DEAL WITH DIY ROOTS CREATIVELY. Whether your color is at-home or salon made roots are a fact of life. So, drum roll…Gail recently created Color Wow Root Cover Up ( $34.50, ulta.com). It’s a chic compact of temporary mineral powder in hair-toned colors you brush on dried and styled hair to blend grey and dark regrowth. Takes  60 seconds with no mess or tacky residue and stays put (even while swimming) until you shampoo it out.” Use it to extend an every four week color schedule to six or seven weeks, to minimize highlight frequency, to camouflage hair recession at the temples or thinning around a part” says Gail. It could work  on multi-toned color like Christine Baranski’s blonde or a more allover color like Sharon Lawrence’s brownish auburn. And if you’re thinking of going grey but can’t stand the thought of cold turkey roots, use the powder to ease the transformation and grow-out to a  shorter, choppier, layered cut.

TRY SULFATE -FREE SHAMPOO. If you’re 50 + and have dehydrated, brittle or frizz-prone dyed, grey or white hair and/or a sensitive scalp , a sulfate-free shampoo can improve the look and health of your hair says Gail. Sulfates (which you see on the label as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate) are grease-cutting ingredients used in shampoos but also in household cleansers. Shampoos with sulfates lather up into rich suds but can strip color and increase dryness of your hair and scalp. Sulfate-free shampoos usually have a companion conditioner for a duo that work well together. Yes of course Gail’s Color Wow Security Shampoo and Conditioner  ($9, each for travel sizes, ulta.com) are ideal but also try: L’ Oreal Paris Hair Expertise EverCreme Sulfate-Free Moisture System Nourishing Shampoo and Intense Nourishing Conditioner ($6.99 each,www.lorealparisusa.com) and Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisturizing Shampoo and Leave-In Conditioner ($25 for the set, www.carolsdaughter.com).

STAY FEARLESS, KEEP EXPLORING AND GIVE BACK. Gail, the mother of 27 year old twin daughters has also sung in her husband’s rock band, negotiated contracts with hip hop moguls and is never intimidated by big beauty execs.  She supports education, health and equal rights for women and children especially in emerging cultures. Gail is a fierce Homeland fan, a reader of non-fiction (especially WWII books) and has a photo of the super-inspiring Teddy Roosevelt as her iPhone cover. She lives in jeans and jackets 24/7 and dreams of being the 50 + version of Carrie Mathison.

For more beauty & style tips for women 50 + check my book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ( $14.74 , Amazon.com)

Photo credits: Gail Federici at work, Christine Baranski, Theodore Roosevelt iPone cover

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• Are You Too Old for Long Hair?
• Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being

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Whether this is your first, second or third marriage after 50 do it your way. I’ve been married three times to date. Eight years ago this month a sequin pencil skirt and a white cashmere top was my “wedding dress” at the local justice of the peace — big change from that first fairytale gown and huge tented affair in 1971. I’ve learned a lot since then, so here are a few things grownup brides need to know:

SKIP THE FRILLS AND FROU-FROU. You don’t want to go the big-deal tulle and lace princess route. Keep it simple, keep it “you” and accent one best body feature like great legs, toned arms, sexy shoulders or a perfect sun-damage free decolletage.   For example when Jersey trucking heiress Nancy Shevell married Paul McCartney in 2011, she was 51, he was 69 (it was her second, his third). She wore a tailored long sleeve body-skimming dress that highlighted her trim long legs and tiny waist.  Barbra Streisand (who married James Brolin when she was 56) strategically played up cleavage. Ellen DeGeneres (at 55) stuck to her signature boyishly trim look in dress pants, a silky shirt and tailored vest when she married Portia de Rossi in 2008. All three got it right and kept to their style.

WEAR WHITE.  I know you’re tempted to show your confidence and spirit in shocking pink or red but do yourself a favor.  White will make you look rested, healthy and radiant in person … and in all those photos and videos. You’ll thank me for this later. Then follow two other crucial but confidence boosting tips. Swipe on a fast-dry quick-color self-tanner like Sonia Kashuk Face & Body Golden Tanning Towelettes ($10.49,target.com). Go head-to-toe to bump up the glow and hide all brown spots, veins and sun-damage. Then boost your hair quality with a sprinkle of matched-color protein powder called Toppik Hair Building Fibers ($21.95, www.toppik.com). It  fills in sparse or thinning hair, clings till you shampoo out and is sweat proof. They’re the secret source for many mature on-camera celebs of both sexes so why not make it work for you?

