I am over 50 and looking for some great summer fashions. I am searching for outfits that are stylish and that I will enjoy wearing without looking too young—you know, the “trying too hard” and “no she didn’t!” look.
Yes, what I want is breezy, easy-to-wear fashion that is on-trend but will carry me through the summer. I want some panache in my wardrobe. There are plenty of women like me who have put on a few pounds over the years, and the cuts and styles that once looked amazing on us suddenly look frumpy, highlighting all the wrong places.
So, what to wear? I’ve been trying to find some great looks and readjust my clothes, makeup, and hairstyle to emphasize my best features, which have changed a lot from when I was 20.
Here are some tips that will hopefully help you on your journey to summer elegance. May we continue to grow, thrive, and find what makes us look great.
Fashionable summer look with capri pants
Summer Fashion Tip
Wear clothes that skim your silhouette. Don’t try to hide your body—streamline it.
Summertime Colors
Summer colors are fresh and bright, so choose clothes that reflect that. Say goodbye to the darker colors of fall and winter, and say hello to fresh pinks and purples, sunny yellows, and spring greens.
Brights and Jewel Tones
Summer is perfect for bright colors. Going monochromatic with brights is always a super flattering look for women over 50. It creates long lines and elegance with very little effort. Don’t forget to smarten up your bright clothes with a fabulous, eye-catching accessory. A chunky necklace or patterned scarf does nicely.
Jewel colors like emerald and cobalt blue are classic, fresh, sharp, and crisp—especially for women with gray hair. Pink almost always works for older women. Also, using fresh and unusual colors is flattering and so stylish. Lemon yellow and purple? Orange, mango, and turquoise? Absolutely marvelous!
Of course, you don’t have to stick with citrus colors. Try adding some aqua and turquoise to your summer wardrobe. A word of warning: be careful of wearing blush and beige, they can wash you out and make you look unwell.
I love this yellow and turquoise combination!
Classic Color Pairings
When thinking about summer, I always picture nautical styles. Navy and white with yellow accessories is classy and flattering on most skin tones.
Gray with a contrasting bright color always looks chic. In fact, I think gray is the new black for us in the summertime. We can wear it anywhere. Be careful to pick a gray that suits your skin tone. Even though it’s a neutral, gray can be a warm tone or a cool tone, so pick the one that makes your eyes sparkle and your skin glow.
An easy go-to color combination that is always a classic is black and white. I like to wear it when traveling because mix-and-match pieces extend your wardrobe choices. Black and white looks sophisticated and crisp—important considerations for hot, sticky days in the city.
Monochromatic gray can be slimming.
Neutrals
Summer neutrals are a classic, and they’re so versatile, going from morning to night with ease. No worries about mixing and matching while traveling either. The main thing about neutrals is the fact that they often look casual or sporty, which is a look that suits me fine. For someone who loves drama, however, neutrals may not be ideal. Color means drama in most cases, and strong contrasts add to that type of look. So if neutrals are not for you, look into building your wardrobe with strong contrasts like navy and white or strong splashes of color. I find I often wear neutral, gray, or tan. To freshen the look, add orange accessories—something with spice or pattern.
All-over denim is another one of my favorite slimming looks. It creates one long line and draws more attention to your face. It’s comfortable, and you can wear either shorts or long pants. I have a couple of lightweight denim shirts (one with short sleeves and one sleeveless) that I can’t wait to incorporate into an all-denim look. This look goes from working in the garden to grocery shopping to grabbing a bite to eat with friends.
Collection featuring an all-denim look
Patterns
The color-block trend is one of my favorite ways to wear a pattern. It’s simple, bold, and unusual—think Mondrian. Keeping to two or three really big chunks of color will give you the look. It is a pattern that women over 50 can easily wear without being too busy. It’s also great to use when traveling. I think that is why I lean towards color-block choices for my summer wardrobe.
Like Metallics?
They make a big splash every summer! I don’t feel very comfortable in metallics myself, but if you like them, summer is a great time to use metallic accents.
Building Your Outfit
I usually choose my top first, then match the shoes and the pants to complete the look. For example, a soft peach top and capris in a bright mango would look fabulous with striped ballet flats.
Boho looks are one trend I really like, and the flowing blouses and skirts are flattering on most body types. Loose dresses in summer are airy, cool, and just make you feel good.
How to Build the Perfect Outfit
Scarves are Your new Best Friend
One way to accessorize your look is to find a great, lightweight scarf that you’ll want to wear everywhere. Scarves are a versatile fashion accessory, quickly adding color and disguising a less-than-youthful neck. They’re also great for finishing a look and tying it all together.
I love the Van Gogh iris-print scarf pictured below. I would wear it with yellow and turquoise pieces, then choose sandals or flats that work well with the look.
Van Gogh iris scarf
Scarves come in many shapes and can be tied in unique ways. Bring a flattering color close to your face.
Fashion Tip
Keep shoes refined-looking and classy. Heels need not be too steep or trendy.
My idea of showing off is relatively conservative, but like most women, I do like fashion-forward shoes. Shoes are an easy way to make a statement without your entire outfit screaming, “Look at me!” The most important thing for women in their 50s is for their shoes to be comfortable. I won’t last ten minutes in high heels if I have to do any walking. So something with a low heel keeps a smile on my face.
I like a bright orange or radiant orchid-colored shoe. Both colors are appropriate for a dinner date, but they’re also nice for casual shopping trips and being out and about. Sneakers with a new and unusual look can also be a fun way to make a statement without compromising comfort.
Mules are one of my favorite types of shoes to wear in the summertime. They come in many colors, and they are so easy to slip on when you’re in a hurry. I personally like them to have some fancy details and a bit of a romantic feel. With some flair and sophistication, mules are still a classic summer look. If you have good-quality shoes in a classic style, they will look chic for years.
