Great fashion isn't just for the young

Q. Your July 7 column about dressing cool was great for many young people. It seems that all fashion columns address the young people, but rarely do I see anything for people over 50 or 60. I would love to see some advice for my age group about dressing in style for our age without looking frumpy or having to rely on the preppy look.

I am fortunate that I work out at the gym, am trim and firm for my age and can wear sleeveless attire. However, there are those who are not as fit and need suggestions for stylish clothing. Sometimes teenage and young adult clothing is not the thing for us. A lot of tops and dresses are dynamite, but only look terrific on people with long hair. Most women my age have short hair, be it tinted or gray.

I am attending a wedding in July and will be relying on the little black dress, but would like to have some updated jewelry to set off the dress. Also, there are other occasions you could address for older ladies and men who want to look stylish but not be in competition with their daughters and sons.

Gerry MacIver, Virginia Beach

A. I did mention that the violet shift dress featured would work well on more mature or conservative types if paired with leggings or tights. And shift dresses work well on nearly every woman, regardless of age, hair color, style, etc. The one featured was only representative. You can find them in longer lengths.

Those dresses on the front and back of the section from Spiegel can be worn by women of any age, especially women in their 50s and 60s. The belted sheath was shown pictured with a model holding a jacket. And the model wearing that particular dress has short hair that was slicked back. She looked great.

I checked with a few fashion stylists who agree it's a misconception that certain clothing styles only look good on people with long hair. I've worn my hair short, medium-short and medium length, and length has never been a factor in clothing selection. It's my observation that blouses and dresses with statement necklines often have a better effect when hair does not get in the way of the design.

Mature actresses such as Helen Mirren and Alfre Woodard certainly do not let their short hair or their necks get in the way of wearing trendy tops and dresses. And I hope one day you have the pleasure of bumping into 50-something fashionista Jeanette "Cookie" Dabney of Virginia Beach. She makes practically every style look fierce with her salt-and-pepper ultra-short crop.

For fabulous jewelry, check out the selections at Riverview Gallery in Portsmouth, or Eclectique Melange in Norfolk. Also, go to www.boldcollection.com and see the selections offered by local resident Beverley Mason. I also like Valerie Sanson's unique jewelry from her Painting With Stones line, which can be found at the Chrysler Museum.

Also, if you go to Eclectique Melange, call ahead and ask when the owner, Shirley Woolfitt, will be there so you can meet her. Woolfitt is in her early 60s and wears her light hair in a very modern short cut. In my book, she is among the most appropriately trendy mature women in the Seven Cities. Seeing her reminds me that I should never believe I have to wear a a muu-muu as I get older.

Mothers and daughters can look cool and appropriate by interchanging various style elements. The best guide I've come across so far is by Sherrie Mathieson titled "Steal This Style - Mothers and Daughters Swap Wardrobe Secrets." Every woman over 35 should get one. I'll send you the book as a courtesy for your feedback.

Let me know how updating your black dress turns out.


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