UNDER $200  TO FABULOUS.  Splurge on the honeymoon not the outfit. You can look like a celeb bride without spending big bucks on custom couture.  Check out this Lauren Ralph Lauren Cap-Sleeve Cowl-Neck gown ($150, macys.com) or Maggy London’s Tailored Sleeveless Cut-Out Cocktail dress ($138, macys.com). Both have a body-skimming fit, a contemporary look and balance camouflaging details with highlighting ones.  Add a no-jiggles shaper like Assets by Sara Blakely Chic Peek Midthigh ($34-36, target.com) and you’re good-to-throw … the bouquet that is.

For more beauty & style tips check my book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ( $13.64, amazon.com)

Photo credits: Diane Keaton in The Big Wedding, Barbra Streisand marries James Brolin, Lauren by Ralph Lauren wedding gown.

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FOR THE MOM IN TRANSITION. We’re reinventing our lives, dealing with a financial crisis or downsizing from house to condo, marriage to singledom,moving to a new town or going back to school to learn new skills. Give us something we don’t have like a Kate Spade New York Pueblo Tile iPhone Case ($40, piperlime.gap.com),  a stack of fresh silky Gap Luxe Jersey Boxy Top tees ($22.95 each, gap.com) in black and white, and the stabilizing scent of an oldie but goodie fragrance like the vanilla/ chocolate-y Angel by Thierry Mugler Eau de Parfum Natural Spray ($44.99,cvs.com).

FOR THE DATING MOM. We’re speed-dating, checking out potential matches online and looking up old boyfriends on Facebook at 2 A.M. Give us something to make us feel youthful and hot( in a good way).  We’d love the  Zara Woman leopard viscose blouse ($49.90, zara.com) to glam up jeans, Bobbi’s Browns Eye Collection ($75, bobbibrowncosmetics.com)  and  the warm sensual orchid scent of Dior J’ Adore Eau de Parfum ($90,bergdorfgoodman.com).

FOR THE MOM IN RECOVERY. Some moms have had a tough year. We’ve been ill, through surgery, chemo, a hip or knee replacement or two or a serious a bout of the blues but we still like to laugh and feel like babes. Splurge on Joy Eau de Parfum by Jean Patou ($110, bergdorfgoodman.com) because we’re worth the 10,600 jasmine flowers and 28 dozen roses in every ounce. Add a handful of upbeat nail polishes like L’ Oreal Paris Colour Riche Nail Trend Setter in Not A Cloud In Sight ($5.99, drugstore.com) and a cheery red or yellow Zara V-neck basic sweater ($16.90,zara.com) for an instant mood boost.

FOR THE MOM ON A SERIOUS DIET/ FITNESS REGIMEN. Some of us are determined to eat healthier, lose those extra pounds and firm up this summer so skip the chocolates. We’re gulping greens, juicing ,sweating in Pilates, Zumba and Soulcycle classes and speed-walking around the neighborhood. Give us a thumbs up with a Spanx Power Skort ($98, spanx.com) that hides our butt and belly, the neon Nike FlyKnit Lunar1 Women’s Running Shoe ($160, store.nike.com) and an energizing citrus scent like Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau De Toilette Natural Spray ($44.99,cvs.com). No candy please!

FOR THE MULTI-TASKING WORKING MOM. You better believe we’re still at it- part-time, from home, or on the daily fast track. Technology is our favorite toy so acknowledge it with a  C. Wonder tablet keyboard ($80, cwonder.com) that makes an instant laptop, a  hands-free Vince Camuto Leather Hobo in Wow ($198, bloomingdales.com) or an office-friendly scent like Jo Malone London Grapefruit Cologne ($110,bergdorfgoodman.com).

FOR THE RETIRED BUT RAMPED UP MOM. Our lives may be as fixed as our incomes but filled with friends, clubs, community service and a to-do list that never quits. Surprise us with a J. Crew printed backup battery for our iPhone ($39.50, jcrew.com), Stuart Weitzman’s Jealous Jelly D’ Orsay flats ($198, neimanmarcus.com) and the distinctive iris patchouli blend of Lancome La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum ($75, bergdorfgoodman.com).

