Over the years, I’ve learned that looking good isn’t about pleasing other people; it’s about building my own confidence.

If you feel good, you look good. If you look good, you’re confident. If you’re confident . . . there’s nothing you can’t do.

 

10 Small Steps to Reassess Your Look

If you need a to kickstart a re-assessment of you hair, makeup and clothes (something you should do periodically), take these small steps to help you get started:

  1. Stand up straight and tall.
  2. Shampoo less, condition more.
  3. Choose a style that works with your hair, not against it.
  4. Review makeup and clothing colors every few years to assess how they work with your skin and hair.
  5. Keep makeup light and bright.
  6. Add magnifying mirrors to your bathroom and bags — and use them.
  7. Dress to flatter the body you have now, not the one you had twenty years ago or the one you hope to have at some point in the future.
  8. Only wear clothes that fit and find a good tailor to fix those that don’t.
  9. Replace bras at least once a year and get professionally fitted.
  10. Let go of anything that doesn’t flatter and suit the woman you are right today.

 

Dressing for Your Best Self

The most flattering look of all? Good health and a confident smile. But most of us feel even more fab when we also know that our clothes are accentuating our positives (and maybe glossing over a few of our little negatives). If that’s you, consider these tried-and-true wardrobe tricks:

Instead of hiding your best features . . . play them up by wearing a mix of darker and light colors. Get strategic! Wear lighter and brighter shades on the parts of your body you want to accentuate, and darker colors on the parts you want to downplay.

Instead of mixing clothes and accessories that cut your body in half . . . choose items and colors that make you look longer and leaner. Stick to one color from head to toe and try to avoid cutting your body in half with horizontal lines, wide belts or waistbands.

Instead of being self-conscious about out-of-shape arms . . . camouflage with flair. Pair sleeveless shirts and dresses with a lightweight jacket or open-front cardigan. In warm weather, add a little coverage with a sheer blouse layered over a cami (one of my favorite year-round looks), Try poet-style tops with billowy sleeves balanced with fitted pants.

Instead of feeling overexposed by skimpy summer dresses . . . try a maxi or midi dress or skirt. A maxi or midi dress is chic and functional. If you’re short, skip the full-skirted options in favor of a sleeker fit. Pair with a wedge shoe for extra height and style.

Instead of focusing only on what’s happening below the neck . . . wear clothes that flatter your face. Wearing lighter, brighter colors around your face will draw attention upward and will add luminosity to help you look more vibrant.

Want to get tips on health, fitness, eating, sex, menopause, style, makeup, hair, relationships and so much more? Check out my award-winning book — LOVE YOUR AGE: THE SMALL-STEP SOLUTION TO A BETTER, LONGER, HAPPIER LIFE — by clicking here. 

 

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Hi, Barbara – Nice tips that work when we’re staying at home as well as for the times when we are able to go out…They definitely tempt one to buy your whole book! Thanks for sharing – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com

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