How do you know when styles and trends are no longer appropriate for you? Is there a magic number or age to tell you when to purge that mini skirt? What does the term “age appropriate mean, anyways? With the new philosophy of “50” being the new “40”—can’t you pretty much wear whatever you want?
The guidelines for age appropriate dressing are no longer so clean cut. It’s more difficult to decide what is appropriate-but on the flip side—this means there are more style options. What you wear is a matter of personal choice; however you still need to be careful not to dress too young or too trendy—or you will look like you are trying too hard.
More and more women want to dress stylish and look their best--no matter their age. One of the best ways to up-date your look is to inventory your wardrobe and remove old dated styles (like tapered pants with pleats). When you wear outdated styles it will certainly make you look older, so removing “old” styles from your wardrobe will update YOU.
Women want to wear clothes they like, and feel confident in. A majority of women do not want to dress like their sixteen-year-old and they know they shouldn’t--thank goodness! On the other side of the coin, women who are over forty are fearful of dressing like their mature mothers! Where is the stylish middle ground between dressing too young and looking matronly?
Let’s examine ourselves, our style and our closet with the tips below. This will help you negotiate the trends in the stores and still be age appropriate as well:
__How current is your hairstyle? (Your hair is a critical part of your overall look) Are you still stuck in a style moment that has past? Hairstyles are like cars—they may still work, but you must go in for a regular tune-up! Learn modern techniques of hair care and at least “tweak” the style you have. A good hairstylist to recommend a new hair style and color if you are stuck in a rut.
__Remember there are no written rules: always wear clothes that you feel confident in.
__You can’t go wrong with a tailored blazer, some darker jeans and cute shoes you really like! This combination always looks good—no matter your age!
__Realize that young twenty year olds DO have more style choices.
__Conservative clothes can be alluring.
__Women that put more effort into their appearance are more self-confident.
__Dressing like your teenage daughter makes you appear desperate and older! Embrace your age—younger gals will envy you—and your confidence!
__The concept of aging is constantly being re-defined and you should continually re-define your wardrobe too!
__Honestly figure out what no longer suits you and find out what does. Do you have a great looking neckline, calves, arms, or earlobes? Whatever it is, show it off!
__Really nice shoes and a handbag, always make you look first-rate. Splurge, if you can on one item that makes you feel fabulous!
__Try MissusSmartyPants favorite style tip: dress monochromatic. It is always slimming and all you need is add a funky necklace or other unique accessory as a focal point!
__Go easy on a trend. Be careful not to overdue a good thing. Only one piece denim, or if going boho chic, don’t wear the peasant skirt and top, sparkly slip-on shoes and big earrings! Just a touch of a trend is all you need!
__Accept that some styles are just not right for your body type. Find the right fit for your shape and you’ll feel like a million bucks!!
See, it’s really not that hard to dress well--no matter your age.
Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants
Get your new style started at: http://www.missussmartypants.com/
Great post! You have said all this before, but it helps to have the repetition when faced with the choices when shopping.
ReplyDeleteI'm of a smaller frame but 5'8" of height. Finding age appropriate clothing is a challenge at times and discouraging at most. I am turning 40 this year and do not want to dress from the junior section. It's very difficult to find clothing that fits and suits my style.
Keep up the good work!
Great post. You have great advice, I am 31 and I don't know how to dress for my age as skinny jeans and shorts tops don't do it for me anymore lol. I have not long subscribed and am loving it.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Great advice Leslie! Like Sassy Jen, being small, 5'1" and wearing a size 6, makes it hard to find well-fitting clothes that are appropriate for my age. In the past I have actually bought from the girls' department, but no more! Because of your advice I have been able to obtain well-fitting, flattering basics. I can make so many outfits from these basics and change them around with my accessories. Now while shopping, I keep an eye open for a trendy piece to add color to, and update my wardrobe, but I'm never shopping out of desperation anymore. Please don't ever feel like you repeat things too much, such as the importance of basics, sometimes it may be the 75th time that I hear something before it sinks in. :)
ReplyDeleteSherry @ A Happy Valentine