Do I need a class at “Charm School” to date?

Chances are if you’re a woman over 50 coming out of a long marriage, it’s probably been a while since you’ve dated.  This might be the right time for what I like to call a “Dating Update.”  You don’t need to go to the extremes Lucy and Ethel did for Ricky and Fred to notice them. Just a few changes can take you from feeling kind of dowdy and outdated to feeling chic, confident and pretty spectacular.  See it as an investment in yourself as you begin this next chapter in your life.

But where do you start?  If you have a daughter or a close friend, ask them for their honest opinion of what could use some updating.  We all have a tendency over time to do the same styles over and over again, never even noticing whether they are still current.

Daughters are best for this job because they won’t hold back, plus they’ll go with you and help you, which can be a lot of fun.  Thanks to cable TV, our adult children have a good sense of style and they’ll tell you if what you’re wearing is not age appropriate, as in too young or too old for you.

Starting at the top and working our way down-take a good look at your hair.  Is your  cut updated yet classic?  Weird hairdo’s like severe wedges or spikes are best left to the younger crowd.   Is the color one that enhances your skin tone or does it age you by being too light or faded?  The opposite is a problem too.  Dark hair can make women our age look a bit ghoulish.  Even though it would be nice, Mother Nature doesn’t usually give us black hair once we’ve hit 50.

Do you like your hair stylist?  If not, find another one by asking friends who they use.  A friend of mine actually stopped a woman on the street with great hair and got the name of her stylist.   It is important to have a good hair stylist you can trust.

The next step is buying some great makeup to enhance your features.  Check out your favorite department store counter.  The makeup artists will gladly show you how great you can look using their products.  You can replicate the results with less expensive makeup purchased elsewhere if you want.

It’s important to stop here for a minute and mention that you are probably used to seeing yourself one way and change can be hard.  I know it takes me days not to be startled looking in the mirror when trying a new lip color.

It might help to take a friend or two with you.  They aren’t attached to your old look so they’ll let you know whether or not a new look is working for you.  Give yourself some time to get used to the changes you’re making.  Fortunately, hair grows back fairly quickly and makeup can be changed if you aren’t satisfied.

Shopping if you’re a shopper can be fun.  I’m not a shopper and that is why the second I found out about Personal Shoppers, I found a good one.  By the way, they don’t cost you a thing since they’re paid by commission.

With her gentle pushing, I tried new styles that actually enhanced my body.   I will admit the compliments were not only nice but they confirmed how much better I was beginning to feel about myself as the result of the changes I was making.

And, I have to admit, for the first time in my life, I felt really good in what I was wearing.  I no longer rummaged through my closet looking for something just right for a date.  Knowing I always had a couple of nice pieces I could mix and match made a huge difference in my confidence level.

You don’t have to use a personal shopper and you don’t have to shop at expensive stores to look and feel great.  Browse fashion magazines or check out style shows on TV like “What Not to Wear.”   Both will give you great ideas and tips on how to best enhance your body with clothes. Looking great makes you feel great and when you feel great, you are going to feel more confident as you adventure into the dating world.

If you’ve ever done a dating makeover, I’d love to hear how it made you feel.  Feel free to post your comments below.

Until next time –

Believing in You!

Your Next Steps to Love after 50. . . .

💞 Feeling like you are on a merry-go-round of mismatched dates? Lets press pause and talk about how we can write a new love story for you. Click here to start our conversation. Tell me your story – I am here to listen and guide you towards meeting someone truly special.

If you are still gearing up for that step, I have plenty of insights and inspiration for you:

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for heartfelt dating wisdom and uplifting success stories from women who have been just where you are. They found love, and so can you. Click here to watch and learn.

2. Discover a new chapter in your dating life with my book, "The Winning Dating Formula." It is more than a book; it is your journey to love mapped out. And it is just a click away on Amazon. Click here and start attracting the love you deserve.

3. Join our Finding Love after 50 Facebook group to find camaraderie and connection. It is a warm and welcoming space to share your journey and receive support every step of the way. Click here to become part of our community.

4. On the lookout for a dating site that resonates with you? Browse through my personal selection of the best dating sites tailor-made for fabulous over 50s. Click here and say goodbye to guesswork.

Let these resources be your steppingstones to a love life filled with promise and joy. When you are ready, I am here to take that journey with you. Together, lets find your Mr. Right! 🌹

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