Fashion
Fashion in Modern Times
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Around the start of 2025, fashion and style have begun to return toward normalcy; however, you can be the judge of that. Remember the outrage from conservatives when trans people were pushed upon us in ads and fashion. Now we have Sidney Sweeney, an "all-American girl" in commercials and fashion ads.
Magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar are not what they used to be. Back in the 1990's and prior, we could enjoy fashion fantasy photo-shoots in Vogue. Check out an old issue or browse Pinterest. Starting around 2020, "woke" DEI offerings (LGBTQIA+ models, etc.) conflicting with true demographics started taking over fashion ads, articles, and overall tone. Feminism continues to rule. Nevertheless, I subscribe to one (Elle), just because I love fashion. I haven't checked out Victoria's Secret since they went full-on woke (Doja Cat a VS model?), but I've heard they've backtracked a bit recently. Haute Couture designers still "push the envelope" in terms of outrageousness. Most women will not be interested in their creations due to eccentricity and cost; their main targets are celebrities.
Magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar are not what they used to be. Back in the 1990's and prior, we could enjoy fashion fantasy photo-shoots in Vogue. Check out an old issue or browse Pinterest. Starting around 2020, "woke" DEI offerings (LGBTQIA+ models, etc.) conflicting with true demographics started taking over fashion ads, articles, and overall tone. Feminism continues to rule. Nevertheless, I subscribe to one (Elle), just because I love fashion. I haven't checked out Victoria's Secret since they went full-on woke (Doja Cat a VS model?), but I've heard they've backtracked a bit recently. Haute Couture designers still "push the envelope" in terms of outrageousness. Most women will not be interested in their creations due to eccentricity and cost; their main targets are celebrities.
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Comfort is In
Photo credit Dom Hill/Unsplash
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Lifestyles have changed somewhat since 2020; for example, more people working from home, online shopping, etc.
That said, comfort is in. Ready-to-wear fashion styles have reflected this by focusing on what feels good to wear (soft, warm, stretchy, etc.) and less on “making an impression.” This applies for the average woman; you will find all sorts of wild, wonderful, or weird creations being presented by designers on the runways. I have not studied fashion trends lately (2026), and we may be returning to more dressy trends.
Nevertheless, I recommend wearing what you feel comfortable in, as you will come across as more confident and at ease. That means not too tight or revealing, or too short. Loose, stretchy fabrics, cotton, layers, sneakers--pay attention to comfort.
That said, comfort is in. Ready-to-wear fashion styles have reflected this by focusing on what feels good to wear (soft, warm, stretchy, etc.) and less on “making an impression.” This applies for the average woman; you will find all sorts of wild, wonderful, or weird creations being presented by designers on the runways. I have not studied fashion trends lately (2026), and we may be returning to more dressy trends.
Nevertheless, I recommend wearing what you feel comfortable in, as you will come across as more confident and at ease. That means not too tight or revealing, or too short. Loose, stretchy fabrics, cotton, layers, sneakers--pay attention to comfort.
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generative ai in fashion & beauty
Artificial intelligence has infiltrated all areas of our lives. Here we see its influence in the fashion and beauty sectors.
AI Trends in Fashion:
The Future of AI in Fashion Industry - https://www.sganalytics.com/blog/the-future-of-ai-in-fashion-trends-for-2025/
Fashion Brands using AI - https://stylitics.com/resources/blog/fashion-brands-using-ai/
The Future of AI in Fashion Industry - https://www.sganalytics.com/blog/the-future-of-ai-in-fashion-trends-for-2025/
Fashion Brands using AI - https://stylitics.com/resources/blog/fashion-brands-using-ai/
AI Trends in Beauty:
AI in Beauty (examples) - https://shellypalmer.com/ai-in-beauty/
Generative AI in Beauty Industry: Top Brands Examples - https://www.miquido.com/blog/generative-ai-in-beauty-industry/
AI in Beauty (examples) - https://shellypalmer.com/ai-in-beauty/
Generative AI in Beauty Industry: Top Brands Examples - https://www.miquido.com/blog/generative-ai-in-beauty-industry/
Fashion websites
haute couture
What is Haute Couture?
Haute couture (French for ‘high sewing’ or ‘high dressmaking’) refers to the creation of exclusive fashions. It's a common term for custom-fitted clothing as produced primarily in Paris, but also in other fashion capitals such as New York, London, and Milan.
Haute couture (French for ‘high sewing’ or ‘high dressmaking’) refers to the creation of exclusive fashions. It's a common term for custom-fitted clothing as produced primarily in Paris, but also in other fashion capitals such as New York, London, and Milan.
