I Used an App to See What I’d Look Like with a Different Hair Color
The ‘No-Regrets’ Hair Makeover
I’ve had the same hair color for 30 years and I was curious about going a shade lighter, but I was terrified of making a mistake. I used an app that had a “virtual hair color try-on” feature. I just had to upload a current photo of myself, and then I could tap through dozens of different hair colors. The app realistically showed me what I would look like as a redhead, a blonde, or with a subtle balayage. It was a fun, no-risk way to experiment and find a new color with confidence.
The Smartwatch Band That Looks Like a Piece of Fine Jewelry
My ‘Stealth’ Health Tracker
I love the health-tracking features of my Apple Watch, but the standard silicone band felt too sporty for a nice dinner out. I found a company online that makes beautiful smartwatch bands that look like high-end jewelry. I bought a lovely stainless steel link bracelet. It has special connectors that click right into my watch. Now, I can wear my powerful health tracker to a wedding or a fancy event, and it looks like an elegant, classic timepiece, not a piece of tech.
I Tried a “Virtual Try-On” for Glasses and Bought My Best Pair Ever
My ‘At-Home’ Optical Shop
I needed new glasses but I dreaded the process of trying on dozens of frames at the store. I used the Warby Parker app on my phone. It uses the camera to take a quick scan of your face, and then you can “virtually” try on any pair of glasses from their collection. It was incredibly realistic; I could see how they looked from different angles. I spent a fun evening trying on more frames than I ever could in a store, and I found a pair I absolutely love, all without any sales pressure.
The App That Helps Me Organize My Closet and Plan Outfits
My ‘Digital’ Wardrobe
My closet was a disorganized mess, and I felt like I was always wearing the same few things. I used an app called “Stylebook.” I took pictures of all my clothes, and the app helped me remove the background and create a digital catalog of my entire wardrobe. Now, I can mix and match items on my phone to create new outfits. It even has a calendar so I can plan what I’m going to wear each day. It’s helped me rediscover old clothes and be more creative with my style.
I Used a Color Analysis App to Find My Perfect Palette
The ‘What Colors Look Best on Me?’ Solver
I was stuck in a rut of only wearing black and beige because I didn’t know what colors actually flattered me. I used an app that performs a “color analysis.” I had to upload a photo of myself in natural light, and the app analyzed my skin tone, eye color, and hair color. It then told me I was a “Soft Autumn” and gave me a beautiful palette of colors—like olive green, warm taupe, and salmon pink—that would be most flattering for me. It’s given me so much confidence to try new colors.
The Best Websites for Stylish, Comfortable Shoes for Seniors
The End of ‘Frumpy’ Footwear
I need comfortable, supportive shoes, but I refuse to wear ugly, orthopedic-looking ones. I’ve found a few great online brands that specialize in stylish comfort. I love Vionic for their sandals and flats, which have great built-in arch support. For walking shoes that are both comfortable and fashionable, I’ve had great luck with Allbirds and a brand called Kizik, which has a hands-free “slip-on” technology that is amazing. These brands prove you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.
How I Use Pinterest to Find Style Inspiration for Women Over 60
My ‘Endless’ Fashion Magazine
I was feeling uninspired by the clothes in my closet. I started using the Pinterest app for style inspiration. I can search for terms like “classic style over 60” or “chic outfits for older women.” It shows me a beautiful, visual collage of thousands of photos of stylish, real women. When I see an outfit I like, I can “pin” it to my own “Style Inspiration” board. It’s like having an endless, personalized fashion magazine that is tailored to my age and my taste.
The Smart Mirror That Analyzes Your Skin: Gimmick or Game-Changer?
My ‘High-Tech’ Complexion Check
I splurged on a “smart mirror.” It has a camera that takes a photo of my face and then an app that analyzes my skin for things like wrinkles, dark spots, and redness. It gives me a “skin score” and tracks my progress over time. While it’s definitely a luxury gadget, it has been a game-changer for me. It provides objective data on whether my expensive new eye cream is actually working. It’s a powerful tool for understanding and tracking my skin’s health.
