We all have that women in our life that refuses to comply with the laws of stylish aging. You know the one-she wears high heels and shorts, or pink lipstick and teased hair, cleavage popping t-shirts or carries teeny bopper handbags. Or maybe she is at the opposite end of the spectrum, dressing too mature and years beyond her birth certificate. Long shorts, and dowdy Birkenstock sandals, you wonder if she's in the witness protection program. Why else would she be trying to disappear?
These are, of course, very extreme cases of Not Dressing Your Age. There are various levels of committing this offense, none of which you want to be counted guilty of. Fashion faux pas change as we mature, and following a few simple guidelines can keep us from aging ourselves. Remember- dressing too young may make you look older than you are. No one wants to see someone with crow's feet with butterfly clips in their hair. It only highlights that you have them.
This is not to say that once you hit the big 3-0 or 4-0 your fashion sense has to morph into that of your Mother's. We hope that the essence of your style can remain the same, with a few updates and accents to highlight your newly acquired maturity. After all, your style reflects YOU, and as you age, you should only become more of yourself. Fashion can be fun at any age, and as long as you have the voice of reason whispering in your ear, it can also help you present your best self to the world around you. Like it or not, people judge you most on your appearance, so let's give the best impression we can.
Here are just a few guidelines for dressing most appropriately for your age.
In your 20s
Your twenties are a time for defining your fashion sense. This is a decade where following many of the trends is most acceptable, since the fashion industry is directed mostly to your generation. Wear what you love, and if you feel great in it, take note. This could give you much insight that will guide you throughout your fashion timeline.
Animal prints, brightly colored tights, large headbands, flowing fabrics, tailored trousers, or polo shirts; experiment and find what you feel most comfortable in. Don't settle on sweats or unflattering fits that are unfeminine. This is not the time to fall into a pattern of being lazy.
What you are attracted to now will most likely be what you are drawn to in your 30s, so have fun and be open to new looks. What you get complimented most on is likely what is most flattering. Unless the compliment is from the pervert bum around the corner- In which case, assume you are showing too much cuteness and should discard item immediately.
Be subtly sexy. A little skin goes a long way. Being Young, Hip and Happening does not give you license to look like a prostitute. They come in all ages.
Don't become too taken with expensive trendy pieces. Splurge on items that will last you at least a few years- like a good pair of jeans, a great coat, and of course, a little black dress. As a rule, spend less on trendy items and fads, but don't rule them out all together. Every classic piece of clothing was at first a fad, so if you absolutely love it, buy it and wear it as long as you can. It may very well become your signature look!
In your 30s
Your trademark style should be fully evolved by your thirties, but if you're a late bloomer, take heart. There's still plenty of time to invent your fashion identity.
Everything is toned down a notch this decade. If you loved big, graphic designs in your 20s, in your 30s-wear the same patterns, but instead of wearing it in the form a dress, try it in a top under a cardigan, in a headband, or my favorite- pointy toed heels under wide legged pants. If you wore preppy chic pieces in your twenties, keep it up. Just add a few A-line skirts with your collared tops, and invest in some short sleeved sweaters that fit you fabulously. Don't button your tops to your neckline, and be sure to pick pieces fit to your body type.
No t-shirts please, and please stop wearing screen tees with large logos. If your style in your 20s was "prepubescent boy", then you're going to have to forget all about keeping your style.
The goal is not to look OLDER than you did ten years ago. It is to look more polished, more aware of yourself, more confident. If you can picture your nineteen year old niece wearing it, forget it. She doesn't have the confidence you have yet, or the wisdom and experience. Don't look like you don't, either.
Stop shopping in Junior Stores and the Teen section of department stores. Period. Unless you're shopping for aforementioned niece.
Don't rely on low cut tops and form fitted dresses this decade. Not that you should any decade, since it is very hard to take anyone seriously when you're so distracted by their body parts, but this is the decade to celebrate your subtle sexiness. You are young, but undoubtedly All Women. You have earned this title, so don't feel the need to prove that to anyone by shoving it in their faces. Bring out the pearls. The stilettos. The Audrey Hepburnish sheath dress you were afraid to rock in your twenties. Wear jeans and pants that are tailored, and tops that won't ride up when you bend over.
Speaking of jeans, invest in at least one pair that make you feel fabulous, your butt look perkier, and your legs longer. Sound like a tall order? It's not, I assure you, they exist! A good pair of jeans, preferably in a dark wash, can be worn with heels or ballerina flats and will take you just about anywhere looking incredibly stylish.
In your 40s
This is the greatest time in history to be in your 40s. Women are celebrated and admired at this age, and no longer regarded as approaching the golden years.
This is not the time to hang up your style and bring out the mom jeans! The styles you have always loved can be updated and freshened to reflect your new sense of self. The key to looking your best in your 40s is all about fit- tailor, tailor, tailor!
If you love black, by all means add it to your wardrobe-None can match it in sophistication. But if simple black bores you, jewel tones look great on practically every skin tone, and chocolate brown with cream is a lovely combo as well.
Wide legged trousers should be a staple in almost everyone's closet- If you have more hips than you did in your twenties, these are great at keeping that your secret. If you are on the thin side, they do a great job of giving you curves where you had none. Scarfs, tunics, and a new little black dress can do wonders for a fashion slump.
Things to avoid in your 40s- Lowrise jeans, anything too trendy, anything that resembles a mumu, and leggings.
Bottom line- when you are shopping, ask yourself- does this tell people that I am classy ,sophisticated, and put together? Or does it scream desperate, in denial, or too revealing? Trying to dress like your 20 and 30 year old counterparts will not make people think you are 20 or 30.
Don't wear any article of clothing you did 10 or 20 years ago, unless it is an amazing winter coat in amazing shape. You deserve some new clothes already, and while you're at it, get a chic new hairstyle and color that makes you feel amazing.
In closing, don't be a slave to fashion, and don't be a slave to your youth. Embrace your growth, and celebrate that you are still around to strut your stuff! Maturity does not equal ancient, so get rid of those hangups and start dressing appropriately for your age.
