Be honest. How many scarves do you have tucked away at your house? Dozens? Let’s put them to good use as a part of your fashion for women over 60 plan.

The Right Scarves Are Essential to Fashion for Women Over 60

If you’re like most women over 60, it probably feels that way. When I spoke with fashion expert Melanie Page during our fashion filming in Milan, she explained that scarves are one of the most popular, and least understood, items of clothing in our wardrobes. And this is especially true for women over 60.

For some reason, many women over 60, including myself, are like magpies when it comes to scarves. We are drawn to the beautiful colors and eye-catching patterns, regardless of whether a particular scarf will be useful in our very specific wardrobe. Unfortunately, this indiscriminate buying leads to, at best, wasted money and, at worst, a less optimal look.

During our filming, Melanie mentioned that there are several simple tips that you can apply to get the most from your scarves. Here are a few of the many ideas that we discussed.

Be Cautious with Multicolored Scarves

In most cases, multicolored scarves are too “busy” to contribute to our look in a positive way. Instead of drawing attention to our faces, they actually do quite the opposite. They pull people’s eyes downward, away from our best assets – our beautiful eyes and radiant smiles.

Multicolored scarves are especially harmful to our look when we combine them with a multicolored top or jacket.

Unless you are extremely comfortable with an eclectic look, it’s much better to choose a solid color that can accentuate your look instead of overwhelming it.

Don’t Tie Your Scarf

I’m sure that many women in the community will disagree, but according to Melanie, tying your scarf is not only unnecessary but it may actually harm your look. Honestly, I was ready to fight Melanie on this one, until she showed me the difference that a more simple approach can make.

Just like makeup, you want your accessories to be just that – accessories. It may be fun to tie your scarf in an elaborate way, but more than likely, you will end up drawing way too much attention to this one element of your look. Like a woman who is clearly wearing too much makeup, you may end up with “too much of a good thing.”

How to Tie Your Scarf

Ok, I know you noticed the contradiction here. But let’s admit it, some of us still want to tie our scarves, and that’s perfectly ok. If you absolutely insist on tying your scarf, or if the style of the scarf doesn’t look good untied, there are ways you can achieve a sophisticated and put-together look by tying your scarf correctly.

Here is a video demo that can show you how to tie your scarf like a pro!

Don’t Buy Scarves Because You “Love Them”

Many women my age love to collect scarves. This is totally fine. I love scarves and so does Melanie. The problem comes when we choose scarves as standalone items, rather than as a complement to one of our outfits.

Take a few seconds to think about the scarves in your collection. How many of them have you worn in the last 12 months? If you are like most of us, you probably haven’t worn more than 20%.

Melanie recommends that we buy our accessories with intention. Thinking upfront about which outfits a particular scarf will go with will help you to create looks that you will be proud of.

It will also help you to avoid wasting money on accessories that you will never wear. These resources can then be redirected to activities that really make a difference, such as tailoring.

Avoid the Scarf “Cross-Sell”

Scarves are a shop assistant’s dream item. Why? Because they are easy to “add on” to almost any outfit. The problem is that salespeople are paid to sell. As a result, they often care more about getting you out of the store with as many items as possible than making sure that your outfit is truly optimized.

It’s almost always a good idea to shop for scarves separately, when you are in a calm state of mind. This will allow you to choose your accessories objectively and without pressure. This simple step can help you to avoid one of the biggest mistakes when it comes to fashion for women over 60.

Focus on Clean Designs and Simple Colors

When it comes to scarves, simplicity is beautiful. There is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing vibrant colors that accent your outfits. The trick is to give people one thing to focus on at a time. Once again, the goal of a scarf should not be to draw attention. Scarves should quietly and appropriately add to your outfit by adding a radiant splash of color where it is needed most.

When it comes to fashion for women over 60, scarves can be our best friends or our worst enemies. The good news is that if you choose simple colors, stick with clean designs and choose your scarves with purpose, you have a great chance of creating a look that you love!