I Used a “Personal Shopper” Subscription Box (Like Stitch Fix). My Review.
My ‘Stylist’ in a Box
I hate shopping for clothes. I decided to try a personal styling service called Stitch Fix. I filled out a very detailed style profile online. A few weeks later, a box arrived with five pieces of clothing that a personal stylist had chosen just for me. I could try everything on at home, keep what I loved, and send back the rest in a prepaid envelope. It was a fantastic way to discover new brands and styles without the stress of the mall.
The App That Lets Me “Try On” Makeup Virtually
My ‘Mess-Free’ Makeup Counter
I wanted to try a bold new lipstick color, but I didn’t want to have to try it on at the store. I used the Sephora app, which has a “Virtual Artist” feature. It uses my phone’s camera as a mirror, and I can virtually “try on” hundreds of different shades of lipstick, eyeshadow, and even false eyelashes. It was a fun, hygienic, and surprisingly accurate way to experiment with new makeup looks from the comfort of my own home.
How to Find Your Exact Bra Size Using an Online Calculator
The ‘Comfort’ Calculation
I knew my old bras weren’t fitting correctly anymore. I used an online “bra size calculator.” I just had to use a simple tailor’s tape measure to get two measurements: my band size (around my ribcage) and my bust size. I entered those two numbers into the calculator, and it gave me my correct, modern bra size. It turned out I had been wearing the wrong size for years. Getting a properly fitting bra has made a huge difference in my comfort and how my clothes look.
The Best Tech for Getting Rid of Wrinkles (In Your Clothes)
My ‘De-Wrinkle’ Secret Weapon
I hate ironing. It’s tedious and hard on my back. My best “tech” solution has been a simple, handheld garment steamer. It’s much faster and easier to use than an iron. I just hang the wrinkled garment on a hanger, and a few passes with the hot steam releases the wrinkles in under a minute. It’s especially great for delicate fabrics that can’t be ironed. It has become my go-to tool for keeping my clothes looking fresh and wrinkle-free.
I Found My Perfect Shade of Foundation Using a Website’s Quiz
The ‘Shade-Matching’ Algorithm
Finding the right shade of foundation online seems impossible. I used a feature on the ILIA Beauty website. It had me answer a series of questions about my skin tone, my undertones (whether I’m cool, warm, or neutral), and how my skin reacts to the sun. Based on my answers, their algorithm recommended a specific shade. I ordered it, and when it arrived, it was a perfect, seamless match for my skin. It was a surprisingly accurate and intelligent system.
The Best Online Tailoring Services for a Perfect Fit
My ‘Custom’ Clothes, by Mail
I often find that pants fit me in the waist but are too long. I used an online tailoring service. I was able to mail them my new pair of pants, along with my precise inseam measurement. A week later, the pants were mailed back to me, perfectly hemmed. Some services even have you take pictures of yourself wearing the garment, and their tailors can make more complex adjustments. It’s a great way to get a custom fit without having to find a local tailor.
How I Use My Phone’s Camera to Check My Appearance from All Angles
The ‘360-Degree’ Mirror
After I get dressed, I want to make sure everything looks right from the back. It’s impossible to see with a regular mirror. I use my phone’s camera. I just set my phone to its front-facing “selfie” camera, and then I hold it up and turn around. It allows me to get a live, 360-degree view of my entire outfit, so I can check for any untucked shirts or crooked seams before I leave the house.
The Smart Ring That Tracks My Health But Looks Like Fashion
My ‘Discreet’ Data Collector
I wanted to track my sleep and my activity, but I don’t like the look of a sporty wristband. I invested in an Oura Ring. It’s a simple, elegant ring that I wear on my finger, and it comes in a variety of finishes like silver, gold, and stealth black. It has powerful sensors inside that track all my key health metrics, but on the outside, it just looks like a stylish piece of jewelry. It’s the perfect blend of high-tech health tracking and low-profile fashion.