Websites:
Harper’s Bazaar US Spring 2026 couture https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/a70192841/couture-week-trends-spring-2026
Harper’s Bazaar UK Spring 2026 couture - https://shorturl.at/WXyJ0
Haute Couture Week 2026 - https://www.fhcm.paris/en/haute-couture-week
Spring 2026 Vogue Couture - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-couture
Stella de Libero Wedding Dress
These are old, but I thought they were so beautiful! Sharing some sites where this designer's couture fashions can be viewed.
Stella de LiberoWedding Dresses - https://maysociety.com/post/145371192408/32-colorful-wedding-dresses-by-stella-de-libero
Stella de Libero Wedding Dresses - http://www.weddinginspirasi.com/2011/05/13/stella-de-libero-wedding-dresses/
Stella de Libero Designer Spotlight 2011 - https://socialbfly.com/2011/08/26/designer-spotlight-stella-de-libero/
Stella de LiberoWedding Dresses - https://maysociety.com/post/145371192408/32-colorful-wedding-dresses-by-stella-de-libero
Stella de Libero Wedding Dresses - http://www.weddinginspirasi.com/2011/05/13/stella-de-libero-wedding-dresses/
Stella de Libero Designer Spotlight 2011 - https://socialbfly.com/2011/08/26/designer-spotlight-stella-de-libero/
fashion shows
Fashion shows can be interesting to check current trends, but do not reflect the average woman in terms of style and price.
Fashion Network Fashion Week - https://shorturl.at/bmBJ3
First View, Videos - https://firstview.com/collection_videos_designers.php
First View, Photos - https://firstview.com/collection.php
The Impression - https://theimpression.com/fashion-shows/
NowFashion, the World's Largest Fashion Show Database (images for sale) - https://nowfashion.com/
Runway Magazine (did not work in Safari) - https://runwaymagazines.com/
Vogue Runway - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows
modern
Over the years, these fashion magazines have become increasingly woke/liberal/feminist. You will also find more celebrity news as opposed to strict fashion coverage, as we enjoyed in the past.
Daily Front Row - https://fashionweekdaily.com/
Elle Fashion - https://www.elle.com/fashion/
Fashion Gone Rogue (Beauty, Lifestyle, Fashion & Celebs) - https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/
Harper's Bazaar Fashion - https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/
Vogue Fashion - https://www.vogue.com/fashion
WWD (Women's Wear Daily) - https://wwd.com/fashion-news/
Who What Wear (Celebrity Style and Fashion Trend Coverage) - https://www.whowhatwear.com/
Daily Front Row - https://fashionweekdaily.com/
Elle Fashion - https://www.elle.com/fashion/
Fashion Gone Rogue (Beauty, Lifestyle, Fashion & Celebs) - https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/
Harper's Bazaar Fashion - https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/
Vogue Fashion - https://www.vogue.com/fashion
WWD (Women's Wear Daily) - https://wwd.com/fashion-news/
Who What Wear (Celebrity Style and Fashion Trend Coverage) - https://www.whowhatwear.com/
retail
Designer Brands - https://www.farfetch.com/designers/women
Free People (boho styles) - https://www.freepeople.com/
Kohl's - https://www.kohls.com/
Land's End (Women's) - https://www.landsend.com/shop/womens-clothing/
PrAna (outdoorsy) - https://www.prana.com/
vintage
Looks from Vogue
Fashion Era - https://fashion-era.com/
UCLA, Fashion & Costume (historic) - https://guides.library.ucla.edu/c.php?g=180359&p=1191211
Vintage Fashion Guild - https://vintagefashionguild.org/
Fashion Era - https://fashion-era.com/
UCLA, Fashion & Costume (historic) - https://guides.library.ucla.edu/c.php?g=180359&p=1191211
Vintage Fashion Guild - https://vintagefashionguild.org/
fashion reference
Catwalk Yourself - https://www.catwalkyourself.com/
Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion (PDF) - https://shorturl.at/uABR7
Encyclopedia of Fashion - http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/
Fashion History Dictionary - https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/dictionary/
Fashion History Timeline - https://shorturl.at/agrsF
Historical Fashion and Textile Glossary - https://thedreamstress.com/research/the-great-historical-fashion-and-textile-glossary/
MAM-E Fashion Encyclopedia - https://fashion.mam-e.it/
The Museum at FIT - https://fashionmuseum.fitnyc.edu/collections
V&A Fashion - https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion
We Wear Culture - https://artsandculture.google.com/project/fashion
fashion blogs, magazines & trends
fashion blogs & magazines
Online Magazines & Blogs
Business of Fashion - https://www.businessoffashion.com/
EnVie Magazine (click on EN to read online/also available as a free iOS app) - http://en-vie-fashion.com/content/issue/
Fashion Magazine (Canada) - https://fashionmagazine.com/
Fashion Vignette | Trends - https://www.fvdesignstudio.com/trends
Fashion Vignette: Trendspiration - https://fashionvignette.blogspot.com/p/fv-projects.html
LE LIS Blanc (archives/now defunct) @issuu - https://issuu.com/lelisblanc
Modeliste Magazine - https://modelistemagazine.com/
NOWFASHION - https://www.showstudio.com/contributors/nowfashion
sisterMAG - https://www.sister-mag.com/en/
Trend Prive Magazine - https://trendprivemagazine.com/
Voir Magazine (the bleak [woke] future of fashion/view at your own risk) - https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/
Vulkan Magazine (Canada) - https://vulkanmagazine.com/
W Magazine (fashion, beauty, culture, etc.) - https://www.wmagazine.com/
Who What Wear - https://www.whowhatwear.com/section/fashion-news
Men’s:
GQ Style - https://www.gq.com/style
Man of Metropolis - https://manofmetropolis.com/
fashion trends
Some former fashion sites I had listed here are basically selling stuff or full of celebrity news; I've deleted those.