Summer Fashion Tip
Say goodbye to baggy clothes. Flowing and breezy is much more flattering.
This summer Fashion’s Top Wearable Trends
Full of neutral colors, textures, and very wearable shapes for older women. Note the looser silhouette, especially regarding pants.
Longer, Wider, Looser?
Tips to Make the Most of Your Look
Find a great-looking pair of glasses or sunglasses. Your face will look stylish every day. Nothing says chic more than a pair of beautiful sunglasses.
Don’t get carried away with the bling. You don’t want to become a caricature. You want to accentuate you.
Add pops of color to neutral outfits.
Dress for your body shape and dimensions. Always try to draw attention to your best features (an important fashion rule!).
Go for darker jeans that are narrower and fit well. Jeans are important in your wardrobe, so take time to get the ones that fit your shape nicely.
Find some good shoes. Don’t underestimate the value of a great pair of shoes.
Use the best and most flattering skirt length for your body. Mine is right around the knee.
A number of years ago I made the decision to go gray! The transition looked a little less stellar than I would have liked, but it didn't take long before I had a full head of silver-gray hair.
Now I would like to change up the style a bit. I grew it to a little below the shoulder and cut it into a bob that was about chin length. The classic bob was probably the easiest and best all-around look so far. But I'm not decided yet (and overdue for my next hair styling session).
Time to peruse the latest photos for gray hair and mature good looks.
More Silver Fox Stylings
My kind of hair: somewhat wavy. This is a good length to have for a casual lifestyle. Easy care, but long enough to sweep into ponytails or French rollsNo curl here, which helps it look sophisticated. This look is accomplished with flat-ironing the entire head of hair. Source: wehotflash.com
Allow me to think out loud here. Growing hair takes quite a while to accomplish, especially as we age. There is more breakage, and less replacement. I know I have a lot more hairs falling out than when I was younger.
Whereas cutting it takes only as long as my appointment with a hairstylist. Less than an hour.
So, should I try to grow it to a long length or go ahead and stay with a mid-length cut?
Some Things to Consider
Deciding what lengths to go to in growing out hair.
Long hair (below the shoulders) always draws my attention in hairdo magazines and photos. I love the look of long hair.
However, long hair is harder to take care of and it sometimes turns yellow easier. Quite often it doesn't look as polished, gets frizzy more easily, and can look messy.
Short hair is limited and for me, tends to look disproportionate to my body (for some women it looks fantastic)
Medium lengths are the compromise. They sometimes look exactly that—neither here nor there, and I want something that looks a little more stylish.
Post-2020 Notes
As I also posted in my original article, Silver Fox, Stunning Gray Hair Styles, I now have longer hair, whether I wanted it or not! For me, it is not a look I wish to stay with, and when I am able to visit the hairstylist again, the long locks are coming off!
For most mature women, medium hair lengths are the best, if you don't go shorter. While wearing the long length, a braid or updo works with it until one can get that easy-to-care-for medium bob!
Think About Texture and Skill Level
My hair texture is too thin and wiry for some styles, and my skill levels are certainly low. I always ask my beautician if the look I want will work in my daily life, or is appropriate for my kind of hair.
A simple style that I can tie back on occasion, one that looks good in just a few minutes with a straightening iron is the reason I usually have a classic bob with a fringe of bangs.
One thing that really makes a difference for thin or thinning hair is a hair texturizer! I like the Kenra line, this one gives a lift to your roots without the gooey feeling of a paste. It comes "whipped" which means no aerosol cans, and the light color is great for grays. If you have medium-length hair this will bring some control without heaviness. Having wavy hair, this light control is good for keeping frizzes at bay.
Right now I am trying to grow it longer, however. The problem is that I am getting impatient with how it looks between cuts.
Face Shapes
Which Shape Describes Your Face?
A stacked layering with flipped up ends and smooth length from the crown. Sophisticated and fun.Glassy smooth, long bob is the result of a great cut plus the use of a flatiron. Don't forget the hair serum for that beautiful, reflective shine!
It’s been a kind of liberation to have gray hair. I feel that beauty is not about subterfuge, it’s about authenticity — Vicki Topaz
Short Hair Cuts
There are pros and cons to having short hair. I still worry that a short spiky 'do will make me look like Phillis Diller on a bad day ... or someone that forgot their Halloween "fright wig" was still on their head. However, just viewing some of these photos allays those fears. Be prepared to use styling products like "hair wax" or "hair taffy" to keep things looking good.
Thicker hair (the type I have) pulls hair into a straighter looking style, but the waves show up with some layering. Instagram / @FLINT_HAIR_
Really Short
Ask Your Hairdresser
Is the style right for my hair and lifestyle?
Are there special products or techniques I need to know?
Short and on the wild side, but a really cute look.
Some women look best with short hair, and it is very easy to take care of. Still, short spiked hair needs plenty of product in the form of gels and strong hold styling mousse.
It almost always looks professional and the only thing to remember is to schedule haircuts often enough to keep the lines crisp and well-kept.
This hairdo almost looks like a halo that showcases the fine bone structure. It could overwhelm a finer bone structure. Like someone stuck their finger in an electrical socket, maybe?
Know your face shape for the best hairstyle choice. (More on that below.)
Loose waves and a fringe
Most of the hairstyles you see online will have plenty of hair products used to make them look that way. AND they will have a good cut. While both these are found at a professional salon, take the tips from a Silver Fox and order them at a discount online.
The gray hair shampoo my readers love the most is by Pravana. The second most popular is Rene Furterer Okara Mild Silver Shampoo. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them. I usually use Paul Mitchell's Forever Blonde, which does the same thing: cancels the yellow with violet-toned ingredients.
For me, with slightly wavy hair, plus the gray-hair frizzies, a flat iron is a must.
Use a serum or pomade to bring out the shine—that makes a vital difference in the look of gray hair.
Face Shapes
What are the main face shapes?