Expert Tips About Scarves

Here are some extra tips and tricks from Melanie.

Bigger Is Not Always Better

Many of us have been guilty at one time or another of hiding our beautiful faces behind an oversized scarf. It’s one thing to do this because you’re bitterly cold and wearing it for practical intentions, but any other reason is no reason at all!

Large scarves are generally unattractive as they completely overwhelm your face by swallowing up your neckline and also make your head look smaller. If you love the color or pattern of the scarf, Melanie recommends repurposing oversized scarves as sarongs for the beach or pool.

When to Spring Clean Your Collection

Scarves are easy gifts to give, and there is a good reason for this – they can be quite impersonal. We have a tendency to hang on to presents from those we care about, as we feel we shouldn’t throw them out.

If you have not worn a scarf for a long time, it’s probably best to get rid of it, as you’re unlikely to use it. You probably don’t really like it or know it doesn’t suit you so rip off the bandage and move on! Giving good quality items to charity means it will at least get some use from someone who really needs it and is more environmentally friendly than it ending up in a landfill.

When Fashion for Older Women Means Less Is More

Many of us assume we need to do something to make our accessories stand out. When it comes to fashion for older women, accessories should complement your outfit rather than detract from it.

Small changes such as draping a scarf to cover a low-cut top, rather than tying it around the neck, can make all the difference.

It’s important to be careful to not create too many contrasts by mixing two patterns together between your clothing and scarf, as it looks too busy. Melanie recommends using a patterned scarf with plain jackets or dresses, and a single color scarf when wearing patterned clothing.

Styles of Scarves

Jodie Filogomo, another fashion contributor, goes over the three main types of scarves and how to wear each one.

The Small Scarf

Jodie says that small scarves are a great way to add color near your face. This especially holds true if you happen to be wearing a top with a color that isn’t the best for your complexion.

Small scarves can also keep you warm even if it is such a small piece of material.

One of the styles that Jodie has been noticing lately is the bandanna. Since bandannas now come in many colors, they can be a fun accessory without having to look like a cowboy!

Jodie mentions that there are a couple of ways to wear these neck scarves. Most of these items start off square in shape, so if you fold them in half diagonally you will have a nice triangle when you tie the ends in the back. Sometimes the tied ends can be left in the front and be your decoration!

She also suggests that it is possible to place the triangle of material at your shoulder – and if it doesn’t want to stay by itself, a pin or brooch can stabilize it.

You can also roll the square scarf when it’s still square or when it’s folded in half so it’s more like a tube. Then you only have a small amount of material showing at your neck! She says that another option to create this look is to take a regular length, thin scarf and wrap it a couple of times around your neck.

The Blanket Scarf

Jodie explains that another scarf that has been making an appearance everywhere is the blanket scarf. She warns that this scarf is definitely more challenging for most of us. It’s quite big and bulky and can be hard to figure out.

She says to look at it no differently than a wrap, or even a poncho. If you start off trying to wear it that way, then in no time you’ll also be slinging one of the ends over your shoulder and feeling very glamorous.

Jodie suggests that these blanket scarves are the perfect piece to take on the airplane when traveling. They can act as your blanket if it’s cold, or you can use them as a pillow for your head. I love this idea!

Another fun tip Jodie suggests for these larger scarves is to add a brooch (or two, or three) to either hold them together or to add some bling to them.

The Infinity Scarf

According to Jodie, the infinity scarf is relatively easy to wear. It’s already ‘tied’ so you don’t have to worry about what to do with it. Just slide it over your head, and it acts as a fabric necklace.

Jodie says that you can always make an infinity scarf out of almost any other scarf. Just tie the ends of your long scarf together in a small knot, and then loop it around your neck.

Do As the French Women Do

Josephine Lawlan, long-time fashion consultant and owner of the fashion website Chic at Any Age, as well as her own shop in St. Tropez, France, was happy to share with our community how we can use scarves to create bold and beautiful new outfits.

