Style Signposts

Image via &Bloom, with gratitude. Full credits below.

Shopping in midlife is like dating in midlife – a less frequent and more laborious experience than it was in our 20s. Whatever existential angst we may be experiencing during our middle years, it’s often compounded by a wardrobe of clothes that makes as much sense to us now as TikTok and Tinder. But a steer in the right direction, a bit of signposting you might say, can be all we need to reroute our style out of that dead end and back to the future. So here are a few golden ‘guidelines’, because I don’t believe in fashion rules, to help you navigate the nuances of dressing for your middle years.

Texture is the thing

We know that as we age, our skin loses texture and suppleness, but did you know that the right clothes can help offset these changes almost as much as the correct skincare? By incorporating luxurious textures into each of your outfits, especially into those pieces you wear close to your face, you can help to soften and temper those natural signs of ageing. A cashmere scarf, a silk collar, or a velvet lapel can help to bring buoyancy to both your features and your complexion.

Less is more

This leads me to the old adage of quality, not quantity. If you buy fewer but better (and this takes practice), you’ll maintain a wardrobe that’s both manageable, but full of beautiful options (I’ve learned I don’t get bored with the quality pieces I buy, whereas the throwaway items have long been disposed of). Inexpensive fabrics can begin to look very obviously cheap the older we get. Youthfulness is endlessly forgiving; midlife needs just a little more forethought. Become more sales-aware and outlet-savvy and you’ll dress yourself in better quality pieces for little more than you used to spend on the high street.

Shop smart

Most of us have a body part we find difficult to dress, be that tummy, thighs or bust. It’s worth spending a little more money, time and effort on clothes that will minimise this feature. It’s often as easy as simply balancing out your silhouette through clever colour choices or a targeted silhouette. If this sounds like a minefield to figure out, don’t be shy about consulting a personal shopper. Department store in-house consultants don’t charge for their service and you are not compelled to buy at the end of the appointment.

Devil’s in the detail

Very often the difference between women in midlife whose style we admire and those whose clothes we don’t notice is unique detailing. It lifts an outfit and adds a point of difference to your look, which will elevate it to one that appears fresh, contemporary and ‘ageless’ rather than generic and uninspiring. Simple design details, such as a contrasting lining, visible stitching or an asymmetric finish, look expensive and considered. Attention to detail also shows an observant mind, which suggests vibrancy and energy; something we can all boast of in midlife, but which people can (incorrectly) assume begins to fade after 40.

**Size definitely doesn’t matter**

Don’t become bogged down by sizings. I have everything from XS to XL in my wardrobe, because the size I choose depends on any number of considerations, from the type of fabric to the shape of the silhouette to the character of the brand itself. Concentrate instead on choosing pieces that are well-lined and have a generous drape and cut. Don’t try to squeeze into something that feels and looks too tight just for the sake of buying a size 12 instead of a 14, because only you will know what number is on the tag, and nobody else cares. Likewise, I know a woman who consistently buys a size 14 when she should be trying on 12s. We’re so hard on ourselves we often buy bigger than we need to.

Who's your muse?

As I’ve aged, I’ve found myself leaning towards designers of my own vintage, such as Victoria Beckham. It’s often helpful to seek out designers who are at the same stage in life, as they’ll more than likely embody the kind of look you’d like for yourself. Again, keep an eye on the sales when looking to invest in premium brands or source look-a-likes within your price range. Cos offers some gorgeous printed shirt-and-pleated-skirt two-pieces that are reminiscent of the Victoria Beckham look.

Brand positioning

When I was in my 20s, I took pleasure in sporting a recognised fashion label. These days, I prefer my sartorial choices to be more discreet. I think personality and individuality define great style, not obvious branding and gratuitous labels. As we age, logos can look cheap, and a little try-hard. Better to buy as well as you can and wear your brands discreetly and effortlessly. This way, the first thing others will notice is you, then they’ll admire your outfit.

Marie Kelly, August 2021