Look glamorous even at 50

Fashion is about feeling good and having fun; should there really be an age limit to that?, asks Carol Vorderman.

LOS ANGELES: Being 50-year-old doesn't mean women lose their right to dress up, says British media personality Carol Vorderman adding that fashion has no age limit.

In a study conducted by online retailer, isme.com, it was discovered that eight out of 10 Britons think that women over 50 should start "dressing her age" and forget about fashion, reports femalefirst.com.

As a result, 80 percent of 50-plus females admitted that they have reluctantly changed their wardrobes to steer clear of clothes deemed too "young" for them.

More worryingly, nearly half them have become so self-conscious of their appearance that for fear of what others will think they are actually terrified of wearing fashion items they would have regularly donned with confidence.

The top 10 fashion phobias that such women experience are figure-hugging dress; fitted skirts; skinny jeans; high heels; sleeveless top; low-cut top; leather-look trousers; animal print; sheer material and jumpsuit.

Carol Vorderman, however, is encouraging 50-plus females everywhere to prove society wrong and shatter the myth that there’s an age limit to style, empowering women and showing them that it’s not just what you wear, it’s how you wear it, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Vorderman, 52, said: "It’s heartbreaking to hear that so many women of my age are now afraid to wear trend-led clothes because of a feeling that society tells them they should ‘dress their age'."

"Fashion is about feeling good and having fun; should there really be an age limit to that? The way I see it, there are no hard or fast rules for how to dress when you reach 50, it’s about dressing for your shape to feel both confident and comfortable," she added.

Vorderman's fashion tips:

1. To show off your curves opt for a knee-length figure-hugging dress that fits well to the body.

2. A fitted pencil skirt that sits high on the waist and hits below the knee will help create the perfect silhouette.

3. Skinny jeans give the illusion of elongating the legs whilst also giving an outfit a more youthful, slimming look - it's all about finding the right cut for you.

4. Wedges are the perfect alternative to the stiletto heel and are a lot more comfortable.

5. Showing off those arms is undoubtedly a worry for some women but it's all about doing it in the right way with the right fitting top and a colour to match your skin tone - the only limit is your confidence.

6. When it comes to showing some skin, shoulders are just as sensual as cleavage.

7. Fifty-plus women should go hell for leather look trousers with a long length to elongate the leg. Teamed with a nice pair of wedge heels, a crisp white top and a smart blazer give a polished edge to what is, a statement look.

8. Animal print is a bold fashion statement but rather than block print, opt for flash panels or animal print accessories to spice up an outfit.

9. Pulling off a sheer blouse involves some smart layering. A slip or a classic tank top worn below is a wise choice and one that will keep you looking stylish and sophisticated

10. For a stylish change from the dress, opt for black jumpsuit. It's slimming and bang on trend, and with a flared leg, it will flatter you in all the right places.