The Best Apps for Finding Deals on High-End Skincare
My ‘Fountain of Youth,’ on a Budget
I believe in investing in high-quality skincare, but the prices can be steep. I use a couple of apps to find the best deals. I use the app for my favorite beauty store, Sephora, to check for their seasonal sales and special offers. I also use a general deal-finding app called “Slickdeals.” I can set a “deal alert” for a specific brand I love, like “Kiehl’s,” and the app will send me a notification whenever that brand goes on sale at any online retailer.
I Used an App to See if a Piece of Clothing Was Ethically Made
My ‘Conscious’ Closet
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more concerned about where my clothes come from. I use an app called “Good On You.” I can search for almost any major clothing brand, and the app will give them a rating based on their environmental impact, their labor practices, and their animal welfare policies. It has helped me discover new, sustainable brands and has made me a more conscious and ethical consumer.
The Best YouTube Channels for Mature Beauty and Style
My ‘Age-Appropriate’ Influencers
I was tired of beauty and style advice on YouTube that was clearly aimed at 20-year-olds. I’ve found some fantastic channels that are created by and for mature women. Channels like “HotandFlashy” and “Dominique Sachse” offer practical makeup tutorials for mature skin, honest reviews of skincare products, and classic, elegant style inspiration. They’ve taught me so much and have helped me feel confident and beautiful at my age.
How to Digitize Your Wardrobe for Easier Outfit Planning
The ‘What Should I Wear?’ Solution
I would stand in front of my full closet every morning and feel like I had nothing to wear. I took a weekend and photographed every significant piece of clothing I own. I used an app to remove the background from each photo. Now I have a digital catalog of my entire wardrobe. I can lie in bed in the morning and visually mix and match different tops and bottoms on my phone to create an outfit, without having to pull everything out of my closet.
The Online Consignment Stores Where I Sell My Old High-Quality Clothes
From ‘Closet Clutter’ to ‘Cash’
I had a few high-quality dresses and handbags that I no longer used. They were too nice to just give away. I used a luxury online consignment store called “The RealReal.” I was able to mail my items to them, and they took professional photos, priced them, and listed them on their website. When an item sold, they took a commission and sent me the rest. It was an easy, upscale way to sell my pre-owned designer goods.
I Used a Magnifying Mirror with a Light to Perfect My Makeup
My ‘Close-Up’ on Clarity
As my eyesight has changed, it’s become harder to do detailed makeup application, like putting on eyeliner or mascara. I bought a simple magnifying mirror that has a built-in ring light. The magnification allows me to see my eyes up close, and the bright, even light illuminates my whole face, so there are no shadows. It’s a simple piece of tech that has made a huge difference in my ability to apply my makeup accurately and confidently.
The Best Way to Find Your Measurements for Online Shopping
The ‘Perfect Fit’ Formula
I was hesitant to buy clothes online because I never knew what size to get. I finally took the time to get my proper measurements. I used a simple, flexible tailor’s tape measure. I measured my bust, my waist, and my hips, and I wrote them down. Now, when I’m shopping on a website, I don’t just guess my size. I look for the “Size Chart” link, and I compare my personal measurements to the chart to find my perfect size. It has dramatically reduced the number of returns I have to make.
How I Use an App to Get Reminders for My Skincare Routine
My ‘Regimen’ Reminder
I’ve started a multi-step skincare routine, but I would often forget which product to use when. I use a simple habit-tracking app. I created a “Morning Skincare” routine and an “Evening Skincare” routine. Each one has a checklist of the steps: “Cleanse,” “Serum,” “Moisturizer.” The app reminds me each morning and night. Checking off the little boxes is a satisfying way to make sure I’m staying consistent with my routine.
The At-Home Light Therapy Device for Anti-Aging: Does It Work?
My ‘Red Light’ Ritual
I was curious about the red light therapy devices I kept seeing online that claim to help with wrinkles and skin tone. I invested in a handheld LED light therapy wand. I use it for about three minutes every night while I’m watching TV. I was skeptical, but after a few months of consistent use, I have noticed that the fine lines around my eyes are genuinely a bit softer and my skin tone looks more even. It’s not a miracle cure, but it has made a noticeable difference.
