Ageless style: Dress to take 10 years off your look

Published 11:57 am Wednesday, August 27, 2014

By Angie Hoffman

Photos by Colleen Harrison

Can your clothing choices shave years off your image? Can your clothing choices add years to your image? The answer to both questions is yes, of course. Fashion is full of age traps — wearing unimaginative and ill-fitting clothing instantly ages you, certainly. But so does wearing trendy teenybopper styles that are too young — unless, of course, you still are a trendy teenybopper.

So what is the trick to dressing in a youthful yet age-appropriate manner? Stop concentrating on age and instead focus on looking timeless and fabulous. Start with a wardrobe of well-made, classic basics, add the occasional trendy piece that catches your eye and make sure everything fits your body, your lifestyle and your personal style. Treat your wardrobe as an art collection and curate it with modern looks that tastefully flatter your shape and allow your personality to shine through.

Our model, Linda Hoffman, uses items from her own closet to demonstrate both common aging fashion mistakes and to give examples of how to dress with a fun, fresh and ageless style. Similar youthful looks can be found at local stores.

“If you obey all the rules, you’ll miss all the fun” — Katherine Hepburn

: Dressing Up When choosing a dress, shape and fit are everything. Skip lengths that end mid-calf or at the ankle and instead go for a cut around knee level or, if you’re looking for something longer, one that skims the floor. Always choose body skimming silhouettes over a fit that is too tight or baggy. Don’t be afraid to show some skin, but do be wise about how you do so. Focus on showing off your neckline, shoulders and upper back more so than cleavage. Ditch the nylons and opt for strappy, youthful heels rather than more formal versions. And always complete the look with a confident, youthful smile.

: Dressing Up When choosing a dress, shape and fit are everything. Skip lengths that end mid-calf or at the ankle and instead go for a cut around knee level or, if you’re looking for something longer, one that skims the floor. Always choose body skimming silhouettes over a fit that is too tight or baggy. Don’t be afraid to show some skin, but do be wise about how you do so. Focus on showing off your neckline, shoulders and upper back more so than cleavage. Ditch the nylons and opt for strappy, youthful heels rather than more formal versions. And always complete the look with a confident, youthful smile.

: Jeans Jeans are one of the most timeless and youthful pieces you can own, but how they fit and what you pair them with makes a difference. Avoid pleats, tapered ankles, waists that are either too high or too low and fits that are either baggy or too tight. Instead look for a medium rise waist with a straight, slim or boot cut leg that skims the body. Here, Linda demonstrates that her favorite look, skinny jeans, even aren’t out of the question when they are made of a good quality fabric and fit properly. Pair with heels and a sexy top for a night out or combine a favorite color with flats and a simple, fitted T-shirt for a playful but stylish weekend look.

: Jeans Jeans are one of the most timeless and youthful pieces you can own, but how they fit and what you pair them with makes a difference. Avoid pleats, tapered ankles, waists that are either too high or too low and fits that are either baggy or too tight. Instead look for a medium rise waist with a straight, slim or boot cut leg that skims the body. Here, Linda demonstrates that her favorite look, skinny jeans, even aren’t out of the question when they are made of a good quality fabric and fit properly. Pair with heels and a sexy top for a night out or combine a favorite color with flats and a simple, fitted T-shirt for a playful but stylish weekend look.

: Working Out Really? You’re still wearing those ratty sweatpants and your husband’s old T-shirt? Exercise is essential for looking and feeling youthful so don’t disconnect from that inspiration by wearing lifeless, baggy clothes because they seems easy and comfortable. When you purchase good quality pieces that fit your shape, looking energetic and stylish can be just as comfy and convenient when it’s time to work out. While black is always the most slimming choice, this is the perfect opportunity to have fun with rich colors that can take years off your look. A bold burst of the right color will brighten your face, lift your mood and give you a sun-kissed glow.

: Working Out Really? You’re still wearing those ratty sweatpants and your husband’s old T-shirt? Exercise is essential for looking and feeling youthful so don’t disconnect from that inspiration by wearing lifeless, baggy clothes because they seems easy and comfortable. When you purchase good quality pieces that fit your shape, looking energetic and stylish can be just as comfy and convenient when it’s time to work out. While black is always the most slimming choice, this is the perfect opportunity to have fun with rich colors that can take years off your look. A bold burst of the right color will brighten your face, lift your mood and give you a sun-kissed glow.

: Professional We had a little fun exaggerating the spinsterish look of how not to dress for the office. Avoid matchy-matchy suits, nylons and boxy silhouettes as all will quickly age you. It’s better to mix a suit jacket with another classically cut, properly fitting skirt or pants for an effortlessly polished look. Spend a little extra, if necessary, for good quality pieces that will hold up over time and don’t assume you have to hide your neck. V-necks are the most universally youthful and flattering neckline. A heel will always be most flattering, but if you can’t make it through an entire day bring a chic loafer or ballet flat to change into mid-day. Nothing orthopedic is allowed.

: Professional We had a little fun exaggerating the spinsterish look of how not to dress for the office. Avoid matchy-matchy suits, nylons and boxy silhouettes as all will quickly age you. It’s better to mix a suit jacket with another classically cut, properly fitting skirt or pants for an effortlessly polished look. Spend a little extra, if necessary, for good quality pieces that will hold up over time and don’t assume you have to hide your neck. V-necks are the most universally youthful and flattering neckline. A heel will always be most flattering, but if you can’t make it through an entire day bring a chic loafer or ballet flat to change into mid-day. Nothing orthopedic is allowed.