Isn’t it time for a new you? Especially if you haven’t changed your looks for the past 20 years or even 5 years ago, its time to update your looks. As I approach 50, I have taken on a whole new look that is reflective of my art background. I cut off and spiked my hair, started wear dangling earrings (which is my new love) and changed my wardrobe from strictly classical to more fun and avantguard. None of this came to me as a fluke but a discovery of who I really am, finding the store that reflected my tastes and getting advice from various hair and make-up professionals.

This is particularly important as baby boomers are becoming targets for early retirement (forced) with positions being filled by younger replacements. This was very prevalent in the movie with Dennis Quaid in Good Company. If you look like a dinasour people believe you have petrified ideas. It’s a harsh reality.

When it comes to updating your look the major problem I find is that most men and women keep the look they had when they were 18 or 25. The color is the same and so is the hairstyle. Guys that have lost their hair have started parting it close to their ear to cover the bald spot. NO! As you age your hair color needs to go about 2-3 shades lighter, whether you are male or female. Furthermore, get brave when it comes to a new style. I recently saw Annett Benning on TV and she is looking fantastic in a spiked cut that is highlighted – how refreshing!

For guys, get professional advice regarding hair color and if you have facial hair, that needs professional attention too. Don’t hide a bald spot, get a hair cut that accentuates your assets and minimizes your liabilities. Forget the sideburns and scraggely beards. Get professional advice on color and cut as well facial hair that should be well maintained. Maybe its time to lose that beard, mustache or sideburns. Regarding updating your wardrobe, ladies – experiment with new styles such as pants that have a flat front and hit right below the waist. With flared legs it helps to balance your hips. Rather than a blazer try embroidered jean jackets with funky accessories that go with an easy care hair style that fits you now. You are established in your profession or maybe you stay at home – either way we evolve over time and need to update ourselves. Rather than the spiked heels, look for comfort in shoes that have style.

However, a strong message to both men and women, don’t try to look like your teenage son or daughter. It doesn’t work and you end up being the laughing stock among your peers.

For men, update your wardrobe to include more comfortable clothes such as pants by Norm Thomson that add an extra 2 inch give in the pants. Depending on the corporate structure and dress policy you may be dressing down but that doesn’t mean sloppy. Don’t try to look like your younger counterparts, it won’t fit. You may want to visit www.menswarehouse.com and get their free CD on dressing for success. While seeking comfort, shoes such as Rockport make suitable styles for work and play. Try knit tops and easy care pants with a plain front to cover any extra baggage you might have gained over the years.

As with men and women, make sure that your clothes fit appropriately. There is this movement among men where pants are worn way below the waist. The thinking is that the more you have sticking out the better off you are. That was back in the 1800’s, not now. Please, your pants are to fit at your waist and a belt is meant to keep them up. Women, the same applies. Wear a size that fits you rather than forcing yourself into one. With time, our breasts have been subjected to gravity so wearing a suitable bra is essential. Also, what naturally occurs is that our waist and adomen get larger. So wear clothes and accessories in a manner that draws attention to your best asset – your face.

You are not the same person that you were 5 years ago, let alone 10 or 20 years ago. Reflect your evolution in an updated contemporary look. You will feel better about yourself and who you are NOW.