Modifying my image to match my age

[Linda Stockings]

Hello everyone,

As I age rapidly (66+) I am realizing I have an opportunity to change my appearance to match my age and hopefully have a better feminine presentation. I was blessed with a very thick head of hair and have been growing it out. It's almost all silver now, and the longer it gets the more feminine I think it appears. I believe if I can find the right hairdresser and simply ask for a feminine style, my presentation would be enhanced. At 5'8", 130 pounds, I think my body could be blendable. My desired appearance has always been to look professional, and as elegant as possible. Skirt suits, skirts with a wrap top or pants always with hose and heels (3" to 3 1/2") have always been my favorite outfits. I realize now that most women don't wear many outfits like that anymore. But I REALLY like those styles. I also MUST believe a professional makeup artist is in order, with as much instruction as possible. My eyes are very deep set and rather hooded now, so I need to learn how to apply my makeup so my eyes appear as open as they can. Also blessed with size 8 1/2 women's US shoe size, I can wear my 3 inch heels or flats, at least until I learn to walk in heels again. And getting some rear padding and processional tailoring of my clothes should help.

Any other ideas that have worked for you ladies (GG's or CD's). Any thoughts or suggestions are VERY WELCOME!

Thanks and hugs,

Linda

[Sandi Beech]

Hey Linda,

I am not much help since I use my makeup to hide my age as much as possible. The one thing we do have in common is hooded eyes. I hate that and would like to do something about it, but I discovered that my thick Lilly Lashes essentially hide the hooded parts of my eyes. I know that not all CDs wear false lashes but I do see a lot of women with them on. So that really does not give away someone as a CD. So if you are not using them, give them a try. They really do make your eyes pop.

Sandi

[April Rose]

Linda, at 5'8' and 130 lbs you are in great shape to look good in a skirt suit. I love them too, but my body is not so accommodating. If you are in the D.C. area there must be a number of women in professional clothes, at least during the weekdays. Either that or CNN has been lying to me. I think the rest of your instincts are spot on. A makeup artist and professional coiffure seem just the ticket.

Gawd, how I pine for the days of enough hair to style.....

[Aunt Kelly]

Whenever you think about it, simply take time to observe what women are wearing in that venue and at that time of day. You'll find a lot of variety (one of the benefits of being a girl ), but you'll also notice who stands out. You may want to avoid the style of the standouts. Then again, you may not. I'm 65 and I live in shorts or leggings. The prints I favor are "age appropriate" ...for that crazy old aunt we all have. My point is that you can still have a little fun with your wardrobe while being age appropriate.
As for cosmetics, yes. Definitely book some sessions with a M.A.C., Sephora or Ulta store. I say sessions (plural) because you probably want to focus on one area at a time. There will be a lot to learn in the time you have, so focusing on eyes, or lips, cheeks, etc., will leave you with a better idea of what works for you. Buy their products, if you really like them. Do not buy their tools. They're good, but frankly, they are overpriced. You can get a full set of quality brushes from Amazon for under $25. Pay attention to the ratings, because there's some junk on Amazon's shelves as well.
Hair... You can't go wrong with long. The longer it is, the more you can do with it. It can be a hassle, however. I had mine down to about the middle of my shoulder blades before donating most of it to "Locks of Love". Now I'm sporting a conservative "bob" and I love it.

Have fun!

[Rhonda Jean]

I'm not going to be much help as far as matching your age. I'm not doing so well at that myself. I'd say match your opportunity. With your size and a full head of hair... just don't miss this opportunity.

As I've said on here ad nauseum, long hair was the biggest deal of all to me. I always had long hair and I always wanted waist length hair. Nothing was stopping me. It got as long as mid-back several times. At that length it grew slowly and the ends just looked fried. I'd have 2 or 3 inches trimmed off and repeat. It always seemed like I could do the waist length thing next time, but I never did. Now it's out of the question. A true missed opportunity. I don't even know why waist length was such a goal. I don't think I would have looked better, it was just a thing. A lot of times I could lean my head back and reach behind me and pull my hair down to my waist and think I was almost there, but in reality I probably had 8" to go.

I used to see an old man and old lady around town. They were probably in their 80s and he had hair down below his waist. I always thought that was so cool, and showed that maybe I'd never be too old. My hair is thinning a lot on top, and as much as I miss long hair, it would not look good. Don't miss your chance to have really long hair, even if women our age are supposed to be cutting their hair shorter.

[Maid_Marion]

I have stilettos but never wear them out of the house. Instead, I wear wedges or block heels. I've also have bunch of shoes with floral patterns.

[Geena75]

I have thought about it myself, primarily in getting a silver/grey wig. I'm not far behind you, Linda, (63), but have just light traces of grey in the receding hair on my head. When I shaved off the beard people told me I looked 20 or 30 years younger, so I have been playing to that.

While I have some younger, cuter clothes in my wardrobe, I also have about as many items that are more formal, or mature. For the time being, I think I will still shoot for the early 40's look, while I think I can pull it off.

[docrobbysherry]

I can't agree, Linda. You're looks actually depend more on your energy, health, and weight than your age!

I'm turning 80 soon. So, according to your formula I should try to look like this? Rather than my avatar pic, which was taken a week ago!
P1020655 (564x640).jpg
(That is an old pic of me.)

No thanks!

[franlee]

You only look as old as you feel in most cases. To change styles in hair and clothes is something to experiment with until you find "yourself."

[Suzie Petersen]

Even though we are technically twins, Suzie (me) is about 25 years younger than her "brother" (also me) 🤪
None of us will admit to be getting older.
Age is a state of mind.

