There are countless articles on the “Do’s and Don’ts” for fashion and styling after you hit that “certain age.” Some of the advice rings true…and some of these tips miss the mark.
My advice is to take a look at these fashion and style tips and then balance them with a grain of salt and a touch of “To each her own!” I believe that knowledge is power and, once you’re informed, you can decide which fashion trends and styles are best for you.
The bottom line is, there is no single right answer about styling according to your age. If you want proof, take a look at the Thriving Style board on Pinterest: Jane Fonda, Cicely Tyson, JLo, Angela Basset, Sharon Stone, Marjorie Harvey, and Michelle Obama, to name a few, are accomplished, thriving women who embrace modern fashion, each with their own unique style.
In my opinion, the best approach to creating your personal style is to start with a realistic view of yourself – your strengths and your areas of challenge. With this well-grounded foundation you have the freedom to choose wisely for yourself and create your own style rules.
When choosing styles for yourself or others, consider body-type, height, weight, color, age, preferences and venue. I vehemently agree that “everything isn’t for everyone,” and just because it comes in your size, doesn’t mean you should wear it. That being said, there are several style rules that work well for me:
1. Be Aware of Fashion and Style Trends. Being aware of fashion and style trends doesn’t mean that you have to adopt the trend. Being aware of the latest fashion enables you to stay connected to ever-evolving fashion and style. Style awareness allows you to assess the trends and determine what, if anything, will enhance your look. Take from the trend what rings true to your own style sense and physical attributes, make it uniquely yours, and then own it!
2. Don’t Get Stuck. Just because you have amassed a closet full of gorgeous classic and timeless clothing, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t update or accessorize your styling with an eye toward current trends and the future. It’s true that styles come back with a vengeance…and a twist. The key here is to recognize or create the style twist that takes a classic piece and makes it refreshingly modern, elegant and chic.
3. Make Peace With The Woman In the Mirror. No body is perfect. In addition, some physical features can’t be changed through diet, exercise or a waist cincher, so work with what you’ve got. When you love and accept your truth, you know both your strengths and less attractive features. Identify your strengths and wear styles that highlight your attributes. Unfortunately, if you want to look your best you can’t just choose the styles you like. You need to learn to like the styles that are best suited for you. If you don’t know, ask somebody!
4. Make Informed Decisions about your Style. Once you’re in tune with yourself and at peace with the woman in the mirror, get educated. There are tons of materials from experts on body types and style. Learn from the experts, take their advice with a grain of salt, and go shopping…starting in your own closet!
5. Validation is Nice, but Not Required. Once you’ve achieved a realistic view of yourself and you’re confident in the skin you’re in, validation is not required. In fact, I have found that the most meaningful validation will come from random, meaningless sources with no vested interest in me.
6. Don’t dress for your husband or partner as a routine. Confidence shows and glows. I find that many men, not all, but a large number of men tend to see clothing on somebody and love the package. Then, they try to replicate the look for their partner and it usually doesn’t work. Different bodies look differently in the same styles. It’s better to look your best in styles that flatter your attributes, own it, and confidently walk through life.
7. There is a time and place for everything. Don’t get caught up in the, “What are you saving it for??” goading techniques of the uninformed, clueless, style-challenged folks. If possible, know exactly where you’re going and clarify the requested attire, check the website for the event location and look at archived photos. Once you’ve done this research, create a vision of what you want to look like coming in the door, walking through the venue, eating dinner or dancing the night away. Now, make your vision your reality. Start with shopping in your closet and build from there with perhaps, new shoes or accessories that’ll pop and reincarnate an outfit for this new occasion.
8. Less is more as you get older. As much as I know better, it must be inevitable with getting older, I have an increasing desire for gold, silver, bronze, sequins, and everything sparkly. 👀 It’s a burden of the well seasoned woman. So, knowing this proclivity has me extremely conscious about toning it down a bit. Instead, I focus on my handbag and shoes or boots for my style statements and try to simplify the rest. Please watch this pitfall. A classic Gucci handbag and shoes in beautiful rich colors are more of a standout than the sequin sweater and gold lamé pants. Lol!
Be flexible and receptive to change. Live and learn forever! Please feel free to share your personal style rules and Do’s and Don’ts. Each one teach one!