SHORT STATEMENT NECKLACES INSTEAD OF LONG ONES. A chunky collarbone necklace lights up your complexion and brings sparkle back to your eyes- especially in mixes of pearls, beads and stones that reflect light. A bib that starts at the collarbone and goes to mid-chest can even disguise sun-damage and crepe-y skin. If you have a big or saggy chest, a short chunky necklace (+ a good bra ) can refocus attention up and away. Longer necklaces that dangle over the cliff of your boobs are no help- even your mother’s pearls or a “find” you brought back from Thailand. Keep amulets and charms no longer than mid-chest and loop those long necklaces lariat style like you do with long scarves ( check that Diana Vreeland photo for a how-to).
STUDS AND LIGHT HOOPS INSTEAD OF HEAVY DROPS AND CHANDELIERS. If you’ve been a fan of big earrings by now your piercings are stretched and elongated- a dangerous and aging look especially when combined with droopy lobes ( Did you know that your earlobes and noses keep growing forever? As you get older they just get bigger! ). Get your piercings sewn up by a cosmetic surgeon and re-pierce when all is healed. Even Oprah got her ears pierced ( first time) at 50 so it’s not a big deal. Studs are light and are a hot trend again- everyone from Tory Burch to Marc Jacobs are doing them but you can find low-cost ones for under $20 everywhere. Sparkly slim hoops are another option that looks youthful especially if your hair is long, you smooth it behind your ears or wear a ponytail.
Use it or lose it goes for jewelry too !
For more de-aging tips and wardrobe revitalizing tricks check my new fashion book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ( $ 13.88, amazon.com).
Photo credits :
Oprah Winfrey : fashionista.com
Diana Vreeland: dianavreeland.com
Vera Wang : stylebistro.com
Jodie Foster : tvguide.com
Kenneth Jay Lane ring : saksfifthavenue.com
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.