Tips to Help You Celebrate Independence Day in Style
Tips to Help You Celebrate Independence Day in Style Beauty & Style
of ADVERTISEMENT of Shohreh Aghdashloo in white strapless jumpsuit; Katherine Narducci in a red, white and blue striped jumpsuit; Lesley Manville in a denim jumpsuit and espadrilles 4. Take it easy in a jumpsuit. It's a comfy modern base for every situation. Wear it from your grandkid's Little League game to a clambake, from cycling in the park to a parade and fireworks, or to a family reunion or a neighborhood party with dancing. Aside from the on-trend style and put-together ease, you get to sit and move however you want. Feel free to climb into the boat or up the bleachers, ride a roller coaster or Ferris wheel. of Ava & Viv Plus Size Tie-Waist Jumpsuit in Navy; Loft Keyhole Halter Jumpsuit in Forever Navy Try a soft jersey style such as Loft Keyhole Halter Jumpsuit in Forever Navy ($90, sizes XXS to XXL, loft.com) or Ava & Viv's Plus-Size Stripe Tie Detail Knit Jumpsuit in black and white ($30, sizes 1X to 4X, target.com). of Essie Nail Polish in Forever Yummy (red), Blanc (white) and After School Boy Blazer (blue) 5. Give your hands and feet attitude! No better time for a mani-pedi than when your nails are on show — waving a flag, eating ice cream, giving hugs and handshakes or baring your tootsies in sandals. Stick with the theme of the day and opt for classic red, navy blue or clean white like Essie Nail Polish in Forever Yummy, After School Boy Blazer and Blanc ($9 each, ulta.com). But here's the fun — you can match hands and toes for a classic look, and do one hue on nails, another on your feet, for a surprise. Skip the nail art but get creative by painting just one nail with wavy stripes (for a quick next day redo). Stay away from gimmicky decals and stickers. Leave them for the kids. of Alina Cho in navy and white asymmetric midi dress and red shoes; Maria Bello in navy and white striped double-breasted pantsuit over a white tank with loafers; Sheryl Crow in red and navy striped pantsuit 6. Keep those stripes flying out of your closet. We've been into striped boatnecks for years now and they're practically a universal uniform for women 50-plus. of Gap Kimono Sleeve Wrap Dress in Navy Stripe; Uniqlo Women Striped Boatneck Half-Sleeve Dress Lots of celebrities are making striped pantsuits a tailored solution, extending the theme to dresses like the Uniqlo Women Striped Boatneck Half-Sleeve Dress ($20, uniqlo.com) and the Gap Kimono Sleeve Wrap Dress in Navy Stripe ($60, gap.com). They pay tribute to your curves. Embrace and extol them! of Maye Musk in red tassel earrings; Bo Derek in straw hat and hoops; Michelle Yeoh in red baseball cap, white blazer, red camisole 7. Perk up with accessories. Two things can absolutely recharge your style batteries and make you forget any and all beauty blahs. of (Clockwise) Loft Straw Fedora in Whisper White; Old Navy Floppy Sun Hat; Madewell Tassel Earrings in Blue Moon; SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Tassel Fringe Hoop Earrings in Red; Madewell Stone Tassel Earrings in Nightfall The first is a pair of swingy tassel earrings like Sugarfix by BaubleBar Tassel Fringe Hoop Earrings in red ($13, target.com) or Madewell Stone Tassel Earrings in Nightfall ($30, madewell.com). They bring a lively look to your face and guarantee an “ I-love-your-earrings” compliment. You'll wear them in an endless loop for parties, holidays and any time you need a pick-me-up. The second is a hat — your choice of a red (look at me!) baseball cap or beret, a straw sun hat like the Old Navy Floppy Straw Sun Hat for Women in Organic Navy ($15, oldnavy.com), or the Loft Straw Fedora in Whisper White ($40, loft.com). My last word: Hail to the chic. Enjoy every glorious moment, readers. For more beauty and style tips for women age 50-plus, check out The Makeup Wakeup: Revitalizing Your look at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson and Sandy Linter
Celebrate Independence Day in Style
Add some sparkle to any party with a festive ensemble
Who doesn't love the celebratory attitude of the Fourth of July? It's a perfect day to honor the good old USA, whatever your politics. But despite the cheery BBQ, beach and fireworks hoo-ha, all it takes is one snarky “You look tired” or “I didn't recognize you!” to dampen the fizz and sparkle. Remember we're independent women celebrating Independence Day. Don't let anyone or anything rain on your 50-plus confidence. Here are 10 ways to fire up your looks and toast your true colors: of Tommy and Dee Hilfiger at the Met Gala: Tommy in star studded navy tux, Dee in navy star studded gown with red and white striped shawl 1. Get in the red, white and blue spirit — and join the crowd. Tommy and Dee Hilfiger pulled off the ultimate stars and stripes look at the Met Gala, but our everyday wardrobe is party-worthy, too. Check your closet for button-downs, blue jeans, white tees, a denim jacket or a breezy maxi dress in the colors of the day. of Then throw on your personal parade-ready look. Mix and match any way you like. There's no need to include all three colors either — though why not? Want a sleeker silhouette? Choose one color and run with it from head to toe. of Wren Arthur in red lips, striped T-shirt and bold black glasses; Keesha Sharp in a bold red matte lipstick; Cyndi Lauper in platinum hair, red lips, red tailored jacket, white scarf 2. Wear a true red lipstick for instant energy. It