You will look better at any age if you look after yourself. This will mean different things to different people but for me at 45 it is wearing good quality clothes, keeping a stable weight, wearing makeup, regular manicures, keeping away greys. I do get Botox every 6 months or so - more for my frown lines so I don’t look so angry. I don’t think you necessarily need to get it but it does help.

The recommendation for a neck lift is actually not bad. If that is truly the thing that bothers you, it will probably really help.

Geez - all these posts suggesting Botox and surgery are depressing. If that’s what you want, it’s fine but it’s also fine to not choose that route. OP - I think Vince is a good label for older women. Their stuff is simple but modern. Think about updating your makeup too. It’s really easy to get into a rut for years and the sort of makeup that would look better on you now may be different from what you wore when younger. Try playing around with jewelry too. Nothing expensive is necessary but a cool bracelet or pair of earrings can really punch up a look.

Just let it go. It ain’t so bad once you give up.

Anonymous wrote:Add scarfs to your wardrobe for your turkey neck.

No. Scarves are a billboard announcement: I am middle aged! See also, Munro shoes, reading glasses on a sassy chain, tunics with capris, and anything by Eileen Fisher unless you are a 4'10' Asian woman who weighs 94lbs.

Get a neck lift.

https://40plusstyle.com/

Great blog!

How about going to a stylist at Nordstrom or somewhere similar to help you pick some stylish pieces that are more current?

Add scarfs to your wardrobe for your turkey neck.

I honestly feel like it is the sensible shoes. If you take the same outfit and where heel you look better/younger/hip. I can't wear heels so I don't know what the solution is.

Whenever I’m in NYC, Italy or some other cities, I often see older women who look really chic. I always study them and take mental notes because I totally want to be like that when I’m their age (which admittedly is coming up fast). I don’t often see many such ladies in this area... not sure why that’s the case - maybe there’s just a frumpier aesthetic here.

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like you need to lose weight. Go sign up at a gym, get a few personal training sessions, and watch your diet.

Being overweight will make you look frumpy at any age.

Fair enough and I am working on it. But I will not ever be thin again and I've accepted that. I don't think that being a 12 or 14 automatically equals frumpy. There's more to it than that.

Anonymous wrote:are you opposed to botox or other procedures?

That's not really my thing and I'm afraid of it not looking natural.

Diet, work out, grow your hair long.

Sounds like you need to lose weight. Go sign up at a gym, get a few personal training sessions, and watch your diet.

Being overweight will make you look frumpy at any age.

are you opposed to botox or other procedures?

I have to admit that this birthday has not been an easy one to accept. I don't feel 50 but I fear looking it. My skin is ok and I keep my hair in a stylish cut and keep the grays in check. But, my neck has gone full turkey and I am round in the middle. I try to dress stylishly but somehow I feel like everything is looking sensible shoes these days. How do I stay current and youthful without looking ridiculous?