patera-parka

That jacket is so middle aged. Sorry.

Trouble is they all are Persona. I’ve yet to see one that isn’t.