And if your kids have flown the coop- treat yourself anyway! xxo from me.

For more beauty & style tips for women 50 + check out my book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ($13.64, amazon.com ). A great Mother’s Day or any day gift too!

Photo credits: Kate Spade iPhone case, Bobbi Brown Browns Eye Kit, Zara V- Neck cotton sweater, Spanx Power Skort, Vince Camuto Hobo, Lancome La Vie Est Belle

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IT’S A MYTH THE BULK OF THE DAMAGE IS DONE BY NOW. Dr. Day says, “Your skin has an amazing ability to repair itself if you stop insulting it with sun exposure, use the right products and work on recovery. Do yourself a favor and locate a dermatologist in your zip code who has the new diagnostic skin cancer device called MelaFind. I use it to help identify which suspicious moles should be biopsied for melanoma since it can see way under the skin’s surface for a three dimensional view. MelaFind uses multi-spectral light technology to analyze and separate unusual non-cancerous moles from potential deadly ones  in a non invasive way and all data is stored for future tracking electronically. Patients get a printout of all info and visual imaging. It saves women from unnecessary biopsy scarring.”

IF YOU DON’T NEED A FLASHLIGHT YOU NEED SUN PROTECTION.  Dr. Day says “Use a broad spectrum SPF 30 + even on cloudy days 365 days a year. Aging UVA and burning UVB rays come through too when the weather is grey or cold. Always do your face, neck  (and sides of the neck not just the front part- women neglect to include this area), chest backs of hands and legs. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt with bare legs (even to work) you need to do them too. The sun is not selective and many melanomas are found on legs.” Reapply sunscreen every hour and a half in the sun or when driving or working indoors near a window. UVA rays go right through glass.

ALL NEW BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREENS ARE OTC DRUGS.  Dr. Days says ” All new sunscreens  must pass a specific test to show they protect against UVA and UVB rays to get FDA approval so toss  last year’s leftovers.  Buy a fresh broad spectrum sunscreen of at least 30. ” It’s your decision whether to opt for a physical block with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide or a chemical mix with active ingredients like helioplex, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene and oxybenzone. Buying the right formula, texture and format are important too. Dr. Day and I both suggest: Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 ($8.79, drugstore.com) as a light oil-free matte choice for adult women experiencing hormonal breakouts or adult acne, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 70 ($10.39, drugstore.com) for wearing under makeup (and easy retouching right over it later on), Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60 ($11.99) for women with sensitive skin,  rosacea or eczema, and for major beach babes like those shown here  Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70 Spray ($7.99, drugstore.com) and Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF  50 ($9.34, drugstore.com).

Sunscreen and skin cancer checks are two compulsive habits to be proud of. Start them today.

For more beauty & style tips check my book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ( $13.64,  amazon.com).

Photo credits: Helen Mirren, Ivana Trump, Sharon Stone, Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70 Spray

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I love the way Bo Derek, 56 and Lauren Hutton, 69 are aging but I actually have no idea what these former sun tanners do to look so amazing. We all have friends, colleagues and neighbors who look suspiciously good these days too. Is it a facelift? Lasers? Fillers? Maybe, but the real secret might be retinol — the non prescription alternative to Rx Retin-A.  I know what you’re thinking; lots of us still have bad memories about  retinoids. We still remember dry, red, irritated faces or tight shiny pink skin. The truth is Retin-A simply was too harsh, too drying, too icky and we applied too much. Well, any genuine break-through product (remember those big clunky computers and cell phones) evolves, improves and upgrades. Retinol 2013 is reformulated in hi-tech serums and creams that erase brown spots, fill wrinkles, tighten and brighten saggy dull skin with no negative side effects! Top NYC dermatologist and aging skin expert Dr. Debra Jaliman is a major retinol fan. Here’s the same advice she gives her 50+ clients and some hard-core beauty editor tips from me. Bet you get hooked

RETINOL CAN STOP, REVERSE AND PREVENT WRINKLES.