Oval
Oblong
Square
Heart-shaped
Diamond
I am a diamond shape and some fringe across the top of my forehead, with layering near my face is often a great look. I can't decide on that or a sleek bob. The classics are a sure thing for an older woman. We just have to avoid getting stuck in a fashion rut.
I love that mid-length layered haircut with the flirty ends. It has a young look without trying too hard.
Source: undercut.com
Medium Lengths
Usually, I ask for something in a medium length and when I do, it makes me happiest with how I look. Maybe because it doesn't visually drag and is easiest for me to style and care for. It is versatile for those who like to catch their hair into a pony tail or dress up a French roll or half-up-do.
Sometimes I tell my hairdresser: " Make me look like Helen Mirren". Bringing in a print of a photo is a better idea. Especially with her new updated look.
Grey Styling
If you have medium textured, wavy hair, I hope these styles gave you some ideas. It is a way for me to keep track of the styles and tips that I am using myself.
If you have naturally curly hair, very fine or very straight coarse hair be sure to check with someone who knows hair how these styles would work for you.
Celebrate your uniqueness!
Do You Have a Favorite Type of Hairstyle?
Classic Short Bob
let me know in the comments which is your preferred style:
Trips to the beach often involve walking along looking for interesting shells or whatever the ocean tides wash up upon the shore. It is one of my favorite vacation pastimes.
Sometimes the treasure of a water-frosted gem catches your eye, glimmering amid the sea wrack line … and you add the new found piece to the collection of your seashore souvenirs.
Who isn’t taken with those wave-washed gems of the sea, the beach glass of different colors? Here is the story of sea glass and the way creative people have taken these humble pieces of broken glass to create really lovely hand crafted jewelry.
It might surprise you to know that these bits of broken glass are valuable once the sea has refined them and brought out their beauty. I learned to love them when I bought a pair of earrings during a visit to Maui.
Colors of the Sea
Colors of the Sea
What Is The Difference?
Technically, sea glass refers to salt water glass and beach glass refers to fresh water glass.
Over 200 elegant images by photographer Celia Pearson present some of the best sea glass ever collected; find out everything you want to know about sea glass and how it came to be a highly prized gem.
How They Became Sought-For Gems – Illustrated with wonderful photos
Read an Interview with the author of ‘Pure Sea Glass’, which gives you insights into this acclaimed book that seems to be on every beach lover’s list.
beach glass jewelry
What Makes Beach Glass?
Castaways become treasured finds
What makes these frosted seashore beauties? What do people do with them? For me, the few I have are memories of special family vacations, but for many they are prized for the softly casual gleam and color they bring to a piece of jewelry.
With a little know-how, you can turn your finds from walks along the shore into works of art, crafts, and gifts.
Over many years, even centuries, people have broken dishware, vases, and bottles and dumped them; many of those found their way -in some manner or another- to the water.
In creeks and rivers, near lakes and in the oceans, the little bits and pieces were washed and tumbled by waves and ripples, ground by sand, stone pebbles, or seashells.
This work of nature softened the look of the surface of the shiny glass and rounded the sharp edges. Many of these glass bits became frosted and beautified, washing up on shores. Some became caught behind rocks or just part of the debris washed ashore during storms. In special places like Glass Beach in Ft. Bragg, California, they were caught in a natural tumbler action and built up many of these glass pebbles and deposited them on land.
It can take between ten to thirty years for this completely frosted look.
Oceans cause a more weathered look than the waves of freshwater lakes. The pH of the water also affects the surface and its minerals remove elements and cause pitting. Time and water with the wave action works on the glass or pottery pieces to create the worn, frosted gems we call beach glass. Sometimes sunlight and other factors change the colors.
Why Is It So Desirable Now?
The changes in the way we live contribute to the increasing scarcity of seaglass examples. We exchanged glass containers for plastic, became more careful about dumping refuse into our waterways and the oceans. It goes without saying that there are far less shipwrecks from which broken glassware might enter the ocean waters.
All these factors contribute to the depletion of sources for finding the once abundant colored pebbles we love to find on beach walks along the shoreline.
More people are interested in combing beaches for what can be found, and that has also contributed to the rarity of finds.
There is no such thing as officially certified sea glass, and the buyer must rely on the reputation of the seller or their knowledge of genuine characteristics.
Best Time For Beachcombing
“The best times to look are during spring tides and perigean and proxigean tides, and during the first low tide after a storm.” -Wikipedia
Do You Collect Things While On The Beach? – What is your favorite find?
Gorgeous sea glass
Do you do more than just admire beach glass, shells , or something else when walking on a beach. We would love to know what you collect and what you do with your collection.
What do you collect while walking the beach?
Let me know in the comments.
The Tale Of Mermaid Tears
sea glass beach
How To Find Your “Mermaid Tears” – You might find a gem!
green seaglass
Beachcombing
Follow the wrack line, which is the line of debris left by the last high tide or storm, as you walk along the shoreline. Pay close attention to places where small shells and pebbles accumulate. Look for pockets of rocks and pebbles that collect just at the water’s edge.
Especially search during bright days when the gleam of sunlight can reflect off of the shards.
Have you found a place with several pieces in one area? Are there various colors? You may have hit the motherlode! Comb that area.
Places that were popular tourist spots in the early 1900s, old coastal dumps especially of old glass factories, all might be a treasure trove of finds.
Places that are likely to have treasures:
a beach with limited access
See one that is harder for the usual beachcomber to enter? A greater chance of making finds, there.
Search shoreline gravel washes for lodged pieces among the stones
Do you know what to look for?
Well worn bits of glass or pottery, even the larger pieces of bottles qualify as long as they are wave washed.
It surprised me that pottery shards would be considered as “gems”. I really never took notice of them, although I can remember finding water worn bits of beer and coke bottles as a child.