I Follow My Favorite Over-60 Fashion Bloggers on Instagram
My ‘Stylish’ Role Models
I get a lot of my style inspiration from other women my age. I follow a few fantastic fashion bloggers on Instagram who are over 60. Women like “Accidental Icon” and “The Silver Stylist” showcase elegant, creative, and age-appropriate looks. They prove that style has no age limit. Seeing their confidence and their beautiful outfits in my feed every day inspires me to have more fun with my own wardrobe.
The Best Apps for Identifying a Piece of Clothing from a Photo
The ‘What Is She Wearing?’ Finder
I saw a woman in a magazine wearing a beautiful blouse and I wanted to find it. I took a picture of the magazine page and used the “Google Lens” feature. It’s like Shazam, but for clothes. The app analyzed the photo and was able to find the exact same blouse for sale online. It also showed me a list of similar, more affordable options. It’s a powerful tool for tracking down a specific item you’ve seen.
I Used a Website to Design My Own Custom Piece of Jewelry
My ‘One-of-a-Kind’ Creation
For my daughter’s 40th birthday, I wanted to give her a truly special gift. I used an online jewelry design website. I was able to choose a specific style of necklace, select her birthstone, and even have a custom message engraved on the back. The website showed me a realistic 3D preview of my creation before I ordered it. It was a wonderful way to design a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that was deeply personal and meaningful.
The Heated Eyelash Curler: My Honest Opinion
A ‘Warm’ Welcome for My Lashes
My eyelashes have gotten straighter as I’ve gotten older. A traditional mechanical eyelash curler wasn’t doing much. I tried a heated eyelash curler. It’s a small, battery-powered wand that gently warms up. I just have to hold it to my lashes for a few seconds, and the gentle heat helps to set a beautiful, long-lasting curl. It’s much more effective than my old curler and it helps my eyes look more open and awake.
How to Find Your “Style Keywords” to Improve Your Online Shopping
My ‘Search’ for a Better Style
I used to just type “blue sweater” into a shopping website and get thousands of results. I’ve learned to use more specific “style keywords” to find what I actually want. Now, I search for “navy blue cashmere crewneck sweater” or “cobalt blue cotton v-neck sweater.” By being more descriptive and using keywords for fabric, style, and color, I can narrow down the results and find the high-quality, classic pieces I’m looking for much more quickly.
The Best Online Shops for Adaptive Clothing
Fashion That’s ‘Functional’ and ‘Beautiful’
My mother has arthritis, and getting dressed can be a struggle. Buttons and zippers are difficult. We discovered some wonderful online stores that sell “adaptive clothing.” Brands like “Zappos Adaptive” and “Silverts” sell beautiful clothes that have hidden magnetic closures, easy-to-use Velcro, and open-back designs. It’s clothing that is designed for dignity and independence, proving that functional clothing can also be fashionable and beautiful.
I Used a Subscription Service for Perfume Samples
My ‘Scent’ Library
I love perfume, but I don’t want to commit to a one-hundred-dollar bottle without knowing if I’ll really like it. I use a subscription service called “Scentbird.” Every month, for about seventeen dollars, they send me a generous travel-sized vial of a designer perfume that I’ve chosen. It allows me to try a new fragrance for a whole month. It’s a fantastic and affordable way to explore the world of perfume and find my next signature scent.
The App That Finds a Cheaper “Dupe” for an Expensive Beauty Product
The ‘Look for Less’
I fell in love with a very expensive two-hundred-dollar face cream that I got as a sample. I used an app that helps you find “dupes,” or cheaper products with very similar ingredients. I was able to scan the ingredient list of the expensive cream, and the app suggested a twenty-five-dollar alternative from a drugstore brand that had almost the exact same active ingredients. It’s a great way to get the benefits of high-end skincare without the high-end price tag.