The new over-the-counter retinol formulas speed cell turnover, rebuild collagen and elastin but also replenish moisture with  humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin and nourishing emollients like shea butter.  Jaliman said, “Lots of my 50+ patients bring shopping bags filled with de-aging products to their appointments. As a dermatologist I like retinol more than Retin-A and suggest tossing their stash for a simpler solution like Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum ($15.99, drugstore.com) or RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream ($18.69, ulta.com), two of the best. Apply your retinol choice to the face and chest for an even seamless look.”

ALTERNATE RETINOL WITH OTHER DE-AGERS FOR MAXIMUM BENEFITS. Use strategy to get your daily dose of retinol but complement it with other de-aging ingredients like antioxidants to combat free radicals, niacinamide (vitamin B3) to even out skin tone, peptides and vitamin C to boost collagen. Jaliman said, “I approach skin care like a healthy balanced diet. A mix of veggies, fruit and lean protein is going to provide the nutrients you need for optimum health and great skin. It works the same way with de-aging skin care. I believe in mixing different products to get the best results.” You might choose to use a retinol product at night and peptides with antioxidants for day or vice versa, for example.

BE RETINOL SMART. Jaliman said, “Stay off retinol two days prior to waxing, microdermabrasion or a glycolic peel and avoid it altogether if you have rosacea or eczema. Always apply an SPF sunscreen for day or choose a moisturizer with a broad spectrum SPF, even for walking the dog or driving to do errands.”  You do still need a daily broad spectrum sunscreen (as always with retinoids) but be realistic — you need one anyway 365 days a year to avoid UVA rays! Some retinol treatments are now designed for day and include built-in broad spectrum sunscreen like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer SPF30 ($19.99,drugstore.com) or Prevage Anti-Aging Moisture Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30 by Elizabeth Arden ($129, nordstrom.com).

Start now  — retinol results show in one month or less!

For more beauty & style tips for women 50+ check my book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ($13.64, amazon.com)

Photo credits:

Bo Derek: blog.zap2it.com

Lauren Hutton: www.graziadaily.co.uk

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum: drugstore.com

Prevage Anti-Aging Moisture Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 by Elizabeth Arden: nordstrom.com

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DO DE-AGING OILS FOR YOUR FACE.  Face oil is the newest treatment trend for dry, sun-damaged, sensitive, aging skin. Apply oil instead of a serum or cream or as a primer under moisturizer or makeup. The hottest plant oils to look for are argan, sweet almond, borage, macadamia, apricot, avocado, sesame and sunflower. They nourish and add a healthy luminous glow –not grease! Try: Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil ($50, sephora.com), Nude ProGenius Treatment Oil ($78, sephora.com).

CHOOSE RELIABLE DO-GOOD BRANDS. Stick with name brands that have scientific backup, a proven “green” track record like Burt’s Bees, The Body Shop, Avalon Organics, Caudalie, Jurlique, Boots Botanics, Dr. Hauschka, Jane Iredale, Origins, Nude, Aveda and Kiehl’s. Look for companies that recycle empty tubes, bottles, compacts and jars or use biodegradable packaging and team up for bigger initiatives. Kiehl’s is partnering with non-profit Recycle Across America, Origins and The Body Shop support global reforestation and Aveda has a limited edition Light The Way candle with proceeds going towards water-related issues via the Global Greengrands Fund. Multi-purpose products are also a good choice since they produce less product waste for landfills. Try: Caudalie Premier Cru La Creme ($155, USCaudalie.com) since 1% of profit goes towards the environment and Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream ($48,shop.janeiredale.com), a three-in one and The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Night Cream  ($25, ulta.com) which supports global Fair Trade.

And then spend the entire year feeling good about yourself and the planet.

Photo credits:

Bette Midler: www.concierge.com

Helen Hunt in H&M gown at 2013 Oscars: www.eonline.com

Trudie Styler: www.ommagazine.com

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GO HIGH WAIST : Skinnies (the trend that refuses to die

) now have long rises of 9 or 10 inches so belly squish and spillover are a non-issue …even when you sit. The best cuts have some stretch and a leg opening that is narrow but not too narrow –11 inches, at least. They provide a slim base for more relaxed tops or tailored jackets over longer tees. Choose an ankle-cropped style that transitions easily from flats to booties, wedges or heels. Don’t be afraid of a pop of color to rejuvenate neutrals like Christie does in red or subtle prints. In this case, keep the look tonal head to toe like Julianne Moore. Try: NYDJ Alisha Skinny Stretch Ankle Jeans ($104, nordstrom.com), Anne Klein Camo Print Jeans ($89, bloomingdales.com)

