4 Tips to Avoid Looking Old

36 Comments

1. Yes and AMEN to this post, which is a welcome antidote to the messages in Wednesday’s video! The photos of you and Leigh Ann further emphasize that age is a state of mind, not the numbers on our scale or our driver’s license. Thank you for the positive attitude, encouragement and reassurance I found in this post. You’ve inspired me to actively pursue a volunteer opportunity I recently learned about in my new neighborhood. My new goal is not only to sign up, but to increase my fitness to the point I can walk there and back, a round trip of about two miles. As always, thank you for being such a positive role model for us.

2. Pam, you are so right that our attitude has such an effect on how we look and how we are perceived. What’s inside of us shows on the outside. We’ve all seen people of all ages who are grim or angry and people who regardless of their circumstances are grateful and cheerful. A smile goes a long way. And related to that is posture. Many people spend time hunched over steering wheel or looking at a screen. I know some people have physical limitations as they age but most of us can try to stand a little straighter & a little taller. A friend once told me to “put my shoulder blades in my back pockets” before I sit down at my sewing machine. I do this several times a day. I love the quote from C S Lewis, one of my favorite writers. And you look great in bright prints. When we are true to our personal style we look and feel our best. Happy Friday and happy Spring.

3. Great tips! I especially love the emphasis on modern silhouettes and fresh colours—it’s amazing how small tweaks like a well-fitted blazer or a pop of pastel can instantly elevate a look. For anyone wanting to dive deeper, focusing on fabric choices (like lightweight linens over heavy tweeds) and contemporary accessories (think minimalist jewellery vs. chunky pieces) can also make a big difference

4. I second that emotion joyful for another colorful day all around us, no wonder we want to imitate creations of our great God. I would be bored with a black n white world or gray.

5. I am also a work in progress…but looking for the best way to serve my new community. Right now it is in service to a very active family. This was a great week for me to get back into more walking and it felt great.

6. Osteo Strong is helping me so much with my posture now…I can feel myself looking taller and walking taller. The comment about shoulder blades is one I will remember…thanks for sharing it, Kathie.

7. Love this, Debra!

8. Hi, thank you for stopping by. My post is actually about what is inside and then each individual woman deciding to wear what puts a smile on their faces…the courage to be uniquely you. I love statement necklaces and they make me smile. I do not feel as though I look older in them, but never think about that…I wear what makes me feel confident and what makes me smile. Some women do not look their best in pastels, so they may not feel confident in them. Their style adjectives and lifestyle may not include a blazer…mine does…but it may not for others. We need to each know what we want to speak with our clothing..then our confidence and joy will bring the youthful glow on our faces.

9. Yes, yes, yes!! All of these points are excellent, Pamela. What a refreshing message. A woman at any age should live by these principles. This has a zillion trillion drops of more wisdom than Wednesday’s video. Bloom where you’re planted. Thank you for the inspiration. You and Leigh Ann are a bright spot in any day.

10. Thank you, Marcia. Always love to hear from you.

11. I didn’t get a chance to watch the video until last night, because I was caring for my grandson. I agreed with some of it (especially modernizing your eyeglasses and jean silhouettes), but most of it just seemed to advocate for “fitting in,” which strikes me more as a junior high girl concept than that of a mature woman. I agree with every word you said. Even though I personally don’t gravitate to many prints, I see nothing aging about them. I was thinking about my own list (appearance-wise), and here was what I came up with: fill in my eyebrows. It takes five years off my face. I’m using shinier lip products to brighten up my face. I exfoliate regularly (I even use my Ordinary chemical exfoliator on my forearms to get rid of that mosaic-like dry skin). I always polish my toenails (which I think makes me look festive and engaged). I also do pay attention to current trends, especially if they are small things, like the size of accessories, or which sock heights are in. It costs very little and gets me energized. I think there’s a big difference with trying to look youthful (with its connotations of engagement and self care) and younger (which honestly is rather silly).

12. Great post after the Wed. video. I did not leave a comment about it at the time…. if you don’t have anything nice to say .. etc. I find that if no one in my book club or coffee group wore plain no pattern outfits, it would be a pretty boring looking bunch. Personally, about the jewellery, I will continue to wear larger pieces since small dainty ones are the ones that make me look older. I am not a dainty person and have worn very obvious jewellery my entire life. We all have different personalities and can show that with our outfits. I am not trying to look younger, just good for my age. No all over wild prints, but touches here and there are perfect.
    Pam, you look fantastic in your new spring colours and that cactus flower really works on you.

13. Thanks, Linda…your junior high comment made me smile. Your list is also on my personal list along with a few other things. I get mani/pedi treatments every two weeks as much for healthcare as for beauty…my funky feet need constant love. I do believe it is important for each of us to think about our own lists…part of looking and feeling our best YOU. Jeans are personal…we will each feel differently about what our best silhouette is and some modern jeans will not be our own best. It is fun to learn about the current trends and see what works for our uniquely you style the best.

14. Thanks so much, Diane. For about 20 years, I have been known for my accessories…one student called me the scarf lady when I taught high school. Statement accessories are me…and I will not be changing that any time soon. I do love them. So glad you do as well.

