How to dress well at 60?

I agree that hair should come first, top down, literally. My new hairstyle was given a kick-start because I lost my hair to chemo. It grew back white and curly and I loved it, but the curl soon went away. I was left with stick-straight white hair which demands a frequent, good cut, so that's what I do. I stopped buying clothes at all for a while because I felt I already had too many (2 triple wardrobes full...) but after having lost weight (that too was partly the fault of chemo) I am enjoying some new ones. The thing I really need to do is put on makeup every day, and I just can't be bothered. I suppose the subconscious attitude is: "it's enough to be alive, why bother trying to be pretty!" And quite often I'm just too tired to do more than basic hygiene. Anyone else like that after a major illness?

I have been spending the day in a Joe Brown's tunic which I normally wear over jeans. Because it was the weekend and no one would see me I wore tights instead of the jeans. I thought it looked pretty good, but possibly not quite right now I'm almost 70 It is great not having to worry too much about other people though. I can dye my hair and wear purple nail varnish and no one can stop me

ethelbags1 - 'How can I grow mine long?' Don't have it cut?

(Sorry - couldn't resist!)

Seriously, even if you are growing it you need to have the ends trimmed regularly to keep it looking good.

Everyone says have a good cut but I want to grow mine long as I love plaits, how can I grow mine long, there must be someone out there with advice for long hair.

Whatever you wear, do it with confidence. Don't get caught in the trap of old lady clothes, patterns and flowers and crazy colours! Despite popular opinion black is always classy and you can add a pop of colour with fantastic jewelery or a cashmere or silk scarf. Only buy what you love and keep away from M&S at all costs, most of the clothes they do are dreadful. A basic taupe navy cream and black are all the colours you need. Great hair, a good bag and professional makeup and you will look stunning.

Oh Yes, a Colour Consultation, a brilliant suggestion. I had one a few years ago and that was when I discovered that the colour that I loved but was always afraid to wear ( bright red ) was actually one of my signature colours. I have never looked back. It saves an awful lot of time clothes shopping as you also learn what colours to avoid.

Like many I still have the same hairstyle as I have had for over 30yrs as it is difficult to change it being, thin, straight and my face being square shapped.

Well no matter what I wear I always look like a sack of tatties lol.I think it has to do with me being apple shaped.When I was a size 10 many moons ago, I could wear anything I picked off the rail.Now it is the exact opposite.I have had the same hair style for years and the facial hair is awful.You have all inspired me to get my act together thank you.Oh and I prefer threading to waxing it's just a little less painful.Roll on Monday and don't forget your local college for the beauty treatments.

JennyB, great website....thanks (thatsnotmy age.com)

When you say a 'bright lipstick', how bright do you mean? I used to love a nice red lippy - til my sister told me that I looked as though I had a gash in my face ?

Hi
I am new to Gransnet and approaching my 59th birthday, I have a classic bob ,I dye my hair, and have my eyebrows done. I work full time so have to wear smart clothing, but at the weekend I please myself. When you look to change your style ask for help, but also make sure you inject your personality in it too. Hope you enjoy your experience.

I have to agree with Townie as regards bright lipstick. I find a bright one makes my lips look thinner and invariably puts years on me.
I prefer a somewhat more pronounced eye makeup and a paler lippy.

I use the colour me beautiful books and personal stylist advice when I feel my wardrobe is floundering. At the moment I am looking for a hairdresser as 2 of mine - mobile & shop, have left recently.

I keep lighted tweezers so that I can pluck all offending hairs immediately. I weed my wardrobe from time to time of items that no longer belong to my retirement lifestyle such as white long sleeved shirts. Spring is here and I now need to pick a gardening outfit!! I ditched my long serving navy blue trousers as I felt they had earned their keep.

