SHOULD YOU DRESS BY YOUR AGE?
Milestone birthdays can be a chance to re-evaluate your fashion choices — from skirt lengths to stilettos
It’s hard to pass a big birthday without some degree of self-reflection: and not least of your wardrobe. Miniskirts over 40? Bare arms over 50? Cleavage over 60? While I don’t think you should stop wearing what suits you — at any age — re-evaluating your wardrobe is not a bad thing. So often, we continue to wear what is easy and familiar, without considering if our bodies — or tastes — may have changed.
“I don’t dress differently, but there are things I don’t wish to wear anymore,” says French model turned fashion designer Inès de la Fressange, 60. “I want to feel comfortable, not disguised.”
For de la Fressange, who has written numerous Parisian style guides, this meant casual, less-trendy pieces. “A clear-out is essential. Personally, I got rid of glittery blousons, pants with embroideries, perfecto leather jackets, very high stilettos and very skinny jeans. Aim for sensuality rather than sexiness — it’s stronger.”
Be ruthless with your wardrobe. Anything too well worn or faded — however beloved — must go: shabby is aging on anyone. If you haven’t worn something in the past two years then drop it off at your local charity shop for someone else to enjoy.
Once you’ve got rid of the detritus, try to identify the pillars of your wardrobe — the pieces you wear the most. Mine are jackets (from classic blazers to printed silks and coloured leathers), waisted skirts and long printed dresses, cropped kickflare jeans, cashmere sweaters and silk shirts.
“I advocate a one in, one out policy,” says stylist and ex-fashion buyer Anna Berkeley, “and encourage clients to spend as much as they can on coats, tailoring, knitwear and jeans.”
These non-trendy pieces will work from season to season, so you can justify spending a little more. And if you find a great fit, or find yourself wanting to wear the same piece multiple times a week, consider buying versions in different colours.
Pillars in place, pepper in a few less expensive, trendier pieces each season: “shoes, jersey, shirts (with some exceptions), jewelry and fashion denim can all be high street,” says Berkeley. This way, you needn’t worry too much if those sock boots or oversized earrings swing out of style again.
“I don’t experiment very much these days, as I’ve made too many expensive mistakes in the past,” says Timeless Style columnist Anna Harvey.
“Too many things have gone into the (garbage) with their price tag still attached.”
To avoid the same fate, try not to shop to a deadline — you’ll likely end up buying something unsuitable out of desperation. Many department stores have personal shoppers who can help you to identify what works and what doesn’t — or try shopping with a friend who you can trust to be honest.
Whenever I buy anything new, I hold on to the receipt and if I haven’t worn it within a week, I take it back: if you don’t feel a compelling urge to wear it straight away, then you don’t love it enough. I prefer online shopping so that I can try pieces on in the natural lighting of my bedroom, and with the rest of my wardrobe (and underwear drawer) on hand — trying on a dress with the right bra, or the shoes I’d wear it with, can make all the difference.
What suits each one of us is much more about how much tennis you play (see 68-year-old Anna Wintour’s arms), genetics (Cindy Crawford’s legs at 51), and diet, than it is about passing a certain milestone. Station yourself in front of a full-length mirror in underwear and have a proper look: so many of us hurriedly dress in semi-darkness and don’t notice our bodies changing.
Consider where the most flattering hemline would be: do you want to show knees, calves or just a flash of ankle? Has your figure changed — and if so, where? Pinpointing what you do and don’t like will make shopping much simpler.
“I’m 45 this year and it’s the first time I shall be saying no to anything above the knee,” says Kat Farmer, the author of the website Does My Bum Look 40 In This?
“I’ve simply got to a point where I don’t feel comfortable in anything short. I’m less of a slave to fashion now, but I’m happier to try new trends that I know work with the faithful pieces I have in my wardrobe. I also care a lot less about what other people think, which is definitely a gift that comes with age.”
I’m glad to hear it: I just turned 30, and I think I feel a wardrobe clear-out coming on.