THE MAGIC POWER OF RED SHOES
Lucia Van der Post, 82, is a style columnist and the author of things i Wish My Mother Had told Me: Lessons in Grace and elegance. The wisest words I have ever heard on the matter of ageless style were ‘ to follow fashion, but at a distance’.
In other words, a slavish addiction to the latest trends can look a trifle sad, a bit ‘trying too hard’, while a nod in its direction — slimming down the trouser width, slightly shortening or raising the hem of the skirt as fickle fashion moves the goal posts, adding a touch of pattern or of colour as the mood moves on — seems more the way to go.
Of all the pitfalls that await the older woman, the biggest danger by far is to dress too drearily. It’s not a time to take refuge in safe tents or boring colours. If the figure isn’t as lithe as once it was, find designers who are kind. Belgian Sofie D’hoore does beautiful, comfortable, chic dresses (available at lyst.com), while Britishborn Osman Yousefzada knows how to dress any shape ( harveynichols.com).
One colourful coat goes over anything and everything, and adds a touch of instant glamour while suiting any shape or size.
If the hips have spread, buy great tops that draw the eye upwards and team them with sober bottoms. Some of my chicest older friends dress almost exclusively in Cos. It has a way of providing simple, sculptural silhouettes that skim past the awkward bits without looking shapeless.
Never wear anything too tight — go for the slightly curved, with nods to a waist and a bust — infinitely more flattering.
Then shoes. every wardrobe needs a pair of red shoes; they have a power and magic of their own. The safe pair of court shoes does nothing for anybody, while a great red pair adds more zest to an outfit than almost anything else.
This is a classic example of where investment dressing pays off. You would be surprised by how long a pair of Jimmy Choos, Diors or Manolo Blahniks goes on paying dividends. And if you can’t afford them, there are brilliant copies at Zara and Topshop. even Marks & Spencer has upped the ante in the shoe department.
A well-cut, plain black — or better still, navy — dress with a great necklace or earrings (not both!) and some dazzling red shoes looks chic, fashionable and, more to the point, fun.
A fabulous haircut is a must, too. If finances mean you have to choose between a brand new dress or a session at a top crimper, go for the crimper every time.