Party like it's 1999

The jeans-and-a-T-shirt gal
Amy Mendelson’s plea for a makeover was a simple one: “I am 45 and stuck in a bad hair, T-shirt, jeans and Dansko clogs routine,” she wrote in an e-mail. She had us at bad hair.

BEFORE Amy says
“I kind of hate dresses. I went to a black-tie event recently and I looked like an old lady. It was a beautiful knit dress, but I didn’t feel feminine…or young. I felt matronly. I just don’t feel like myself all dressed up. I’d rather wear slacks, flats and a tunic. And when it comes to my hair, I’ll just throw it in a bun or use a clip.”

THE MAKEOVER
ULTA’s Lucas Hawkin says “You don’t want your hair weighed down around your face, so we’re going to straighten and thin out Amy’s hair, while leaving the length. Highlights are always a good way to look younger, as long as they are subtle—you never want a color that’s more than three shades brighter than your hair. They’ll help brighten your face.”
ULTA Smashbox makeup artist Stella Nicols says “I’m using Smashbox products [such as the Halo line] that include antiaging properties. For instance, the foundation includes vitamin E, which is an antioxidant.”
Stylist Amy Lechelt-Basta says “As women get older, they tend to hide behind their clothes. Covering their bodies in unflattering, baggy clothes only makes them look bigger. Don’t be afraid to update your look and have fun with trendy accessories such as a fun little clutch and leggings.”

AFTER Amy says “I feel a lot younger! I’m so glad you got me to try on things I normally wouldn’t wear. I’d never think to try on this dress if I saw it at the store, but I love it!”

ON AMY Sparkly black dress by MM Couture, $105 at Londo Mondo (1100 N Dearborn St, 312-751-2794); ankle cutout shoes by Seychelles, $105 at Click Shoes (3729 N Southport Ave, 773-244-9141); fishnet Spanx, $28 at Panache (2252 N Clark St, 773-477-4537); clutch, $36 at M2; bracelet, $34 at M2

Ladies, dress and look younger with these tips from Lechelt-Basta 1. Spanx, tights and panty hose: You can never have too many and they are great body shapers. 2. Don’t wait to lose those last ten pounds—you are who you are now so just work with it. You can look ten pounds lighter if you dress for your figure type. 3. Scared of stilettos? Try a pair of low-heeled boots or a kitten heel. Just a little lift will help you feel less frumpy.

NEXT>>The young-at-heart older guy

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