The Truth - Hurtful or Refreshing?

I was telling a group of women the other day (thanks for having me Allstate) that women often fall into 2 groups; dressing too young for their body type or age, or dressing too old. The ones that dress too old and frumpy are always a joy to work with. It is great to see a smile come to their face when they are told, and then realize themselves, that they really will look good in a shorter skirt. Or the cute jeans they like will be perfect on them. I am not sure why or when women begin seeing themselves older or needing to dress more boring or covered up, but it frequently happens. I think sometimes an extreme sense of modesty or I am sure certain birthdays can make you feel that way. My feeling is, no matter how old you are or modest, you can be stylish and still be age appropriate with your clothing. You see them in the mall, the older women that never got the feeling or were told "it's time to were the ugly black shoes and stop fixing your hair." They wear attractive clothing that suits them, colors, jewelry, and take time with their hair and make-up. These are women of all shapes and sizes. Then there are the ones that by age 30 have already thrown in the towel. Unfortunately, these women probably have a negative view of their shape and decided early on that pants, jeans, cute shoes, skirts, or whatever! don't fit them. Did someone tell them this or were they just too critical themselves when looking in the mirror? Whatever the case, I love to help them find that style that brings their self-image up. The other end of the spectrum and one that has to be handled with some delicacy at times, are ladies that have trouble leaving the teen years behind or are very swayed by their daughter's clothing or magazines. They will focus on the size and wish they were what they used to be, when they need to focus on the fit. These ladies have confidence which is terrific, but they need to understand what their clothing choices are saying about them. When women do this, it says to me, "my best years are gone and I'm trying to reclaim them". They portray a sense that they can't grow and mature. It can be hurtful to be told that skirts are too tight and buttons popping open isn't attractive. Again though, if they can try on a wonderful sheath dress and pumps, or an appropriate fitting jean and cute top, it begins to sink in that looking attractive and age appropriate isn't just for 20 year -olds. Harsh make-up, the wrong hairstyle, and color will age a person instead of taking years off. I told the group the other day that dressing too young very often isn't the style of clothing, it is wearing it the wrong way or the wearing the wrong size. An example might be a nice halter top for a night out. Younger girls can get by wearing a tighter style and have on a really snug pair of jeans. A more mature women can still wear that style top, but tone down the bottoms. A beautiful pair of black pants or a dark wash trouser jean. These will have a higher waist and a full leg. It's not so hard. So, is it time to take an objective look at your clothing choices? Do you fall into one of these categories? We probably all do from time to time, the point is to realize it and try to do better. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great weekend. As always, please call if I can be of any help! Thanks......