What is "Age Appropriate"?

This question comes up all the time -

• I’m 50,
• I’m a mum now,
• I’m over 60, I don’t want to look like mutton dressed up as lamb.
• Should I throw away my jeans?
• Can I still wear knee high boots?
• Do I need to cut my hair?

Some women still believe in age related fashion - I believe a number shouldn’t define you.

In my opinion the fifty of today definitely isn’t the fifty of yesterday. I’ve styled and met many women in their 50s who are in amazing shape and can pull of many different outfits.

If a garment fits you well and you’re not busting out of it; If it skims your body shape and disguises the bits you’re not happy with and highlight the areas you love about yourself; If the colour highlights your skin and makes your eyes sparkle; If you feel amazing in it...

Then you’re on the right track.

Some ladies prefer to choose a style that they would like to portray. Others have asked me “What style am I?”.

I would like to encourage you to try a little exercise to really find your own style.

Go through some of the latest magazines and cut out pictures of garments and accessories you are drawn to and would love to wear. On a large piece of cardboard form up a collage, piecing the pictures together in a way that is pleasing to you. That’s it, you now have ‘your’ style.

If you keep this collage in mind, or take a snapshot of it on your phone, this will help you when you undertake your own wardrobe edit or your next shopping trip.

My collage was put together 5 years ago and as you can see, the style and colour of garments and accessories are really ‘me’. I love colour and structure in my clothing though at times I do also like  the relaxed Boho look.

Ladies the most important thing to remember is that the size on the tag doesn’t matter, it’s the fit that counts.

Next time you go shopping challenge yourself go into a store where you’ve never shopped and flick through the racks - you’ll be surprised at what you can find. Most women I’ve shopped with are surprised at the variety of stores where I source garments. I believe you shouldn’t limit yourself to certain stores just because you think they cater for a certain age group.

Is there a garment in your wardrobe that you absolutely love but it’s not working for you anymore - and you just can’t bear to give it away. (It maybe something you bought on an overseas trip, it may have belonged to someone close to you).  Why not have it revamped. This is something I do quite often with my garments, it’s simple and usually doesn’t cost much at all. The result is a garment that fits you perfectly and gives you an individual look.

Ladies remember, don’t let a number define you - whether it’s your age or the size of the garment.

Love your look and always dress with confidence!