Do you look in the mirror and Feel like a Frump because you know that you’ve let yourself go? Want to pinpoint exactly what it is that’s making you look so old so you can finally do something about it? Here are the 7 Sure Signs you’re Looking Frumpy after 40.
1. You Resemble a Tent Baggy clothes that hide your entire body make you look old and matronly. Show off the parts of your body you still like (for: example your bust) and cover up only the parts you don’t (your hips). Don’t use oversized clothes as a gigantic blanket to hide behind. Switch to more fitted clothing (but not tight) if you want to look fresh and fabulous after 40.
2. Yellow Teeth A big turnoff and a telltale sign of age despite how great you may look otherwise. At midlife a set of shiny white teeth will easily knock ten years off. These days it’s simple to do with at home whiteners or dentist laser treatments that restore sex appeal.
3. Dated Glasses Still wearing those hokey glasses you bought ten years ago? Then it’s time for an update. The trend now- buy at least two pairs---one that is dressy and one that is casual and fun and switch them around to look modern and fashionable. Be sure to take a stylish friend along with you when you make your choice. It’s easy to get stuck in an eyeglass rut and end up buying much the same thing you had before.
4. Dull uneven Skin Tone As we age our skin starts to fade and years of sun damage from too much tanning begins to show up on our face the dark brown spots of midlife. You can even out your skin and restore its natural glow with cosmetic peels, and even laser resurfacing treatments. An added bonus- fine line and wrinkle also seem to disappear as the new layer of skin is revealed.
5. Saggy Bust If your breasts are heading south it’s time to perk them up with a good supporting bra. The older we get the more this is to help hold everything that’s fallen in place. Throw out your boring white underwear. Go out on a limb and get some lingerie that is colorful and fun. Age is a state of mind and if we’re feeling sexy underneath, we’re going project a vibrant, youthful energy to the world.
6. Helmet Head Hair The most glaring sign you are stuck in the past Helmet head hairdos like Betty and Wilma Flintstone. Don’t be caught looking like this! Keep you hair, loose, soft, and shiny. Update your style very six months and make sure your color is multidimensional not flat and phony, in order to look fabulous after 40.
7. Old Lady Handbag and Shoes You’ll look like an “old bag” if you carry an old handbag. Unstylish purses and shoes are a sure giveaway you’ve fallen in an old lady fashion rut. Study the magazines, see what younger gals are carrying and wearing on their feet and copy them. This is one area where you can be a little more trendy and fun. Classic styles + funky accessories =modern and youthful.
Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler (The Glam Gals) are Image and Style Experts specializing in helping women 40 plus look and feel fabulous. They are the authors of the book, The Glam Plan~ 12 Simple Steps to Take You from Frumpy to Fabulous, as well as coaches for their Tweak Your Chic™, Image make-over program. For more style tips visit: www.fabulousafter40.com and sign up for their bi-weekly newsletter. You can also contact them at: info@fabulousafter40.com
» left by Dianne Lehmann(5,738) Dianne Lehmann (2 years 26 days ago.)
Hi Deborah. You are obviously writing this article for the people who care about what other people think of them. Not that that is such a bad thing as long as you don't lose sleep over it. And your tips are meant to help women. But what is wrong with just being yourself.
I've gotten to the age (55) where I don't care so much what people think about my mode of dress, make-up and hair. It has been very liberating. I still want to look my personal best, but I don't do it for others. I guess what I am trying to say is that it might have been nice if you had addressed this issue in your article. If I am wrong about the first sentence, I apologize. Otherwise, your article was well written, very clear and to the point. Oh, if you look at my picture, it is current. Respond to this comment
» left by JoJami from Wilmington, DE (2 years 26 days ago.)
Hi Dianne,
There is nothing wrong with being yourself and we would never try to change anyone. However, these are just tips for those that would like to try to look better. We like to think of it as "getting the wheels turning". We had someone contact us directly after reading the article and say, "I never realized that yellow teeth can be aging, so thank you for bringing it to my attention, I'm making an appointment to get my teeth whitened today!"
This was something that must have stuck a cord to her. Not everyone needs white teeth, but this women is excited to try it! How fun it that! She might even start to smile more~JoJami Respond to this comment
» left by Rita Wilde from Nashua, NH (11 hours 56 minutes ago.) New Comment!
I just loved this article. I was just telling a salesclerk yesterday that I had caught my reflection in the mirror and was looking and feeling frumpy.
You're so right. I'm getting my teeth whitened. I quit smoking a couple years ago and I deserve a treat. I'm starting to wear lipstick too!
Also, those boobs need to come up. Remember how grandma's boobs got lower and lower as she got older?
I'm not sure where to go on the helmet head, but I've had the same "Cher" style since the 60's. I'd like a good cut that doesn't make me look like I've lost my hormones. Perhaps my stylist will help.
Also, I asked my daughter what not to buy. I've been buying clothes at thrift stores for years, and she said that those clothes are donated for a reason. She also said short tops are out-of-style now, actually since the end of the 90's. Perhaps I'll take a walk through the mall or some of those high-end stores to see what's in style.
I've also been told that perfume that smells like flowers is a dead giveaway to old age. Remember the older ladies that always wore rose cologne? I sprung for a nice bottle of Halle at CVS, and Dolce & Gabbana... very sophisticated fragrances.
I'd love to be able to wear heals. Being 5'2" it would've helped me see over the counter at McDonalds, but my old legs just won't take it, so I'm opting for 2" platforms.
Are there any websites that show what's currently in style for normal American women, who aren't fashion models, and don't hang out in Hollywood?
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