Dress-up ‘grey chic’ guide for the smart over 60s
Sixty is the new chic and 80 is no excuse to drop frock standards according to Age newspaper fashion writer Janice Breen Burns who has provided her readers with a dress-up guide to what she describes as “grey chic”.
Ms Burns formed her guide after observing the form of some of her favourite mature women including Charlotte Rampling, 61, Vanessa Redgrave, 70, Helen Mirren, 62, Judi Dench, 72, Carla Zampatti, 65, and Maggie Tabberer, 70.
The top grey chic fashion recommendations included never to underestimate the power of a good haircut or subtle make-up, “expertly applied”.
Also high on the list was adopt “impeccable” as a prescriptive concept for the wardrobe, no matter how old, conservative or exuberant it is.
Ms Burns also wrote that “accumulated classics should be maintained in perfect order regularly updated and altered to fit. Make the acquaintance of a flawless tailor, and reliable dressmaker if you haven’t already”.
“Recall the lessons learnt about clothing shapes best suited to your body, and don’t avoid brands because they seem too ‘young’. Looks that worked well in your 30s and 40s need regular checking and updates. Be ruthless. Your chic ‘Brighton madam’ at 35 might have fused into ‘upright crocodile in chandelier earrings and hind-leg high heels’ by 70.
“The charming bohemian gypsy layered look could be frightening your grandchildren with ‘mad old witch in ratty coloured rags and clanking metal’. What is known in the classics as a ‘good figure’ is still possible, health permitting, well into your 80s and finally, cast your mind back to the theory of ‘good foundations’ and be properly fitted for brassières and underpants if you haven’t already”.
