Monday, December 29, 2014

Style Over 50: Repurposing the Sleeveless LBD

Professional outfit for women over 50


Recently, I was watching an episode of the television show Madame Secretary. In one scene, the stunning Téa Leoni, 48, wore a dark jumper with a white collared shirt and pumps. "What a fabulous look!" I thought. The jumper was classic- and crisp-looking, yet easy and comfortable. Before long, I was wondering: "Would any of my sleeveless dresses work as a jumper?" I immediately thought of one of my little black dresses (above).

Repurposing a sleeveless LBD as a jumper solves two problems for me. First, I'm always looking for something to wear when I have to make a presentation or do training for work. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but after many years of public speaking, I still get nervous and overheated when I have to talk to a large group of people. I want to look and feel professional, but I hate to wear a suit jacket, even a lightweight one. I'm thinking the LBD as a jumper plus heels is a professional, yet comfortable solution.

Secondly, these days, I'm less inclined to wear sleeveless dresses.While I didn't see much change in my arms in my early 50s, in the last year or so, my arms are clearly showing their age. I'm not about to wear long sleeves 24-7 or retire all my favorite sleeveless dresses and tops. Not yet, anyway. However, I am always on the lookout for stylish ways to wear 3/4 and long sleeves. Again, a LBD plus a crisp 3/4 sleeved blouse  is a nice arm-covering solution.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

My New Favorite Product: Marc Jacob Highliner



It would take a lot of blog space to describe all the reasons I appreciate my girlfriends. One reason, though, is because they are constantly introducing me to new things, big and small. When one of them introduces me to something related to fashion or style, I often want to turn around and share with Flattering50 readers. Case in point: In October, during dinner with a girlfriend, I mentioned I'd tried countless eyeliners (above is a tiny sample) and found them all unsatisfactory. I knew my girlfriend wore eyeliner and asked if she could recommend one. She said she was pleased with the Marc Jacob Highliner. I've been using the product ever since and am pleased, too. Here's why...

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Ronen Chen Jacket: Style and Comfort from Desk to Dinner



What to wear over 50? Five years into writing Flattering50, I've discovered what to wear isn't my biggest fashion challenge. I look best in clothing that flatters my body shape, suits my lifestyle and is well-made. The real challenge is where to find flattering fashions. Designer Ronen Chen seems to understand this challenge and has created a collection of fitted and relaxed fashions that flatters a range of body shapes and lifestyles. Recently, the designer sent me his fitted Miriam Textured Jacket (above) to share with Flattering50 readers.

If you're are just learning about Ronen Chen, now is a great time to visit his site, with up to 40% off on the entire collection.