Looking good at 40.

Going back few decades ago, you would reach 40 and would retire from the fashion nest, relocate your wardrobe at Marks & Spencer ensuring you have comfortable cotton knickers as you have been told time was gone for frivolity. Fashion was a youthful and slightly perilous hobby, like rock-climbing.

Since there has been a slight change to the scenario. Divorcing or a come back on the work place at 40-50 is no longer an exception for women. Does that mean we don’t stand any chance to still look good at 40?

Whereas younger women were before favoured in promoting brands, beauty is not any longer regarded in terms of age. Older women, such as Nicole Kidman, Monica Bellucci, Kristin Scott Thomas, Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, and the sublime Elle McPherson to name a few get the front cover and prove you can still look fab.

But there has been a twin effect of both empowering and disorienting women. On the one hand, women over 40 can't see any longer why we should wear dull clothing. This is good - it is about valuing ourselves.

On the other hand, there is the luring tale we've swallowed about age being only a number and 40 being the new 30. This is all great news however some haven’t learnt the new rules.

If you take Madonna as an example in her hot pants or Gwyneth Paltrow in her mini and it reminds us that there is "age inappropriate" clothing. Looking young is certainly possible but not at any cost. Having great legs and being able to show them may not imply you get to dress as a 20 something. Maybe we don't look cool and cutting edge in our teen clothes, we just look foolish.

Being aware of an age etiquette is not a discrimination. Women in a desperate attempt to reverse the clock achieve the opposite. They look silly. And men follow the same rule. Even when a man over 40 has a good body he should wear clothes differently than he did in his younger years. For example, even if he has a six-pack and a great butt, he should avoid wearing low cut and tight fitting jeans he might have worn in his 20s and 30s. He can still wear flattering, stylish jeans and t-shirts, but just differently.

So it is grotesque to see some who can afford the best trainers, make-up artists and hairdressers, not to mention pricey little nips and tucks and still dress like Barbie.

10 rules to look good at 40.

It’s not so much what you wear but how you wear it that matters the most.

1. There are certain parts of your body that you have to really watch once you hit your mid-forties: armpits, knees, cleavage, tummy. No matter how fit you are, you will never look as good in a low belted jean as you hope to.

2. Simplicity works better as we get older. This does not mean you need to look dull. A plain basic shirt on a tailored trouser or on a pair of jeans looks great. Add a statement necklace and you’ll look really smart. The well maintained look is key. Too much excentricity looks desperate as we pile on years. Avoid adding weight to your look and keep it simple. Stick to accessories instead.

3. Learn how play with accessories whether it’s the shoes, a bag or a jacket/ coat. Get the part by getting a cutting-edge piece which will be a statement. That’s the grown-up investment that will upgrade your look and be less predictable. So jazz up a classic suit and pair it with some funky shoes. It can take years off you. Subtly surprise your audience rather than bore them. And ditch the precious jewellery on a classic outfit. You are not the show-case of your bank account.

4. Baggy or floaty outfits are great on teanagers and 20’s.Passed 40 and you will look like hiding stones or wearing a potato bag. Older women are always at their best when well groomed. So if you want to stay trendy adapt a loose dress with a quality belt to enhance your waist while smartening up the overall. Or show off your legs and get the edge with smart tights and a great pair of boots.

5. Think more long lasting trends rather than the extreme ones which will only last a season. So chuck away last season’s must-have. On a younger person, it looks okay. On you, it will make you look years older. Teanagers are experimenting and mock the ridicule. Instead you might not be forgiven.

6. Jeans are ageless. Some would say it’s boring, other would wear for any occasions. The key factor in wearing jeans and still looking the part when getting older is to get the right one. Start investing in a good pair which has a cut that suits your body shape, a quality tailored cut and a great colour. Dark blues should be favoured as they give this neat, impeccable look rather than the washed out ones.

7. Underwear are always underestimated when it comes to looking young and that’s where we should start focusing on. So get a proper good fit and indulge in some nice piece you enjoy. Women should be buying nice one for themselves first.

