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Home » Avec Style: The 10 Rules for Subtracting 10 Years

Avec Style: The 10 Rules for Subtracting 10 Years

Mary Cassatt – Lilacs in a Window, 1880

I have never longed for a more youthful appearance…  will it eventually happen?

The 10 Rules for Subtracting 10 Years

1.  Take an interest in current events, in fashion, yes, but also in art, music, food and decor.  Stay connected!
2.  Add a touch of folly to your appearance, with star accessories, daring prints or lively colors.  (Louise Labrecque is a big fan of star accessories…)
3.  Don’t be afraid to visit trendy boutiques.  They are for you too.  Who knows, you might find a scarf in the colors of the season, an amusing tee shirt, or a pair of extraordinary shoes?
4.  Are you dynamic?  Your clothes should reflect this!  Look for details that lend some personality to your clothes and accessories – buckles, patchworks, stitching details.  (Pam, I’m looking at you…)
5.  Flatter your silhouette with garments that fit well, with feminine cuts.  Avoid looking like you’re wearing a potato sack!
6.  Swap your classic shoes and handbags for those more brightly colored and “of the moment”.
7.  Set aside your classic jewelry, and play with some fantasy necklaces, bracelets or rings that are the trend of the season.  They’re not expensive, and their effect can be spectacular.
8.  Keep your hair healthy – quit fussing about it being grey.  Keep your hair well hydrated, and get a great cut.
9.  A beautiful smile is worth a thousand skin creams! Whiten your teeth if necessary – over the counter whiteners give great results.
10.  Pamper your skin with nourishing, anti-aging creams.  And don’t forget how much difference a touch of foundation can make to even the coloring of your skin, and  illuminate your face.

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11.06.13 19 Comments

Tags: Avec Style, boots
<<Avec Style: The 10 Rules of Color HarmonyTan and Grey – a Casual Four-Pack>>

Comments

  1. Kristien62 says

    November 6, 2013 at 11:51 am

    Wonderful advice and I agree, Pam Lutrell personifies #4. Thank you for reminding me that I am not too old to visit some boutiques. One company, Madewell, always had scarves that I enjoyed, but I felt I was too old to be there. However, I am sure, however, that Madewell sees me as a consumer and doesn't care what my age is.

    Reply
  2. Virginia says

    November 6, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    This is going on my closet wall. Thanks!

    Reply
  3. pretty pink tulips says

    November 6, 2013 at 2:40 pm

    Love your suggestions, as I'm nearing that mid century mark and want to feel my best!!

    Have a wonderful day!
    xo Elizabeth

    Reply
  4. Pam @ over50feeling40 says

    November 6, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    I love this list, Janice! I want to print it out and put it on my mirror…I don't know if I am the Pam you meant, but I try to have fun with my styling (though my post today is really, really simple)! ….A big YES to every thing on this list!! I think I will hit some boutiques this weekend!!

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      May 11, 2014 at 12:02 am

      Of course you're the Pam – you're the most dynamic Pam I've ever known!
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
  5. hostess of the humble bungalow says

    November 6, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    Sometimes…
    I think I have so much grey that I might be a spud myself!

    Great ideas Janice! I am embracing these tips.

    Reply
  6. Cléo says

    November 6, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    I am not sure I am in love with all this advice to be honest… Some of it is common sense, but some of it seems overly consumerist and driven by a very standardized vision of beauty and appearance. I did have a similar reaction to the previous list of recommendations from this book, too.
    But perhaps my Frenchness is showing!

    Reply
    • Shreddie says

      November 6, 2013 at 8:23 pm

      I agree. The suggestion seems to be that buying something will achieve whatever the goal is.

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      November 6, 2013 at 8:39 pm

      Also agree.

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      December 12, 2013 at 11:46 pm

      Ditto

      Reply
  7. une femme says

    November 6, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    Agree 110% with all of this! I'm learning that even "young" boutiques and brands can often yield up some great pieces that work for any age group.

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    November 6, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    Pay attention to your posture and gait. Nothing ages you more than that hunched over shuffle.
    Keep your weight down/lose the extra weight.
    Don't get a "man" hair cut. Even if you go short, keep it fresh, funky, feminine (you choose the appropriate for your here). That hacked off "I give up" cut flatters no one.

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      November 7, 2013 at 9:12 am

      I agree with these points (posture, hair, weight) being more important than having "young" clothes. I don't see a problem with spicing up the classics with a flashy little accessory that's of the moment, but if you are slouched over, or wearing ill-fitting clothes (and clothes will be ill-fitting if you slouch), or if you have "I gave up" hair, then you will just look old AND ridiculous.
      I think the point of the author's list is to not let being "classic" turn into being "stuck in a rut."

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      November 8, 2013 at 1:21 am

      This.

      Reply
  9. Jean S says

    November 6, 2013 at 9:12 pm

    A woman in my yoga class has the loveliest white hair (and an equally lovely cut). She is, perhaps, all of 60 or so but actually looks much younger. Attitude, personality, and, yes, posture!

    Reply
  10. Jennings and Gates says

    November 7, 2013 at 6:32 am

    Great tips! I'm not sure I can replace my classics with trends, but I love the idea of doing them in more color. I might also add, do something that you are passionate about every day- take up riding, gardening, playing the flute, whatever makes your heart sing. There are many ways to add passion to one's life and passion always takes off at least 10 years! xo, NG

    Reply
    • Lisbet says

      August 14, 2014 at 7:43 am

      I think it is what Janice sometimes shows up. Match a purse to a fresh accent colored shirt, for example instead of your usual quality black or brown – but still wear your pearls. OR swap the pearls for necklace in a fun accent color but keep the classic purse. Just shake things up one at a time and do not spend a fortune on the fun stuff. Just stay unpredictable. That is what I got from that, in any case.

      Reply
  11. Duchesse says

    November 7, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    Labreque promotes brands and styles an upscale-mall look, an aesthetic you see all the time in InStyle. While I agree classics can be boring and stodgy, Cléo is spot on, Labreque's advice fosters a very standardized, aesthetic. You can see it on her web site.

    I live in the same city, and pass Montréalaises every day with far more wit and visual verve. Generally, they leave the disposible, trendy (and usually cheap) goods to teens and early twenties. Mature women here dare more décolléte than in other North American cities, wear items like high-heeled boots and big necklaces in full daylight, and are dab hands with scarves.

    Reply
  12. Karena Albert says

    November 8, 2013 at 4:36 am

    Excellent tips Janice. Thanks you!!

    xoxo,
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

    Reply

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The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
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