The Latest Fashion by Satria Piningit

Just because the latest fashion craze is proclaimed by the latest fashion magazine covers you see at the grocer's checkout, it doesn't mean that women of a certain age should wear it. If you haven't noticed, those magazines are written for a youthful audience -- twenty and thirty-somethings. Who's choosing your footwear? The latest fashion in women's footwear is the gladiator sandal. Based on the shoes worn by Roman gladiators in the days of the Coliseum, this strappy, open sandal was functional and probably cheap to make. Today, the same basic style can be worn by most well-pedicured women, regardless of age. It is a popular choice because of the expectation that it will be comfortable. Unless it is a faulty design, this shoe usually is quite wearable. The dressy version of the gladiator sandal is another story. These high-fashion stilts are often balanced on a 4-inch spiked heel and a platform sole. They are often half ankle boot and half peep-toed sandal. Their over-the-top styling seem more appropriate for high-fashion runways, and the ample calf of some middle-aged woman would be less than flattered by them. Lots of Skin Showing Ever since the wife of the U. S. President first appeared wearing her signature sleeveless dresses, American women have been offered an endless array of the same style. Bare shoulders, either one or both, are also favored by the well-toned Mrs. Obama, and her influence can be spotted on every rack in a dress store. Many women of a certain age, however, do not have the physique to go with these styles, and they are better off choosing something with a sleeve. Fashion trends should give way to classic silhouettes when a women leaves her thirties and forties, but she needn't lose her personal sense of style. Instead of gladiator stilettos, a sleep pair of sling pumps with a peep toe will make an elegant style statement, and patterned or textured hosiery can add sizzle, if desired. And the simple, short or long-sleeved wrap dress that was introduced decades ago, set off with just the right jewelry, will show off the curves that often come with age. A mature woman will abandon the trends and cultivate, over time, a sophisticated look that consists of classic shapes and fabrics and age-appropriate amounts of exposed skin. The less-is-more approach to fashion is the best recipe for middle-aged chic. If the latest fashion still appeals, she can indulge in the great handbag she spots on the pages of the fashion magazines. 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.