Fashion
I’m 58 & teach middle-aged women how to look younger – your jeans and handbag say a lot about your age
A STYLE enthusiast in her fifties has hit back at the belief that women have to stop wearing what they please after a certain age.
She revealed that there are countless ways to incorporate the latest fashion trends into your wardrobe without looking dowdy.
Courtesy of DeirdreDeidre shares fashion advice with almost 76,000 subscribers on YouTube[/caption]
Deidre said it’s ‘sad’ that many women limit their fashion choices because of their age or sizeCourtesy of Deirdre
Deidre, better known as my My Friend Deidre on YouTube, has garnered almost 76,000 subscribers.
The 58-year-old, who often features her cat Chanelle in videos, has gained a reputation for giving midlife women the ability to feel “fabulous” in their clothes.
She decided to start a YouTube channel and Instagram account to reach a wider audience than she would as a one-to-one stylist.
She told The U.S. Sun that from a young age, she loved fashion and has fond memories of her mom styling her.
“I remember my mother used to dress me in a red tartan kilt,” she said.
“I loved the fact that the yellow of the jumper mixed in with some of the yellow of the skirt.
“I was only four at the time.
“I come from a family that’s always been into fashion. My mom was even a model for the RAF’s promotional literature.
“She was always very elegant.
“I think some people have a natural thing for style, but it can also be learned.
“I lived in Italy for a number of years and did training in Milan, where fashion is really taken seriously and they have some of the biggest shows.
“I just loved it, I was never quite like the Italian women though,” she joked.
FASHION IS FUN
“I’m a great believer in wearing what makes you happy,” she said.
“Wear the colors that you love and something that makes you feel confident when you leave the house and go into the outside world.
“I think there’s a lot of misconceptions, particularly to do with age and also size.
“I have a lot of ladies who talk to me on YouTube and say, ‘Oh, I can’t wear that because I’m size blah blah.’
It’s a shame, lots of particularly older women lose a bit of their direction in terms of style when they get to 50 plus.
Deidre
“I think it’s really sad.
“Every woman should feel that they can make the very best of themselves by using certain styling techniques.
“It’s a shame, lots of particularly older women lose a bit of their direction in terms of style when they get to 50 plus.
“Maybe they’re empty nesters, lost their job, divorced, or whatever.
Courtesy of DeirdreDeirdre said at least 20% of a woman’s wardrobe should embrace the latest trends[/caption]
“They come to a place where they think, ‘Oh, my goodness, I’ve lost my sense of style.’
“And then they read in the media don’t cut your hair short and don’t do this or that, which gets confusing.
“I like to put a message out where I build self-confidence to not think so much about these misconceptions.
“Every woman should try and do what’s right for them.”
80% CLASSICS, 20% TRENDY
Deidre encourages women to seek out inspiration from influencers when they feel like they’re losing themselves.
The British fashionista said that even looking after health by eating well and exercising can help when trying to look and feel good.
She added that it’s important to review your sense of self and fashion every so often.
“I would say to ladies don’t be led entirely by trends, but have a broad awareness of what’s out there,” she said.
Particularly when you get a bit older, 80% of your wardrobe needs to be classics that you can just grab.
Deidre
“It’s keeping up with a little bit of what’s going on that makes you seem more youthful.
“Particularly when you get a bit older, 80% of your wardrobe needs to be classics that you can just grab.
“You know that they’re gonna look good and they’re gonna be reliable and dependable.
“That last 20% can be trying out trends.”
FLATTER YOUR FIGURE
Deidre said body shape is often more important than age when deciding what to wear.
Black is often seen as a “slimming” and “chic” color to wear at any age, but charcoal gray, burgundy, navy blue, and chocolate brown can create a similar silhouette.
“I think a lot of style and fashion has to do with experimentation,” she said.
“But don’t struggle with things that don’t suit you or you don’t feel comfortable in.
Deidre said body shape is more important than age when deciding what to wearCourtesy of Deidre
DENIM DOS AND DON’TS
“Some things can work for a lot of women like high-rise jeans and trousers are fabulous.
“As you get older you get a thickening around your waist and high-rise styles are very good for disguising that.
“Just as long as you make sure the jeans sit on the smallest part of your waist so they come over the top of the spillage and bits that might fall out.
“I think jeans are one of the single easiest things that you can wear to make yourself look younger.
