A Stylish Look Is Ageless

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

A stylish look is ageless

The quickest way to take off the years is to update your appearance. Clothing, jewelry, shoes, hairstyle and makeup all help telegraph your age — for better or worse.

But even if you feel a generation younger than you are, dressing like a kid is not the answer. So get out of your daughter's closet already.

With an assist from Charla Krupp's book How Not To Look Old, the Times' Irene Maher put together a look that demonstrates the principles of looking up-to-date, not outdated.

YES: Classic shoes with at least a 2-inch heel to help elongate your legs.

NO: Trendy or clunky shoes that draw attention to your feet rather than complementing your overall look.

YES: Bare legs, lightly tanned from a tube. Or sheer black hose.

NO: Heavy, white or flesh-colored hose, especially worn with open-toed shoes.

YES: Stylish handbag that suits your proportions.

NO: Big, messy tote bags. Surely you don't need all that stuff every day?

YES: Well-fitted foundation garments are the basis of any look, and instantly take off 10 pounds.

NO: Poor foundation garments that make your breasts look saggy and your body look lumpy. If you can't remember when you bought your last bra, or you've gained or lost weight, go shopping.

YES: Go for tops with a fit that is neither too tight (tacky) nor too loose (adds pounds and years). Cleavage may be suggested, but not advertised. Keep the sparkle subtle, as with the crystal buttons on Irene's sweater. Color tip: Before buying, hold the item up to your face and see what it does for you. If your initial reaction is "Gee, I look tired,'' put it back.

NO: Major spangles, especially with shoulder pads. If Joan Collins would have worn it on Dynasty, you shouldn't. Avoid tops and jackets so long that they cut across the widest part of your hips. And please, cover that midriff. Don't want to bare your arms? Three-quarter sleeves are good in all seasons.

YES: Well-chosen, bold accessories are a great way to indulge in trends; Irene's chunky acrylic bracelet is a good example. (Notice, she resisted the matching necklace and earrings. That would be overkill.)

NO: Small, delicate jewelry is out right now, especially if you're not so small and delicate. Go for proportion.

YES: Classic slacks (without pleats) and skirts. Pencil skirts are all the rage if your hips are slim enough; otherwise, go for the classic A-line. Either way, hems on tailored skirts like this should hit right at the crease behind your knee.

NO: If the hem hits the thickest part of your calf, guess what? Your legs look thick. Adjust up. Only the very tall and lanky can pull off ankle-length skirts.

YES: Light, sheer makeup that won't settle into creases; subtle eye makeup. Creamy, pink lipstick with a little shine, one or two shades from your natural lip color.

NO: Heavy, masklike makeup; dark, thick eyeliner and shadow shades not found in nature; anything with frost or glitter. Dark lipstick is aging and can make teeth look yellow.

YES: Neat manicure with nails kept short (no more than a quarter-inch beyond fingertips) and well-shaped. Clear or sheer polish.

NO: Unnaturally long nails, especially with dark polish or nail art. They just draw attention to aging hands.

YES: Classic hairstyle you can easily maintain yourself, that suits your face shape and type of hair. Professional hair coloring to cover gray or add highlights.

NO: Hair that's so big it screams "Jersey mall,'' so sprayed or permed it doesn't move, or is such an extreme color a casual observer can identify your favorite dye brand and shade.

More tips

• Invest in a little black dress, without embellishments, that can be dressed up or down.

• If you love scent, pat a dab of perfume on lingerie or hair. No cumulous clouds of cologne.

• Invest in great jeans; dark wash, just a touch of spandex, boot cut leg, no embellishments. Skip the low rise and skinny cuts.

• Invest in professional tailoring; especially for suits, off-the-rack is rarely a perfect fit.

• Dump the holiday sweaters and T-shirts in favor of solid, jewel-tone tops. You want to be festive, not garish.