Way to Go, Dianne: Fashion For the Older Woman

Ahhh. Just what I'm looking for, "12 Easy Tips to Update" my wardrobe and ZestNow, for women 55 and forward is just what the right site. Dianne Morris, also on Vibrant Nation, is my new go-to consultant:

1. Longer tops--about 8 inches or more below the waist.

2. Bolder necklaces, including multi-strand, to go along with longer tops. Beads are great. So are long chains or cords with medallions.

3. Small earrings for daytime. Go longer and larger at night.

4. Buy a belt, handbag, blouse or scarf in an animal print. Wear with solid color outfits. Handbags are getting more structured and tailored.

5. Black, dark gray, dark brown or navy opaque panty hose or tights. Sheer black hose are for evening.

6. Flats or low heels with decorative elements (bows, buckles, etc.) are in--Yay!!!! Also get good leather just-below-the-knee boots with opaque hose. Books go under pants and jeans.

7. Wear belts comfortable at your waist or a little looser below the waist. Thin ones for thinner fabrics. Wear with longer tops, over jackets.

8. Pants need to fit at the waist and hips and should reach at least the top of the heel or have a slight break in front.

9. Dark denim jeans.

10. Mid-knee or just past the knee skirts. Stay away from gathered or bunched. Go solid or tweed.

11. Mock turtlenecks. Good quality wool or cashmere sweaters.

12. Black is great for special occasions and can be added to new pieces for different looks.

Hold the Bold: Suggestions on Looking Thinner

Image consultant Glam Gals share 5 ways to not look fat after 50. These suggestions are good enough to repeat:

1. Don't use too many bold patterns, especially if you're short and full figured. You may choose, however, a solid pant with a patterned top.

2. No puffy sleeves. They're too young and cutesy and draw attention to puffy arms.

3. Stick to lighter colored (lighter than your skin tone) shoes since darker colored ones make calves and ankles look heavier. No ankle straps.

4. Stay away from wild color combinations and pair your favorite shades with neutral colors like white, taupe or black.

5. No glitz where it shouldn't be. Avoid the rhinestones, etc. around a round middle. You get the idea.

Bonus-Sized Women, Unite: Bigger Woman Fashion Tips

Bonus-sized women: Your voice is being heard. Just check out Roadwarrior and her cronies who are on the warpath for tasteful, stylish, comfortable clothes that flatter your figure. Stores are blamed. Even designers who don't recognize this sizable (pun intended) population.

Sherrie Mathieson and Sandy Dumont responded to the plea for plus-size clothes by suggesting tunics and slacks, collarless and pocket-less jackets and the use of one color "head to toe." An occasional visit to the dressmaker helps too.

For more ideas on dressing with style, tune in to Oprah or visit 50somethinginfo.com.