“If you’re not sure two really good shapes are straight legs because they go with pretty much everything.
“And bootcut or flares that come out after the knees because they give you really great curves.
“They make you look like you’ve got more of a waist, whether you have or haven’t.
“They’re very flattering and modern.
I do think there’s a more acceptable way to dress when you’re a bit older.
Deidre
“Don’t wear skinny jeans. If you love them great, but try and stay current.
“In terms of washes, if you’re not sure go for a mid-wash or dark because it goes with most things.
“When you get older dark jeans are very flattering down the leg, but also don’t be afraid to wear white jeans.
“They look fresh, spring-like, and you can style so many things with them.
“A chestnut brown sweater and white jeans can look stylish and youthful.”
TRANSITIONING TO SPRING
“When you go into spring it’s nice to have transitional pieces like floral blouses but make sure they’re in the colors that you love,” she said.
“Smaller florals if you’re a larger lady. It’s all to do with proportions and knowing your body shape.
“Dip your toe into seasonal trends but try not to overdo it, otherwise it can end up being counterproductive and you look older.
Deirdre said metallics can be worn at any age regardless of body sizeCourtesy of Deirdre
“Shorts can be good at most ages but it depends on what you feel comfortable in.
“I’m way over very short, shorts, that show the buttocks but it’s up to people how they feel comfortable.
“I do think there’s a more acceptable way to dress when you’re a bit older.
“Metallics can be worn at any age, any type, any size.
“Particularly silver trousers were fabulous during the festive season, they look beautiful with a chunky jumper and winter whites.
“I just love them.
“If you’re frightened by trying metallics get a metallic bag or belt for just a pop of metallic.
“Some go better with certain colors like dove gray goes with a bluer white or black.
“Then you’ve got the gold and the bronzes, which go more into your browns and chestnut colors or even yellow as you go into spring.”
DRESS YOUR AGE?
Deidre said many stores are geared toward the youth and she isn’t afraid to reply to comments on YouTube from people saying some of her outfits are too young.
“It’s what the brands produce that’s what we have to choose from,” she said.
She said shops such as Nordstrom, H&M, Massimo Dutti, and Ann Taylor often have items that flatter mature women.
Boden, Everlane, Mango, Ralph Lauren, and NYDJ are also great depending on the budget.
Deirdre revealed her favorite brand is Karen Millen because their clothes are ‘good’ qualityCourtesy of Deidre
“Karen Millen is one of my favorite brands,” she said.
“They started out with more office things and glam, but they’ve become very inclusive with different types of clothes at good quality.
“I think if you were 25 or 60 you could get stuff there.”
She joked that older women often carry large tote bags when out and about because they’re carrying the “kitchen sink.”
Despite being handy, she said they can be aging so it’s important to keep handbags updated.
“A crossbody bag or a large clutch bag if you’ve got a lot of stuff looks a bit more modern,” she said.
“I love crossbody bags because they balance your body. You’re not dragging a huge great bag around on one side of you.
“Backpacks are really wonderful as well as long as they’re not too big.”
Courtesy of DeirdreDeirdre recommends wearing bright colors close to the face for a youthful glow[/caption]
Deidre suggested contrasting styles such as wearing a formal jacket with jeans or a silk shirt with trainers as a head-to-toe classic outfit isn’t very youthful.
She said metallics and lighter colors should be worn around the face to look younger.
“If you lighten the clothes that you’re wearing around your face, it can give radiance and brightness,” she said.
“Bright color tops, dresses, scarves, bows, a string of pearls, they give off a luminescence to any skin color.
SHADY LADY
“Another thing to look at is sunglasses,” she suggested. “I’m a huge fan and they don’t have to be expensive.
“If you’ve got the money, great, and if you don’t think about the shape and keeping them updated.
“You can get some great dupes from places like Amazon, River Island, I’ve got some from H&M that are like Bottega Veneta.
“The beauty of sunglasses when you get older is that they hide your face, which is fantastic when you’ve got tired eyes.
“Everybody looks great in sunglasses.
“Then the focus when people are looking at you is really on your lips, where all you need is a bright glossy lipstick or nude lip color.
HAIR THERE
“Hair is important as well,” Dierdre said.
“I think a lot of ladies look really good when they have the courage to let their hair go gray.
Courtesy of DeidreDeirdre said she uses Elizabeth Arden’s hydrating range of products on her skin[/caption]
“I’ve got some nice friends on Instagram who look absolutely stunning gray because the color lifts the face.