8. Too short hair is ageing. Long hair can look witchy on older women. Get some inches off and get a neat cut. Looking like a babe might not be the point at +40. Make sure your dyed hair is never just one colour, or too dark or light. The more extreme the colour, the more washed-out you look. As your hair get finer layering is good and adding some contrast with highlights helps out.

9. And stay away from the crush diet. Getting in control of your weight does not mean going extreme. Don’t get too thin. It smacks of desperation and makes you look worn. What goes unnoticed at 20’s is maximized at a matured age.

10. Bad foundation in bad light is the biggest enemy of women. Get a make-up lesson. You can't do without it, but you don’t need to advertise it. Looking painted cries for help. Remember, too-red lipstick is for young beauties and dowagers — tread carefully. An old adage: A good make-up is one that goes unnoticed.

For a colour, style or make-up session contact Nathalie at info@renaissanceimage.co.uk

Some of my favourite brands: Gerard Darel; James Lakeland; LK Bennett; Karen Millen;

The end of the feminist era

The debate of whether women should remove any sign of their femininity to prove themselves powerful in a male environment is over. Austerity and a mannish allure looks more retrograde for women now. Gaining credibility can't be achieved if you don't appear being part of your time. We no longer need to prove if we can compete with men. It is not a fight against them. Showing our femininity and our skills is the key message. The old belief that we need either to confront them or copy them is outdated. Our credibility is now firmly engaged in our femininity.

"the etiquette code obliges...less to be cloned with men"

Times have changed and feeling good about ourselves is admitting our differences with men and enjoying, expressing who we are in a balanced way. The etiquette code obliges now less and less to be cloned with men and endorsing their power suit. Looking glamorous and having fun with fashion does not take off any of your credibility. Let's have a look at the pioneers of this revolution for women's public fashion. Michelle Obama, Jackie O before her, Carla Sarkozy are such a contrast with their predecessors such as Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Mrs Blair.. And I must admit before them Princess Diana was a stepping stone of the alliance between Power and Glamour.

 

" looking fashionable is a strong asset"

Entrepreneurial women, those who have reached the boardroom or in more conservative fields such as lawyers are giving up on their conventional suit for a more feminine look. Getting recognition from men does not come from looking like them. Competing in a male environment is far more efficient if you show your differences and playing with them. This attitude shows power and assurance. Contemporary women have understood that looking fashionable is a strong asset. It gives them an edge, a freedom to be able to choose to be different. Fashion and power are intricately linked. The trend is also interestingly showing itself with men. An increasingly number of them are paying closer attention to how they look. The culture of our image has matured and affirms our differences. Our inspiration is now coming from women who show us power through their image. Because the bottom line of this attitude is to care about your appearance without giving up of who you are, by looking genuine and feeling good on the inside and on the outside.

 

"The key is in how you subtly balance your femininity"

So shall we give more weight to our wages in comparison to men's pay for the same role when it comes to choose how we dress before going at work, or shall we take the risk to bet on our femininity. It is very tempting to keep it safe especially when we know how much the first impression we give is our look. And in the top jobs in the city this can be very risky. It takes more guts to show who we are than sticking in a confined pre-tailored look. The key is in how you subtly balance your femininity. You don't want to look too sexy and provocative which definitely will send the wrong signal in a conventional environment. Women need to learn how to adjust the length of their skirts and heels accordingly while still looking fashionable and being taken seriously as a professional.

 

"wearing an outfit slightly smarter... provide an edge"

Every job has its own dress etiquette and some are more inclined towards fashion than others. Take a PR working in a well established advertising company. None of the staff wears a suit to the office. Being all creative they invent themselves, look unique. How anyone could fit in this team if they came in one of those bulletproof suits? It simply won't look to be a part of them. Wearing an outfit slightly smarter than theirs will provide an edge they don't have and without dissociating yourself from them.

