My Gram was a very fashionable woman. Here are her words of wisdom on the topic:
Fashion for the Seventy Year Old
You have probably recognized by now that all parts of your 70 year old body are not as attractive was they used to be.
Let’s talk about your shoulders. Have you basked them in the Florida sun until they resemble old leather? We told you not to, so wear a soft cotton blouse in an attractive pastel shade to cover them and reflect the heat. Sleeves should come at least to the elbow since few of us can pass the upper arm test. The exceptions are those who have been skinny all their lives. Take a good look at the rest of your arm and chances are you’ll want a long sleeve with a ruffle at the wrist.
Swan necks are few at seventy whether it be Audrey Hepburn or your next door neighbor. A little stand up collar, a turtle neck, or a soft scarf to reflect some color to your face will do nicely. An exception is the plump lady with a lovely skin who can wear the boat neck and look well. We are all envious.
This same lady will have to be sure her skirt fits well and is long enough that it does not ride up when she bends over. Don’t be beguiled into those too short skirts. We graduated from them. Since longer skirts are in vogue we can be comfortable, smart, and warm all at the same time.
Panty hose have been a boon to women since their invention. Sometimes it’s a struggle to get into them especially in hot sticky whether. I’ve found that a size larger than the instructions suggest ends the struggle without making that much difference. Of course the worst sin you could commit would be to wear wrinkled panty house so don’t go too far! Enjoy the different colors they present, also weights. We no longer have to choose between being warm or smart looking.
Many seventy year olds despair of finding something comfortable to wear on their feet. Be patient. If the size eight’s are a little too tight and the eight and a half’s are too loose, have the salesperson put in an innersole. If the shoes are sill not comfortable do not wear them for another minute. Try sneakers. If Sybil Shepard can dance in them, so can you. Wear them for your morning walk and keep wearing them all day. You’ll have many to choose from, and you’ll think you are walking on a cloud. Comfort is “In.”
We tend to lose our high coloring as we age. Don’t let the years rob you of your right to stand out in a crowd. Bright, bold colors and patterns will keep you from blending into the wall paper and let people know that you are still here to be reckoned with.
We should be protecting the delicate skin on your faces now. A good way to do it is to bring back those hats that men find so attractive. Choose enough of a brim to shade your provocative eyes and decorate it to match your outfit.
I’ve told you some things we can do fashion-wise, but if you are seventy and can still dress yourself, my advice is; don’t take any advice from anybody. Do just exactly as you please!