“Go to a good hairdresser and ask what colors would go great against my skin tone because as you get older your complexion changes.
SKINCARE MUSTS
“I used to work for Clinique and Estee Lauder but skincare isn’t my expertise,” she said.
“When you get older your skin just goes completely haywire and acting like when you were 14.
“You get spots in all the wrong places.
“It’s good to find a brand that suits your needs. Rodial is very good, but a little more costly than their sister company Nip & Fab.
“There’s a lot of temptation to use skincare that has a lot of active ingredients such as retinol, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and it can be confusing.
“When you get to my age, for consistency and balance on your skin stick one or two brands to create synergy.
“When I was young I had quite greasy skin and Elizabeth Arden was too hydrating.
“Now it’s absolutely to die for, they’ve got beautiful hydrating mists and a lovely choice of creams. I really love them.”
MAKEUP UPGRADES
“When it comes to makeup, we get away with most colors when we’re young,” she said.
“Whereas when we get older you don’t want anything with a blue undertone, even nail polish because it makes you look more veiny.
Deirdre said women should review their wardrobe every so often to look polishedCourtesy of Deirdre
“When I haven’t got any lipstick on my lips are quite purple.
“A lot of women find their mouths get darker so they want more of a yellow-based, peach, rosy pink, or coral red color.”
GET OUT OF THAT RUT
Deidre revealed that her top three things for looking younger don’t involve splurging on expensive new clothes or makeup.
“As you get older it’s easy to get into a rut with your hair, makeup, and fashion,” she said.
“I’m not necessarily advocating for a total closet clear out and everything, although that can be very liberating.
“But review your look every so often, think is this piece something that I love wearing?
“And if it doesn’t make you feel good or if it’s raggedy and hanging on with its last seam just get rid of it because you deserve to look polished.
“Also try something new in your life, it doesn’t have to do with fashion, makeup, or skincare.
“Even just trying a different coffee place can give you more vitality which reflects in the way that you look.
“Lastly, smiling is the biggest thing to make anyone look younger of any age.”
Courtesy of DeidreDeirdre recommends trying new things to gain more vitality[/caption]
A STYLE enthusiast in her fifties has hit back at the belief that women have to stop wearing what they please after a certain age.
She revealed that there are countless ways to incorporate the latest fashion trends into your wardrobe without looking dowdy.
Courtesy of DeirdreDeidre shares fashion advice with almost 76,000 subscribers on YouTube[/caption]
Deidre said it’s ‘sad’ that many women limit their fashion choices because of their age or sizeCourtesy of Deirdre
Deidre, better known as my My Friend Deidre on YouTube, has garnered almost 76,000 subscribers.
The 58-year-old, who often features her cat Chanelle in videos, has gained a reputation for giving midlife women the ability to feel “fabulous” in their clothes.
She decided to start a YouTube channel and Instagram account to reach a wider audience than she would as a one-to-one stylist.
She told The U.S. Sun that from a young age, she loved fashion and has fond memories of her mom styling her.
“I remember my mother used to dress me in a red tartan kilt,” she said.
“I loved the fact that the yellow of the jumper mixed in with some of the yellow of the skirt.
“I was only four at the time.
“I come from a family that’s always been into fashion. My mom was even a model for the RAF’s promotional literature.
“She was always very elegant.
“I think some people have a natural thing for style, but it can also be learned.
“I lived in Italy for a number of years and did training in Milan, where fashion is really taken seriously and they have some of the biggest shows.
“I just loved it, I was never quite like the Italian women though,” she joked.
FASHION IS FUN
“I’m a great believer in wearing what makes you happy,” she said.
“Wear the colors that you love and something that makes you feel confident when you leave the house and go into the outside world.
“I think there’s a lot of misconceptions, particularly to do with age and also size.
“I have a lot of ladies who talk to me on YouTube and say, ‘Oh, I can’t wear that because I’m size blah blah.’
It’s a shame, lots of particularly older women lose a bit of their direction in terms of style when they get to 50 plus.
Deidre
“I think it’s really sad.
“Every woman should feel that they can make the very best of themselves by using certain styling techniques.
“It’s a shame, lots of particularly older women lose a bit of their direction in terms of style when they get to 50 plus.
“Maybe they’re empty nesters, lost their job, divorced, or whatever.
