How to dress well at 60?

Hello all - I too am new on here and loving reading the posts! Giddyaunt there is so much good advice here I probably can't add much. I totally agree about the hair first. Last year, when I 'retired' (ha!) I took the plunge and had a drastic cut which I just love. I've also allowed the silver to take over and am happy with that :-) It felt very brave and bold but it helped me sort out my wardrobe and everything. Do you use Pinterest? I find that brilliant for collating ideas about lots of things, including style. If you search my username from here, when you go into Pinterest it should come up as it's the same and you can see how I thought about my style on there. Good luck and have FUN! X

I'm 65 still feel youthful,I have chestnut shoulder length straight hair which is great as so versatile, I wear it up on warm days,when cooking,etc, but when I go out I wear it loose, after using tongs or heated rollers,and have regular trims.I did try a makeover with the hair,and had it cut much shorter, but hated it and couldn't wait for it to grow again,a good hairstylist should help you choose a style for your hair type,face shape etc,I think places like large supermarkets and matalan very reasonable if trying out a new style, and as in most stores,clothes are displayed in coordinated groups,-I sometimes go when less busy and have trying on session.Good luck in your quest for a new you giddyaunt

i truly believe that our clothing reflects our lifestyle. If you are a sporty person then its usually joggers, leggings, t-shirts and sporty looking shoes, not necessarily trainers and minimal make up and easy care hairstyle. If have a more glam lifestyle then clothes would reflect that with more expensive details and maybe weekly visits to the hairdresser and beauty parlor. Most of us are just in the middle, with comfortable clothes which suit our every day life and maybe a couple of glam outfits for special occasions and a 6 weekly hair appointment to keep tidy and have hair which is manageable.

Hello to new Gransnetters on here and FYI I am always free for coffee and cake or even better wine and cake..

We are working our ay up to a summer wedding and when discussing dresses etc with my sister she said 'well you're just an old hippie' - anyone else with me on here.

Off to the hairdresser and facial deforestation now for me.

Agree - an eyebrow tint and some bright lipstick make a huge difference.
Find out what shapes flatter you. Take a friend/ daughter/dil with you when you shop and get feedback.
I miss Trinny and Susannah. Loved that prog.

Teatime, Throw away all the clothes that you haven't worn for two years, that would mean nearly all of my clothes that I haven't seen for two years, as they are in a box somewhere in the garage!

The removal firm put them in the garage by mistake when coming here, after my late husband dide. Last year I climbed over the boxes searching for them but had no luck. However, there are two houses that are now tempting so I will be SO pleased to get them back again.

On the positve side, I didn't have much winter clothes, so bought two lovely skirts from a charity shop and some new jumpers.

I've used style advisor, especially the new M&S one. It seems pretty helpful as I give feedback on which of the selections I like and dislike and she adjusts accordingly. I have seen at least two items I am going to check out in the store although I am not generally a M&S fan. Clothing sections are often overwhelming, with so much on offer so it is a help to get some pointers to particular items.
I also check out older women on TV whom I admire especially those with similar body shapes to mine, eg. Angela Rippon. I also like the style of Jennie Bond and Helen Mirren. I get ideas from them of appropriate yet stylish day wear. I had a colour advisory session years ago and have a colour swatch to check on which colours suit me. I hope they still do - haven't gone grey yet so hair colour and eyes are still the same!

You lucky people who can change you hairstyle. Mine has only ever done one successfully. Good cut is essential though and worth paying for. Good advice above. I would just add to find a style which looks good but is low maintenance. Lots to do out there an less time to do it!

Wow, lots of advice. I was finding I was stuck in a rut and didn't much like what was available, so I started sewing and I'm loving it. I can make whatever I feel like. Great fun. I also read various blogs, like Fortyplusstyle.com, (not just for 40 year olds, plenty older), Greetje Kamminga's blog Nofearoffashion, she is great fun and is 60, and SeniorStylebible.com. The lady who writes that is 80'+! The internet is marvellous for ideas, even for those of us who aren't Helen Mirren lookalikes. Happy hunting!

Enjoy your makeover Giddyaunt, this is a lovely blog to follow, lots of ideas
thatsnotmyage.com/

Hi im 77 and still use make up have hair tinted and a face massage every month eyebrows done etc wear jeans and old tops when walking dogs but like smart clothes other times exercise every day make sure I dont put on too much weight always been this way and would find it hard to break the habit so go for it girls enjoy every moment and feel good about yourself I remarried at 70 after being a widow for 4 years so something must be working

I treated myself to a colour consultation for my 60th and haven't looked back. Take a good friend with you to watch your transformation!
Don't forget you deserve it! Best of luck. [Smile]

There is a theory that women get stuck in the look when they felt most attractive - I'll let you know when I get there!

