Don’t Be Limited by Your Age
Who says age-appropriate style has to mean boring? I’ve heard it countless times: women feeling boxed in by the idea that once you hit a certain age, your wardrobe should suddenly become classic, restrained, or worse, “invisible.” But here’s the thing: age is not a style boundary—it’s a reason to experiment even more!
The idea of age-appropriate style often conjures up visions of sensible shoes and a sea of beige, but I’m here to challenge that. Style is personal, and it evolves with us. At any stage in life, your wardrobe should feel like an authentic expression of who you are right now. And let’s be clear, who you are at 40, 50, 60 or beyond is likely even more confident, bold, and self-assured than you were in your 20s. So why not let your wardrobe reflect that?
You’re Never Too Old to Care About Your Style
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Why Age-Appropriate Style is About Confidence, Not Restrictions
One of the myths that comes with “age-appropriate” fashion is that comfort equals compromise. We’re told that once we’re over 40, the focus should be on practicality rather than flair. But why not have both?
Comfort can be chic. Think of your wardrobe staples—your “workhorses”—those pieces you reach for time and time again. Instead of thinking of them as safe or plain, consider how they can be elevated. A well-cut, beautifully draped dress in a print that you love or a jacket with an unexpected silhouette can be just as comfortable as your go-to basics but infinitely more exciting.
I personally love to mix statement pieces with my wardrobe classics—whether it’s a fabulous scarf in a vibrant colour or a pair of trousers with a modern twist in the cut or fabric. I love these double floaty sleeves on what would otherwise be a classic white blouse. Plus my jeans have been customised with the Japanese art of sashiko and boro which make them unique and express a little of my quirky side. Throw this together with a faux fur shrug and it’s a unique outfit that’s anything but boring.
These small details make a world of difference without sacrificing comfort, especially when you know how to select pieces for your personal colour analysis. And as I always say in my 7 Steps to Style program, knowing what works for your body and lifestyle means you can play with fashion in ways that are both flattering and comfortable.
Dare to Play with Patterns and Silhouettes
For so long, we’ve been conditioned to think that bold patterns or unconventional shapes are reserved for the young. But fashion is about self-expression, not restriction! If you’ve ever felt drawn to a dramatic silhouette or a standout print but thought, “Is this too much for me?”—that’s your inner style rebel speaking, and it’s time to listen.
Why shouldn’t you wear something that makes you feel fabulous just because someone decided it wasn’t “appropriate” for your age group? Whether it’s a stunning animal print jacket or a beautifully structured dress with an asymmetric hemline, embrace it. These are the details that make fashion fun and uniquely yours.
I find that women over 40 (which is not old at all) often have a keener sense of what truly works for them. You’ve already experimented with trends and phases, and now it’s about refining that knowledge. Patterns can be incredibly flattering when chosen with intention, and unconventional silhouettes can create a sense of ease and empowerment that more traditional pieces just can’t deliver.
Push Boundaries, Stay True to Yourself
At the end of the day, style should be about what makes you feel your best. Pushing boundaries doesn’t mean stepping completely outside your comfort zone—it’s about redefining what that zone looks like. That might mean incorporating a new trend or trying a colour combination that’s less traditional (no more red, white and blue, why not try purple and green with grey instead?), or it might mean finally letting go of what no longer feels authentic to you.
Maybe you want to have fun with the metallic fashion trend (like my silver skirt) or you love a dress sneaker for its comfort so you can walk all day without pain (this becomes more and more important with age), don’t want to feel like you have to suck in your tummy? Look for cuts that are in harmony with your current body (rather than trying to dress the body you once may have had).
I’ve worked with many women through my styling programs who felt stuck in a rut, dressing the way they thought they “should,” only to discover that they could look and feel amazing by adding just a few fresh elements to their wardrobe. Style reinvention doesn’t have to be radical—it can be as simple as swapping out a neutral cardigan for a jacket in a signature colour or trading in your usual black dress for one with a modern print or a colour that brings out your eyes.
And if you’re not sure where to start, I encourage you to explore my 7 Steps to Style program, where we dive deep into understanding what truly flatters your unique shape and colouring, giving you the tools to build a wardrobe that feels like you.
Your Style, Your Rules
Let’s ditch the idea that age-appropriate style has to be synonymous with dull. Instead, think of it as age-empowered dressing—a time when you know what you like, you know what works, and you’re ready to have some fun with it.
Because really, what’s the point of getting older if you can’t get bolder? Whether it’s a playful print, a daring cut, or a splash of colour, embrace the elements that make you feel alive and confident. After all, the only person you need to dress for is yourself.
So, are you ready to reinvent what age-appropriate means to you? Let’s do it—one stylish, boundary-pushing outfit at a time.
Further Reading
What are Age Appropriate Clothes and Colours and How to Find Them?
Dressing Your Age When You Naturally Look Young
Are You Too Old To Focus On Your Style? 13 Things Centenarian Iris Apfel Can Teach You About Style at Any Age
Why I Decided to Embrace My Grey Hair and Become a Silver Foxette