Fashion Trendsetter - https://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/v2/
Pinterest Predicts (Trends 2026) - https://business.pinterest.com/en-gb/pinterest-predicts/2026/gimme-gummy/
Vogue Fashion Trends - https://www.vogue.com/fashion/trends
Fashion Trendsetter - https://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/v2/
Pinterest Predicts (Trends 2026) - https://business.pinterest.com/en-gb/pinterest-predicts/2026/gimme-gummy/
Vogue Fashion Trends - https://www.vogue.com/fashion/trends
fashion color trends
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this needs updating for 2026; I'll address that when I have time...
2023 Color Trends: The Ultimate Palette for Creative Inspiration - https://printify.com/blog/color-trends/
Spring/Summer 2023 Color Trends: Fashion Week Color Palettes - https://www.envato.com/blog/spring-summer-2023-color-trends/
5 Key Color Trends for Fall 2023 - https://www.thepatternedit.com/post/5-key-color-trends-for-fall-2023-according-to-wgsn
Color Palettes, Fashion Trendsetter - https://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/v2/tag/color-palettes/
Fashion United Colors | Trends - https://fashionunited.com/trends/colors
Fashion Vignette for color trends - www.fashiontrendsetter.com/v2/colortrends/
Pantone Fashion Color Trends Report - https://www.pantone.com/articles/fashion-color-trend-report
Vogue Color Trends - https://www.vogue.com/tag/misc/color-trends
2023 Color Trends: The Ultimate Palette for Creative Inspiration - https://printify.com/blog/color-trends/
Spring/Summer 2023 Color Trends: Fashion Week Color Palettes - https://www.envato.com/blog/spring-summer-2023-color-trends/
5 Key Color Trends for Fall 2023 - https://www.thepatternedit.com/post/5-key-color-trends-for-fall-2023-according-to-wgsn
Color Palettes, Fashion Trendsetter - https://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/v2/tag/color-palettes/
Fashion United Colors | Trends - https://fashionunited.com/trends/colors
Fashion Vignette for color trends - www.fashiontrendsetter.com/v2/colortrends/
Pantone Fashion Color Trends Report - https://www.pantone.com/articles/fashion-color-trend-report
Vogue Color Trends - https://www.vogue.com/tag/misc/color-trends
title
fashion models
fashion model websites
Supermodels.nl (archive) - https://web.archive.org/web/20081101140753/http://supermodels.nl:80/Pages/Headshots.aspx?sl=A
FMD - Fashion Model Directory - https://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/search/alphabetical_order/
IMG Models - https://www.imgmodels.com/
Fashion Models Management (France) - https://fashionmodelsmanagement.com/
Metro Models (Switzerland) - https://www.metromodels.com/
models.com - https://models.com/
Supermodels @Vogue - https://www.vogue.com/tag/model/supermodels
FAVORITE SUPERMODELS
New Discoveries:
I'm pretty much out-of-the-loop regarding fashion and modeling these days. I currently subscribe only to Elle magazine (woke/feminist) for the fashion. Merlijne Schorren - https://models.com/models/merlijne-schorren Greta Homer - https://models.com/models/greta-hofer |
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid (sister of Gigi), named 2022 Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council. See family history under Gigi’s profile. She got political for awhile (pro-Gaza). She is still modeling and making appearances as of January 2026.
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellahadid/ |
models & Beauty Misc.
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Back when Models were Beautiful--Victoria's Secret.
You can browse Internet Archive for website snapshots with lingerie, accessories, perfume, sportswear, etc. from the past: https://web.archive.org/web/20191201001424/https://www.victoriassecret.com/ |
VS Angels
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Ksenia Buzina
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My pick for most beautiful woman (Russian) goes to Ksenia Buzina. She is not a model; she's lead singer for Leonid & Friends, a Russian cover band that has become popular. See link to the band on my Tech & Entertainment/Music Page. On Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ksenonachka/ |
your individual style
Fashioning your individual Style
Also see Fashion Styling Websites, below
Boho
vibrant colors, long tiered skirts, fringe, crochet, denim, etc.
vibrant colors, long tiered skirts, fringe, crochet, denim, etc.