[Helen_Highwater]

Linda,

We're of a similar age and for me my aim for going out is to look somewhere between "just doing the grocery shopping" so say a knee length denim skirt, flat knee length boots, an open necked tee/casual cotton shirt and light makeup through to a more tailored skirt, smarter top, low heeled court shoes ( for comfort), jacket, jewellery with slightly heavier makeup for clothes shopping through to 3" heels, figure hugging skirt, silk blouse or a dress coupled to statement jewellery and more prominent makeup for a nigh out.

Women our age don't end to go for the killer heels and short skirts. Classic style becomes more their thing. Elegance over overt sexuality.

I occasionally socialise with a group of mature women out for a meal. All dress elegantly, with age comes a sense of classiness. I'm happy to emulate.

[Krisi]

You are being smart to "dress your age". Age is truly more than a number and any older person (male or female) who thinks he or she can pass for 20 or 30 years old is fooling him/herself. The face shows the age, the hands show the age, the legs show the age and really, your body and the way you move show your age.

You don't have to wear a sack dress, but you do have to wear longer skirts or dresses and tame your makeup. Look around at real women your age and follow their lead.

[GretchenM]

Your height and weight is good, but proportions are also important. Sadly nobody can do much about that. Wider male shoulders can't be made narrower. But look around and you will see plenty of women with wider shoulders than the stereotype indicates should be the case - avoid the stereotypes and work with what you have. Short neck? That's OK. Big hands? Still OK. Big feet? Fine; I have a very attractive neighbor a little younger than you and about your size who wears size 12 women's shoes. She does not hesitate to point out her big feet. Probably shouldn't do that, but Jackie has a great personality. Many older males have great looking legs and often better looking than many older women.

Your thick hair is a blessed gift. And hair is a major part of the identity differences between males and females. Perhaps one of the most important identifiers. You are right about generally avoiding the sexy look after 65; however some women are very capable of doing that even in their 80's.

Bottom line, observe women with a size and shape similar to you and see what they do. After all, they are the experts - been at it all their life. But also be aware that how they look is usually a reflection of how they view themselves in terms of personality. As men and women age there is a definite tendency to converge in terms of identity and that influences how they dress which reflects who they are. Women tend to become a bit more masculine without the hormonal support they had before menopause and men tend to become more feminine as testosterone levels naturally decline. But it still comes down to self image and, like us, how you feel and how you behave accordingly. So, create the style that fits you best in terms of your own sense of self.

[Debs]

I dress my age when shopping, but at night clubs and pubs sorry dont comply with my age, lol

[CarlaWestin]

Gosh Sherri. After helping grandma get on the Walmart shuttle, did the party start back up?

Linda, I'm still skinny, mobile and fit at 67. I can pull off the nobody noticed adventure wearing practically any thing. Women my age show there elegance with very minimal makeup.
My attention when out is just having fun and I talk to folks without any attempt to sound like other than me.
It would be nice to say with a smile, "Well, yes I am male. And thank you for asking."
I've had conversations with women while out about makeup prices and which bras fit better, etc.

[MsEva]

Wow Linda, we are sort of kindered spirits. I do have a very thick head of hair, but don't think I could ever pull off growing it out. I have been rather grey or silver for the past twenty years or so. Damn genetics! I have chosen to purchase more appropriate wigs, the last two were in silver moon and silver starlet colors. It fits my eyes and coloration. I have pale blue eyes and light coloration. The only upside of getting a bit grey is my stubble is grey as well so I can get away without using a lot of foundation as I can't see the shadow with such white hair. I love the style you mention and tend to dress similarly. Thanks for the question.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Linda , I just turned 80, and I am not going for the ( Little Old Lady Look, ),

keeping the 60Something look, Not looking like my GrandMother,

I still wear my 4" heels, >Orchid**OO**

[kimdl93]

I try to gauge what women around my age are wearing in a given situation, typically casual attire for informal activities. Its been my observation as well, that women enjoy wide latitude in what they wear within those situations.

As you can tell from my current avatar and profile pics, I am all in on the mature lady mode. My natural hair is very close to the color of that wig..but cropped short for day to day convenience. You enjoy a considerable height/weight advantage over me?but I take heart from the fact that for every five foot three inch woman I encounter, there are as many that are five-five to five nine and some beyond.

[Fiona_44]

I am a few years older than you but luckily pass as someone 10-15 yrs younger when en femme. So I dress as a stylish, sometimes sexy 55-60 yr old woman and it works. I am also thinking of a small face lift to take a few years off.

[Linda Stockings]

Kris, Is that simply a visual interpretation of the old saying: "BEAUTY IS IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER"? I've been finding that members of this forum have a wide variety of views and ways to think about them. And it prompts me to think deeper and with a bit more depth.

Linda

[Diane P]

Linda I envy you on the thick head of hair. When I married my wife, who passed last July, in Jan of 94 one of the first things she told me to do was quit the comb over, just shave out the hair in the middle. So for the last 29 years I've been bald on the top of my head. I keep the sides short because I feel I'd look pretty stupid with no hair on top and long hair the rest of the way around.

For CDing I do have three wigs, Brunette, Blond and Red. As you can see from my avatar the length on the wig comes down over my shoulders. All my dressing so far has been at home and I wear what I like. I have a chance the middle of this month to venture out as Diane and will try to dress close to my age, 64. I may dress as I am in my avatar picture, since something like that is appropriate to my age. Of course I'll either shave the beard or wear a Covid-19 mask to hide it.