15. There is a lot said in this post. Well said and a refreshing look at encouraging us to be ourselves.

16. I watched that video very late at night the other day; too busy during the day to sit down and pay attention to it. I will be 74 this year and I can feel myself aging; I am aware of the process and, like you, I choose to monitor my attitude, my outlook and my confidence level. Staying active is key. In defense of Valerie’s video, I do think she makes valid fashion and beauty tips; her style and look may not be for everyone but it is who she is; her monochromatic outfits are often a soothing relief from busy prints. Pam, I follow you for this very reason; giving a platform for ladies to remind us that beauty is only skin deep and to be comfortable with who we are and use what God has given us. Lately, I’ve noticed the bloggers I have followed for years have been featuring $400 blazers and other clothes at price points way beyond most of us; you, however, have stayed true to yourself and values. I so appreciate you!

17. Thank you, Paula.

18. Thank you for the encouragement! I want to offer everyone a variety of choices to find what works best for them. Thanks Linda!

19. I loved everything about this post and enjoyed reading the comments of your readers.
    also want to tell you how terrific you look in the Coral j Jill sweater, yellow top and print pants. you rocked that outfit!.

20. So sweet, Nancy! I am glad I held on to these pants from Chico’s a couple of years ago. They go so well with coral!

21. Wednesday’s video was depressing in a way! I much prefer your suggestions! Thank you for sharing them and showing us that we should be our best from the inside and outside and choose what makes us happy. At 74, I feel like I should be myself and not try to keep up with the fashion world! Have a blessed weekend!

22. Get up, walk, eat fruits and vegetables, get dressed complete with hair and makeup. Even if I am not leaving the house, I have to be me. Wear your new clothes even when you have no place to go. Match shoes and jewelry. Even if you are only going to the grocery store or for coffee, be authentically you. Get an E for effort!

23. Thanks for sharing what works for you, Gayle!

24. I give you an A for Amazing, Nyla. Thanks for sharing your plan.

25. This is the second day my comment was erased just as I was going to send it! I can’t recreate it. I love your outfits, your beautiful smile and outlook on life. You encourage me every morning to be thankful for my amazing life I’ve lived and to continue to grow and be curious to my last breath. Thank you Pam and readers for all of your wisdom.

26. Thank you for being here, Sydney!

27. Pam – I never thought your Autumn colors reflected your creative or joyful aspects. They seemed dark and closed in. Your Spring colors, however, open you up and do reflect your creative and, especially, your joyful aspects.

28. Now, I can agree with you Marin…it just took me awhile to see it! Thanks so much.

29. This is such an uplifting & encouraging post. It saddens me when I hear or read that someone feels invisible. Attitude is so important. I have known people who were old at 30 & some who were young at 90. Others will see you the way you see yourself. It starts from the inside out. I have a question a bit off topic. Can you tell me a bit more about the tote/handbag you are carrying in the library photo? I noticed it in earlier post & really like it.

30. Good day! I like your points, Pamela, particularly because how can anyone argue with them? Attitude, confidence, happiness, and posture….we all have our own style differences and you encourage that. I like reading the comments that we followers make and I agree with so many. I always dress as if someone might drop by even when I have no plans to go out except to walk. I am always in at least basic make-up. I loved my style analysis and still pIay with it, bending rules here and there, looking for something new to spice things up, a different path to try out. I read style books constantly. Right now I am reading The Empresses of Seventh Avenue. It focuses on how American designers came to the forefront out of necessity during WW2. (I knew that my favorite American designer would be in there- Claire McCardell.) My art and my love of style keeps me engaged and young at heart. I think Valerie’s style is right FOR HER, like yours is right for you ( you are nailing it!) and I wish that people would give her credit for that. I can’t wait to discuss adjectives next week.

31. Hi Becky…most often when I do not link to something it means it is an old purchase and there is no link. I bought this a few years back at the end of a Talbots Red Hangar Sale and picked it up for a very good price. It is a nice bag. I am switching out bags more right now, just for the fun of it…why not? Right…life is too short not to carry the bags I own! Thank you for the question.

32. I know we both share a love of fashion, Deborah and you always get me into a good book. I am going to check out this one now. The most important thing I can encourage women to do is to be UNIQUELY themselves…own it…have fun with it…and go out and show the world!

33. Thank you so much for this post. Amen for what you said. Blessings always

34. Thank you, Audrey!
    Blessings to you!

35. I just had a chance to watch the video and I have to agree pretty much with everything she said. I would also add that I think being fit is important to avoid looking old. I’ve been taking prints to consignment and focusing on well tailored high quality solids in natural fabrics. As a petite I can’t pull off oversized or over embellished clothes or chunky jewelry so I stay with modern classics and simple silver jewelry. This is what compliments my size and body shape and what I feel most comfortable in. I find color analysis extremely frustrating as I have been typed 3 different seasons, in person, by 3 different companies. I’m a big believer in clean skincare but for makeup only wear Ilia mascara and a touch of lipgloss. I don’t own a pair of hose, skinny jeans or a blazer. Even though I live in the mountains with 4 seasons of weather I rarely wear a third piece as I find it confining. At home you’ll find me in athleisure wear and sometimes out running errands. I’m looking forward to hearing about the style adjectives as I’ve had a hard time with them and I think it would help me when shopping.

36. I love that you are doing what works best for you, Sonja. That is the message here.