Summer is well underway and whether you’re spending the next few months in the UK or holiday abroad, you’ll likely be excited to sport some warm weather looks.
But according to a fashion influencer, the summertime pieces you wore in your 20s, 30s and 40s may not flatter you in your 50s and beyond.
While Deirdre stressed that middle-aged women can wear whatever makes them feel good, they may want to ditch their tops and dresses with plunging necklines that show off their cleavage.
Deirdre Nicholas from 50 & Fabulous with My Friend Deirdre shared her top style tips for the hotter months.
She said: “I don’t want to feel self-conscious when I go out, and I want to feel comfortable and able to move easily. I don’t want to be constantly aware of what I’m wearing and be fiddling with it.
According to the expert, middle-aged woman can look ‘alluring’ without showing their cleavage
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“So if we can combine comfort with great style and practicality, then that is the real sweet spot.”
Deirdre suggested that women over 50 might want to avoid “excessive cleavage” on their summer outings – “unless that’s the image you’re going for or you’re on a date night with somebody special, but even then only maybe”.
While cleavage can be seen as a “sign of empowerment” and it “does have its place”, Deirdre believes that “lots and lots of deep cleavage at our age can look, well, not classy”.
The fashionista particularly frowns upon tops with a lot of cleavage showing when they are paired with a short skirt.
Another reason Deirdre isn’t a big fan of plunging necklines on women over 50 is that it can highlight an ageing chest. She admitted: “The skin on my cleavage is not quite what it was.”
But going sans cleavage does not have to mean forgoing sexiness. According to Deirdre, middle-aged ladies can look “alluring” in other ways.
She said: “Often it is less seductive to throw it all out there than to keep a little bit of mystery by covering some of it up.”
For a bit of – stylish – summery “mystery”, the expert advised opting for silk clothing, as silk is “feminine” and “luxurious”.
Opt for silk clothing as this material is ‘feminine’ and ‘luxurious’
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She also claimed women can look “10 years younger in 10 minutes” with a clothing swap, resulting in a “young, fresh” appearance.
As well as getting rid of super low-cut tops and dresses, Deirdre advised women over 50 to ditch their crop tops and hot pants.
She style enthusiast said: “I didn’t really have the confidence to let stuff hang out, if you know what I mean.
“And I’m actually not sure if it looks really great – or classy – at any age, so I’m definitely not going to do it now.”
Instead, she recommended “classic” T-shirts that flatter your shape and height. These can be paired with a slightly longer pair of shorts.