Courtesy of DeirdreDeirdre said at least 20% of a woman’s wardrobe should embrace the latest trends[/caption]
“They come to a place where they think, ‘Oh, my goodness, I’ve lost my sense of style.’
“And then they read in the media don’t cut your hair short and don’t do this or that, which gets confusing.
“I like to put a message out where I build self-confidence to not think so much about these misconceptions.
“Every woman should try and do what’s right for them.”
80% CLASSICS, 20% TRENDY
Deidre encourages women to seek out inspiration from influencers when they feel like they’re losing themselves.
The British fashionista said that even looking after health by eating well and exercising can help when trying to look and feel good.
She added that it’s important to review your sense of self and fashion every so often.
“I would say to ladies don’t be led entirely by trends, but have a broad awareness of what’s out there,” she said.
Particularly when you get a bit older, 80% of your wardrobe needs to be classics that you can just grab.
Deidre
“It’s keeping up with a little bit of what’s going on that makes you seem more youthful.
“Particularly when you get a bit older, 80% of your wardrobe needs to be classics that you can just grab.
“You know that they’re gonna look good and they’re gonna be reliable and dependable.
“That last 20% can be trying out trends.”
FLATTER YOUR FIGURE
Deidre said body shape is often more important than age when deciding what to wear.
Black is often seen as a “slimming” and “chic” color to wear at any age, but charcoal gray, burgundy, navy blue, and chocolate brown can create a similar silhouette.
“I think a lot of style and fashion has to do with experimentation,” she said.
“But don’t struggle with things that don’t suit you or you don’t feel comfortable in.
Deidre said body shape is more important than age when deciding what to wearCourtesy of Deidre
DENIM DOS AND DON’TS
“Some things can work for a lot of women like high-rise jeans and trousers are fabulous.
“As you get older you get a thickening around your waist and high-rise styles are very good for disguising that.
“Just as long as you make sure the jeans sit on the smallest part of your waist so they come over the top of the spillage and bits that might fall out.
“I think jeans are one of the single easiest things that you can wear to make yourself look younger.
“If you’re not sure two really good shapes are straight legs because they go with pretty much everything.
“And bootcut or flares that come out after the knees because they give you really great curves.
“They make you look like you’ve got more of a waist, whether you have or haven’t.
“They’re very flattering and modern.
I do think there’s a more acceptable way to dress when you’re a bit older.
Deidre
“Don’t wear skinny jeans. If you love them great, but try and stay current.
“In terms of washes, if you’re not sure go for a mid-wash or dark because it goes with most things.
“When you get older dark jeans are very flattering down the leg, but also don’t be afraid to wear white jeans.
“They look fresh, spring-like, and you can style so many things with them.
“A chestnut brown sweater and white jeans can look stylish and youthful.”
TRANSITIONING TO SPRING
“When you go into spring it’s nice to have transitional pieces like floral blouses but make sure they’re in the colors that you love,” she said.
“Smaller florals if you’re a larger lady. It’s all to do with proportions and knowing your body shape.
“Dip your toe into seasonal trends but try not to overdo it, otherwise it can end up being counterproductive and you look older.
Deirdre said metallics can be worn at any age regardless of body sizeCourtesy of Deirdre
“Shorts can be good at most ages but it depends on what you feel comfortable in.
“I’m way over very short, shorts, that show the buttocks but it’s up to people how they feel comfortable.
“I do think there’s a more acceptable way to dress when you’re a bit older.
“Metallics can be worn at any age, any type, any size.
“Particularly silver trousers were fabulous during the festive season, they look beautiful with a chunky jumper and winter whites.
“I just love them.
“If you’re frightened by trying metallics get a metallic bag or belt for just a pop of metallic.
“Some go better with certain colors like dove gray goes with a bluer white or black.
“Then you’ve got the gold and the bronzes, which go more into your browns and chestnut colors or even yellow as you go into spring.”
DRESS YOUR AGE?
Deidre said many stores are geared toward the youth and she isn’t afraid to reply to comments on YouTube from people saying some of her outfits are too young.
“It’s what the brands produce that’s what we have to choose from,” she said.
She said shops such as Nordstrom, H&M, Massimo Dutti, and Ann Taylor often have items that flatter mature women.
Boden, Everlane, Mango, Ralph Lauren, and NYDJ are also great depending on the budget.