DO A BAGGY BOYFRIEND JEAN: If you want comfort, choose these instead of straight or bootcut styles. They’re newer looking, a lot cooler and you can totally relax in them. Look for at least a nine inch rise in front, 13 inch in back and cinch the waist with a belt for body definition, roll (don’t fold!) the hems to display trim ankles. Wear boyfriends with a relaxed floaty top or a semi-tucked (front in, back out) tee. Just add a crisp fitted jacket and metallic shoes like Demi does for polish. A lot of these are distressed, ripped and torn but I’d opt for a vinatge wash and call it a day. Try: CJ by Cookie Johnson Slim Boyfriend Stretch Jeans ($168.nordstrom.com) which Oprah Winfrey, 59, has raved about.

CHOOSE SHAPEWEAR JEANS : Look for brands that strategically double the typical percentage of compression and stretch for extra control. Try: Miraclebody by Miraclesuit Nikki Jeans ($110, bloomingdales.com) or Yummie by Heather Thomson Mid Rise Skinny Leg jeans ($ 98-$108, yummielife.com).

And when you want to look your slimmest, always add height with heels!

For more beauty & style tips for women 50+ check my new book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ($13.64, amazon.com)

Photo Credits:

Sharon Stone: www.dailymail.co.uk

Christie Brinkley: denim-diary.com

Julianne Moore: Blog.squareonelondon.com

Demi Moore: www.cocolee.com.au

Oprah Winfrey in CJ by Cookie Johnson jeans: www.oprah.com

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GREY FOR AN  EDGE.  Short grey crops are irreverent and drop-dead sexy when they have long shaggy bangs like French pop star Francoise Hardy, 69. Second best is a  spiky tousled cut like grey poster girl Jamie Lee Curtis. You want to keep it a little piece-y and gamine around the ears and nape. Run from any stylist who suggests shaving the nape, clipping around the ears.To look sexy your short grey hair has to move.  You should be able to run your hands through it and know it looks even better that way. Just grab your jeans, a leather jacket and go. Though, short doesn’t get you off the maintenance hook. You may still need a blow-dryer and/or a mini flat-iron to style up –especially if your grey comes in coarse and is curly or frizz prone. Ramp up the eye makeup too!

GREY TO GO CLASSY. Short grey with some layers and volume  looks worldly but modern. It’s sophisticated without looking stuffy. I think Christine Lagarde, 57 chief of the International Monetary Fund does it by channeling Meryl

Streep as Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada. Blow it smooth and glossy. A famous NYC hair pro, Gad Cohen, once told me you can’t have wrinkled grey hair and lines on your face. Shampoo in shine and plump up smooth volume with a hydrating duo that contain protein, omega 3 essential fatty acids, keratin and protein. Try: Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Shampoo and Conditioner ($14.99 and 19.99, each, ulta.com).

GREY TO OWN YOUR LOOK.  If you’re in transition, blend grey with your real still-there color or faux highlights like Diane Keaton and Gloria Steinem do. It says you’re totally comfortable in your own skin …and hair. Keep the color mix looking healthy with an intense hydrating mask rich in panthenol (pro-Vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, omega 6 fatty acids and natural oils –once or twice a week. Eat leafy greens (like kale and spinach) for minerals and iron and protein from eggs, fish, soy, beans and lentils. Extreme diets can leave grey sparse, dull, dry and wimpy. Try: L’ Oreal Paris Power Moisture Rush Mask ($6.99, ulta.com) or Davines Momo Moisturizing Revitalizing Cream ($19.20, drugstore.com).

Now if we can only get wrinkles to be cool (personally, I love them), the list will be down to two!

For more beauty and style tips for women 50+ check my new book: The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ($13.64, amazon.com).

