For many mid-life “Bloomers,” fashion can be bewildering. Thoughts like “I still feel young but am not sure I can still dress young,” “I want to look attractive but not too sexy,” “How do I look fashionable without looking like my daughter or granddaughter?,” or just plain, “What does fashion even MEAN anymore?,” may be roaming in the heads of Bloomers.  After all, you are living longer than your grandmothers did, looking better and feeling better.  You want an image that captures the beauty of all you have learned and earned. 

Learning how to blend modern trends with classic looks is the key.  The following principles can have you looking exquisite in no time at all.

Fit and a modern cut make the difference

Legs on trousers should be straight and long, creating one long line from your hip to your foot, while tops should fit close to the waist without being too tight or revealing any unnecessary parts. The more structured, the better – that way the clothes do the work and you don’t have to! Be sure to accentuate the parts of you that you love. Still have great legs? Wear a knee-length pencil or A-line skirt. Have sexy shoulders from carrying around those kids? Take advantage of spaghetti straps and halters. Whatever you love, show it off, but keep it simple.

Play with color

Once you have clothes that fit and accentuate your best parts, learn to play with color, and then put it near your face. Your skin tone and hair color may be changing, either naturally or with a little help, but they are changing nonetheless. Finding colors that make you look and feel exuberant will have you out-styling the younger, confused, have-to-look-like-everyone-else generation.

Not sure what colors look good on you? Here’s a starting point: As skin starts to mature, jewel tones complement the beauty of that skin. If you are still unsure, take a friend shopping with you and help each other figure out which colors make you radiant.  One of the best ways to add color to your face is to find a camisole in a beautiful hue that you love, layer it under a neutral-colored button down, and leave a few buttons undone. Voila! Or if you hate your neck, find a beautiful scarf in your favorite colors and use that to play up your face. And don’t forget to smile!