As we move from our 20's through to our 30's, 40's and 50's, our style should mature and move with us. Unfortunately, where fashion is concerned, age is not just a number. To look your best, it's important to wear styles that accentuate your best features as you move through life. While the jeans may not be quite as tight, and the skirt length not as short, it doesn't mean that you can't look even more fresh, stylish and graceful at 40 than you did at 20.No matter what your age is, you can always dress to your own style preferences, experiment with colours and shades, and feel free to take fashion risks. But it is wise to keep in mind that different items will be more appropriate to certain ages in terms of the fit and cut. To help you learn what clothing and styles will best suit you, we've put together a quick guide to the staple items that should belong in your wardrobe.
IN YOUR 30's
The style transition from 20's to 30's can be a difficult one. Adopting a slightly more mature look can be difficult to adjust to, but it will ensure you continue to turn heads for all the right reasons.
Care for quality
Begin to invest in quality pieces. With a bit more income within your reach, you should treat yourself to some quality staple pieces like a little black dress, blazer, jeans and black heels.
Time for tailoring?
Fit might not have been a key concern in your 20's, but as you hit 30, it's certainly something to make a priority if you want to look your best. Your 30's are a great time to start using a tailor to ensure that the quality garments you can now afford are fitted perfectly for your own body.
Forget about fashion fads
Once you're in your 30's, it's time to settle down on religiously following fashion fads and trends like you did in your 20's. Develop an awareness of your own style preferences and what suits you personally, and try to be less influenced by the opinions of others.
Be a little more businesslike
You're may be starting to move up the career ladder now you're in your 30's, or at least aspiring to, so it's time to get a little more serious about your corporate or workplace wardrobe. Experiment with wearing quality heels and blazers to the office, and break out of the slightly casual college style you have adorned through your 20's.
IN YOUR 40's
No more mini-skirts
You may have been lucky enough to still get away with wearing short skirts in your 30's, but this trend really has to go in your 40's. The same goes for short shorts! Keep shorts to mid-way above the knee, and skirts and dresses to just above the knees.
Don't try to look too polished
In our 40's it's important to not try and look too polished, and this can come off as a bit 'matchy-matchy'. Two piece matching suits and ensembles can actually make you a lot older than you are, so be careful. You can definitely still be playful with what you wear, and you can always mix up different jackets, skirts and trousers.
Know your body type
In your 40's, it's more important than ever to identify your body shape and dress for your own needs rather than for current trends. Get to know what's stylish and fashionable for your particular body shape, rather than for the catwalks. You can still wear skinny jeans in your 40's, even in bright colours, but only if you feel totally comfortable in them.
IN YOUR 50's
Don't be afraid of colour
Once you turn 50, your wardrobe doesn't have to just automatically become a sea of grey, beige and mauve. In fact, grey is probably the most dangerous colour to wear, as it can wash out your complexion and highlight grey hairs. Navy is a great colour to embrace, as are deep reds, mustard, teal and deep blues.
Boss the office
In your 50's, you'll usually be at the highest point of your career, or hold a significant amount of respect in your workplace and general life, so it's time to really dress your best in dignified and beautiful clothing. Splash out on some high quality jackets, suits and heels for everyday office wear.
Tone down the sparkle
Every girl loves to sparkle and shine, but in your 50's it's time to tone down a little on the glitz, though this definitely doesn't have to mean toning down the glamour! Choose dresses with a hint of shimmer, such as faded sequin blazers and slightly metallic fabric dresses, as well as shiny blazers if you still want to embrace some sparkle and glitz in your 50's.
DRESSING BEAUTIFULLY AT ANY AGE
Tweaking your style as you move through your 30's, 40's and 50's can go a long way towards feeling comfortable and continuing to impress. Adhering to our top tips will ensure that you continue to look appropriately stylish as you age gracefully.