Forever Cool: How to Achieve Ageless, Youthful and Modern Personal Style

This is one of the best books on updating your style I've ever read, but her humor is a bit too biting for my taste. Many people who might read this book are in real need of some confidence-building, and the author's ribbing often veers into scorn, which may be off-putting to those who need the book most. One other concern is that much of this scorn is heaped on colors in apparel that don't meet the author's personal preferences. Yes, mauve may be the senior color, but the need for a cool (blue-based) but not babyish pink/rose hue is not met by the author's insistence on OSHA orange and lime green, although they look great on her. Overall, however, the advice about clothing silhouettes that are chic and also work for aging figures is excellent, and the before-and-after photos are inspiring.

For years, I've searched for a current style book that speaks to seniors, and have found "Forever Cool" to be a great investment for a sixtysomething couple. We live in a small community where senior style isn't a major concern. But when we travel, we feel like aliens. We've never quite known how to bridge the gap between sleek urban, and dowdy small-town. Thanks to "Forever Cool," we're finally on the right track. This book is extremely well formatted, with plenty of "cool" and "uncool" photos, and the author's riotous sense of humor makes the commentary thoroughly entertaining. The book ends with a valuable list of clothing retailers for every budget, from mainstream catalogs to high-end department stores.

Loved it, loved it. Before reading Sherrie's book, I thought my Chico's and CP Shades-style wardrobe was about the best I could do on the far side of 45. Wrong! "Forever Cool's" photographs give immediate insights into the type of clothing that can be aging, and what to do about it. But don't stop at the pictures. This book has real depth, when you carefully read and re-read the text. I think the people who didn't like the book must not have really spent any time with it. I have always thought of my style as "sophisticated-funky," but in the past several years as my figure has morphed, that has ceased to be true. I've gone into those stores that are supposedly designed for us boomers (you know, the ever-present elastic waistbands and flowy silhouettes). The result is "funky-duddy", and not sophisticated at all. Since reading Sherrie's book,I have faced that harsh truth. I've now taken the plunge and have gone into stores like J Crew and Lucky Brand, where I never would have before. I always thought that a place like J Crew was too preppy for me, and Lucky Brand was for 20-somethings. But -- I'm seeing now that I can team up my great Navajo jewelry with a classic cashmere sweater, and I'm getting a grownup, expensive-looking version of the sophisticated-funky I used to be. And I can buy a classic-cut collared shirt in a cool fabric, and I instantly look updated. Sherrie's concept of dressing a bit "sportier" (which is very different from simply "casual") has taken years off my appearance, as well. The person who wrote from Florida and said that there isn't any information for her is all wrong. I live in Phoenix -- certainly as hot as Florida -- and I'm gleaning all kinds of great advice in the book. Just read it a bit more carefully. I can't recommend this book enough, and I've bought additional copies for my cool friends who can't wear what they did at age 25, but who want to exude panache and individuality.

It's easy to see how the problems that Sherrie Mathieson addresses in this book develop. Eventually, we all realize that clothing stores are catering to a crowd that is 20-30 years younger than we are. At that point, many of us start staying away from the stores or buying "old reliables," with the end result being a dated and dowdy look. Even worse, we try to fit into the kid stuff, making ourselves look in the best case like we're trying too hard, and in the worse case, like aging floosies. Finally, someone has provided some guidance for navigating these treacherous times. As a private client of Sherrie's, I have gone from angst ridden to quietly confident that I can look my best in any situation. The principles that she sums up in this book, in tart prose and great pictures, can be mastered even by the somewhat fashion challenged (which includes me). Go after simple but modern lines, invest in great accessories which you'll have for years, stay away from clichéd colors, strive for vitality and naturalness even with our changing bodies and laugh lines. This approach provides the best formula for avoiding plastic surgery that I have found to date!

It is about time that people "of a certain age" are recognized in the style revolution of the 21st century! I am still in my 30's but I loved the practical advice offered about remaining stylish as one ages. I know MANY who could benefit from the author's artistic perspective on dressing the aging body and remaining-Forever Cool. Buy one for Grandma but check it out for yourself first!

Forever Cool is the first book I have read that provides many, many step-by-step solutions for boomers whose previous decade or more of personal styling doesn't work anymore. Readers will recognize themselves in before pictures and the solutions to common issues like "busting out" (which happens when women no longer fit into tops the way they used to...and wear too-tight tops which are not flattering). I studied every page and then went shopping to pick up a few "right" things.(Using the reference guide in the back of the book, I tried one recommended store and found well-fitting and age-appropriate clothes, including a pants suit.) Next day, I cleaned my closet and took a pile of things from my mid-30's to the thrift shop. For male and female boomers who need to look modern in order to maintain footing in the competitive workplace, and who don't want to look too young or too fusty..it is worth every penny.