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We know we're smart, sassy, evolved, experienced, adventurous and sexy, but even we get stuck in a beauty and style rut sometimes. Suddenly our clothes feel wrong, our usual nail polish color or hair looks dated, or the perfume we used to love is not doing it for us anymore. The change in seasons is a perfect time to shake things up. Here are 10 things you can do to help your looks turn over a new leaf.
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![Courteney Cox walking on the sidewalk in a blue shirt and blue workout pants Olivia Colman wearing a navy blue dress at the Academy Awards and Sarah Silverman wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans Courteney Cox walking on the sidewalk in a blue shirt and blue workout pants Olivia Colman wearing a navy blue dress at the Academy Awards and Sarah Silverman wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2020/10-ways-to-instantly-change-your-look/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par1/articlecontentfragmeImage1/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2020/09/1140-courteney-cox-olivia-colman-sarah-silverman.jpg)
1. Switch from black to navy blue
Seriously, I know you feel slim, cool and edgy in black, though there's a downside. Black drains radiance and healthy rosy tones from mature skin of every color. It also accents undereye shadows, lines, dryness and pigmentation issues. You can compensate, of course, with more makeup, but why not switch to navy blue? It has the same benefits without being harsh on the complexion. Navy looks classy, and it's easy to find in everything from sweaters to dresses and workout gear. Wear navy tonally by combining it with other rich blues such as sapphire, indigo, lapis, royal and sky, and with all your blue denim pieces. And navy pairs easily with every other color, from gray to olive green, red to brown.
![Side by side images of Uma Thurman Mary Steenburgen and Helen Mirren each wearing a cardigan Side by side images of Uma Thurman Mary Steenburgen and Helen Mirren each wearing a cardigan](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2020/10-ways-to-instantly-change-your-look/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par3/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2020/09/1140-uma-thurman-mary-steenburgen-helen-mirren.jpg)
2. Give your cardigans a tweak
We're not tossing our classic cardigans just because some chunky and long styles are trending. They're perfect chill chasers over any dress or tee. Yet why stop there? Grab any classic cardigan you already own (don't be afraid to separate your old twinsets to do this) and get ready to change it up. Give it a new A-line shape by fastening only the top button, to define arms and shoulders. Create an instant blouson sweater by buttoning only the bottom three buttons and pulling up the hem to sit at the top of your hips. Reverse the same cardigan so the buttons go up the back (leave the bottom two buttons open for ease). Or give a cardigan a waist by adding a narrow belt, to cinch the middle.
![Garcelle Beauvais Ava DuVernay and Octavia Spencer each wearing midi skirts Garcelle Beauvais Ava DuVernay and Octavia Spencer each wearing midi skirts](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2020/10-ways-to-instantly-change-your-look/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par5/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2020/09/1140-garcelle-beauvais-ava-duvernay-octavia-spencer.jpg)
3. Find the best midi for your legs
Midis are always stylish, but be sure to tailor them to flatter your legs. Moving a hem even 1 inch up or down can make a big difference. Check out your legs (especially your lower legs) in a full-length mirror. Find the point where they indent or narrow. This might be just below the knees, right before the calves start to swell or below the calves where your legs start to meet your ankles. It's definitely not going to be at the widest part of your calves, and unfortunately that's where many midis hover. Volume counts, too. A pleated or A-line midi is always preferable to a pencil style, especially if you have heavy legs or chunky calves. The extra volume and length are on your side to create the illusion of slimmer legs.
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