As an Indianapolis Wardrobe Stylist, I often hear my clients say: “I want to look great and young, but I don’t want to look too young.” It’s a perfect balance that is sometimes hard to strike. I think about it, too. Here are some general tips for “age-proofing” your style. They may surprise you.
Indianapolis Wardrobe Stylist to Dress Your Age
For women, there is a fine line between dressing to flatter or dressing way too young. I find this happens often when a mom has a daughter. It goes without saying you cannot wear the same clothing your daughter is wearing, even if you are thin and young-looking.
1 – Don’t buy clothes at the same daughter your teenage daughter shops. This will eliminate many style mistakes!
2 – I still wear shorts — but should I? I hear this comment often, too. It depends on how you look in them. Personally, I think that time has passed. I don’t wear short shorts except at home. But, I do wear longer shorts that are mid-thigh and longer and shorter dresses in the summer. Have a little talk with yourself. Be real.
3, Girly dresses. Like it or not, ruffled midi dresses have filled stores. This is the downfall for many women. Some of these dresses just makes you look a girl. Don’t go there, ladies. If you want to wear ruffles, wear them in a sophisticated, statement-kind of way. That change will make more of a style impact for you. For instance, the outfit on the left is too young. The outfit on the right is more age-appropriate and makes a fashion statement.
A sheath dress with a ruffle can be a more sophisticated version:
The art of not dressing too young also refers to what stores you shop in. That will correct the problem easily because targeting higher quality stores will eliminate the chance you will make a mistake.
For instance, if you are over 40, it’s time to stop shopping in places such as Express, Forever 21, etc.
Tip 2: To really access whether a piece is “too” young, first look in the mirror at the store. Don’t ask a sales person because many of them are trying to make a sale. They may not tell you the truth. If you are having doubts about a piece, leave it at the store. Then you won’t worry about it and are less likely to make a mistake.
Tip 3: Keep your hair and makeup current. This means you should evaluate your makeup every season and make adjustments as your skin changes. Are you taking care of your skin; do you have a nightly skin regiment. You need to have one! Don’t wait until you have wrinkles and sagging skin to do something about it.
If you have worn the same hairstyle your whole life, it’s probably time for a change. Don’t make the mistake of coloring your hair more and more blonde as you age. This is aging! And, make sure your hair is the right color that flatters you. Often I will discuss this with clients when we do the color analysis.
Reach out to me to “age” proof your wardrobe and learn your “wow” colors.
Keep it sassy, Indy.
Beth Divine
Indianapolis Wardrobe Stylist
