Older people, especially women, often struggle with what to wear to formal occasions like weddings and cocktail parties. They’re wary of dressing too young or too racy, but at the same time many settle for a dowdy, matronly look that ages them and does their figure no favors. I, however, am a great believer in stylish, appropriate dress at any age!
Case in point: I loved the caftan Hillary Clinton wore for her daughter Chelsea’s rehearsal dinner last week. It was quite refreshing to see her wear “her colors” in a teal full-length caftan dress. The color brightened her up, and the dress was cinched at the waist to show off her waist while taking attention away from her lower body. She looked years younger than when she wears her matronly pantsuits.
The dress Oscar de la Renta made for Hillary for the actual wedding ceremony was also perfect. It was a pretty magenta color, cinched at the waist to create an alluring hourglass shape, and the skirt was wide to dissimulate her bottom half.
This is a great example of how wearing colors that highlight your complexion and finding cuts that frame your figure are key to looking fabulous, whether you’re 25 or 65. Hillary didn’t look dowdy—she looked fashion-savvy and glamorous.
Of course, for her day-to-day work as our Secretary of State, Hillary needs to look the part by wearing those no-nonsense pantsuits. Since she travels internationally almost every week, and sometimes for weeks at a time, she needs to have a basic, comfortable, and yet professional wardrobe that will not be distracting. But for her own daughter’s wedding, she could be herself and show more personality. I think she looked amazing!
The next time you need to dress to impress, avoid reaching for your standard and safe little black dress. Is there a color that really makes your skin glow? Can you find a dress that isn’t racy but does highlight your best physical features while hiding the rest? If the answer is yes, wear it! Don’t settle for dowdy!