Masculine
trousers, boyfriend jeans, shirts, muscle tanks
trousers, boyfriend jeans, shirts, muscle tanks
Minimalist
long sleek lines, black & white, monotones
long sleek lines, black & white, monotones
Elegant
Silks, flowing fabrics, shine, brocade, jewels, embellishments
Silks, flowing fabrics, shine, brocade, jewels, embellishments
Classic
Blouses, pants, solid-color skirts and dresses, houndstooth
Blouses, pants, solid-color skirts and dresses, houndstooth
Grunge
Cargo pants, plaids, boots, lots of layers, mix & match
Cargo pants, plaids, boots, lots of layers, mix & match
Romantic
Ruffles, lace, florals, bows, sheer fabrics
Ruffles, lace, florals, bows, sheer fabrics
Sportswear sweatpants, joggers, boxy tops, sneakers
Instagram Influencers: Fashion's Address
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January 2026 Update: Who knows? I've not accessed Instagram in over a year (I'm locked out, as well). Tessa continues to maintain her filters app. I recommend viewing her earlier material.
Former critique (prior to 2024):
Instagram influencer Tezza (Tessa Barton) radiates glamour, style and class. She exemplifies my idea of a "supermodel," in that she looks fabulous in anything she wears. She occasionally showcases clothing and accessory brands, while husband Cole photographs her in many beautiful locales around the country and globe.
Tezza.Barton Instagram profile:
www.instagram.com/tezza/
Former critique (prior to 2024):
Instagram influencer Tezza (Tessa Barton) radiates glamour, style and class. She exemplifies my idea of a "supermodel," in that she looks fabulous in anything she wears. She occasionally showcases clothing and accessory brands, while husband Cole photographs her in many beautiful locales around the country and globe.
Tezza.Barton Instagram profile:
www.instagram.com/tezza/
Tezza iOS App:
https://www.shoptezza.com/pages/tezza-app
https://www.shoptezza.com/pages/tezza-app
If you are an Instagram user (I quit and unsubscribed), I recommend the Tezza app. For $39.99/year, it offers many “vintage-style” filters along with a variety of edits, overlays, text, templates, etc. for photos and videos.
InstaStyle Book:
A "coffee-table" style book filled with lovely photos utilizing her signature Lightroom filter styles, InstaStyle contains hints and tips on how to become a successful Instagram influencer.
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Influencer Not Required
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Create your unique fashion style, using influencers and trends solely for ideas. This way, you will feel at ease and exude confidence. Instagram "Influencers" (trend-setters) and other fashion bloggers are mainly selling merchandise and/or feeding their egos. Don't be swayed by any short-lived “trend”, but focus the majority of your wardrobe on time-tested classics. Fads can be fun, but don’t spend too much on fleeting trends. Classics are timeless. Use the blogs (such as Tezza) as inspiration for creating your own outfits.
Here's how to create your individual style:
Choose your favorite store (Kohl's, in my case) and several brands (examples: Sonoma, Croft & Barrow, and Tek Gear). Purchase when items go on sale and/or you have a discount (Kohl's is great for offering 15, 20, or 30% discounts monthly for Kohl's charge members). This will facilitate assembling outfits based on your personal style choices. Confinement within several favorite brands will ensure that colors, styles, etc. will be easier to match. 2026 Note: I've not purchased any clothes from Kohl's for perhaps a year. I may find something at local Walmart, but my wardrobe is officially FULL.
Here's how to create your individual style:
Choose your favorite store (Kohl's, in my case) and several brands (examples: Sonoma, Croft & Barrow, and Tek Gear). Purchase when items go on sale and/or you have a discount (Kohl's is great for offering 15, 20, or 30% discounts monthly for Kohl's charge members). This will facilitate assembling outfits based on your personal style choices. Confinement within several favorite brands will ensure that colors, styles, etc. will be easier to match. 2026 Note: I've not purchased any clothes from Kohl's for perhaps a year. I may find something at local Walmart, but my wardrobe is officially FULL.