You might find the Pinterest board dedicated to sea glass and sea pottery to be an interesting visit.
Home of the International Sea Glass Museum
In Fort Bragg, California, a museum of Sea glass was created by Capt. Cass Forrington
Ft. Bragg is also home to the Sea Glass Festival which takes place on Memorial Day Weekend. The area claims to have the highest concentration of sea glass on its beaches due to a unique rock formation on its coastline.
If you visit the Glass Beach State Park, collecting glass is prohibited to preserve this feature for the future. If like me, you also love to take photos of beaches and their many facets of visual beauty, those restrictions won’t matter. It is a unique opportunity to see loads of examples of frosted glass pebbles all in one place.
The Beach has been depleted of its glass over the years, and many who review this attraction have voiced disappointment, but others find it still holds plenty of interest. The beach is bound to have changing conditions with tides and storms, etc. For me, the chance to see a beach with lots of these finds still holds interest.
Other Places To Comb The Beach
On the coast of Maine: Bar Harbor, Jonesport, Land’s End, and Belfast.
Lake Erie from Cleveland to Conneaut, Ohio may yield results. Try Durand Beach in Rochester, NY or Presque Isle in Erie, Pennsylvania.
An excellent area to look is on Glass Beach, Kauai, Hawaii.
There are a number of well known sites off the coast of England, as well. The beaches of Northeast England are one of the best known areas.
~~~//~~~
Be sure to walk slowly while sweeping the ground with your eyes. Bend down and touch potential pieces to check them..don’t just quickly pass by.
A treasure of gorgeous photos, this is a book to savor. Anyone who loves the look of seaglass, whether they collect or not will be taken with the beautiful ways that a simple gift from the sea can be displayed.
Glass from inland waterways such as Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes (fresh water areas) is known as beach glass. Chips and pieces of broken bottles and glassware become the frosted pebbles formed by the wave action of the water.
The power of the waves and salt create a somewhat different look than those formed in freshwater.
Oceans give a much more weathered looking effect than the Great Lakes.
The Colors Of Seaglass
There are numerous colors and some are more rare than others, but all are becoming harder to obtain.
Kelly green, brown, and white colors are the most common.
Amber, lime green, jade, as well as forest green, ice and soft blue colors may be found from the remains of old whiskey, medicine, and juice bottles, soft drink bottles, ink containers, and even poison bottles.
For some collectors, it is the old shards of pottery that hold their fascination. The minerals of the seawater, the catalyst of the sun, and time will sometimes give these shards a special sparkle, but they are all weather and water worn and create a desirable look that collectors love.
It is possible to find pink, yellow, red, and gray tints.
Lavender is usually the result of clear glass that had been refined with magnesium.
What Are The Rarest Colors?
Purple ocean glass is very uncommon, and so is citron, old milk glass, cobalt and cornflower blue colors.
Orange is considered the rarest of all.
“Mermaid Tears” is the sentimental term for the frosted chips that glimmer on the beaches.
The wrack zone is part of the shore just above the mean high tide line where kelp is deposited on the sand. This is a primary place to search.
Places rich in finds may have idiosyncratic characteristics: some are better at low tide, some at high tide, some beaches are better at certain times of the year. Look during the fall and spring, give attention to gravel beaches or where rivers empty into the sea.
Looking for Quality
A quality piece has smooth edges with no shiny spots; its surface is well frosted in texture.
What are some of the conditions that lead to an old bottle becoming the sought after stones that beachcombers and jewelry makers are looking for? Higher water pH and rocky shores will contribute to faster aging of the glass. The rougher the beach, or rock formations, the more likely the frosted appearance of the refuse glass will be created in a shorter period of time.
Searching is called “glassing”, and the times which are best are often after strong storm winds have stirred up the sea. Not ideal vacation conditions, but loved by inveterate “glassers”.
“Rounds” are the bottom of bottles. Sometimes large whole rounds can be found and are highly prized.
Items with embossing are very desirable, The patterns can give clues to age and origin, one example being a story told by Capt. Cass of the International Sea Glass Museum in California. He tells of a piece of glass that had a rose embossed on it.
Glass Beach in Ft. Bragg, California
When old broken household plates, bottles, and pitchers that were no longer useful to them, people went to the nearest body of water and dumped them. The formation of the famous Glass Beach in Ft. Bragg California happened in just this way. The broken and wave tossed items collected here at the shoreline. The unique rock formation also had a hand in this process. Those rocks kept everything from washing out to sea and formed a particularly rich trove of finds. One factor in Ft. Bragg’s site was the earthquake damage which was dozed from the land and carted into the sea.
The site at Ft. Bragg is probably the most famous and claims to have the most density.
The surprising number of festivals dedicated to seaglass aficionados is astounding.Iif you attend one of those events It is likely that you will find plenty of jewelry. Made by artists exhibiting their creations in vendor stalls. Perhaps that might be a good place to glean some advice on the skills of the craft, too.
Wish You Were Here
“Lightning Glass”
This is actually Fulgurite, and not glass at all.
As lightning hits sand in just the right conditions, fulgurites are created. They are not smooth and rounded.
More women today embrace their own sense of themselves when they allow their hair to become their natural gray color. Courtney Hale | Canva
Gray Can Be Gorgeous
More women are discovering that allowing their hair to grow into natural gray is liberating. As one professional model, Maye Musk, put it, “Why didn’t I do this 10 years ago?” When the decision is made, update your hair care regimen with these tips, styles, and products.
No, it isn’t for every woman,, but the ranks of those who choose freedom from chemical color and the tyranny of monthly touch-ups are growing! A new found confidence can come from those natural silver tones free from hair color chemicals.