will give even your comfiest boyfriend jeans and chambray shirt an effortless shot of glam. The trick is to choose a lightweight matte texture that'll last through snacks, cocktails and slurps of ice water. of MAC Matte Lipstick In Red Rock; Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick in Red for Me; Flesh Proud Flesh Matte Liquid Lipcolor in Brazen A bright, clear red — not too blue, not too orange — like MAC Matte Lipstick in Red Rock ($18.50, ulta.com), Maybelline Color Sensational Made for All Lipstick in Red for Me ($7, ulta.com), Flesh Proud Flesh Matte Liquid Lip Color in Brazen ($20, ulta.com) works for every skin tone, makes your teeth whiter and your smile more welcoming, and brightens your face. Fatigue and stress? Gone! No urgent need for eye makeup either — just slip on your sunglasses or statement Rx frames and go. of Naomi Watts in navy and red striped midi shirtdress; Debbie Levin in navy empire flowy midi dress and mules; Halle Berry in an above the knees loose red shirtdress 3. A breezy dress goes sunup to sundown. It can handle a full social schedule of a fancy brunch with friends, family visits, cocktails or a local wine-tasting event, outdoor concerts and fireworks. Choose your favorite length — above the knees to midi or ankle-grazing maxi — but opt for a looser fit. This is not the time for Spanx or sheaths. Four great choices: a relaxed shirtdress, a festive print midi, a jersey with empire waist or boatneck style, an off-shoulder fit and flare. Just add espadrilles, flat sandals, ballet flats or sneakers for a modern comfy finish that works on grass or concrete..of ADVERTISEMENT of Shohreh Aghdashloo in white strapless jumpsuit; Katherine Narducci in a red, white and blue striped jumpsuit; Lesley Manville in a denim jumpsuit and espadrilles 4. Take it easy in a jumpsuit. It's a comfy modern base for every situation. Wear it from your grandkid's Little League game to a clambake, from cycling in the park to a parade and fireworks, or to a family reunion or a neighborhood party with dancing. Aside from the on-trend style and put-together ease, you get to sit and move however you want. Feel free to climb into the boat or up the bleachers, ride a roller coaster or Ferris wheel. of Ava & Viv Plus Size Tie-Waist Jumpsuit in Navy; Loft Keyhole Halter Jumpsuit in Forever Navy Try a soft jersey style such as Loft Keyhole Halter Jumpsuit in Forever Navy ($90, sizes XXS to XXL, loft.com) or Ava & Viv's Plus-Size Stripe Tie Detail Knit Jumpsuit in black and white ($30, sizes 1X to 4X, target.com). of Essie Nail Polish in Forever Yummy (red), Blanc (white) and After School Boy Blazer (blue) 5. Give your hands and feet attitude! No better time for a mani-pedi than when your nails are on show — waving a flag, eating ice cream, giving hugs and handshakes or baring your tootsies in sandals. Stick with the theme of the day and opt for classic red, navy blue or clean white like Essie Nail Polish in Forever Yummy, After School Boy Blazer and Blanc ($9 each, ulta.com). But here's the fun — you can match hands and toes for a classic look, and do one hue on nails, another on your feet, for a surprise. Skip the nail art but get creative by painting just one nail with wavy stripes (for a quick next day redo). Stay away from gimmicky decals and stickers. Leave them for the kids. of Alina Cho in navy and white asymmetric midi dress and red shoes; Maria Bello in navy and white striped double-breasted pantsuit over a white tank with loafers; Sheryl Crow in red and navy striped pantsuit 6. Keep those stripes flying out of your closet. We've been into striped boatnecks for years now and they're practically a universal uniform for women 50-plus. of Gap Kimono Sleeve Wrap Dress in Navy Stripe; Uniqlo Women Striped Boatneck Half-Sleeve Dress Lots of celebrities are making striped pantsuits a tailored solution, extending the theme to dresses like the Uniqlo Women Striped Boatneck Half-Sleeve Dress ($20, uniqlo.com) and the Gap Kimono Sleeve Wrap Dress in Navy Stripe ($60, gap.com). They pay tribute to your curves. Embrace and extol them! of Maye Musk in red tassel earrings; Bo Derek in straw hat and hoops; Michelle Yeoh in red baseball cap, white blazer, red camisole 7. Perk up with accessories. Two things can absolutely recharge your style batteries and make you forget any and all beauty blahs. of (Clockwise) Loft Straw Fedora in Whisper White; Old Navy Floppy Sun Hat; Madewell Tassel Earrings in Blue Moon; SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Tassel Fringe Hoop Earrings in Red; Madewell Stone Tassel Earrings in Nightfall The first is a pair of swingy tassel earrings like Sugarfix by BaubleBar Tassel Fringe Hoop Earrings in red ($13, target.com) or Madewell Stone Tassel Earrings in Nightfall ($30, madewell.com). They bring a lively look to your face and guarantee an “ I-love-your-earrings” compliment. You'll wear them in an endless loop for parties, holidays and any time you need a pick-me-up. The second is a hat — your choice of a red (look at me!) baseball cap or beret, a straw sun hat like the Old Navy Floppy Straw Sun Hat for Women in Organic Navy ($15, oldnavy.com), or the Loft Straw Fedora in Whisper White ($40, loft.com). My last word: Hail to the chic. Enjoy every glorious moment, readers. For more beauty and style tips for women age 50-plus, check out The Makeup Wakeup: Revitalizing Your look at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson and Sandy Linter