You’re never too old to look hot!
Aug 31, 2016 03:19PM ● By Melanie Wiseman
Let’s be honest, ladies—our bodies aren’t what they used to be. Even with a little pooch here and a little droop there, it doesn’t mean you have to cover up with turtlenecks and muumuus. Age and experience can add a special flair to women over 50. You’re never too old to look hot!
Raiding your granddaughter’s closet, however, is not the answer. Local stores offer trendy, flattering clothing and accessories from head to toe, which allow the mature woman to express herself with confidence and freedom.
If you dread going into your closet because it all looks the same, everything you own is outdated, or you feel like you never have anything to wear (which translates to “I don’t like what I have in my closet”), then get ready to go on a fun fashion journey with some local women who are sure to inspire you.
A passion for fashion
Pollux Clothing Company owner Ivy Parnasius has worked in retail since she was 16.
“My calling has always been fashion, so I left law school and opened my first boutique,” Parnasius, 43, said.
Her first boutique was in Florida, but after falling in love with Grand Junction, specifically the downtown area, she relocated to the Western Slope 17 years ago and opened Pollux Clothing Company on Main Street a year later. After two moves and expansions, Pollux is now located at 321 Main St. in Grand Junction. Parnasius opened her second location at 433 Main St. in Montrose seven years ago.
Parnasius believes strongly in carrying style for every generation, which is why she uses seniors as well as young 20-somethings to model Pollux’s clothes.
“They look every bit as good as their younger counterparts,” Parnasius said. “Over 50 doesn’t mean frumpy. It’s all about comfort and confidence.”
She makes buying trips to Los Angeles every three weeks to keep the mix of merchandise at Pollux unique and always changing.
“We carry very small quantities, so everything we have is special,” Parnasius said. “We carry styles for every generation that are functional and serve many occasions. Our prices are very affordable. Being fashionable doesn’t have to be expensive.”
Parnasius gave the following fashion tips for women over 50: Must-haves for every woman’s wardrobe
• Dark denim jeans in skinny and boot-cut styles
• White jeans are great alternatives to shorts for the warmer months.
• Tank tops in a wider-strap style that is fitted but not tight
• Wear wraps, blazers and cardigans open and over tank tops or other thin layers to add coverage for arms.
• Wrap dresses look amazing on everyone.
• Leggings and tunics are the ultimate in comfort, ease and fashion- able style.
• Never underestimate the power of accessories. Add a scarf or necklace to make a fantastic outfit.
Tips to look instantly younger
• Invest in a great bra • Wear modern eyewear • Don’t wear anything too baggy or too tight • Choose jackets that hit at the waist • Adding a belt will emphasize your waist • Scoop necklines are slimming • Jewel tones are universally flattering • Add a fantastic pair of boots to your wardrobe for winter and wedges for summer
A model senior
Carrie Flemming, 73, is one of Pollux’s senior models. Even during her career as a grade school teacher, she always felt it was important to dress well.
“I started noticing about five years ago that Pollux was carrying fashion for more mature women,” Flemming said.
Before shopping at Pollux, Flemming said all her clothes were black, brown and navy.
“My daughter used to say I would buy 14 of the same thing,” she said. “My closet has evolved and is fun and fresh now. Don’t be afraid of colors like turquoise, new brighter blues or oranges.”
Flemming likes to support down- town and locally owned businesses such as Razzmatazz, Zephyr, Benges Shoe Store and Heirlooms for Hospice.
“They get to know you, and they have honest, personal customer service,” she said. “They won’t let you leave the store in something that is too young for you or doesn’t fit you right. Lines should flow right and compliment your body no matter what shape you are. You have to look at the fit, comfort level and whether you feel really special in an outfit.”
To diversify and make the most of your wardrobe, Flemming recommended:
- Review your clothes at the end of each season. Take note of what you did or didn’t wear.
- Sort your closet by color to see what you need or tend to overbuy. “If you’re always buying the same style or color, take a friend shop- ping with you,” Flemming advised.
- Necklaces, earrings, scarves and other fun accessories can make an old or new outfit “pop” and de-emphasize a saggy neck.
Style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Secondhand stores like Heirlooms for Hospice make shopping for fashionable, quality items relatively easy.
“Secondhand stores make people think that you have to sort through items to get anything good,” Heir- looms’ Creative Design Manager Trisha Whittington said. “We sell only high-quality, gently used clothing so you’re never going to have to search for quality.”
In addition to clothing from top designers like Eileen Fisher and Joseph Ribkoff, Heirlooms also sells furniture, home décor, jewelry and accessories. All items are donated by members of the community and proceeds from sales benefit the mission of HopeWest.
Women (and men) of all ages can find items to complement their style at Heirlooms. It’s not uncommon to have three generations of women come in and shop, each finding an item that suits her own personal style, such as a piece of jewelry, scarf or homecoming dress.
With all the seasonal and timely fashions at Heirlooms, Whittington said women 50 and older don’t have to “dress their age” in an outdated fashion.
“Some people will come in and ask, ‘Is this too young looking?’” she said. “Just because it’s in style doesn’t mean it’s too young.”
Whittington said she finds that to be a common misconception among women. After all, when it comes to style, it’s not always about tight blouses and short skirts.
“Dress to fit your form and dress in things you love,” she said. “Wear whatever makes you feel pretty.”
Before you consider spending up- wards of $100 for designer clothing at a department store, stop by Heir- looms to see what styles you can find that are barely used or sometimes brand new.
Discover your style
Margot Hanson, 76, feels all mature women need to give themselves permission to enjoy the seasons of their life.
“My style has evolved over the years from feedback from other people, and from feeling comfortable and confident in the reflection in the mirror,” she said.
Every body has flaws, and Hanson said that “learning her body” has helped her fashion transition.
“I wear mostly three-quarter length sleeves now and don’t show my arms,” Hanson said. “I’ve altered the hemlines of my pants. With my broad shoulders, V-necks bring that in. I don’t wear belts or things that are snug. I want my clothes to drape instead.”
Despite the fact that Hanson said she doesn’t spend a lot of time on her style, people consistently compliment her. She shops at chain stores as well as the boutiques on Main Street, looking for items that speak to her. If it’s affordable and it fits, she gets it. She also alters old clothes to give them a fresh new look, makes scarves and changes out jewelry.
“There’s a discovery process you go through,” she said. “You have to learn what colors work for you, which you can usually tell by the compliments you get.”