Is the Silver Fox look for you?
pixie for over 60
Stylish
Sophisticated
Natural
Highlight the Silvery Properties of your Gray Hair With Mild Silver Shampoo
Vo5 Conditioning Hairdress Gray/White/Silver (3 Pack) VO5 is tried and true and one of my personal favorites for moisturizing, giving sheen, and taming fly-aways. I used regular VO5 when I colored my hair, (better than “hair polishes”) and then switched to the silver haired version. It is a quick way to shine up your strands while adding a silvery glow.
I now have longer length locks and the Alberto VO5 creme with blue tint holds my hair in place to reduce flyaways as well as give shine.
Salt and Pepper Hair Style
Good-Bye Yellow
Internally, stress is one of the greatest enemies to your overall health, including your hair’s health. Too much sun, vitamin deficiencies, illness are all on the list, but did you know that chemical dyes are too?
Shampoos that are harsh will make your hair feel dry, frizzy, and dull.
Using a yellowish-tinged shampoo or conditioner rather than a clear one may leave an offcast on your hair.
Smoking or sitting in a smoke-filled environment can lead to a yellowish cast also, which is very hard to remove.
Water with lots of iron content can stain the hair.
Chlorine in water reacts with sunlight to give a yellow tinge.
Oil buildup from your scalp can also cause discoloration.
You can counteract these effects by installing a filter on your shower, using hair products formulated for gray hair, and using a clarifying shampoo. Remember that gray hair care includes taking care of your general health, as well.
A great look for salt and pepper mixture is this sleek ‘do. Serum will give you that silky smooth look. Very professional for worktime, but easy to keep for casual times. A sparkly barrette is all that is needed for special holiday occasions.
Gray HairWho knew it would become high style? And still a trend going strong in 2016, showing no signs of slowing down.
Shampoo Tip
One tip for those who want to use brightening products: I switch out these for clarifying and non-color changing shampoos regularly. One of my favorites for in between is Paul Mitchell’s Wild Ginger line. The fragrance and shine are amazing.
Use yellow-canceling shampoo products when sun and surf time can stress your hair. Source
My Transition to Gray Hair Freedom
What is it like to change from covering gray to going natural with silvery strands? I thought I would create a timeline of sorts with the most asked questions from acquaintances. These are things I wondered about myself, before taking the big step.
Going Gray, Hair Color F.A.Q.
What was the tipping point in making a decision to go “natural?”I felt for a long time that the look of a face and neck of a 50 or 60 something and the hair of a twenty-something is out of sync. I made the decision that when that disconnect seemed to be approaching I would stop coloring my hair. Happily, this decision coincided with the appearance of many attractive and influential women in the beauty world who also decided to “go gray.” Those women and my own experience inspired this page.I thought, “I am sure there are lots more women who want this look and just need a little encouragement.”
Was it hard to transition from the colored hair to natural? No, I just let the hair grow, and scheduled haircuts to keep the style and shape. A fresh haircut helps avoid that awkward “halfway point”. I won’t lie: there has been a bit of humble pie and some attitude adjustment on my part to growing older. I have had both supportive and admiring comments, but then there was the time when a kid behind me in the grocery line phoned his mom that he was “standing behind the old lady”. A lovely comment from a group of unknown bystanders in another grocery store (do people in grocery stores have more time to people watch?) who thought my hair was “gorgeous” made up for the shock of the other comment, however!
What are the best tips for having beautiful gray hair?I have included the top tips in this article. The products are those I and my readers have found the best for our silver hair. Information on caring for the qualities of maturing gray locks included under a number of the topics covered: the right shampoos, conditioners, and styling methods.
Tips From My Hairstylist My hair stylist used ” Forever Blonde” products to give shine and cancel out effects of yellowing. Loved the effect! And got compliments!
Shine for the Silver Fox Look
Long locks are possible, but make sure to keep them healthy and shiny
Maye Musk is a top model who makes aging look great with her silver white hair and sophisticated style.
She is gracious about sharing her secrets, too. Samples of her beauty advice are generously given in an article titled “Looking Great”, taken from her book where she shares wardrobe, weight, and beauty tips.
Short cut with long top layers. This is my favorite short hairstyle. The crown hair is kept long and angled toward the chin.
5 Beauty Tips
Be sure to include plenty of B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet
Going gray may require a warmer color palette for your makeup. Try a warmer blush or lipstick color.
It can’t be said enough: Keep it moisturized and in good condition to keep it great looking.
Occasional color correction with a blue-tinted hair product to cancel yellowing
Give a gloss with smoothing those frizzies:Even though you want to go easy on heat appliances, straightening gray hair can add some glitz to your look. Gray hair reflects light, which is highlighted by keeping it smooth.
Silver hair with long bangs shows good gray hair care
How Does the Color Turn When We Age?
As part of the body’s oxygen cycle, skin cells produce hydrogen peroxide . Hydrogen peroxide serves to kill bacteria, but as we age it builds up in the body. Researchers in UK found that this buildup causes the hair to turn gray. Some races, such as Caucasians, are more prone to the process. -Today’s Health
Gerald Weissmann, professor of medicine at New York University predicts that soon products to remove hydrogen peroxide from the hair and the body will be developed.
Gray Examples
If you doubted that this color could look glamorous, look at this picture of Meryl Streep to have your doubts washed away.
Women Who Have Gone Gray
Nothing tells the story like a picture can, and the beautiful women whose hair is shiny, gorgeous, and gray are the best illustration for making the point. It isn’t necessary to get beauty from a bottle. The best, most attractive quality is healthiness. Chemicals are bound to be damaging, and they aren’t necessary!
Trendsetting hairstyles show up on the red carpet and in magazines. Take some tips from these celebrities for hair, makeup, and fashions that will look great with grey.
Fresh Looks To Try
What styles look fresh and new with silver locks?
Try a new bob, updated with layering to give it lift.
Medium length with fringy bangs.
Cute short, flipped up ends.
Bangs are in favor for the classic bob.