How to Organize Your Favorite Looks on a Digital Mood Board
My ‘Go-To’ Outfits, Visualized
I have a few go-to outfits that always make me feel good. To keep track of them, I’ve created a “My Style” board on Pinterest. When I put together a look that I really love, I’ll take a quick mirror selfie and “pin” it to my board. Now, on those mornings when I’m feeling uninspired, I can just scroll through my own personal lookbook and choose a pre-approved, great-looking outfit without any stress.
The Best Online Personal Styling Services for Men
My ‘Dapper’ Dad’s New Look
My 70-year-old father’s wardrobe was stuck in the 1990s. For his birthday, we got him a subscription to a men’s personal styling service called “Stitch Fix.” He filled out a detailed profile about his style, size, and what he was looking for. A stylist then sent him a box of five items, including a great-fitting pair of dark jeans and a stylish but comfortable sweater. He kept what he loved and sent back the rest. It was a fantastic way to update his wardrobe without the hassle of shopping.
I Tried a “Smart” Hairbrush. Here’s What It Told Me.
The ‘Report Card’ for My Hair
I was given a “smart” hairbrush as a gift. It has a microphone that listens to the sound of my brushing and sensors that measure my technique. It connects to an app and gives me a “hair health” score. It told me I was brushing too aggressively when my hair was wet, which was causing breakage. While it’s definitely a novelty, it did make me more mindful of my brushing habits, and I have noticed my hair seems a bit healthier since I started using it.
The Best Way to Read Product Reviews for Beauty Items
The ‘Honest’ Opinion
When I’m considering a new skincare product, I always read the online reviews, but I’ve learned to read them strategically. I ignore the five-star reviews (“It’s amazing!”) and the one-star reviews (“It’s terrible!”). The most helpful reviews are always the three- and four-star ones. These are the people who give a more balanced, honest opinion, often listing both the pros and the cons of the product, which helps me make a much more informed decision.
I Used Google Lens to Find a Dress I Saw on TV
The ‘As Seen on TV’ Search
I was watching a TV show and I fell in love with a dress that one of the actresses was wearing. I paused the TV, took a picture of the screen with my phone, and then used the “Google Lens” app. I cropped the image to just the dress. The app analyzed the pattern and style, and within seconds, it showed me a list of similar dresses from different online stores. It’s a powerful visual search tool for tracking down a specific piece of clothing.
The Best Skincare Ingredient Checker Apps
The ‘Decoder’ for My Face Cream
I was looking at the back of a face cream bottle, and the ingredient list looked like a foreign language. I use an app called “INCI Beauty.” I can either search for a product or scan its barcode. The app then analyzes the ingredient list and gives each ingredient a simple, color-coded rating based on its safety and potential to be an irritant. It’s a great tool that helps me understand what I’m actually putting on my skin.
How to Create a “Capsule Wardrobe” Using an App
My ‘Less is More’ Closet
I was tired of having a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. I decided to create a “capsule wardrobe”—a small collection of versatile, high-quality pieces that can all be mixed and matched. I used a closet organization app to help me. I went through my digital wardrobe and selected about 30 core items—a few pairs of pants, some classic tops, a blazer, a trench coat. Now, getting dressed is so much simpler, and I always feel put-together.
The Best Tech for a Perfect At-Home Manicure
My ‘Salon-Quality’ Nails
I love having my nails painted, but I’m not always steady-handed enough to do it myself. I bought a simple gadget that has been a game-changer. It’s a small, bottle-top holder that has a wide, stable base. It holds the nail polish bottle at a perfect angle so that I can dip the brush without any risk of tipping the bottle over. It’s a low-tech solution that has made my at-home manicures much neater and less stressful.
I Used a Resale App to Score a Designer Handbag for a Steal
My ‘Second-Hand’ Splurge
I’ve always wanted a classic, designer handbag, but I could never justify the retail price. I started browsing a luxury resale app called “Fashionphile.” They authenticate every item they sell, so I knew I was getting the real deal. I was able to find the exact bag I wanted, in excellent, pre-owned condition, for about 60% less than the new price. It was a smart and affordable way to finally own a beautiful, timeless piece that I will cherish for years.