 

"master the art to glamourise ourself"

The issue is more in our gender and claiming that this is over because many women have made it to the boardrooms and succeeded is a step too far. That I won't do! We have still many inequalities when compared to men in business. Looking feminine is now possible but it is down to us to master the art to glamorise ourself while still being dressed adequately according to the environment we are working in. I encourage every woman to feel good about them self and stop feeling they had to dress for the male environment. Our differences are our strength. And I would say the same to men. Being groomed and looking current prove to be far more efficient than being too conservative and timid about ourselves.

If only our Prime Minister had spoken to an image consultant he would alternate his suits more often and choose colours and shapes more adequately. Wearing ten times the same ensemble during public appearances is not reflecting the position of the number one, leader of a country. Our image is as powerful as our speech.

Consultations for corporate images are available. Please contact Nathalie Baur at Renaissance Image

Seeking identity within a global world

Day 5

The Fashion world was before very restrictive as there wasn’t many ways of looking current and therefore being labelled fashionable. Nowadays thanks to individualism fashion trends are more democratic and we have many ways of finding one trend that suits not just our lifestyle and personality but also our body shape and colour palette.

“Remaining ourselves while keeping it up to date”

Could we remain ourselves and keep evolving to the seasonal trends without risking loosing control? I can see already two clans; those anti-fashion who would argue the matter can wait a few decades due to more dramatic issues such as global warming, and the fashionistas who would stress the importance of supporting creativity and genuineness in a world where conformity takes over individuality.

Fear of loosing our culture and identity may be just a lure. It is no longer a simple debate between being conservative or liberal, academic or being self-made. The good news is the culture of individuality is pushing us to choose a style that suits us and we have quite a few to choose from; creative, dramatic, romantic, natural, classic, city chic or international for men. Just pick one or two and you’ll have the wardrobe that goes. In reality we often have two or three style personalities where we adapt according to the circumstances of our lifestyle. Who would put on a suit and stilettos while heading for a countryside break? 

“The freedom of remaining ourselves”

Being ourselves is not just an option, it becomes necessary. Applying for a job and pretending to be someone else will end up tricky on the short term. There is only so much that we can change and do for a short period of time. It is better to show the best of us and in its best light. The message sent across by the fashion industry is “Just be yourself”, “Just do it”. Oversized or skinny, Topshop or Prada, there is a wide choice for everyone.

Show me what you wear and I’ll tell you who you are. Is the equivalent to “What am I going to wear” also means “Who am I”? In most cases it does. And remember that it just takes us few seconds to make a first impression. So learning the techniques to show ourselves at our best seems crucial. And being all different there is not one universal solution. We are free to get out on the street and wear whatever we want, but being too different might scare people off and it takes a good dose of confidence to do it. Getting a unique look out of the trends is not out within reach of everyone. Unless you’ve now established yourself, have climbed at the top of the social ladder and received recognition from the society you still need to pay attention to the social etiquette.

"An essence of the uniqueness"

Fashion allows people to display their identity and attachment to a group. Being slightly different shows a sign a uniqueness without breaking any bonds. In order to look trendy you need to be slightly ahead of it. That’s the difference between the media stars and the reader of a fashion magazine hunting for the next trends. One is setting up the trends the other one follows. Fashion does not really reflect our modern world if it doesn’t take snap shots of individuals within a group of different people. My leggings reveal a current look but my vintage bag reminds people I am unique. The concept is simple. Using trends to adapt it and making it ours. Once we get the knowledge and control of our past, who we are now, and our goals we can start playing with our image. Getting to know ourselves better in order to make the most of it will allow a better appreciation of our look and certainly more pleasure in getting dressed.

We have more freedom than ever. Fashion has adapted to the current world. May be we should make the most of it as like any seasonal trends this might not last for ever.

