We hear from many of our baby boomer women that they sometimes feel they’re in “style limbo.” They can’t – and certainly don’t want to – wear many of the latest fashion fads. Yet they want to stay as far as possible from fashion choices that scream “older” or “old fashioned.”

We asked Marion Gellatly, a Professional Wardrobe Strategist and Certified Image Master, to give us some advice on how to stay stylish and sexy without trying too hard to look younger. Marion has served as president of the International Board of the Association of Image Consultants, and founded her consulting business “Powerful Presence” in 1991 so she could help women find the style and image that help them make a good impression and feel good about themselves.

Marion's wise words of advice are featured below:

The Secrets of Staying Subtly Sexy – By Marion Gellatly

If you page through People magazine or watch celebrity entertainment shows, you’ll see plenty of sexy looks on women, but they’re mostly very young women. What’s mainly featured? Lots of bare skin. I think you’ll agree with me: these aren’t looks we tend to love when we’re in our 50s, 60s or beyond.   

We still want the option of dressing in a sexy, alluring or attractive way without emulating the younger generation.

But all kinds of worries can flood our minds as we try to figure out what “sexy” would look like on a mature woman. Have you had any of these thoughts?

“I want to look attractive but I don’t want to be overly exposed.”

“I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard.”

 “I used to be comfortable showing cleavage, but my décolletage isn’t what it used to be.”

“I just don’t know what’s appropriate. If I wore what young people wear I’d look sleazy or out of touch with reality.”

You have every reason to bring up these concerns. Let’s press “refresh” and take a look at what’s sexy at this age.

1. Confidence in yourself is very sexy.

2. A woman in a put-together look is attractive. We look at her and want to know more about her. That’s sexy!

3. Now’s the time to feel alive and vibrant. Here are some pieces that will help you feel sexy, alluring, attractive, and feminine.

Bare skin without being bare

Be on the hunt for sheer tops or sheer dresses that you can use when creating layered outfits. A top or blouse with sheer sleeves helps you look bare when you’re not. A sheer dress or tunic with cutouts can be layered over a tank top and narrow pants. Or have fun with color by wearing a navy or black patterned sheer lace dress over a magenta-colored slip. The way the colors play off of each other is flirty and fun.

Bare your ankles. Wear an ankle length pant with a slinky heel or a flat that exposes your ankles and part of your foot. Bare your shoulders. Wear a top with cutouts that bare some skin, with a skirt or pant.

Wear fabrics with movement to feel sexy

Wearing clothing pieces in fluid fabrics looks and feels feminine or alluring. You can’t help but move your body differently when the fabrics you’re wearing don’t constrict you in any way. A caftan in a graceful fabric covers most of your body but the movement of the fabric when you walk is very glamorous, intriguing, and inviting. A printed, sheer silk chiffon loose jacket in a Kimono style is a lovely piece to wear casually over jeans. A shawl in a beautiful print can give the same vibe: confidence, ease, and grace. Drape it over your shoulders in any outfit.

Wear clothes that feel sensual

Sensuality is sexy. Wear clothes in fabrics that feel like they’re caressing you. Sensual fabrics could include velvet, fur, silk chiffon, cashmere, suede and more. Hunt for these fabrics in pants, dresses, jackets, and tops. Take your pick!

Add some sparkle

Bring attention to your face with a sparkly necklace or layer multiple necklaces that relate to one another. Wear earrings that cascade or have movement. Choose ones that shimmer to bring more attention to your face. You’ll feel sensual and glamorous. Many of us talk with our hands. Make yours stand out. Adorn your wrists with attractive bangles or cuffs. Add rings that relate to them. Don’t be afraid to add some jewels.

Feel sexy underneath your clothes

A great way to exude sexiness is to consider what you’re wearing right next to your skin. This is a must! Feel sexy from the inside out when you wear matching bras and panties, or underwear in your favorite color. If you haven’t treated yourself to something lacy lately – now’s the time.

Most important -- a woman who enjoys her own personal style and dresses like “herself” every day is comfortable in her own skin. Her look is effortless; she’s not trying too hard. She’s sexy!

If you'd like to read more from Marion Gellatly, visit her website powerful-presence.com where she provides advice through her online program What to Wear...Virtual Style School. She's located in Pebble Beach, California where she also offers in-person consultations, group workshops, and corporate image consulting.