Making The Decision To Go With The Latest Fashion Can Be Tough

Middle-aged women, beware of becoming a slave to the latest fashion trends. Women's fashion magazines and columns are clearly written to target younger buyers — just take a look at the models wearing them.

Latest shoe styles

The gladiators who fought lions in the ancient Roman Coliseum wore simple sandals that consisted of a flat sole and leather straps that tied around the ankle. This basic style has become the fashion rage of the past two years, updated, of course, for modern consumers. An older woman with healthy, attractive feet can and often does choose this comfortable, casual flat. The level of comfort, however, varies from shoe to shoe, depending on the quality of design and workmanship.

The same cannot be said for the high-heeled version of the gladiator sandal. Most are comprised of a multitude of oddly-shaped straps, extremely high heels and platforms. The ankle-hugging silhouette of this style is seldom flattering to any leg that is not pencil slim and shapely. Older women stay away in droves, and well they should. Even if she has the ability to walk in such a shoe, the older woman runs the risk of looking as if she is trying much too hard.

Bare arms and shoulders?

America's elegant First Lady, Michelle Obama, has ignited the market for women's dresses and tops that are sleeveless or strapless. But not all women, even young women, can pull off these styles. Without the strong, straight shoulders and slim arms that Mrs. Obama has, an older woman can look either flabby or bony. A sleeve of some kind — cap, elbow or full — would more often be a better choice than not.

The latest fashion trends, more often than not, should be ignored by a mature woman. That is not to say that she should give up on being fashionable. On the contrary, she should make every effort to update her style, but without becoming a victim of the latest fashion. A mid-heel pump, a timeless classic, can be worn in the trendiest of colors without loosing their simple elegance. The blazer that she has owned for years can be paired with a stylish blouse or camisole without losing its classic lines.

Rather than risk looking ridiculous or even clownish by trying to follow current fashion trends, any woman over the age of 40 or 50 is better off going for a simpler, more sophisticated look. Leaving the trends for the trendy young girls, a well-dressed, mature woman will select a hemline that is at or near her knee, the silhouette that is best for her figure, and the accessories that tell us who she really is.

Tone down the cosmetics

Cosmetic companies would have us believe that it is necessary to change the color of our lipstick, blush and eye shadow every time the season changes. While change can be fun, it is not always in the best interest of the older woman. Garish colors on the lips and eyes can be aging on a mature complexion. The same is true for foundations that settle into the lines and wrinkle around the eyes and mouth. More important than the latest fashion colors is how much or how little those colors flatter the complexion.

Sophia Ahmad loves writing about beauty and fashion. Her latest interest is in Pakistan clothes. She also shows you the best places where you can buy Pakistani wedding dresses from.