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fashion tips for men & women
What styles you choose to wear are up to you; just be sure your attire is:
- Clean
- Neat
- Modest
- Age-appropriate
Men:
Your fashion sense is relatively good overall. I would recommend that men not wear shorts other than to the pool or beach. Unless you live at a casual resort, shorts just seem to downplay a man's IQ and character. Also, men: the shorts/socks/sneakers combo does not look good! Wear your shorts longer and invest in a comfortable pair of men’s sandals for hot summer weather. For stores and other public places, put on a pair of jeans or trousers. Shirtless? Please don't, unless you are at the pool or beach. |
Basic Rules of Modesty for Women:
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Women:
Unless you’re a supermodel (they can get away with most anything), display some sense of modesty. Not only is this biblical-based, but consider the message you are sending by not covering up enough. For one thing, you will appear to be “trying too hard." Then, do you really wish to look like a prostitute? See rules in middle column. |
fashion styling websites
Best Types of Aesthetic for you, your wardrobe & your lifestyle - https://www.minimizemymess.com/blog/types-of-aesthetic#understated
Fashion Infographics - https://looksgud.com/blog/women-fashion-infographics-charts/
57 Different Fashion Styles for 2025 (250+ pics for each Clothing Aesthetic) - https://shorturl.at/Tuf3Y
40+ Types of Fashion Styles - https://gabriellearruda.com/types-of-fashion-styles/
42 minimalist fashion outfits (2023) @Stylecaster - https://stylecaster.com/fashion/outfit-ideas/246062/minimalist-fashion-outfits/
Gabrielle Arruda Style Advice - https://gabriellearruda.com/
Gabrielle Arruda Personal Style Building - https://gabriellearruda.com/building-an-authentic-personal-style/
Types of Fashion Styles - https://capsulewardrobedata.com/learn/2024/2/4/types-of-fashion-styles
Types of Fashion Styles - https://www.mystylebox.ca/pages/24-types-of-fashion-styles-explained
wardrobe color palettes
Read more about color on Home & Design Page
fashion color palettes
Websites:
Color Calculator - https://www.sessions.edu/color-calculator/
Discover your Palette - https://colorwise.me/
How to Mix and Match Colors in Your Clothes - https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/how-to-match-the-colors-of-your-clothes/
Paletton The Color Scheme Designer - https://paletton.com/#uid=1000u0kllllaFw0g0qFqFg0w0aF
Color Calculator - https://www.sessions.edu/color-calculator/
Discover your Palette - https://colorwise.me/
How to Mix and Match Colors in Your Clothes - https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/how-to-match-the-colors-of-your-clothes/
Paletton The Color Scheme Designer - https://paletton.com/#uid=1000u0kllllaFw0g0qFqFg0w0aF
color wheel
Illustration by macrovector @#FREEPIK
What Is a Color Wheel?
A color wheel is a circle diagram that illustrates the relationships between different colors. In 1666, Sir Isaac Newton created the first color wheel, asymmetrical and consisting of seven colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. In 1810, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe developed a symmetrical color wheel with just six colors (eliminating indigo), similar to the one we use today. Artists and fashion designers use color wheels to create color schemes that produce a desired aesthetic effect.
Color wheel color theory & calculator @Canva - https://www.canva.com/colors/color-wheel/
Fashion Color Wheel - https://ivyandpearlboutique.com/blogs/fashion-howto/fashion-colors-matching-clothing-colors-using-color-wheel
A color wheel is a circle diagram that illustrates the relationships between different colors. In 1666, Sir Isaac Newton created the first color wheel, asymmetrical and consisting of seven colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. In 1810, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe developed a symmetrical color wheel with just six colors (eliminating indigo), similar to the one we use today. Artists and fashion designers use color wheels to create color schemes that produce a desired aesthetic effect.
Color wheel color theory & calculator @Canva - https://www.canva.com/colors/color-wheel/
Fashion Color Wheel - https://ivyandpearlboutique.com/blogs/fashion-howto/fashion-colors-matching-clothing-colors-using-color-wheel
color theory
What is Color Theory?
Color theory is a set of guidelines for mixing, combining, and manipulating colors. It studies how colors work together and how they affect our emotions and perceptions.
1. Color harmony: Color harmony describes color pairings that are visually pleasing and provide a sense of visual harmony. Color schemes based on complementary and analogous colors are generally viewed as harmonious. This can depend upon personal preference.
2. Color temperature: Color temperature involves breaking colors down into warm and cool colors.
3. Color context: Colors appear to behave differently when viewed in different contexts; various factors such as light source and surrounding colors influence color.
Color theory is a set of guidelines for mixing, combining, and manipulating colors. It studies how colors work together and how they affect our emotions and perceptions.
1. Color harmony: Color harmony describes color pairings that are visually pleasing and provide a sense of visual harmony. Color schemes based on complementary and analogous colors are generally viewed as harmonious. This can depend upon personal preference.
2. Color temperature: Color temperature involves breaking colors down into warm and cool colors.
3. Color context: Colors appear to behave differently when viewed in different contexts; various factors such as light source and surrounding colors influence color.
- Understand the effect of light: Daylight constantly changes, affecting the colors we see. Changing the light source will change the color appearance of objects.
- Consider the surroundings: Colors appear to change depending on the colors around them, a phenomenon known as simultaneous contrast.
- Be aware of metamerism: Colors that match under one light source may not fit under another.
Shop Your closet
How to Shop Your Closet
Survey your wardrobe of items you already own; you probably have a variety of outfits ready to put together. Don't be afraid to mix and match; you set the rules, limited only by your imagination. The challenge is create multiple outfits out of the basics you already have, saving yourself money, and having fun with it.