To discover your style personality visit www.renaissanceimage.co.uk

The well dressed man

Day 4

The meaning of colours for men

Since men don't tend to wear make-up the choice of their colour clothes is essential. They are sometimes wary of choosing too bright colours. Knowing which colour palette works best, how to use it and combine colours helps you look flawless. It also has an impact on how your image is perceived. The blues are amongst the most popular colours in men's wardrobes. Mostly because they are easy to mix and match but also it shows trust, peace and order. The browns are part of the unifying colours, the neutrals. Less aggressive than the black they produce a comforting feeling. They carry an image of simplicity, and grounding. For a masculine, re-assuring and wealthy image greens are a great choice whereas yellows are more approachable and knowledgeable. Pinks and purple are now more commonly found in a men's wardrobe. Most men wearing pinks are comfortable with their masculinity. It is a sister colour of red but has a tranquilizing effect with more optimism. Purple shows sensibility, nobility but also creativity. Black and reds are both assertive and dramatic colours. While black is multi dimentional meaning both classic and new, modernity and power, reds inspire passion, challenging energy.

The importance is in how you will choose the right tones matching your skin complexion as well as how you will team them together to create the perfect wardrobe for the specific occasion.

"A very few men are in complete proportions"

Now that you have the best colours you need to find out the best personal look. An outfit should fit you and not vice versa.We are all differents in scale, shapes and very few completely in proportions. Fabrics, patterns, fitting cuts are essential guidelines when choosing your outfit for either a rectangle, inverted rectangle or a rounded bodybuild. Your proportions will affect the way you wear clothes; if you tuck in or not shirts or tops, choose a long coat, 3/4 or sports jacket or the way you button the jacket of your suit. Those tricks will have the immediate effect of balancing your overall proportions and enhance your global look.

"Casual doesn't mean can't be bothered!"

Adapting your wardrobe to your life style does not apply only for formal clothes such as suits. Casual has an instant connotation of comfort. You should wear more comfortable clothes for a more relaxed environment or journey. It does not mean you can't be bothered making an effort. Grooming has different levels and a formal look is just the next level up from casual. Same rules apply to both but with different fabrics and cuts. Getting in a track suit and trainers is self explanatory when going at the gym or at a sports match. On other circumstances it is shapeless

The seven ages of man ".. one man in his time plays many parts, his act being seven ages" As you like it .Shakespeare

Men's fashion offers a wider diversity of styles nowdays. So what is your signature and which one to choose from? According to your lifestyle, your cars, hobbies even the holidays you take there is a logical pattern behind those choices. We all need visual references to adhere to a group and without them we feel lost. From the schoolboy till the retirement being through the lover, businessman, parent phases men's signature will vary and adapt. And so will your style.

Browsing for men's clothing should be as easy and enjoyeable as it is for women and I am glad this is no longer a restricted area for women only. Who knows? The "I have nothing to wear" excuse might not just be a feminine slogan soon. There are plenty of great bargains out there for you guys so get out and look the part!

A complete style and image consultation for men includes a full colour and style analysis with a 42 wallet of your best colours. Please ask me for other requirements including personal shopping and/or wardrobe weeding at info@renaissanceimage.co.uk

2009: Style on a shoestring

Day 3:

   For those who thought fashion was just frivolity and estranged to the economy, 2009 has proven just the opposite. When times get tough conspicuous shopping looses its political correctness. The relationship between those two is subtle. A substantial change in the economical climate and you will see fashion trends following up. Fashion adapts to its current environment while retaining the glam effect.

   When the credit crunch struck, restrictions all of the sudden became not an enemy but an ally resulting in a sudden urge for a post-war, more fitted, tailored look. It gives the reassurance of the neat, uncluttered elegant woman. As simple feminity and glamorous trends returned to the fashion stage.combined with a crucial feel good and versatility factors. This transition in 2009 could have been advertised as the "let's go back to our secured values of who we are and what makes us feel good" year. Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Gucci and others designers were still a reference. Meanwhile we saw and heard redundancies one after the other. So when the storms were looming and clouds appeared the party season was launched with glitters and sequins all around. Style helps us to forget the odds of reality.