Photo credits:

Madonna: www.standard.co.uk

Francoise Hardy: afemmeduncertainage.blogspot.com

Christine Lagarde: www.financialpress.com

Diane Keaton: www.zimbio.com

Gloria Steinem: beauty.about.com

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TAKE A CHANCE.  Getting dressed for me is an everyday creative experience. I like architectural clothes with a strong shape, embellished fabrics, vibrant colors, and dramatic accessories –with  attitude. You have to just go for it –if you make a mistake, the fashion police are not going to come and take you away.  Be adventurous and try something you haven’t before. You can mix unexpected color, wear color head-to-toe or just stick to dark colors and then layer necklaces and stack bracelets for impact. Forget rules –there aren’t any.

DRESS AGE APPROPRIATE AND STAND UP STRAIGHT.  There’s nothing worse than an older woman who tries to look young. You can look smashing at any age especially if you have good posture. Never try to compete with younger co-workers by wearing short skirts, ruffles and tight sweaters. It won’t work. Glasses are an easy way to discover a whole new you. They’re also a wonderful way to circumvent tricky eye makeup if you’re not good at applying liner and shadow. Oversize frames make a big statement and can even work on small faces. Select pale color or lighter frames for a quieter look. You don’t have to go overboard, but I invite you to try. Check Iris Apel A Muse Sunreader ($99, eyebobs.com) sexy, tortoise bifocals with 100% UV protection that flatter everyone.

STAY ON TOP OF IT. Looking good is mostly common sense. There’s no reason to let yourself go and gain weight as you grow older –it’s unhealthy. Push yourself away from the table, walk a lot, avoid junk food and soda and stay active. Get a great haircut –long, flowing hair on older women is just trying too hard to look young. Stay happy –it makes you glow from within.  A lot depends on your spirit.

Keep your own passion for fashion going –age is just an attitude!

For more beauty & style tips for women 50+, check out my new book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ($14.71, amazon.com).

To read more on Iris, check out the April issue of Harper’s Bazaar!

Photo credits:

Iris Apfel in red: www.zimbio.com

Iris Apfel at home: www.glamazonsblog.com

Iris Apfel A Muse Sunreader: www.eyebobs.com

Iris Apfel in grey and beads: www.waldina.com

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DRESS FRESH AND TECH UP. Walk in the door in a self-assured body-skimming dress with ramped up techie skills and social media know-how and you’re way ahead. Make that dress a bold unexpected color to project personality or an icy neutral like pale grey or ivory to spell out attitude and leadership. Check out Mindy’s green print curve-hugger, Ellen’s grey tailored shift, Desiree’s coral cap sleeve slimmer or Gayle’s color blocked sheath shift for ideas. This combo makes up for resume gaps or transitional phases when you may have been temping, working from home, or even doing low-level office work to get a cash flow going. Add one eye-popping piece of jewelry and a big gutsy watch for punctuation. No need to spend big –the Michael Kors Tortoise Jet Set Watch ($225, michaelkors.com) and Baublebar’s Tortoise Link Collar ($42, baublebar.com) look impressive enough for a CEO and work with every color you’ll wear this spring.

SHOW YOUR ARMS AND LEGS. It looks youthful and modern. Don’t get hung up on underarm dangle. Even older chic-erinas like Anna Wintour and Diane Von Furstenberg don’t let a little arm slack get in the way of going sleeveless. Pair bare arms with bare legs this spring –in super-sheer hose, fine web nude fishnets or use a self-tanner (do your arms and face of course too). If you must coverup, choose a 3/4 sleeve or throw on a buttery leather jacket for edge and spirit.

SPLURGE ON A QUALITY  BAG AND A GOOD BLOW-OUT. You don’t need a designer suit or a Rolex for credibility anymore but you do need a bag that says something about you and hair that looks shiny, healthy and well-cut even if it’s long.  HR execs, recruiters and clients check these out like CIA agents hunting for clues. You want to be newsy but super-organized and have enough room for electronics, makeup, glasses and all your portable office paraphernalia, without looking like a shlepper. And treat yourself to a pre-meeting salon blow-out. It will make your day.

You’ll also look lean and “IN” without leaning in.

For more beauty & style tips for women 50 + check out my new book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson( $15,amazon.com).

Photo credits:

Mindy Grossman: www.nywci.org

Gayle King: www.aceshowbiz.com

Desiree Rogers: blog.al.com

Ellen J. Kullman: money.cnn.com

Anna Wintour: www.zimbio.com

Katie Couric: www.superstarhandbags.hk