Clothes shopping......I'm utterly useless and so I hate it. I've got lots of clothes but wear a very limited number of items. I would love the advice of a personal shopper but fear I would weakly buy the clothes they suggest and then hate them....relegate them to the back of the wardrobe before donating to charity. I sometimes wonder how I manage to not be naked....my daughters despair of my attitude to shopping but usually say I look good. Too kind. As for taking a stylish friend well with work and grannying I've devoted very little time to friends so that's not an option. I do enjoy buying running gear though

just to add to the discussion...... since retiring 9 years ago,I have not once worn a skirt or dress, as my apple shape stomach and not -very-lovely lower legs are not exactly flattered by these items. however, I have moved to expensive classic jeans in dark basic colours ( in-store advice gave me the courage !) and can honestly say that, with the appropriate top/ jacket /boots/shoes,etc. there has not been one occasion since where I have felt unsuitably dressed - michelin restaurants, opera, theatre, as well as more casual. the 2 exceptions which need respect are weddings and funerals , for which I have some smart straight black trousers.
the initial cost of the jeans is offset by the fact that I'm still wearing them all 9 years later !

I'm with you nanakate, when I stopped working I got rid of anything that I had specifically for work like suits and black trousers. I have also put on weight through illness which cut out some of my wardrobe though not forever I hope. What I was left with was a kind of uniform of jeans, comfortable Oska t shirts cardis and jumpers. I ignored everything else in the wardrobe. Then I got bored with only ever being comfy and am in the 'I need to find a new style ' rut which began this thread.

One thing I have begun which is I realise not for everyone is to take up sewing my own clothes again. The sewing community on the Internet is generous and full of inspiration. The Curvy Sewing Collective is there for curvy women who don't want to sew sacks to wear. Sewing for yourself won't save you any money unfortunately although a combination of charity shop finds and alterations will.

Welcome to newcomers on this site, there's something for everyone!

Lately I've been donating a lot of clothes to charity. My sweaters seemed too short to flatter my larger tummy. I've bought new sweaters in Sainsbury's and Tesco which are really long, like tunics. Much more flattering for my shape. I've been trying to buy leggings but can't find a good fit anywhere. My legs are slim.

stopped

Having finally stoppa working I'm looking forward to a bit of dressing badly!

Absolutely agree with grannysue2, getting the colours right is transformational. You'd be amazed at the improvement to the appearance of your skin and hair colour. I had House of Colour consultation a few years ago, discovered that my favourite colours did me no favours, it's the difference between "I love your top" and "That top looks amazing on YOU"....

Ah - I've now seen that Gransnet is in Pinterest! Should have realised that! There's a great section there on style which might help!

I am nearly 65 and I suppose I developed the style I have at around 60. It was not instant. I was so 'beige' back then. I have found colour. I wear calf length patterned skirts...loads of fabric, two different coloured vest things and top with a cardie. I have dozens of these vest things bought for £3 each and loads of skirts (all bought on ebay...mainly per una and Next).

So what I am saying is not to go with fashion but to develop your own style and do not be afraid of colour. It does not have to be expensive. Oh I am a size 18 by the way.

Oh - and new specs!

Great advice here. The priority of good hair is so right - it's always with you. On makeup, Bobbi Briwn counters are good for advice on s subtle look, which is so much more flattering than heavy makeup, specially as you get older. Someone mentioned bright lipstick. I'd keep well away from that as have always found it very aging. So many pretty softer colours around. And I like a very light texture, like a tinted lip balm ir 'shine', as it's so much better than a dry powdery look.

I too have been having a style / wardrobe crisis & feeling that I had nothing to wear. There are lots of websites devoted to image & style but the theme in two of them were about putting together capsule wardrobes. The sites were Inside Out Style & the Vivienne Files. Although not aimed at our age group - & I am 10 years older than you Giddyaunt - I used the concept & have had great fun putting outfits together around my navy trousers & buying a couple of new sweaters & tunics as well as scarves & necklaces.

I'm off for 5 days in Palma on Monday with my new capsule wardrobe in a carryon suitcase.

I also decided my grooming need attention especially as I am having to go grey following developing a reaction to hair dye. So manicure yesterday 2 with gel varnish for my holiday - this is only the second manicure I have ever had in my life. Whiskers & brows sorted - brighter lipstick.