In my age group - I just finished my fourties - you will sooner or later come across so-called "age appropriate dressing".
Does it mean no more colour? No more cleavage? No more short skirts? Sounds like no more fun...
Of course that is not what "age appropriate" means - it is all about the right mix and match!
I have to admit I am not a fan of the "pink hat" idea... Just because you have the freedom to wear anything you want and don't need to care what others say, you should not ignore a sense of good taste. You may consider my opinion as strict but for me dressing tastefully is essential.
Desperately trying to look younger?
There are different views on the term "appropriate" but I think we agree that from a certain age some looks just don't work any longer. Unfortunately some women don't always get the right feeling for it.
Rules like "Women over 40 should not wear mini skirts" are outdated. How short is "mini"? Are you 45 or 65? What size are you and how are your legs? How do you combine the skirt? Some women in their 50ies can wear it better than others in their 30ies.I try to dress with a mindful eye on what flatters my body. I am happy about my legs and don't hide them but I don't want to present my thighs. A length just slightly above the knee is much more favourable and elegant for me.
Our body and skin have changed after pregnancy (which doesn't mean you can't go back to your usual size but you have to work for it!) and again once you have reached 45+
If you have a good understanding of your body shape and your strengths and weaknesses, you should highlight and accentuate your best features.
Olivia Palermo and Taylor Tomasi Hill are my fashion favourites.
Their chic and elegant style inspires me day by day and even they are both a lot younger they incorporate my favourite style.
My 18 year old daughter and I wear the same size and have a similar taste. There are several items which we mix and match in different ways and we certainly share our accessory fund.
However, I don't dress like my daughter because I am 30 years older and I don't even consider wearing her tight sequin mini skirt, her super skinny low raise jeans or her short red bodycon dress. These kind of clothes just became a bit inappropriate. They don't look "cool" on me and I have moved on. I am not competing with her and her friends!
You begin to feel they are not quite right and if you are trying too hard it might turn out the opposite way.
"Older" style? No! Just more tasteful.
Attractive, mature and self-confident woman certainly don't need to cover up or wear conservative clothes in muted colours.
Even I follow my idea of a feminine and sophisticated look I still adopt suitable young fashion trends. I like to show that I am a woman. I found out that I look better with a cleavage than with a narrow round neck. I have an hourglass figure and I like my waist (except right now after being too lazy over the past few months... but I started training sessions with a personal trainer this week!!)
Why not accentuate and show your figure if you are confident with it? Just get the right balance and have the courage and motivation to dress up.
It is all about the right mix and balance and after all we want to look fabulous!