Part 1: Accessories, Clothes and Age

We all know that great accessories, like a beautiful handbag or piece of jewellery, can make or break an outfit.

The perfect piece adds texture, colour, or shape to your outfit, and pulls things together like a picture-perfect runway look.

However, the wrong accessories can make the most gorgeous outfit look careless and unbalanced. But that’s not the worst damage they can do.

They can actually make you look older!

And let’s be honest when you reach a certain age, that’s the last thing you want!! Looking and feeling older will destroy your confidence and ruin the image you want to portray.

Now let me be clear here, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with aging – it happens to us all – but we can still care about looking our best in the process.

Yes, the best fashion items are ageless, elegant, and timeless. But there’s a balance to be struck between making your style look effortless vs like you’re trying too hard.

But hold fire before you decide to avoid fashion trends altogether and assume you should always dress and accessorise for your age. Today, for part 1 of this two-part series, I’m going to share a few things you might want to consider when it comes to accessorising that will help ensure you feel a few years younger.

Then in part 2 we’ll switch our focus to clothes.

Don’t throw the kitchen sink at it!

Some older ladies adorn themselves with tons of jewellery, and this styling decision can be a dead giveaway of your age.

For instance, a large necklace paired with large earrings or matching jewellery sets are a huge no-no!

Instead, go for pieces that accentuate your features without looking too heavy or dramatic.

Platinum, white gold or silver are some of the more youthful precious materials around, but of course nothing can ever replace yellow gold. If your outfit only goes with a more traditional piece of jewellery, keep it discreet.

 

Pearls

Throughout the years pearls have always been seen as a timeless accessory and, according to many style experts, have now become the “IT” jewellery trend of the season.

I’m sure many women have pearls at home. But now’s the time to switch them up a bit and make them look more modern.

For those of you contemplating wearing a strand or two together, consider adding edginess to avoid looking as if you’re an “elderly woman” headed out for high tea!

Because just one pearl strand can age you significantly, give your pearls a funky contrast by mixing in something with some sparkle. Or combine them with another metal necklace that’s the same length to add a cool and unexpected pop to your look.

 

Earrings

Stylists agree that earlobes are notorious for showing your age. Very heavy earrings can pull on lobes and draw too
much attention to the neck.

Earrings that are very lightweight or that cover the piercing hole in your earlobe give you the best option for a less ageing look. And light hoops or stud earrings offer alternatives that may work better as we age.

Big gold hoop earrings are a bit of a 90s throwback. And while they can be fun, they don’t really fit with the modern looks we see today and will only draw attention to your age. If you love hoops, still wear them, but look for finer, more modern versions. It’s time to trade those babies up!

Jewellery sets 

For the more mature amongst us, I’m sorry to say our jewellery set days are over!

Experts advise avoiding jewellery sets, where the necklace matches exactly with the earrings, because it looks incredibly dated.

Instead, mix your metals! It’s modern, on-trend, and shows that you’re current.

Use jewellery that compliments each other, like pairing blacks with golds, large necklaces with small rings, and studded earrings with a large, buckled belt.

Brooches

Don’t worry, you don’t have to pack away grandma’s brooch collection. But you might want to change the way you wear your brooches.

Your outfit could make you look older if you attach the brooch in the old school way to your lapel, as that appears old-fashioned!

Instead use that gorgeous piece to fasten your cardigan. You still get to put it on display, but in a trendy, less grandmotherly way.

Eyeglasses

And then there’s eyeglasses.

If you’re looking to purchase eyeglasses, steer clear of skinny, cheap frames. Instead opt for bigger, bolder frames to highlight your gorgeous face.

Accessorising as we age is all about being a little more mindful about the pieces we select, but still remembering to have fun. Ultimately though, whatever accessories you wear, it’s always about choosing ones that make you feel fabulous.

Want to inject some timeless glamour into your jewellery collection? Head over to my online shop – it’s packed with elegant, super chic, and unique pieces that have been lovingly handcrafted with you in mind.