How Josephine Became a Scarf Fanatic

After visiting St. Tropez for many years to enjoy the café’s and shops, she found herself being drawn to the beautiful scarves that were sold there. She began buying a few and it never failed – no matter what scarf she wore or used, she received compliments.

Most people wanted to know where she bought them and commented on how creatively she used the scarf with her outfit. Josephine decided to open her own scarf shop and feature them on her website.

The White Top Transformation

A brightly colored scarf simply draped around the neck can easily transform an unimaginative and boring white shirt into a beautiful wardrobe piece.

Josephine says that the French don’t usually bother with fancy knots or intricate folds, they are most casual about simply tossing a scarf over whatever they are wearing and occasionally using them as a shawl.

The Necklace Knot

One of Josephine’s most popular looks is called the necklace fold or necklace knot. Taking a long scarf, simply tie a few knots down the length of it. Then wrap it around your neck and tie it in the back for a “necklace” made from a scarf.

You can use this same technique to make a headband to cover your hair on those bad hair days or wrap it around your waist for an instant belt. The possibilities are as varied as scarves are!

A Variety of Tying and Folding Techniques

Josephine says that the hottest scarves right now are leopard prints. While you might not want to purchase a leopard print dress or jacket, a scarf can add that touch of modern style without being overwhelming.

Simply by wrapping a large, leopard print scarf around the neck and shoulders, then securing it in place with a belt, you’ve created a top that is simply stunning.

Get the Most out of Your Scarves

I love scarves, and over the years have tried many different styles, knots and combinations. In this video, I demonstrate how I get the most out of my favorite scarves.

And if you have a favorite scarf but don’t know how to get creative with it, I hope the video below will help you. In it I demonstrate the many different ways that I wear the same scarf.

I hope that you found these tips for wearing scarves useful!

Do you love scarves? What lengths and patterns are your favorite? How many scarves to do you currently own? What do you think is the essence of fashion for women over 60? Please let me know in the comments section.

There’s no shortage of discounts this time of year but there’s about Nordstrom sales that just hit differently. Maybe it’s the prices up to 50 percent off or the unique mix of luxe and more affordable offerings. Basically what we’re saying it, Nordstrom’s 2021 beauty sale doesn’t dissapoint. It’s part of the big Half-Yearly Sale when products fly off the virtual shelf faster than you can say add to cart.

These aren’t random, leftover items, either. These deals are from best-selling brands and ones you probably use every day. We’re talking Nars, M.A.C., Bobbi Brown, Anastasia Beverly Hills and so many more. There’s also a great mix of essentials including foundation and shampoo, as well as hairdryers and tools. But there are also giftable sets (hello, Father’s Day is around the corner!) and fun items you might never have tried before.

There are tons of deals to shop but if you’re not sure where to start, shop some favorites, below. Warning: they go fast.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

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MAC Lustre Lipstick in Cockney

There’s something about this blue-red lipstick that looks good on everyone, especially with that shiny finish.

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Nars Mini Oil-Infused Lip Tint Duo

You can’t go wrong with this lip oil duo that hydrates while delivering a wash of color.

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Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder

There are six pretty shades of this light-reflecting powder and you’re guaranteed to love one (or a few).

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Trio

Choose from five colorways of this soft powder blush and you’ll be part of 2021’s biggest makeup trend.

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Prada Candy Night Eau de Parfum

Fans of this sexy perfume love its notes of bitter orange, patchouli, musk and tonka bean.

Superheroes don’t always wear capes. Neither do super heroines. Just after Mother’s Day, my virtual Women’s Circle CAFE group devoted an hour to talking about the heroines who changed our lives. And there wasn’t a cape to be found.

I posed these questions: Has a woman, a “heroine,” ever influenced you? How did she affect you? What did you learn from her that you carry with you today?

