Charla Krupp’s best-selling book, How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better simply instructs women over 40 how not to look old.
In honor of Ms. Krupps’ well-titled tome, I’ve expanded her “how not to look old tips” to include men and women.
Memorize these 4 how-not-to-look-old tips for work, and upgrade your style from feeble and decrepit, to fabulous and powerful.
According to a recent May 2008 economic study by the AARP, approximately 8 in 10 Baby boomers plan to work well into their retirement years. Naturally these professional men and women want to look vibrant and energetic at work, not like old relics with one foot in the corporate sector and the other in the retirement home.
With the economic downturn looming over our heads, Ms. Krupp’s sage style advice is needed for baby boomers and their ambitious offspring now, more than ever.
Step 1- Find a signature hairstyle for your face shape
The foundation of your polished business image is a great hairstyle, not a power suit.
A perfectly coiffed haircut can shave years of aging off your face. The wrong one however, can make you look older, not wiser.
Women over the age of 50 should cut their hair in a style that flatters their features. Men should select a hairstyle that exudes power and professionalism, whether they work in upper management or in the hallowed halls of blue-collar-dom.
Step 2 - Use hair color often and liberally
The proper use of hair color can reduce any chance of you looking old. Harsh black and deep brown colors draw attention to the fine lines and wrinkles that older women are desperately trying to hide.
Men should color their hair to cover any strands of gray on their head, mustache and beard for a more youthful look.
Women should lighten their hair as they get older to reduce the presence of fine lines and minimize the sun’s glare on wrinkles and other imperfections.
Step 3 – Update your wardrobe with age appropriate style trends
The classic black or blue suit and a crisp white shirt are timeless workplace style staples. To reduce the chances of not looking old at work, tailor your favorite garments to fit your body. Clothes that are boxy, ill-fitting and shapeless add pounds and age to your frame.
Add classic style choices to your wardrobe: a pinstripe suit, cashmere sweater or trousers without pleats for men, and a sheath dress or sweater twin-set with a pencil skirt for women.
Most importantly, select clothing options that flatter your physique regardless of age, fabric choice or income.
You won’t look old at work, with these final 3 age-busting tips:
1) Wear shoes that follow the current style trends.
2) Select fashionable outwear. Your coat, hat, gloves and scarf present opportunities for you to wear fashion-forward items inspired by the runway.
3) Incorporate signature jewelry, rings and unique timepieces into your wardrobe.
Minimal plastic surgery and teeth whitening will not lower your office IQ
If a trip to Dr. 90210 is good for aging starlets, who want to freshen up their looks, why shouldn’t their Baby boomer peers also drink from the fountain of youth?
Whiter teeth and tighter and toned skin certainly helps men and women not look old. Use these cosmetic procedures to boost your confidence at work.
As long as we live in a world where looks matter, especially in the workplace, use these tips to build your confidence and update your wardrobe. Silence any question of your competence or viability at work with these suggestions on how not to look old.
Use this information not to necessarily compete with the young ones in the office, but thoroughly destroy any notion that the wardrobe of a professional and modern Baby boomer consists only of support hose, polyester, mumus, overalls and orthopedic shoes.
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Tags: dress for your age, how not to look old
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