The Best Online Tutorial for Tying a Scarf 10 Different Ways
My ‘Neckerchief’ Know-How
I have a collection of beautiful silk scarves but I only ever wore them one way. I went on YouTube and searched for “how to tie a scarf.” I found a fantastic video that demonstrated ten different, elegant ways to tie a square silk scarf. I was able to pause and practice each knot. It was a simple, free tutorial that has unlocked the potential of an accessory I already owned and has brought a new level of versatility and style to my outfits.
I Used an App to Track the Expiration Dates of My Makeup
The ‘Fresh Face’ Reminder
I realized I had some makeup and skincare products that were several years old. I learned that these products have expiration dates and can harbor bacteria. I downloaded an app that lets me track my beauty products. I can scan the barcode, and it will often tell me the standard shelf life. I can also enter the date I opened it. The app now sends me a reminder when a product is about to expire, letting me know it’s time to toss it and keep my routine safe and hygienic.
The Best Wearable Tech That Blends In, Not Sticks Out
My ‘Undercover’ Smart Jewelry
I want the benefits of a health tracker without looking like I’m about to run a marathon. I’ve found that the best “stealth tech” comes in two forms. The first is a smart ring, like the Oura, which just looks like a simple band. The second is a “hybrid” smartwatch. These look like a classic, analog watch with real hands, but they can track my steps and sleep and send me a gentle vibration for notifications. They are the perfect combination of classic style and modern technology.
How to Find the Best Fit for Jeans When Shopping Online
The ‘Measure Your Best Pair’ Trick
Buying jeans online is notoriously difficult. I’ve found a trick that works. Instead of relying on the size number, I take my favorite, best-fitting pair of jeans that I already own and I lay them flat. I use a tape measure to get three key measurements: the waist, the rise (from the crotch to the waistband), and the inseam. I then compare these real-world measurements to the detailed “size chart” that most good online retailers provide. This has dramatically increased my success rate.
I Used a Service That Sends a Stylist to My Home (With Tech Booking)
The ‘Closet Makeover’
My wardrobe was in a rut, and I needed professional help. I used an online service to book an in-home personal stylist. The entire booking and payment process was handled through a sleek, modern app. The stylist came to my house, went through my entire closet with me, helped me purge what wasn’t working, and then created dozens of new outfits using the clothes I already owned. It was a fantastic, personalized service that breathed new life into my wardrobe.
The Best Apps for Organizing Your Jewelry Collection
My ‘Digital’ Jewelry Box
I have a collection of jewelry that I’ve acquired over 50 years, and I would often forget what I had. I started using an app to create a digital inventory. I took a picture of each significant piece—necklaces, earrings, brooches—and added a short description, including where I got it or who gave it to me. Now I have a complete, visual catalog of my entire collection. It helps me choose accessories, and it’s also a valuable record for insurance purposes.
How to Spot a Fake Designer Item When Shopping Online
The ‘Devil is in the Details’
I was browsing a resale site and saw a designer handbag for a price that seemed almost too good to be true. I did some research on how to spot a fake. I learned to look at the small details. I carefully compared the photo of the stitching, the hardware (like zippers and clasps), and the logo placement to the photos on the brand’s official website. Often, a fake will have slightly sloppy stitching or a logo that is just a little bit off. When in doubt, it’s always best to pass.
The Tech That Helps Me Look and Feel My Best at Any Age
My ‘Confidence’ Toolkit
For me, it’s not about trying to look younger; it’s about feeling confident and put-together. Technology has become my simple toolkit for that. A clothing rental app lets me wear a beautiful dress for a special occasion. A YouTube tutorial teaches me a new makeup trick for mature skin. And a simple app on my phone helps me find a comfortable yet stylish pair of shoes. This tech isn’t about chasing youth; it’s about embracing style, comfort, and confidence at every age.