" We now understand what hangs in our wardrobe: Money!"

    Out of the econimic crash a new breed of consumers was born. The "Recessionistas" have learnt how to adapt in the current economy. T-K Max, Primark and other low budget high street fashion stores have grown in popularity and became part of the wardrobe of those who could still invest in a new designer outfit. Seasonal fashion events in high street stores became a new way of entertaining the clientele, and promoting fashion while clothes swapping parties recycle your wardrobe in a friendly and fun way. Indulging is now translated as investing and creativity as recycling.

"  The art of versatility has become a new trend"

     The sales for most are approaching. Stores like Hobbs and L.K.Bennett have already begun and there are some great bargains to be found. We are on a more limited budget so we are looking for that investment piece to look the part. The fashion industry is showing its understanding and there are a constant flow of deals both in-store or on-line. We now understood what hangs in our wardrobe: Money ! 2009 has unveiled the importance of making the most of selective buying and making the most of what we already have.

      The art of versatility has become the new trend. Wardrobe weeding is a great place to start. See my style consultations on how to make the most of what you already have, adding a few signature pieces, optimising the versatility of your wardrobe. That's the triple play: work, party and weekend. The new art of getting dressed is in how well you get the sense of your wardrobe multi usage.

The importance of staging clothes.

Day 2:

 It is funny how simple details can change a look. I often get clients coming for advices either because they are stuck in rut and need guidance to enhance their look or they just are looking for reassurance. So I help them to add a little extra detail that changes the whole outfit.  This is the whole point of getting your colours right and your clothes tailored for your body shape, and not vice versa. These are the basic rules of looking good.

Anyone can achieve this. Take that knitted tunic which you have ignored in your wardrobe for years. Find some great textured tights (Wolford, Falke for the high end market), high boots (high knee for those more daring) and a statement necklace. You now have a straight-forward, versatile outfit set up to impress. The message you will be sending is "I am approachable, current and feminine". Trying too hard can sometimes go wrong. The answer is often in simplicity spiced up with some details that enhance the whole look. This is the difference between staying at home, being comfy in your clothes and the magic twist of some great accessories to show off your fabulous look to the world. The art of staging clothes is the key to an effortlessly stylish look.

So yes a designer outfit is an investment and with the sales approaching I highly recommends hunting for those bargains before they are all snatched away. Even our celebrities are caught in leggings, a tunic and a pair of Uggs... Casual clothes can create as much Wow factor as a designer brand. Let's show our personality and creativity, and stand out from the crowd!

I don't change people, I enhance their assets and help them feel better about their clothes and their image.  As a result, I see clients' confidence grow right there in front of me. I don't have a magic wand, just a keen eye for style and for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. With some basic tips and some guidance, you can too! See my colour and style consultations.

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPPAHOLIC.

That's it! I did the jump into the Blog world. Twitter and other similar sites are only useful when they facilitate a quicker access to live information. And that is the only purpose of this blog. Delivering informative, unusual tips to a broader audience.

Day 1:

Coccinelle - Sloane Square: Amazing A/W collection to watch out when the sales start. The brand is usually known for their trendy city chic bags. This season it's all about texture with the crocs and patent all in bright, glossy colours but also those muted with a mat finish. The quality leather means you keep them for quite a while and if the bag has a problem- they come with one year warranty- you can always bring it back and have it fixed. That's quality service and shows concern for their reputation. Their shoes and boots are deceptively glam, sexy ... purely italian. The colour scheme proposed for each item means there is a choice in every palette - See my Colour Consultation.

Coccinelle's range also includes accessories such as key rings, gloves and hats and in a trend where accessories are increasingly taking a bigger part in our outfit. So it must be the time to have a serious look in there to grab the finishing touch to your perfect look. My advice is to keep an eye on when the sales start at Coccinelle... It might be wise to wander in Sloane Square after Christmas-New Year and invest in one of those desirable shoes, bags, or other accessories to avoid disappointment... it's already written in my diary!