Anne Goodson

New look for my new life

By Rebecca Speechley

Fashion

22 May 2009 11:16

Anne Goodson, 68, feels as if her life has come to a standstill – and wanted a new look to give it a kickstart Anne says: “I feel like I’m at a crossroads in my life.

I have three lovely children, but no grandchildren yet, so I’d love a new glamorous-granny look and then hopefully the rest will follow.
“I go shopping at least twice a week and I love to try things on, because you never know what you might find. I shop in M&S, House of Fraser, Dorothy Perkins, Topshop and even H&M – I’ll look anywhere for a good deal.

“Because I’m quite petite I prefer tailored clothes rather than loose fitting smock tops that swamp me. I do worry that I look like mutton dressed as lamb, but I don’t want to look dowdy.

Nostalgic tastes
“I loved the Forties fashion styles. I still have two Forties-inspired outfits that I bought in the Eighties that still fit me. I also loved the Fifties – everything was so feminine with petticoats and matching handbags. We all had waists back then!

“I wear a little make-up every day, but I stick to my old cream powder puff. I am afraid that I look like my mother – not that she looked bad – but I’d rather look like me.

Never wears heels
“I spent many years squeezing my feet into winkle picker shoes. It’s ruined them and now I never wear heels. I used to be quite glam and I’d love to get that back – can you help?

 

Get the look 

Anne Goodwin

Floral ribbon print fitted dress £139, sizes 6-18, Precis Petite;

pink jersey cover-up £39, sizes xs-xl, Precis Petite;

pink patent heels £25, sizes 3-8; Red Herring at Debenhams;

purple bead earrings £8, Allusions at BHS;

chunky bead bracelet £11, Wallis

 

Stockists:

Allusions at BHS 01277 844438;

Debenhams 08445 616 161;

Precis Petite 0191 521 3888;

Wallis 0870 830 0462

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anne's verdict:

"I wouldn't normally wear this, but it's such a fun outfit and it's very comfortable. It makes me feel wonderful"

 

The Yours 4-step rescue plan

1 We all like to feel a bit special every now and again – and a dress is the way to go. If you live in casual clothes like Anne, it can be a bit of a departure from your usual comfort zone – but it could make you feel great. Try on lots of styles to see which one suits you best. A shift dress makes the most of your figure – nipping in your waist and showing off curvy hips.

2 Experiment with colour – when you feel stuck in a rut treat yourself to something colourful. If you always wear greys, browns and sludgy colours, it could bring down your mood. Try brightening things up. Look for colours that are bold, but soft. The flowers on Anne’s dress are a deep purpley pink that’s not harsh. Soft colours are better as you get older because your skin tone fades and softens, too. True brights can be too harsh.

3 Don’t discount dresses that don’t have sleeves. It can be hard to find dresses with sleeves, but don’t despair. If you’re conscious of your arms, invest in a matching cardigan – a lightweight knit so that you don’t get hot. Anne could wear this cardigan again with jeans and a white top.

4 Accessories and shoes   If you can’t afford a whole new outfit, but you want to add colour, treat yourself to a pair of bright shoes. Anne’s pink heels would look brilliant with jeans or trousers. Tie them into your outfit by having some jewellery, a neck scarf or a handbag in the same colour.