Emmy Lou Harris with silver locks
Taking Care of Gray Hair
Some beauty tips are ageless: eat nutritionally valuable foods that have the vitamins, proteins, and the complex carbohydrates you need for good health; use mild and effective products on your skin and hair; and get your circulation going with plenty of exercise.
But there are a few tips that are especially important for gorgeous gray hair. One that is mentioned often is the use of a blue tinted hair product. Another is regular use of an effective hair conditioner- maybe more than one to keep hair soft and shiny. Carefully brushing or combing to prevent split ends and a good haircut doesn’t hurt, either. Healthy hair also means going easy on heat applications through hair curling or straightening.
A Good Cut
I’ve been see-sawing between mid-length hair and trying to grow it out. Like every other color, growing hair longer while trying to keep it looking in shape and stylish is a challenge. I recently cut off the length and had my hair layered. It looks shinier and better groomed, which is important for gray hair care.
A beauty secret to take better advantage of is to have a great cut. Not liking to fuss with hair, a medium length has always worked well for me, but no matter the length we choose, keeping the cut sharp and in shape makes the difference in how good gray hair looks.
Changing Things Up
As you can see from the many products on this page, I like to change things up. It isn’t that I am always looking for something different, but I find that rotating the shampoo and conditioner lines brings better results. On a trip out west I noticed the need for more conditioning, while in my own home state (where high humidity rules) I have more need for serums to smooth my hair.
I think you have to experiment to see what works best for your own look.
The one perennial rule for all of us with gray and silver is well conditioned, healthy hair. And because of all the environmental yellowing, knowing which products will restore a clear tone to the hair is one secret that will work wonders for your style. Kathi Odum
Try A Different Shampoo
Consider trying a new shampoo made just for white and silver hair to really stand out and make a white hot statement.
A wonderful shampoo with mild ingredients and natural blue flower extract from Centaurea. Klorane is a venerable name in hair products and I have used (happily) their shampoo and conditioners for years. If one wants the tried and true for silver hair, this is a good choice.
Cute Short Cut with bangs and long top layers
One of the Best Shampoos for Gray Hair Styles
Keep your hair silvery with Phyto Purple Shampoo, Gray and White Hair, and its conditioner. Chamomile azulene brightens, while natural coconut oil conditions and cleanses your scalp.
These two results, moisturized hair and a light bluing tint, will give your gray luxurious shimmer which is all you need to look terrific. Phyto products have been my favorites for their quality and how manageable they leave my thick, wavy locks.
Which Shampoo And Conditioner?
Besides the addition of a color corrector which is the best product for our hair? The answer will be directly related to your present condition, desired look, and personal preference.
I like the ingredients to be as natural as possible, but I like some luxury and fragrance,too. Those are qualities that influence my recommendations. If you are sensitive to perfumes, there are products for you that might be different.
Pravana Pure Light was the top product my readers were buying because of its mild and gentle formula and beautiful results. I know I liked that it was infused with vitamins. There doesn’t seem to be a good replacement, though you might look at this review.
Two more of the best brands are:
Pravana Pure Light Sulfate-free Brightening Shampoo is a silver hair shampoo, both mild and natural. My readers love it; I think the gray enhancing formula makes such a difference with no concerns about Parabens or other harmful additives. I think it has been discontinued, unfortunately
Rene Furterer Okara Mild Silver Shampoo with corrective pigments, this product illuminates and revives silvery highlights. It also contains Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E.
The goal of gray hair care is healthy looking hair that has shine and clarity.
SolutionsDry hair and skin?Oils can cause yellowing, so strike a balance between the need to condition hair and overloading it with possible yellow cast. If you use a whitening agent every once in awhile, that will help.I felt that using coconut oil to condition did not discolor my hair. Argan oil might be slightly yellowing (verdict not in on that, yet), but good for conditioning.
Helen Mirren with softly controlled bob, long full bangs. Helen Mirren’s free spirit look in a longer length bob
Always an eye catcher on the Red carpet, her style elicits admiring comments. If you have quandaries on how to make the best of your looks as you age, Helen Mirren is a a role model of continuing to look great.
She changes her style subtly going from soft waves to styles with bangs and sometimes a straight bob, but always with panache.
Mirren always inspires those who wish for stylish gray hair styles ideas.
Helen Mirren lipcolor? Try L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Balm, Pink Satin for a similar look.
Holiday Hairstyles
Updos have been a top choice for formal occasions because they instantly create a well groomed and feminine appearance.
While many women choose shorter hairstyles as they mature, the trend has been for longer lengths. Whether a haircut is short or long, sleek and shiny are two characteristics that give holiday hairdos glamorous fashion.
A Few Ideas For Elegant Polish
Classic French twist with a holiday comb. Sparkly combs and clips dress up any style.
Polished hair slicked back from the face—Silver Fox to the max for holiday sophistication.
The smoothly rolled bun is a classic good look for the holidays, with or without hair ornaments. Either worn high on the crown or as a chignon, this is a beautiful sophisticated look.
Mike Van Den Abbeel Says
“There are several professions for women that we recommend not get 100% gray coverage. Any woman working in law or dealing with money shouldn’t try to cover up all her gray hair. In these cases, a little gray will help give a sense of experience and authority”
Reporter and mystery novelist
If You Want The Whole Package
There is more to your appearance than just your hair, as important as that is!
As maturity affects skin tone and body shape, some changes must be made, a makeover of wardrobe, colors, and reviving some of the inner glow that is the real source of beauty for any age.
I like the new emphasis on helping older women find their best look.
Get a Makeup Look to Match Gray Hair
There are a few changes to make to your makeup palette to best work with gray hair and matured skin tones.
Pick brighter shades
A soft pink or coral blush
Rose, pink, or coral lip gloss
Dark brown or black liner
Mature Makeup
Be sure to use a good BB cream for even skin tone, and highlight your eyes. Even if you don’t wear lip color, a good lip balm is a boon.
