Carefully chosen accessories add pizzazz and interest to an outfit. Think animal print belt, flashy handbag, sunglasses, jewellery and scarves.
Hats and berets are fun and stylish. Always tilt a hat or beret over the left eye. Curved belts sit well on the waist. They are difficult to come across but a leather worker will make one for you. Have one in black and one in tan.
TOP TIP: When wearing an extra wide curved belt, let it sit lower at the front by doing it up slightly loose. This looks excellent when the belt is worn over an untucked, close-fitting top.
Designer handbags are the must-have accessory at the moment and certainly add prestige to any rig-out if the name of the designer is prominently displayed. Happily, reproductions abound so everybody can indulge in designer handbags and almost nobody can tell the difference. Mind you, you need to cultivate the persona that shouts “Of course it is genuine!” Keep handbags in proportion to your height. Smaller handbags for shorter girls.
If you include black, brown, grey and navy in your wardrobe, use jewellery and scarves for a lift. Red, yellow and beige are difficult for fair ladies to wear. Those colours tend to drain the complexion, but are fabulous on brown-eyed brunettes. Accessories can come in bright colours and lolly colours and ice cream colours and the stellar jewel colours to add that vibrant finish to your outfit.
No doubt you have a lovely collection of jewellery after all the years of inheriting, receiving presents and indulging yourself.
Jewellery is the ultimate accessory and adds the sophisticated finishing touch to your appearance. Try not to be too fussy about matching pieces. Don’t worry about mixing white gold with yellow and rose gold.
Have your precious jewellery serviced by your jeweller: claws renewed on precious stones, worn down bands on rings built up, dents “panel beaten” out of pieces, usually bangles, when necessary. Necklaces need to be restrung when you notice wear or a fault in the thread. Try to have knotting done either between every bead or at least here and there to safeguard against loss if the necklace breaks. You may have vintage or antique pieces that can be functional again with a repair as simple as a new catch on a brooch. Have a loop put onto a cameo brooch to transform it into a pendant – I guarantee that it will look sensational.
Professional cleaning of your jewellery will make it “new” again.
TOP TIP: If you have a double or triple strand of graduated cultured pearls that you never wear, have them restrung to opera length. An opera length strand of graduated pearls looks a million dollars.
Continue to add to your collection. Vintage jewellery is sold for around half value, so is always good buying and often more interesting and stylish.
Include the full range when wearing jewellery. Earrings to light up the face, watch, bracelet and rings to flash and sparkle. Brooches are fun and can be conversation pieces. Always wear a necklace. Even on home and gardening days, wear a simple silver or gold chain. A necklace really adds prettiness to the face.
I will list basic jewellery must-haves but the sky is the limit and your jewellery is really your collection.
I must mention here that I consider pearls the most beautiful of gems and they are a personal favourite of mine. They make any woman look wonderful. Pearls suit everybody. I have recently been given a pink pearl necklace and it too is certainly gorgeous. Pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, bracelets and rings are timeless – pearl earrings would have to be the most enhancing and useful piece of jewellery you own. Mix pearls with opals for a pretty, springtime effect.
Costume jewellery can be so much fun because it is low cost, not usually of sentimental value – more here today gone tomorrow. I am sure that you will already have quite a collection. Time to sort through and discard the pieces that you will never wear again and broken pieces not worth repair. Identify pieces that have potential but have been forgotten. Clean them with a jewellery dip, detergent, warm water and a toothbrush. Costume jewellery and precious jewellery mix well – throw in some vintage pieces. The combinations are endless.
Wedding, engagement, eternity rings and jewellery received as gifts, inherited pieces, holiday purchases, items chosen for you by children and grandchildren, pieces you couldn’t really afford all celebrate highlights of your life. Show off those pieces and re-live the wonder of those moments.
Nowadays when travelling, just when we have the opportunity to show off some precious jewellery it really can be too risky. Our age makes us more vulnerable to burglary. Best not to travel with valuable pieces. Make up a set of costume jewellery and simulated pieces, less valuable settings and stones. Try freshwater pearls, zircons, crystals, sterling silver rather than gold settings and include funky costume jewellery. Travelling without valuables takes away a great deal of stress.
TOP TIP: If you have a nickel allergy use clear nail polish to keep the nickel from touching your skin. If you develop a rash apply Betnovate cream (see Creams, Lotions and Ointments).
Here are some ideas to flatter and enhance your appearance:
We all have areas of our bodies that are now best hidden.
Share your thoughts below.
For other great Health & Beauty Tips For Women Aged Between 60 & 80, Margaret Woodberry’s book is available for $23.25 via Booktopia.