Deirdre revealed her favorite brand is Karen Millen because their clothes are ‘good’ qualityCourtesy of Deidre
“Karen Millen is one of my favorite brands,” she said.
“They started out with more office things and glam, but they’ve become very inclusive with different types of clothes at good quality.
“I think if you were 25 or 60 you could get stuff there.”
She joked that older women often carry large tote bags when out and about because they’re carrying the “kitchen sink.”
Despite being handy, she said they can be aging so it’s important to keep handbags updated.
“A crossbody bag or a large clutch bag if you’ve got a lot of stuff looks a bit more modern,” she said.
“I love crossbody bags because they balance your body. You’re not dragging a huge great bag around on one side of you.
“Backpacks are really wonderful as well as long as they’re not too big.”
Courtesy of DeirdreDeirdre recommends wearing bright colors close to the face for a youthful glow[/caption]
Deidre suggested contrasting styles such as wearing a formal jacket with jeans or a silk shirt with trainers as a head-to-toe classic outfit isn’t very youthful.
She said metallics and lighter colors should be worn around the face to look younger.
“If you lighten the clothes that you’re wearing around your face, it can give radiance and brightness,” she said.
“Bright color tops, dresses, scarves, bows, a string of pearls, they give off a luminescence to any skin color.
SHADY LADY
“Another thing to look at is sunglasses,” she suggested. “I’m a huge fan and they don’t have to be expensive.
“If you’ve got the money, great, and if you don’t think about the shape and keeping them updated.
“You can get some great dupes from places like Amazon, River Island, I’ve got some from H&M that are like Bottega Veneta.
“The beauty of sunglasses when you get older is that they hide your face, which is fantastic when you’ve got tired eyes.
“Everybody looks great in sunglasses.
“Then the focus when people are looking at you is really on your lips, where all you need is a bright glossy lipstick or nude lip color.
HAIR THERE
“Hair is important as well,” Dierdre said.
“I think a lot of ladies look really good when they have the courage to let their hair go gray.
Courtesy of DeidreDeirdre said she uses Elizabeth Arden’s hydrating range of products on her skin[/caption]
“I’ve got some nice friends on Instagram who look absolutely stunning gray because the color lifts the face.
“Go to a good hairdresser and ask what colors would go great against my skin tone because as you get older your complexion changes.
SKINCARE MUSTS
“I used to work for Clinique and Estee Lauder but skincare isn’t my expertise,” she said.
“When you get older your skin just goes completely haywire and acting like when you were 14.
“You get spots in all the wrong places.
“It’s good to find a brand that suits your needs. Rodial is very good, but a little more costly than their sister company Nip & Fab.
“There’s a lot of temptation to use skincare that has a lot of active ingredients such as retinol, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and it can be confusing.
“When you get to my age, for consistency and balance on your skin stick one or two brands to create synergy.
“When I was young I had quite greasy skin and Elizabeth Arden was too hydrating.
“Now it’s absolutely to die for, they’ve got beautiful hydrating mists and a lovely choice of creams. I really love them.”
MAKEUP UPGRADES
“When it comes to makeup, we get away with most colors when we’re young,” she said.
“Whereas when we get older you don’t want anything with a blue undertone, even nail polish because it makes you look more veiny.
Deirdre said women should review their wardrobe every so often to look polishedCourtesy of Deirdre
“When I haven’t got any lipstick on my lips are quite purple.
“A lot of women find their mouths get darker so they want more of a yellow-based, peach, rosy pink, or coral red color.”
GET OUT OF THAT RUT
Deidre revealed that her top three things for looking younger don’t involve splurging on expensive new clothes or makeup.
“As you get older it’s easy to get into a rut with your hair, makeup, and fashion,” she said.
“I’m not necessarily advocating for a total closet clear out and everything, although that can be very liberating.
“But review your look every so often, think is this piece something that I love wearing?
“And if it doesn’t make you feel good or if it’s raggedy and hanging on with its last seam just get rid of it because you deserve to look polished.
“Also try something new in your life, it doesn’t have to do with fashion, makeup, or skincare.
“Even just trying a different coffee place can give you more vitality which reflects in the way that you look.
“Lastly, smiling is the biggest thing to make anyone look younger of any age.”
Courtesy of DeidreDeirdre recommends trying new things to gain more vitality[/caption]Fashion – Latest Style News And Fabulous Trends | The Sun
