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Looking professional in the workplace is important no matter what age you are. As women transition to new workplace roles, their fashion needs to follow suit. If you are in your 50s looking for tips on how to dress to be taken seriously in the boardroom, here are a few tips to help you out.

Don’t be afraid to be bold

Your age shouldn’t discourage you from taking risks with your wardrobe (within reason, of course). Experimenting with bright colors and patterns is a great way to keep from looking drab in the workplace. Look for eye-catching prints in flattering colors. Animal prints are roaring into style again—try a leopard print bag or snakeskin pumps.

Accessorize your look

Women in their 50s have learned the art of the capsule wardrobe: classic, well-fitting pieces that work in multiple situations. Accessories are the key to keeping your wardrobe fresh. Chic scarves, textured belts, and eye-catching jewelry transform your basic suit into a dashing desk-to-dinner outfit. Less is more when it comes to boardroom accessories, however. Pick one or two signature pieces for each outfit and edit your choices so you don’t look too busy.

Build from a firm foundation

As women age, it’s extremely important to choose the right foundation garments. If you haven’t been professionally fitted for a bra, now’s the right time to make an appointment. Nothing ruins a professional look faster than bumps, bulges, and sags. With all the flattering and comfortable garments on the market today, it’s easy to find pretty undergarments to help your figure look its best. Having everything in its place and properly supported is a huge confidence boost.

Mind your knees

Revealing skirts are never appropriate in the workplace, and that’s especially true for women in their 50s. Even if you have fabulous legs for your age, resist the urge to show them off at work. Look for suits and dresses that hit at or slightly below the knee—and avoid deeply slit skirts. Try sitting in your outfit in front of a mirror at home before wearing it to work. A skirt that looks great standing up can leave you exposed when you take your seat at the table.

Find a flattering hairstyle.

Good grooming is extremely important, especially as you age. Some women experience thinning hair or discover their previously sleek locks are now fine and frizzy. If you haven’t updated your hairstyle in the past five years or so, it might be time to find a new look.

If you color your hair, pay attention to your roots. Get regular touch-ups to keep your color fresh and carry root spray or powder to cover new growth in between hair appointments. 

Go for a natural look

How you do your makeup is just as important as how you do your hair and what you wear to work. The bright colors and bold eye makeup you wore in your 20s and 30s are out of place in your 50s. Most mature women look best with a more polished, natural look. Choose a neutral eye shadow palette and soft pink lipstick. Book a makeup application session at Sephora or a department store cosmetics counter. You’ll learn some great techniques to help you look your best at work.

Appearances aren’t everything, but they definitely matter, especially for women in their 50s. How you present yourself says a lot about the type of professional you are, so take the time to learn how to put your best foot forward so your look expresses your changing role at work.

Danielle K. Roberts is a Medicare insurance expert and co-founder at Boomer Benefits, where her team of experts helps baby boomers with their Medicare decisions nationwide.

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