Katharine Hepburn was a trendsetter who had her own brand of fashion and style that remained to true to her own self.
Maturing Skin
A BB cream is fantastic for an aging complexion. Complement your natural hair with some new makeup to brighten your complexion and lift your mood. Hair color is just one facet of the overall picture.
And most of all, I think I’ve finally gotten the message that beauty emanates from within.
Accept yourself, love your life, celebrate the moments, and you might find that gray hair is more of a silver halo that crowns a life worth living!
My Gray Hair, After 2020
Shine and be all you can be at any age. That has been my motto. during the past two years, it has proven a greater challenge: for me and everybody, it seems.
Because I hadn’t had access to my usual hair salon visits, my hair had grow quite long. And, for me, it created the decision that such lengths are not for me!
If you get ill, you have a natural tendency to lose more hair; and the longer it grows without a cut the more challenging to keep the color from yellowing.
If you are a person with the same challenges as me, the tips on gray hair care with the silver enhancing shampoos will be especially helpful. And when possible, resume haircuts – even if just a trim to keep everything healthy looking and stylish.
Putting some time into our appearance, especially our silver locks, is one of the best antidotes to feeling stressed in our very changed world, in my personal experience.
Today there are many celebrities with gray hair, who look comfortable in their skin, wrinkles and all. Helen Mirren was one of the avant garde in allowing signs of age become integrated into her style and personal brand of beauty.
This gave me the idea that I could personally glean some tips on how to age gracefully and remain more attractive as I proceeded into my senior years.
In this article, find:
Fashion tips for older women
Makeup colors and products for older skin
Inspirational pictures of Helen Mirren and some of her bio
Silver hair tips
The Beauty of Helen Mirren in Maturity
Gorgeous shorter hairstyle and the dress is a deep blue she favors.
Read on for inspiration from Helen Mirren’s beauty as a fascinating example of aging gracefully. Embracing silver hair, a face with character and loveliness, she has inspired these beauty tips for makeup application, fashion for over fifty, and maintaining good looks.
Good Sense in Aging Gracefully
We live in a “forever young” society, and no one mirrors that more than our celebrities. Tucks, lifts, color, creams, in a never ending carousel of age defying attempts to remain youthful.
However…
When I looked at the results of artificially maintaining a “youthful look”
I decided at a certain point to slip more comfortably into my age.
Then I started looking for examples of hair style and makeup that works for the now me – new would be a bit of a misleading adjective.
The woman whose mature looks I most admire is Helen Mirren, and I am not alone in that admiration.
Interview With Helen
What About Her Style Can We Emulate?
I found it hard to make the transition to live in my older appearance… I needed different makeup colors, different application methods, different clothing styles (and sizes), and a different hair style to accommodate the new texture of my now gray hair.
Here is what I could glean from the lovely Helen Mirren.
No Ordinary Pose
Mirren carries off this shirtdress in navy with particular panache. This is the power of personal confidence.
Helen Mirren’s Beauty Style Analyzed
Helen Mirren, a spokesperson for L’Oreal Paris, has been quoted as simply “cleaning my face… and putting on moisturizer”. But of course, when showing up publicly, there is more to her regimen.
lipstick and lip liner – red and berry colors, currently.
I took some photos of her medium bob into my hair stylist to get my style as close as possible. (We each have different types of hair, but the bob is classic). My stylist said she appreciated two things about that: (1) a clear idea of what I wanted, (2) and that she had freedom to interpret the look for my hair.
How often do we want a look for thin hair when ours is thick, or vice versa?
It helps to desire to create your own style and simply use another’s as a guideline to experiment with your own variation.
In the Makeup Mirror
Mirren’s pink shades in lipstick ranging to a light ruby lip is great for the lighter coloration of Caucasian mature skin. A matte look for the face in general, and an emphasized, but not heavily made-up, eye with soft colors is kind to the appearance.
She Epitomizes Classic Fashion
Her clothing is always praised… she is classic with an edge. Soft and natural, like her hair, she wears nothing boxy or harshly structured.
Soft, casually stylish, healthy… and gray.
Helen Mirren is beautiful with a soft wavy bob hairstyle
Helen Mirren keeps the style classic and soft. I think that is a great direction for many older women to consider in their hairstyles. I like how she keeps length, but has control and a classic look.
Her Silver Hair
in my own experience, since letting my hair grow into its gray these things made the difference between frumpy and lovely:
Smoothed, healthy, and moisturized hair has a sheen that reflects the light,
Without conditioning, gray hair can be frizzy and dull.I like leave-in conditioner and serums now. A hair straightener (a mechanical type, not chemical) for those who want straight styles gives a professional finish.
Helen Mirren has soft waves, but a smooth and conditioned surface. Her haircut is a classic bob, cut into a loosely layered look. Sometimes she has a fringe of bangs and sometimes not.
The Picture Of Style
A picture hat frames her face and allows a peek at her silver locks at the same time.
Mirren Fashion Points
Her hair is in healthy, good condition.
Her hairstyle is classic.
Lack of fussy details makes the most of her overall attractiveness.
She uses clear colors in her wardrobe to highlight her skin and hair coloring.
She also makes use of an overall subtle palette as a contrasting look.
Her clothing is usually classic and always well fitted and flattering.
She has a confident vibe, and a spirit of youthfulness about her.
Sleek and pulled together is how I would describe her.
Mirren seems to go by the adage, “Choose clothes that fit”.
No muffin tops.
Helen Mirren’s Beauty Style = Best Haircut
The directions for getting the style as interpreted by “the Hairstyler.com”:
Apply Mousse Apply styling mousse to damp hair, using your palm as a measuring guide, and evenly distribute it along the hair shaft. Styling mousse will add hold and can help achieve better results. (I use Paul Mitchell styling mousse)
Use a Medium Radial Brush A medium radial brush is used on medium to long hair types to smooth out wavy or curly hair textures or to add body to straight hair. When selecting a radial brush, always use one with a pure bristle as this will not tear or damage the hair.
