Style Samurai: Can I wear braids at 40?

Dear Style Samurai,
Can I get away with wearing braids as a 42-year-old woman? My sister says "No way!" and keeps badgering me to cut off my long, blonde hair too. I don't dress like a teenager. My style is sort of hippie meets preppie with a dash of Costume National when I need to be bold.
Please advise. I have the rubber bands all ready to go.
Allison P.

Dear Allison P.
First off, tell your sister to go bake a bundt cake. She's living in the 1950s and should know that women can vote, juggle machetes and wear their hair as long as they like -- no matter their age. Jane Goodall, now 73 and one of my personal heroines, still wears her hair long. Nicole Kidman, at 40, does too. The only key to wearing long hair is to keep it healthy and soft. Alas, hair ages too and so you must condition like crazy.

As for the braids, start plaiting. I urge you to avoid the look of Half-pint, with a severe middle part. Instead, part hair to the side and plait your braids a bit looser.

You want to look like a carefree woman who would rather not fuss with her hair, rather than a lady trying to look like a schoolgirl. Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted just last week, braided and pushing a stroller. The look says "Less time on hair. More time with my precious Apple."

I love Jane Fonda's braids, accessorized with side bangs and a big smile.  Be sure to wear them with glee. Sayonara, baby!

Photos: Samurai, Corbis; Gwyneth, WireImage; Jane Fonda, View Images; Melissa Gilbert, NBC

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Comments

[Sammy]

What about those goddess braids that I saw at the SAG Awards? I think you can also do smaller side braids with long hair and just braid an inch on either side. It's very retro and chic.