We were unanimous in our first impulse to acknowledge the accomplishments of famous women. Maya Angelou, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marie Curie. These and many other historic women are noteworthy and influential. But our discussion turned instead to the not-so-famous heroines we’ve been blessed to know.

Everyday Women Changed Our Lives

Our mothers. Our teachers. Our mentors. We’ve learned many lessons about how to manage life, lessons they modeled for us. These women were:

• Single moms who showered us with unconditional love despite their circumstances.
• A best friend’s mom who gave us a safe space when our own mothers fell short.
• An educator who helped pave our way to a bright future against all odds.
• A colleague whose excitement about her job was contagious as she encouraged us to explore that path.

Giving voice to how they influenced and supported us elevates them to the rank of Heroine. They’ve left an indelible mark, and we’ll never forget them.

We Carry Their Gifts with Us

When I asked my Circle to summarize what their heroines demonstrated for them, their responses came easily. These special women…

• Made it work.
• Overcame obstacles.
• Kept it all together (as far as we could tell).
• Carried us through.
• Showed us the way.
• Showed us love.

We’re humbled to have been on the receiving end of their generosity. We like to think we will rise to the occasion like they did. We hope we’ve been able to give back even a little of what they gave us.

We Are Forever Grateful

What did our heroines teach us? What have we carried with us through the years? The list is rich and true: steadfastness, resilience, humor, strength, fearlessness, resolve, and always Love.

I asked my group to reflect on what they might impart to younger women, those who might travel the roads we trod and pass billboards plastered with our words of wisdom. What do we want them to know? What do we hope they’ll take away from our experiences?

This is a conversation for another time. One worth having. 

Because we very well may be the Heroines of someone else’s life. Everyday women doing our best to make it through. Quietly leading the way without realizing it. 

Our super heroines would be very proud.

Who were the influential women in your life? What did you learn from them? Why were they special to you? What do you remember about them the most vividly? Please join the conversation!

The seven Chakras provide us with a wonderful road map for how to age gracefully. Each chakra is reflective of our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual state of being. We can shift what might be out of alignment with breath, presence, awareness, and self-compassion.

The Essence of Manipura

Our third chakra, Manipura, is located between our navel and lowest rib at our solar plexus. The color is yellow, the element is fire, the energy is passion and doing! It is where we ‘digest’ both literally and physically. We digest ideas about how and who we are at this stage of our lives, over 60. It is where our ‘agni’ or the fire in our digestive organs transforms our food into energy. It is the alchemy that is the change we experience in happy times or sad.

Manipura is our internal and external power, strength of will, and individual identity. We are older, we have changes, and we are changing. While the Root chakra is satisfied with survival, and the Sacral chakra seeks pleasure, enjoyment, and connection, our third chakra is our dynamic presence to initiate and experience the power of transformation.

Purge It All and Move Forward

The fire element is the ‘burning’ of what is no longer needed and what ignites the new. It is the powerful alchemy of motivation, inspiration, and doing what we can and what we must to move forward.

The Sanskrit word for the solar plexus is Manipura, or ‘shining gem’. In fact, the solar plexus chakra gives us the ability to rise to the occasion in times of need. At this age, we know what is needed and how to offer it because we’ve lived through grief, loss, joy, triumph. This is our power that increases as we age… hurrah!

We are over 60 and now this third chakra is the center of our personal power, confidence and self-discipline. It allows us to make conscious choices, to set goals and act on them in the world. It gives us the strength to meet with challenges and move forward in life with confidence and power. All of our experiences have brought us to this point in our lives, and we are ready in our center.

The Manipura chakra governs the pancreas, digestive system’s organs, and the adrenal glands. Located in the belly area, this is the area of our feelings and wisdom. We literally feel something changing ‘in our gut’. We have a ‘gut’ feeling.