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- Mix styles such as boho or romantic with grunge, classy with masculine, etc.
- Layer, mix and match. Add a top or sweater over a dress, and then a belt. Add a slip dress over a long-sleeve top.
- Use the same color palette or contrasting colors. Mix patterns such as stripes and prints.
- Keep seasonal hues together (ex: autumn--brown/olive/gold).
- Accessorize as much or little as desired.
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Style for Your Body Shape
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*To choose the right styles for your body shape, identify your primary body type (like pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle) and then select clothing that either accentuates your best features or balances out proportions by drawing attention to your upper body if your hips are wider, or vice versa, while minimizing areas you might want to de-emphasize; key elements include necklines, waistlines, and silhouettes that flatter your specific shape.
Key points to consider:
Necklines:
Key points to consider:
- Hourglass: Accentuate your waist with fitted clothing, A-line dresses, and cinched belts to highlight your curves.
- Pear: Balance your wider hips by adding volume to your upper body with structured tops, shoulder details, and A-line skirts.
- Apple: Draw attention away from your midsection by wearing flowy tops, V-necklines, and A-line skirts to elongate your torso.
- Rectangle: Create curves with details like ruffles, belts, and fitted tops to define your waist.
Necklines:
- V-neck: Flatters most body types by elongating the neck and drawing attention upwards.
- Crew neck: Works well for smaller busts and creates a more casual look.
- Scoop-neck: Flatters most body shapes and can be slightly more revealing than a crew neck.
- High waist: Elevates the legs and can be flattering for most body types.
- Empire waist: Great for apple shapes, sits just below the bust to create a slimming effect.
- Natural waist: Works well for hourglass figures to accentuate the waistline.
- A-line: Flares out from the waist, perfect for balancing wider hips.
- Straight: Creates a vertical line, suitable for most body types.
- Fitted: Hugs the body, best for hourglass figures.
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Timeless Styles
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Here are some general guidelines:
- It’s versatile - A clothing item that can be worn any season and on any occasion gives you the flexibility to wear it year-round and also saves you money in the long run. Jeans and tee-shirts are good examples..
- It’s neutral - In general, timeless pieces are neutral in color and print so you can pair them with more trendy pieces. Black, white, brown, navy, and gray are all well-known neutrals. Personally, I would also add olive green. Some prints, like thin stripes or small polka dots in black and white, can be mixed with almost any print or solid to create a fun and interesting look.
- It’s understated - A timeless piece doesn’t have frills or trendy modifications. It’s intended to serve as the foundation of your outfit, so incorporate your style through your jewelry or jacket. Since trends come and go, the basic, plain-looking pieces will be the ones that remain in your closet and never go out of style.
Here is my list. It's intended for woman over 50, but anyone can make it work:
*Source the above items in basic colors such as black, brown, white, navy, olive, gray, etc.
- a pair of jeans
- jogger pants
- pullover
- solid-color blouse
- black skirt, knee length
- straight-leg pants in basic colors
- sneakers
- a solid-color dress, knee-length
- a vest
- black leggings
- long tee or sweater (to go with leggings)
- sweaters
- simple-style coat
- simple jacket with hood
*Source the above items in basic colors such as black, brown, white, navy, olive, gray, etc.
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Selfie Hints
Here are several ideas I've acquired over the years regarding taking selfies. Since I'm not at all photogenic, I need to take lots of pics just to get one that's good.
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To make yourself look taller: Crop, then slide middle slider down, as illustrated.
Many use a full-length mirror to take a full-body selfie. See how to make yourself appear taller by tweaking crop controls in Apple Photos Camera Roll. I don't have a location at our new home to do this, although I may resume fashion "modeling" during warmer months, using my iPhone on a tripod in timer mode. |
Here's another trick for us senior citizens whose faces show signs of aging: Snap your selfie with background lighting; this helps camouflage flaws such as tiny lip-lines, under-eye circles, and wrinkles. I'm not a fan of "retouching" selfies, as I wish to be authentic. 
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beauty
favorite beauty products
I purchase my products from amazon.com; however, you may wish to purchase from the company websites or local retail stores where available.
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Biggs & Featherbelle
I love this women-owned (two sisters), Maryland-based natural beauty brand. My favorite body moisturizer has three ingredients--shea butter, coconut oil, and Vitamin E. Why put harmful chemicals on your skin? Find their products in a store near you or order directly from their website. 2026 Note: They are sold out of Shea Butter Moisturizer due to ingredient shortage. I'm busy trying to concoct my own--ordered 100% cocoa butter to add to my 100% shea butter. |
Burt’s Bees
Burt's Bees products contain some natural ingredients. They offer a wide variety including lipstick, lipliner, cleansers, etc. They do have some chemicals; so if you want all-natural, I would pass on this brand when it comes to lip products.
