The topic can feel overwhelming with many articles, blogs and websites about fashion, especially as we age and wonder what we should and shouldn’t wear. Luckily, the days of hard and fast rules are long gone, but I still believe there are general principles to follow irrespective of age.
Below, I have captured some guidelines I follow, some fashion staples or “must-haves,“ and a few tricks to keep my closet organized and my clothes well-worn.
Dress to be True to You:
Wear clothes in which you feel confident and comfortable
Buy clothes that fit correctly. Tailored looks are the most flattering
Get to know the cuts and styles that work best for your body
Highlight your assets
Invest in good quality staple pieces such as pants, jackets, suits, blouses and sweaters. Cheap clothing can be less flattering, so it pays to invest in timeless items that last
Choose base/staple colours for critical pieces (e.g. black, grey, brown, navy) and supplement with accent colours that you enjoy (e.g. pink, red, teal, orange)
Supplement your wardrobe each season with a few “stylish” or “on-trend” pieces. These items don’t need to be expensive because they will likely change
Ensure your bottom and top work together. For example, if you’re wearing a fitted bottom, pair it with something loose or flowing on top. Alternatively, if you’re wearing wide-leg pants, pair them with a fitted top or sweater
When in doubt, overdress
If you find a look that works, stick with it. And if you find an item of clothing you love, buy it in multiple colours
You don’t have to dress your age, but intuitively, we know whether an outfit is age-appropriate:
Don’t wear anything too short, too tight or too small
Sneakers are in style regardless of age
Denim is everyone’s friend – that goes for jeans, jackets, shorts and shirts
Jewellery doesn’t have to be large to have an impact
Shapewear can make a world of difference. Embrace the Spanx – you will thank me later
Ensure you are wearing the right bra size and invisible undergarments
Ripped jeans are okay as long as they are tasteful
Be strategic when showing skin
My list of closet must-haves:
A pencil skirt – flattering, timeless and sexy
Ponte pants – always in style
Dark denim jeans – dressier than light denim and more flattering
Silk blouse – dress it up or down
Plain white tee – no comment required
Great pair of jeans – spend the money; they’re worth it
Little black dress – see below
Fitted blazer – suitable for any occasion
Crisp white blouse – wrinkle-free from Brooke’s Brothers for the win
Statement sunglasses – big and bold
A good quality purse – buy the most expensive one you can afford
Black and nude heels – LK Bennett are heavenly
Lastly, here are a few closet tricks that help me to stay organized:
If you haven’t worn something in a year, toss it.
Make sure your clothes are displayed to see all your options.
When you buy something new, get rid of something old
Keep a donation bag in your closet. When it’s full, drop it off
Invest in what you already own. If you have a good quality item that needs updating, take it to a tailor and see your options. I have shortened skirts and jackets and turned wide-legged trousers into boot-cut pants. I have re-soled expensive shoes and repaired purses
Pay attention to washing and care labels
If you want to wear more of your wardrobe, turn the hanger after each wear
Colour coding can help in the morning when you are in a hurry
I am finally confident in how I dress and keenly aware of what I like and what suits me. Getting to this place has taken time and wasted money. Some key learnings:
I no longer buy clothes on vacation
I try to purchase limited “fast fashion.” I would rather buy fewer, higher-quality items
I try not to buy things because they’re “on sale”
Fashion should be a way of expressing yourself, so even though I have cited – what may seem like rules – they’re not. Dress in clothes that make you happy. Wear outfits that make you feel sexy and confident. And when you’re chilling out with friends, wear comfortable and cozy things. Don’t take fashion too seriously. After all…it’s what’s underneath and inside that matters.