Aging and the Manipura Chakra

Each of our chakras gives us messages as we age or any time. An unbalanced Manipura chakra can feel like fatigue, having little motivation, being listless, unable to get going, feeling like the ‘fire is dampened’. This is where we metabolize our food and our thoughts and beliefs.

As we age, our physical digestive process sometimes slows down, and this can cause food to move more slowly through the colon. When things slow down, more water gets absorbed from food waste, which can cause constipation. If we are not mindful, we may also get ‘constipated’ in our thoughts (I’m too old), our actions (I just don’t feel like it) or our bodies (I literally can’t move).

When there is pain or emptiness in our center, our solar plexus, our Manipura chakra congests and tightens. When our Manipura chakra is activated, we can muster the courage to do something that scares us. And sometimes aging is scary. We speak up for ourselves. We exert our willpower and self-control.

When Manipura is out of balance, negative emotions fester within us, sitting in our gut, decomposing slowly. We all know people who are unable to let go of anger and carry resentment for weeks and even years. These negative emotions settle in the third chakra, turning it toxic.

How many times do we repeat a thought or belief that depletes us: resentment, anger, hurt? The more these thoughts are present, the more diminished the zest of our Manipura chakra. We must be aware and bring the passion, the movement, the flow in our lives, especially as we age.

Shadow Side

The energy of Manipura is doing, self-confidence and self- motivation, the shadow side is shame. Being ashamed of ourselves is feeling unworthy of our gifts and talents, brilliant ideas, inherent power, greatness, willpower, and strengths.

While guilt can come from the idea that we did something wrong, shame comes from negative feelings about who we are. As we age, we can look back, and yes, we may have made mistakes, caused pain, or behaved badly. But today is a new day, the past is over. Time to let go of those past transgressions and use every day to appreciate all we are.

The lesson that the Manipura chakra teaches us is that self-esteem develops from trial and error. We take risks. We succeed and we fail. We are not going to be right all the time; there will be mistakes.

The lesson is that we take the results of our actions from a place of power, to grow, learn from those moments and move forward. No matter what our age! As Maya Angelou beautifully stated, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Balancing the Manipura Chakra as We Age

Balancing our third chakra comes from attention to body, mind, and spirit. For our bodies, we need to eat healthy foods. Stay away from drinking ice water that literally puts out our digestive fire. Eat foods that are warm or room temperature and soothing, not too bitter, not too sweet.

For our minds, we can include affirmations by repeating to ourselves: “I honor the power within me, and I honor myself; I stand in my power. I am strong. I am worthy.”

Moving our center with gentle yoga to strengthen our core:

A balanced Manipura chakra is seen as one who has good self-esteem, sense of personal power, the energy and wherewithal to do, capacity to move ahead at your own pace.

An excessive Manipura chakra is seen as one who is overly aggressive, stubborn, needs to be right (Who can relate to that???), and overactive to the point of exhaustion.

A deficient Manipura chakra is seen as one who has low self-esteem, poor self-discipline, is passive and unreliable, cold or emotionally removed. Physical issues involve the digestive system, adrenal glands, pancreas, and also cause fatigue.

Gentle Movements for Balancing Your Fire Chakra

• Cat/Cow – arch and round spine
  • Half sit-ups – roll half way down and up
  • Modified alternate leg lifts – lift one leg at a time using your abs
  • Spinal twist
  • Forward stretch
  • Child pose

Our Manipura guides us to enjoy who and how we are, in our power, with self-confidence to meet life’s joys and challenges as we age.

Exploring how our aging impacts our energy centers, our chakras, is a proven tool for navigating loss through awareness, gentle yoga, breath, and meditation. For more information, please contact me at SheenaSpirit@gmail.com or visit https://www.growingyoungergracefully.com.

Have you noticed any changes in your self-confidence? How about your digestion? Do you feel balanced and in tune with your third chakra? Or do you feel ‘stuck’? Please share what your ‘gut’ tells you about your present state of mind and body and what you’re doing about it.