Within a global fashion scene that usually speaks to youth comes a new book, "The Wardrobe Wakeup: Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age."
Written by Lois Joy Johnson, one of the founding editors of More magazine, the book is packed with tricks to help you enhance your appearance, revive your closet -- and save money to boot.
For example, when it comes to your closet, Johnson urges you to turn it into a curated, edited collection rather than a hit-or-miss jumble. After tossing or donating the items you don't wear, she said to organize what's left by color. Then, hang like items together within each color group, i.e. cluster jackets, pants, skirts within each color section.
Other tips from the book?
1. Pairing tops and bottoms in the same color is a quick, fool-proof formula for style.
2. One slim belt is all you need to refresh structured dresses, to feminize tailored jackets and suits or to give flat-knit sweaters worn over skirts or pants a hint of shape.
3. If you absolutely crave color, buy classic red. It always looks in style and brightens mature skin like a dash of blush.
Huff/Post 50 recently asked Johnson a few specific questions about older women and fashion.
What's the biggest fashion mistake women over 40 make?
Not re-tailoring all those old designer blazers they splurged on. Every jacket benefits from a nip and tuck. You (and they) look slimmer and more youthful. Get rid of shoulder pads, contour the waist and slim down the sleeves.
What's the one thing women must always remember to do when it comes to fashion?
Wear a belt at the waist to restore body definition and give clothes a contemporary shape. Belt sleeveless dresses, flat-knit fitted sweaters, cardigans over dresses, coats and even those jackets. A skinny is great because you don't give up midriff space!
What's the no-fail color that flatters everyone?
Camel is an often-ignored warm neutral that works like a sunny bronzer to add a healthy glow head to toe to mature skin. It mixes just great with black, brown, ivory, leopard and red too!
What's your best tip for organizing one's closet?
Organize by color (not item or season), and then within each color group hang like items together -- skirts, pants, tops, etc. This makes getting dressed faster [and] easier.
What's the one essential every woman needs ASAP?
Nude pumps! Go for a skin tone match -- check your foundation makeup for the right shade. They stretch your legs and that elongates your entire body for a slimmer, sleeker, sexier look.
To check out 10 great looks for middle-aged women, take a look at our slideshow below.
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