Staying Fit
There are plenty of sophisticated women — from Jane Fonda to Oprah Winfrey (and, of course, Miss Piggy) — who wear pink. But others left it behind long ago with their Barbies and tutus. In my opinion, as a beauty and fashion editor, this a big mistake. If you choose the correct shade and right item, and pull it all together with attitude, pink can be a major ingredient in your lookin'-good-after-50 menu. Here's how to bring pink back and get it right.
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1. Let pink lipstick brighten your smile
Tracee Ellis Ross shines with statement pink lips. Cindy Crawford goes muted with a natural sandy-pink lipstick.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images; Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Love reds? Try vibrant blue-based pinks, such as CoverGirl's Exhibitionist Demi Matte Lipstick in Just Sayin' 445 ($8, ulta.com) or Maybelline's Color Sensational Vivids Lipcolor in Fuchsia Flash ($4, ulta.com), that make teeth appear whiter and enhance every skin tone. Get inspired by Tracee Ellis Ross. Prefer neutrals or a softer look like Cindy Crawford? The secret is to never go lighter than the color of your gums or your authentic makeup-free lips. Gentle rosy pinks like Flesh's Fleshy Lips Lipstick in Chew ($18, ulta.com) or Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Cherry Pink ($9, ulta.com) will add just enough healthy color for a worthwhile update.
2. Let your undies bloom
No more bubblegum-colored lacy demi-bras and "cheeky" thongs. Practical pink lingerie is the update to nude and a lot more fun. Full-coverage bras and T-shirt bras such as Warner's Simply Perfect Underarm Smoothing Underwire Bra in Pink Pearl ($22, target.com), Victoria's Secret Body by Victoria Perfect Coverage Bra in Vintage Rose ($50, victoriassecret.com) and Ava & Viv's Women's Plus-Size T-Shirt Bra in Dusty Rose ($22, target.com) don't show through white tops. Pairing them with comfy seamless panties like Xhilaration's Seamless Hipster in Daring Pink ($5, target.com) or Victoria's Secret Stretch-Cotton Shortie Panty in Sexy Little Pink ($10.50 or 5 for $29, victoriassecret.com) makes daily dressing a calorie-free sweet treat.
3. Get boss-lady posh and polish in a pink pantsuit
Well-suited: Kyra Sedgwick pops in a bright-pink combo, Cate Blanchett looks stylish in baby-blush pink, and Mary Steenburgen enchants in a bright peony pantsuit paired with a black tank and bag.
Jesse Grant; Mike Marsland/WireImage; Jim Spellman/WireImage; Via Getty Images
When nearly every celebrity over 50, from Kyra Sedgwick to Cate Blanchett and Mary Steenburgen, starts showing up on the red carpet in a pink pantsuit, you know there's more behind this than a good stylist. Pink pantsuits offer up a feminist statement, but they also make power dressing easy and flattering. Wear the jacket and pants together or break up the pieces as indies. Team the pants with a blouse or peplum tee, and the blazer over a dress, pencil skirt or with T-shirt and jeans. Pink pantsuits are everywhere — from Topshop to H&M and Zara — but you can put together a DIY version with any pink pant and blazer. If you do mix, don't aim for a match since pinks vary according to fabrics. A light-pink jacket and raspberry-pink pants send a pulled-together message with creative flair.