Agree with all the above - start with your hair and get rid of any unwanted facial hair if you have it. Change your make up - if you go into Boots they will do a colour test to find the best shade to suit your skin. Once you've started you'll feel a new person and then you'll be able to find the clothes to suit you. Size isn't really an issue these days and online shopping makes trying things on at home so much easier - there are a lot of one size garments that really flatter no matter what shape you are. Try watching the shopping channels for tips - there are two in particular which are really great. 60 is no age at all and everyone deserves to feel fabulous!

Welcome 1974cookie - glad to have you onboard

Teetime... When are you free?

1974cookie hope you find lots of discussions to join in on!

giddyaunt another way to get ideas is to look through a couple of mail order catalogues. You'll probably find out what you don't like before finding a style you like. The easiest way to update your wardrobe is trying new accessories, so look for shoes, bags, scarves and jewellery to up date your basic look.

Once you've had your hair and eyebrows done, think about having your colours done as that will help with buying clothes and makeup.

Forget about your age and just have a great time trying new things!

I agree with * trisher* - look at different styles -- do you like a classic look - a boho look - smart look - a fashionable look? - - what is the best thing in your wardrobe? build around that or - I keep to classic main pieces -- like a navy blazer or jacket - and the jeans or trousers that are a really good fit whatever the colour - then add colour and fashion with t shirts or tops,shoes and scarves and a good leather bag is an essential for me. I also agree about the hair -- get that sorted first so that you are happy with yourself.

Order online so you can try on at home and return - experiment and never give in to beige unless it is taupe - you will find your level after 60 by not thinking 60 - - think what you like and go from there -- age is optional - remember!

Hi giddyaunt I think you should start by deciding what you like and what will suit your lifestyle. Look at magazines, people you see around you and shopping websites. I changed style considerably after 60 because I retired and was able to become more casual. I now like straight leg jeans, loose tops and long cardigans and boots. Try on-line shopping because you can try things on in your own home and don't feel pressurised to buy. A lot of shops like Debenhams have a return to a store near you facility, so you can try out things you just think might suit you and return them easily if you make mistakes. if I see someone with a look I like I still study them carefully and try to work out exactly why I like it. Don't forget charity shops great places for scarves, accessories and jewellery and the occasional bargain. Good luck and enjoy.

I am a new member to Gransnet, so Hello to you all.
One of the best things that I ever did when I reached a certain age, was to change my hairstyle.
It completely changed my life as I was starting to feel a bit frumpy and dull.
If my hair looks good, then I feel like a million dollars.
As for clothes, go for bright colours, or at least a brightly coloured accessory like a scarf.
Some shops seem to think that when Ladies get to a certain age, we just love beige or navy blue clothes, crimplene being the best choice of fabric and an elasticated waist is de rigeur. Sorry, but this is a no-no. We deserve better.
I saw the Gransnet tutorial for Make up last night. Brilliant.
I am so glad to have discovered this site.

I'm a little older than you, giddyaunt, and I make only minor adjustments to my style, from time to time, at this stage of the game. And only to suit myself - if I really like a certain new style or find a certain type of clothing more convenient/comfortable. My hairstyle looks good on me and is easy to take care of, so I haven't changed it in several years and wouldn't consider doing so. (I did start covering the gray when it began to come in - not ready for that yet!). In my view, one of the perks of getting older is that we don't have to worry so much about being "trendy"/wearing the latest styles.

But that's just me. Obviously, you're looking for a major change. So I think the advice given is good and I'm glad you seem excited about following it. I'm also glad you're starting slowly, with the hair and brows, as posters suggested. Moving too quickly would be scary, I imagine, and might lead to decisions you would regret.

Good luck with it all! Hope you enjoy the changes and that you let us know how it all works out!

I think good (subtle) makeup is important. I found the tutorials on Gransnet quite helpful. I tend to get my eyelashes tinted too so I don't have to worry about mascara. It makes the first look in the mirror less shocking!
Absolutely agree about a good haircut. If you're going to spend any money, spend it there!

When it comes to clothes, I'd focus on good well looked after shoes. I got into the habit of cleaning and removing scuffs weekly so they always look smart.

I have mine waxed and then tinted - eyebrows are so important to frame you face and give it a lift. Good luck with your hair and enjoy - lets know how you get on.

Thank you all for your suggestions. Have booked in at a new hairdresser who's been recommended by a friend whose hair always looks amazing.

Will see about a beautician this weekend to sort my eyebrows out. I usually tweeze them myself - would you recommend threading or waxing?

Then I'm off to John Lewis - thanks Teetime!

Good points above. Though I wouldnt throw out anything not worn for 2 years. Seasons change so much recently. I would also advise people watching.

Hair! Sort your hair out first. Get it cut, styled, coloured (if that's what you want), whatever. Then sort out your other hair if it needs it. Eyebrows and facial hair. Only once that's done would I move on to clothes etc. They might look much better with a new hairstyle.