You might have a smoking hot body, and you might not need Botox, but if you’re not twenty-something anymore, please don’t try and dress like you are. I know it’s a difficult realization but, if you are over the age of 35, it is probably time to start rethinking what is in your wardrobe. But before you throw everything in your closet out, allow me to guide you through the no-no’s and yes-yes’s of dressing your age.
You’ve seen her – we’ve all seen her – the 40-something-year-old woman who dresses like Lindsay and Britney. As she struts around in her low-rise jeans, spiked heels and midriff tank, she draws attention to herself, but it’s not the kind of positive interest she thinks she’s getting. Rather, the gawks and stares she gets are those of “I can’t believe she’s wearing that.” The reason for the negative reaction to her outfit is that she is not dressed age-appropriately and is in desperate need of a style intervention – not to mention a wake-up call that she can’t pull off dressing like a teen idol anymore.
The first thing a woman needs to do when she reaches her mid-30s is to identify her own personal style and build on it. While it isn’t necessary to go ultra-conservative, the days of showing too much skin are over. When choosing jeans, stick with a mid-rise and avoid trendy washes. Skirts should be worn above the knee and tops should not be worn with the girls or the belly exposed – although a backless halter is acceptable. Tight-fitting garments expose flaws, but even if you have no apparent imperfections, fits should be tailored for a sophisticated look.
When shopping for a new wardrobe, choose classic pieces. Example: The pencil skirt is a must-have for any professional woman over 35. Cut close to the hip with two slits – front and back or sides – this skirt falls just above the knee and can be worn with a tailored jacket or a simple blouse.
Staying current doesn’t mean you have to be trendy and is easily achievable with accessories. If you want to add some funky details to your wardrobe, choose bracelets, necklaces and earrings with some character. Currently, chunky jewelry is all the rage. Usually made of plastic, this jewelry an affordable way to give your new look some pop. Belts worn at the waist are a great way to enhance your figure at any age and are another affordable accessory you will get a lot of mileage out of.
You need not give up your sex appeal just because you aren’t wearing skin-tight clothing anymore. Choose pieces that enhance your best features. If you have great legs, show them with a skirt that is slit on the sides. If you have a nice chest, showing a “little” cleavage is totally acceptable – just be sure you have a supportive bra. Well-fitting clothes are what make a woman sexy, so avoid baggy or loose-fitting garments.
Shoes are the most important accessory in your wardrobe and should be chosen with as much forethought as your clothing. First and foremost, avoid shopping in the juniors department. Choose classic pumps with a pointed or open toe – square or round toes tend to look unadventurous. Don’t be afraid of color. While a black pair is versatile, a red pair makes a statement. Heels should not be over two to three inches unless you’re a stripper.
If you’re 50-plus, the rules change, but not a whole lot, so don’t ship your entire wardrobe off to the Goodwill quite yet. It has been said that 50 is the new 30, and while that might be true, the fact is, at 50 you’re probably a grandmother and not a new mommy. The level of sophistication of your clothing needs to reflect your new status of a mature woman. Stay with tailored clothing but minimize the amount of accessories. Avoid light-washed jeans and t-shirts. Skirts should fall below the knee and tops should not show any cleavage.
According to a new book by Cindi Leive, Glamour Do’s and Don’ts, confidence is everything. When in doubt, trust your gut instinct. If you don’t feel comfortable in an outfit, your unease will show.
You’ve seen her – we’ve all seen her – the 40-something-year-old woman who dresses like Lindsay and Britney. As she struts around in her low-rise jeans, spiked heels and midriff tank, she draws attention to herself, but it’s not the kind of positive interest she thinks she’s getting. Rather, the gawks and stares she gets are those of “I can’t believe she’s wearing that.” The reason for the negative reaction to her outfit is that she is not dressed age-appropriately and is in desperate need of a style intervention – not to mention a wake-up call that she can’t pull off dressing like a teen idol anymore.
The first thing a woman needs to do when she reaches her mid-30s is to identify her own personal style and build on it. While it isn’t necessary to go ultra-conservative, the days of showing too much skin are over. When choosing jeans, stick with a mid-rise and avoid trendy washes. Skirts should be worn above the knee and tops should not be worn with the girls or the belly exposed – although a backless halter is acceptable. Tight-fitting garments expose flaws, but even if you have no apparent imperfections, fits should be tailored for a sophisticated look.
When shopping for a new wardrobe, choose classic pieces. Example: The pencil skirt is a must-have for any professional woman over 35. Cut close to the hip with two slits – front and back or sides – this skirt falls just above the knee and can be worn with a tailored jacket or a simple blouse.
Staying current doesn’t mean you have to be trendy and is easily achievable with accessories. If you want to add some funky details to your wardrobe, choose bracelets, necklaces and earrings with some character. Currently, chunky jewelry is all the rage. Usually made of plastic, this jewelry an affordable way to give your new look some pop. Belts worn at the waist are a great way to enhance your figure at any age and are another affordable accessory you will get a lot of mileage out of.
You need not give up your sex appeal just because you aren’t wearing skin-tight clothing anymore. Choose pieces that enhance your best features. If you have great legs, show them with a skirt that is slit on the sides. If you have a nice chest, showing a “little” cleavage is totally acceptable – just be sure you have a supportive bra. Well-fitting clothes are what make a woman sexy, so avoid baggy or loose-fitting garments.
Shoes are the most important accessory in your wardrobe and should be chosen with as much forethought as your clothing. First and foremost, avoid shopping in the juniors department. Choose classic pumps with a pointed or open toe – square or round toes tend to look unadventurous. Don’t be afraid of color. While a black pair is versatile, a red pair makes a statement. Heels should not be over two to three inches unless you’re a stripper.
If you’re 50-plus, the rules change, but not a whole lot, so don’t ship your entire wardrobe off to the Goodwill quite yet. It has been said that 50 is the new 30, and while that might be true, the fact is, at 50 you’re probably a grandmother and not a new mommy. The level of sophistication of your clothing needs to reflect your new status of a mature woman. Stay with tailored clothing but minimize the amount of accessories. Avoid light-washed jeans and t-shirts. Skirts should fall below the knee and tops should not show any cleavage.
According to a new book by Cindi Leive, Glamour Do’s and Don’ts, confidence is everything. When in doubt, trust your gut instinct. If you don’t feel comfortable in an outfit, your unease will show.
As appeared in Vestiture Magazine Fall 2008
Tony Engelhart
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