STYLIST ANNE RYAN OFFERS ADVICE ON FASHION FOR WOMEN OVER 55
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Fashion is a powerful tool that allows you to express who you are, no matter your age. However, even with the best intentions, certain style choices can unintentionally make you look older than you feel. For women over 55, it’s crucial to focus on embracing your individuality and showcasing your personality through fashion, rather than feeling limited by outdated rule
DRESS FOR YOUR SHAPE
Looking and feeling fabulous at any age starts with being comfortable in your own skin, and that begins with dressing for your body shape. Instead of hiding behind baggy or ill-fitting clothes, opt for pieces that highlight your best features and make you feel confident. When you learn how to dress for your specific body type, building a wardrobe that enhances your natural shape becomes easy and enjoyable.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR BODY TYPE
The best way to determine your body shape is to stand in front of a mirror wearing form-fitting clothing and take note of your widest and narrowest areas. You can also take measurements of your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. There are several body shapes, including Inverted Triangle, Pear, Apple, and Hourglass, but we'll focus on two popular types: Inverted Triangle and Hourglass.
INVERTED TRIANGLE BODY SHAPE
If your upper body is broader than your lower body, you may have an Inverted Triangle shape. Typically, the waist is not well-defined, and your shoulders or bust are your widest points. The goal for this body shape is to balance the proportions by drawing attention to the lower half.
WHAT TO WEAR:
● Tops: Opt for tops in darker shades than your bottoms. Look for V-necks, U-necks, sweetheart, or scoop necklines to create balance. Avoid high necklines and puffy sleeves that can add bulk to your upper body.
● Accessories: Belts are your best friend, particularly wide belts that sit at your hips, drawing attention to your lower half.
● Dresses: Choose styles that are fitted around the bust and shoulders but have a defined waist, like wrap or belted dresses. Avoid maxi dresses, which can overwhelm your narrow hips.
● Bottoms: Go for low-rise trousers to elongate the torso, and opt for flared, straight, or wide-leg pants to balance your shape. Full, flared skirts are also a great choice.
HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE
Women with an Hourglass shape have a well-proportioned figure, with a wide bust and hips, and a narrow waist. Celebrities like Sofia Vergara and Christina Hendricks are famous for their hourglass shapes, and they embrace styles that emphasise their curves.
WHAT TO WEAR:
● Tops: Fitted or belted tops are ideal for showing off your waist. Open necklines like V-necks or scoops will flatter your bust while highlighting your waist.
● Pants: Boot-cut, flare, and wide-leg trousers are excellent choices to balance your curves and accentuate your hips.
● Skirts: Pencil skirts and A-line skirts that cinch at the waist will emphasize your hourglass figure beautifully.
WHAT TO AVOID:
● Straight, boxy shapes that hide your waist should be avoided unless paired with a belt. Additionally, avoid cropped pants or sleeves that hit at the widest part of your body, and steer clear of clothing that ends at your hips, as it can add unwanted width.
FASHION TIPS FOR EVERY SHAPE
If you’re self-conscious about certain areas, like your arms or midsection, don’t worry—there are plenty of options to make you feel both comfortable and chic. For the arms, sleeves that hit just below the elbow are flattering and provide the right amount of coverage. For the midsection, wrap tops or peplum blouses are excellent choices, offering a flattering fit around the stomach, while drawing attention to your waist.
EMBRACE FASHION AT ANY AGE
The bottom line is that fashion should be fun and liberating. At 55 and beyond, there’s no reason to shy away from trends, colours, or bold statements. Take control of your style by wearing what makes you feel fabulous. You deserve to feel empowered, stylish, and confident at any age.
The best accessory is always your self-confidence—so embrace it!
We hope these fashion tips have inspired you to embrace your unique style and feel fabulous at any age. Do you have a go-to style tip or favourite outfit that makes you feel confident? Have these suggestions helped you rethink your wardrobe? Feel free to share your feedback and ideas—we’re excited to continue the conversation and learn from each other’s style journeys!
Contact us by email: aohr1970@gmail.com
ABOUT ANNE RYAN
Anne Ryan is an experienced event organizer and style advisor with a lifelong passion for fashion. Starting her career as a model at 16, Anne later represented Limerick in the Miss Ireland pageant. After years in fashion, she spent nearly a decade as a flight attendant in Dubai, followed by 15 years in Thailand, gaining rich cultural insights. Now based in Spain, Anne hosts luncheons for the Costa Women's Marbella Group and charitable fashion events supporting causes like suicide prevention and community aid. Her expertise and dedication have made her a key figure in connecting and empowering women through fashion and events.
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