Blow-dry the Back Under To blow-dry under, start at the nape/back and place your brush under the section of hair close to the nape. With the dryer held up over the hair, pull the brush from the roots and continue to the mid length’s, keeping the blow-dryer following over the top. Once you reach the ends, curve them under. Repeat this step until the section is completely dry.
Blow-dry the Sides Under To blow-dry the sides, take out a small section of hair from the front and clip the rest of the hair away. Next, place the brush under the section and then pull the brush and hair forward around your face (this curving motion creates body). Place the hair-dryer on top of the brush until you reach the ends and then turn the ends under. Repeat until dry.
Hairstyle Variations
-The sleek side-sweep
One of the ways to give gray hair star power.
-A soft side-swept fringe and graduated bob; heavily-kohled eye; pink lip.
This is probably my favorite look- and one that I try to imitate for a polished and pretty presentation.
Gray hair can be dramatic and elegant. Keeping it in good condition is key.
Beauty Products for Gray Hair – Gray hair care
Keep Your Silver Shining
I don’t know what hair products Helen Mirren uses, but she always manages to look fabulous. whether tousled, or with smooth waves, or slicked back- her hair is always great looking.
Try some of these great products for keeping your gray lock looking healthy and amazing. If you wish for more in depth look at what keeps silver hair looking as stunning as this famous celebrity…. learn to be a star in your own right: Silver Fox Hairstyles.
Since going gray I’ve learned that the best shampoo and conditioner is one that is mild, has yellow cancelling and conditioning properties.
Other sources of information on keeping gray hair in top condition and looking gorgeous:
Top selling shampoo and conditioner for gray hair on my articles. What’s to love?The ingredients are mild and paraben-free. I don’t know the exact products Helen Mirren uses on her hair, but for anyone who wants her sleek hair to look its best would do well to use the Pravana line of hair care.
Beautifully Blue
Helen Mirren’s beauty: Her color choices range, but some of the most flattering are clear primary colors or their pastel versions. Clear and vibrant which is pretty with gray hair. Navy and clear dark blues have become a signature look for her- which sets off her silver locks.
Her colors range, but some of the most flattering are clear primary colors or their pastel versions. Clear and vibrant which is pretty with gray hair. Navy and clear dark blues have become a signature look for her- which sets off her silver locks.
Makeup for the Look – Look Naturally Fabulous
Tips for Mirren’s Makeup Look
Analyzed as wearing “a little blush, pink lips, and brown eyeliner”, her look is summed up as a healthy glow and muted lip and eyeliner colors. Accentuation without any garishness.
Leave the heavy eyeliner and bright colors to the younger woman. For the more mature woman it only looks harsh and unbecoming. These products will give you a fresh and attractive look you are aiming to achieve.
Bring out your eyes with the colors of nature. A range of neutrals to shape your eyes and accentuate them in a flattering way.
A pink shade of lipstick can give you Helen’s soft natural look. Pink lip color is one of the best daytime looks for a more mature face, it is soft and youthful looking.
Rich rosy pink is the perfect complement to silver hair and the coloring of a mature woman.
Soft Natural Color Highlight Helen Mirren’s Beauty
Helen Mirren’s beauty has nothing harsh or garish, but has a bold glamour befitting her celebrity status.
Effortlessly Gorgeous Helen Mirren- at least her natural glow seems effortless!
Helen’s Usual Makeup Style
-a soft, neutral shadow, a strong eyeliner on the upper lid, no bottom lid liner and a medium colored lipstick.
Remarks on Helen M:
“The most interesting thing about Helen Mirren’s style is that while other actresses can look ridiculous trying to look young into their 60s, Helen pulls it off by looking natural and effortless.”
Helen Mirren Makeup Look – Get the top makeup tips
Her eyes have a range of neutral and sable brown to softly highlight them. Lighter on the lid with deeper brown in the socket area bring out her eyes without an aging, crepey look that glimmery colorful shadows can produce.
Her eyes have a range of neutral and sable brown to softly highlight them. Lighter on the lid with deeper brown in the socket area bring out her eyes without an aging, crepey look that glimmery colorful shadows can produce.
Best Eye Cream – For Your Anti Aging Arsenal
3 ingredients are important in new products: Argireline, Matrixyl-3000, Retinyl.
Consumer Guides gave “City Views” its top rating. The Shiseido LX came in second.
These aren’t products that Helen Mirren would use, necessarily, but they will help the rest of us attempt to look as good as she does. Good facial creams are the one essential (next to a good night’s sleep) to keeping ones skin looking and feeling beautiful.
After we look to our health, some of these products give results that help make us shine.
Classic Mirren
Her Makeup Style
“Helen uses blush on her cheeks to add a vibrant, healthy glow, and she keeps her eye makeup design minimal, but elegant, with the focus on eyeliner rather than lots of eyeshadow. She knows how to vamp things up with classic red lipstick and strategic shine on Oscar night, but she also plays around with other flattering lip colors for everyday wear.” – Makeup for Women Over 45
Rich, rosy lip and blush give a glow of health.
Firming, and it reduces age spots, this is the night cream that Helen Mirren is quoted as using for her own beauty regimen.
“I don’t want to wear a frumpy jacket over a sleeveless dress”
“I love cleansers and I like using body creams and face creams, but I don’t honestly know if they do anything for you. I like the way they make me feel – fresh, comfortable, clean and ready for the day. I do love L’Oréal Age Perfect Rehydrating Cream Night; it makes me feel good when I put it on. I am a great consumer of all that but I am realistic about what it can do. It’s more about how it makes you feel and and your feeling about yourself.”
“I look 70 with a lot of makeup on and nice hair, I do totally look 70!“
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