Style

How to be fashion forward while
dressing in an age appropriate manner

by Sara Holtz

Some women keep up with fashion trends every year while others lag behind, keeping vintage clothes around for the next possible comeback.

You may even be stuck in a time warp with that horrid 80s-style perm that your husband has never seen you without.

"Taste comes with every age. If a skirt is too short, it's never appropriate," says Angela Hagedorn, ladies designer manager at Dillard's. "When we're older, it even looks worse."

When you don't keep up your total look, you can make yourself look older than you actually are. If you're trying too hard to dress like your daughter, it can be just as bad.

There are appropriate silhouettes, styles and brands for a more mature customer. You don't have to be flashy to adapt trends to your age, Hagedorn says.

Here are some expert tips on how to dress more age-appropriately:

> Consult a stylist. Find a salesperson who is dressed well and will be honest with you. She will tell you whether or not your look is questionable. Connect with a professional and inform her of what you like so she can assist you throughout the store. Let's say for example, you find a strappy bohemian chic shirt in the Juniors department. Most of the time, a similar look can be found in Misses, perhaps with sleeves instead.

> Be comfortable. Don't try to be somebody you're not. "I see women in their 70s and 80s shopping in Contemporary wearing young clothes, but they aren't trying to capture a 20-year-old guy by wearing it," Hagedorn says. They wear clothes with a sense of comfort and identity that's unique to them as an individual, and a lot of people respect that. Keep in mind that for older women, showing too much skin always is questionable. Leave others wondering a little more, she says. But don't be afraid to show your arms if you've got good arms. Do it tastefully.

"If something doesn't look good on your body, you don't have to follow the trend," says Hillary Dutcher, owner of Ivy Hill Boutique. If a skinny pant doesn't compliment your body type, avoid it.

> Wear the appropriate size. Find a fit and cut that flatters your figure. The biggest mistake you can make is to go up a size thinking it will hide everything. In reality, it can make you look older and give you a frumpy look because the garment doesn't fit correctly, Dutcher says. Don't wear clothes that are too tight, either. Skip the short mini-skirt and keep your midriff covered.

> Be open to change. Fashion is always evolving. Anything from eyeglasses to a haircut or style dates the way you look. Face it. The older you get, the less make-up you need to wear. If you can't part with a favorite piece of clothing from 10 years ago, consider alterations to adapt a loose-fit garment to a more modern fit silhouette. Don't be afraid to try something new and don't be overly concerned with what your significant other will think. Men don't like change.

> Accessorize. The biggest trend now is to add a belt to a tailored jacket, tunic or dress to emphasize the waist. Sheer scarves also are popular for spring and summer if you want to go without a necklace. The proper shoes, bright handbag and jewelry can really alter or change a particular look and show maturity. Heels are great, but stilettos aren't as tasteful on an older woman — don't risk breaking something. Pitch the shoulder pads, unless you want to look aged.