Sparkling, Shining, Splendidly Bright
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Ed. Note. Is senior fashion an oxymoron? Not according to fashion expert Marianna Ramondetta. Learning how to accessorize is the key to fashion success for women over 50.
By Marianna Ramondetta
“As you go through life, girls, it’s important you learn how to accessorize.”
That’s what I tell my third grade students. Why, you may ask, would I say such a thing, since the current curriculum emphasizes multiplication, objective pronouns, and the capitals of the Western States.
Because, at sixty-one years old, I have finally learned that doors open wide for a woman who can dazzle with a colorful wardrobe. When people stop to admire your shoes, or ask where you got that beautiful handbag, you have their attention. And once you have their attention, they just might listen.
The world can be a dreary, dull, scary place. Becoming a beautiful distraction, even temporarily, is a form of power.
Also when you are nicely attired, you tell people that they matter, that the function that you’re attending was worth taking the extra time to look your best.
Wearing stunning accessories are the least expensive way to do this. Accessories which include shoes and handbags, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins, scarves, hats and gloves.
Let’s start with shoes.
I wear spike heels and carry flats wherever I go. A fellow teacher once whispered that I would be sorry when I was her age – I would have bad ankles and sore knees. I replied that I was already five years older than she– and my knees and ankles are fine. I do understand I am the exception, though, and flats can make your legs look long and lean – if they are slightly pointed (and a size larger so toes are not pinched with every excruciating step).
However, a shoe that is pancake flat provides no support and is just as bad for our feet as those spike heels I was warned about. And unless you’re five eleven, espadrilles could make one look short and stout.
So what to wear?
An ideal shoe has a kitten heel of about two and a half inches, enough for a little height and comfortable enough to go the distance.
The best places to get shoes –
Aerosoles makes shoes that are stylish and comfy – and if you’re ordering on line (I get a lot of shoes on line – I order them a size larger and insert gel cushions), the absolute best place is Shiekh Shoes with over a million choices, under fifty dollars, and they don’t charge for shipping.
And please don’t limit your choices to black, brown and navy, colors which will assure only that you blend in with the background. Multi colored shoes that pick up the shade of your outfit, will make everyone snap to attention.
How about –
A yellow pair with a gray dress, a red pair with a black pants suit, a Kelly green pair with a navy skirt or a tangerine pair with a brown sheath? Jarring, unexpected, stunning -
Bright shoes make a statement and give people something to stare at as you walk away.
You’re memorable.
Marianna
Ramondetta is a published writer. The author of over one hundred short
stories and five novels, she is best known among her peers for her
ability to accessorize. Visit her blog at
http://www.buriedinbetsyscloset.typepad.com
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