Palladio & Mineral Fusion
My two favorite lipliner brands contain more natural ingredients (not 100% natural though) and fewer harsh chemicals. I've yet to discover an all-natural lipliner; however, I did mention it to Biggs & Featherbelle.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
My favorite e.l.f. product is the eyebrow pencil (I use blonde and taupe colors). Prices are cheap; for example, $4 for an eyebrow pencil. This brand has the chemicals and unhealthy ingredients, so limit purchases to products you won't be ingesting, such as eyebrow pencils, blush, face powder, etc.
makeup tips
#1 Rule for those over 60: LESS is more! Do not overdo it unless you want to look older!
For day-to-day wear, I’d suggest lipstick/liner, under-eye coverup, eyebrow pencil, and facial moisturizer. Pretty simple, right?
Save the eyeliner, mascara, and blush for special occasions. Foundation is optional; I don’t use it anymore. It’s good to let your skin “breathe” as much as possible. I no longer use self-tanner, as it's full of chemicals that are unhealthy for one's face/body.
Sunscreen for face is a must during summer months--especially if you live in southern states or closer to the equator. It's available in many formulations, so choose one that is right for your needs. I used SPF 70 on my face back in Virginia.
For day-to-day wear, I’d suggest lipstick/liner, under-eye coverup, eyebrow pencil, and facial moisturizer. Pretty simple, right?
Save the eyeliner, mascara, and blush for special occasions. Foundation is optional; I don’t use it anymore. It’s good to let your skin “breathe” as much as possible. I no longer use self-tanner, as it's full of chemicals that are unhealthy for one's face/body.
Sunscreen for face is a must during summer months--especially if you live in southern states or closer to the equator. It's available in many formulations, so choose one that is right for your needs. I used SPF 70 on my face back in Virginia.
Pamela Anderson, 58
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Vera Wang, 76
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Kathy Hochul, 67
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Analyzing the above celebrities:
Every woman is different; your job is to experiment and discover what types of makeup (or lack thereof) look best on YOU!
- Pamela Anderson has never looked better, in my opinion. Her natural beauty shines from her face now that her makeup is more minimalist.
- Vera Wang looks so young for 76! I've heard that she avoids the sun in CA, where she lives. Her Asian ethnicity may also help to explain it.
- Kathy Hochul really overdoes the makeup, so she is a "Don't" in my opinion. Heavily-lined eyes, mascara, very dark eyebrows, and dark lipcolor just tend to make her look older.
Every woman is different; your job is to experiment and discover what types of makeup (or lack thereof) look best on YOU!
my beauty routine with hints & tips
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My two most indispensable makeup items are: 1) lipstick/lipliner; and 2) eyebrow pencil.
To determine your beauty and makeup regimen, first you need to pinpoint your beauty flaws. My personal beauty flaws: sparse eyebrows; thinned lips (it happens with age) with many tiny lines; long (English) nose and oval face shape; dark under-eye circles; and the usual facial lines/wrinkles typical for a 65-year-old. |
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My Lipliner Trick
The Palladio lipliner (my default) is thin, creating a nice, natural line along top and bottom lips. My “trick” for fuller-looking lips is to line straight across the “cupid’s bow.” Lining along the bottom lip makes that area look more plump, as well. Very handy for us senior ladies whose lips thin as we age.
Note that since I have quite a few lines around my lips, things aren’t going to be perfect. You can first apply the Palladio highlighter to outer lip area to cover up the lines that accumulate as we age, then perform the lip-color routine. |
Lipstick/Liner Blot Trick
After each step (chapstick/lipstick/liner), blot lips with a tissue. This helps with staying power.
