As I Get Older, I Wonder if Age-Appropriate Dressing Still Exists?

Elder Fashion by Ari Seth Cohen is Strongly in Favour of No Rules

I have muttered the words, ‘not exactly age-appropriate’ on occasion, I will confess, shame-faced. Referring almost certainly to a pair of extra-short denim cut-offs or an unflattering mini skirt on an otherwise awesome older human. But I will say this, I feel really guilty about unfairly judging anyone, and that there is no item of clothing off-limits to anyone - at any age. This is a limitation we have no use for in this world. And frankly, if you are keen to get your pins out and show them off when you are 65, I say GO FOR IT. You absolutely do you, boo.

I will caveat the above by saying that I am a firm believer that everyone can use clothing, style, and accessories to look their best. If you want to – if that’s the goal. And so if it is, this is the subject for today. The rest of you, carry on being your fabulous selves.

So Much Style at Any Age. Featuring South Africans Maye Musk (far L) and Jackie Burger (far R)

Everyone is different, of course, but as you get older, you want to have a grip on the following:

1. The colour palette that makes your face glow. The colours that ‘suit’ you are only relevant next to your face. For the rest, go wild. But know if black or white evens out your face skin tone, makes your eyes sparkle. Know if you can take a yellow or blue undertone next to your face without looking jaundiced. As you age, your face and contrast between eyes and hair softens. As such, the more ‘dusty’ or ‘baby’ colour spectrum is kinder for most. But this isn’t true for everyone. Jenny Le Roux and I will never surrender the bold red lip! (see below)
2. The silhouette that shows off your best bits. I have mentioned before that you need to choose something to show off, but only one at a time. So if you have great legs, keep the hems high, but soften the shapes on the top. Most women have great collarbones no matter their age, so a boat neck top is very flattering with some wide-leg trousers. If, like me, neither pins nor shoulders are fantastic, show your face. And accentuate with great accessories.
3. As we get older, our waists thicken. If you are lucky enough to be blessed with a figure that doesn’t, continue to belt everything (but with a contrast belt for extra oomph). If you are no longer comfortable with cinching in the waist when you just want to be comfy, you need to learn how to fake it. A beautifully tailored blazer is the best at this. Make them your friend. Or wear high-waisted separates and colour-contrast them. So pair a gorgeous black trousers (with a side zip if you can find them) with a green silk tee. Just choose the green that works best for you.
4. The style that works for your personality and lifestyle. Just because you are older, doesn’t mean that you have to suddenly wear flowing, shapeless tents. Unless you want to, of course. But if you like preppy style, keep buttoning up and pairing a slim trouser with a lace-up flat. If you are more boho in style, this is a great time for the maxi dress, keeping you bang on trend. And if you are a combat-pants and hiking boots person, that’s great, live it authentically but make sure the pockets on those trousers lie flatteringly flat against the leg.
5. But avoid the uniform. Many older people start to blend into the background as they submit to the societal urge to make older people invisible. DON’T! Think about who you are and never give up on presenting your best self to the world. My friends’ gran lived well into her nineties wearing the most extraordinary bold, embellished kaftans that we all wanted to inherit. Granny May had brilliant stories to tell, was feisty AF and dressed to show it. I live with the mantra, ‘be like Granny May’.
6. And finally that all the above will continue to change. Possibly the one rule of dressing appropriately for your age is knowing that it is in a permanent state of transition. So be open to updating and tweaking your wardrobe, don’t get settled. I see so many people get stuck in the style of their ‘glory days’. And they can’t move past what used to work for them. Change it up! Try something new. There is little more certain of keeping you young and fresh than a mind open to change.

Jenny Le Roux from Habits, and I - Red Lips for Life! Never Surrender!