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How to get 3D Lips
See photo to left This "depth" look involves quite a few steps, but looks rich and has staying power. Remember the first step, powder (I use Palladio highlighter) to hide the tiny lines if you are older and have them. Next you can use clear chapstick or a tinted gloss stick. Blot. Apply first color of your choice, blot. Apply second color of your choice, blot. Lastly, line upper and lower lips, then do final tissue blot. I think you will like the result! |
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Full-Lips Lipliner Illusion
See photo to right After experimenting, to no avail, with a natural lip powder, I rediscovered a lipliner (Mineral Fusion) I purchased many years ago at Whole Foods Market. It's available for purchase on amazon.com. I used it to outline below my lips and above my lips. Then I blended with a small makeup brush. Next I filled in with my usual Burt's Bees lipcolor. I can't remember if I used Niagara Overlook (pink tones) or Santorini Sunrise (brown tones), but I would estimate brown-toned lipstick will blend better with "Graceful" Mineral Fusion lipliner. I've ordered two more colors, since I am pleased with this look. The brand is not 100% all-natural ingredients; however, it's about the best that can be found online, unless one wishes to make lipliner from scratch. |
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Oils for Skin & Hair
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Eyebrow Hints & Tips
I find using an eyebrow stencil very helpful. Also, a lifted and arched brow does much to make one's face look younger. I sometimes do a thin line, other times a thicker line. My real brows are almost nonexistent, so I get to "play around" with them. |
Homemade natural beauty products
Websites:
DIY Beauty Products & Recipes - https://www.savvyhomemade.com/beauty-products/
DIY Natural Handmade Beauty Products - https://shorturl.at/ehzFK
200+ DIY Beauty Recipes - https://livingthenourishedlife.com/200-diy-beauty-products/
DIY Beauty Products & Recipes - https://www.savvyhomemade.com/beauty-products/
DIY Natural Handmade Beauty Products - https://shorturl.at/ehzFK
200+ DIY Beauty Recipes - https://livingthenourishedlife.com/200-diy-beauty-products/
Make your own moisturizer at home with this simple recipe containing all-natural ingredients with no added chemicals. The shea and cocoa butters were purchased from amazon.com and are 100% natural; however, they should not be ingested. Since the cocoa butter was rock-solid, I microwaved the container (sans lid) at 10 second intervals several times, then poked a knife into it to break it up into pieces. This body butter smells nice and isn't too oily or greasy. It can be used as a hand or body moisturizer, or even on your hair. Store unused tubs in the refrigerator since they contain no preservatives. Feel free to experiment with the template below, substituting oils (use essential oils, not fragrance oils) if desired.
Homemade Lip Powder
What got me started with this idea was an attempt to replicate a trendy full-lips look created by using powder underneath and above the lip line.
Noting that the recommended products in the video (and all lip products on amazon.com) are loaded with unhealthy chemicals, I decided to research how to make my own powder. You can try it with your own variations, and you may have better success. Small lip-lines can somewhat spoil the look; but they usually come with age. I focused below on edible ingredients such as spices.
My experience:
After adding more cocoa powder to the mixture for a darker color and applying gently underneath and above lips, it just didn't work; I couldn't even see it. I also tried using this as an eyeshadow; but again, it was practically invisible. I'm still searching for a 100% all-natural, food-grade lipliner, pencil, crayon, or powder. See my solution in section above (opted for a semi-natural lipliner pencil and regular lipstick).
How-To:
Add ingredients to a small container, according to the colors desired for your facial skin tone:
What got me started with this idea was an attempt to replicate a trendy full-lips look created by using powder underneath and above the lip line.
Noting that the recommended products in the video (and all lip products on amazon.com) are loaded with unhealthy chemicals, I decided to research how to make my own powder. You can try it with your own variations, and you may have better success. Small lip-lines can somewhat spoil the look; but they usually come with age. I focused below on edible ingredients such as spices.
My experience:
After adding more cocoa powder to the mixture for a darker color and applying gently underneath and above lips, it just didn't work; I couldn't even see it. I also tried using this as an eyeshadow; but again, it was practically invisible. I'm still searching for a 100% all-natural, food-grade lipliner, pencil, crayon, or powder. See my solution in section above (opted for a semi-natural lipliner pencil and regular lipstick).
How-To:
Add ingredients to a small container, according to the colors desired for your facial skin tone:
- Cornstarch
- Cocoa Powder
- Other spices - turmeric (yellowish tone), paprika (reddish tone), cinnamon (warm brown tone); beetroot powder (pinkish tone)
- a bit of coconut oil may help to add some moisture
Here I used cornstarch and cocoa powder, plus just a sprinkle of: turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon.
Beauty, Misc.
Check the ingredients in your makeup at these websites:
Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist (prohibited in Canada) - https://shorturl.at/ol4PM
decode ingredient lists like a pro - https://incidecoder.com/
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database - https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Glossary @Cosmetics Info - https://cosmeticsi1stg.wpenginepowered.com/glossary/
International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) (CHEMICALS) - https://www.specialchem.com/cosmetics/all-inci-ingredients
SkinSort - https://skinsort.com/ingredient-analyzer
hair
AI artwork generated by Bazaart
*Key Focus Areas for Healthy Hair:
* Google AI Overview
Websites:
AAD Tips for Healthy Hair - https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
Hair Care Guides - https://www.ulta.com/discover/hair
- Wash Smart: Use tailored shampoo to address specific needs (e.g., color-treated, dry, fine).
- Condition Often: Regularly use deep conditioners and masks to boost moisture.
- Protect: Utilize heat protectants and minimize high-heat styling.
- Trim: Regular, every 6-8 week trims help prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.
* Google AI Overview
Websites:
AAD Tips for Healthy Hair - https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
Hair Care Guides - https://www.ulta.com/discover/hair
Coconut Oil for Hair
Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, reducing frizz and adding shine. It’s 100% natural and smells nice, too. Use very sparingly--you don't want a flat or greasy look. Concentrate it on the ends of hair strands.
Beauty Product, to be advised
Photo Credits: Fashion photos courtesy of Pixabay & Adobe