Style Mistakes That Are Instantly Aging You

The 5 Style Mistakes That Are Instantly Aging You

My Wardrobe Was Stuck in a Time Warp

A stylist friend did a “style audit” on my mom. She identified five common mistakes that were “aging” her. 1) Wearing clothes that were too big and shapeless. 2) Sticking to a hairstyle she’s had for 20 years. 3) Wearing dated, chunky jewelry. 4) Wearing orthopedic-looking, “comfort” shoes with everything. And 5) Wearing the wrong size bra, which made her posture look slumped. The stylist said the goal wasn’t to look “younger,” but to look “modern” and “vital.” Making a few key tweaks to these five areas instantly updated her entire look.

How I Built a “Timeless” Wardrobe That Never Goes Out of Style

I Invested in a “Style Mutual Fund”

I was tired of chasing trends and having a closet full of clothes I only wore for one season. I decided to build a “timeless” wardrobe. I focused on investing in high-quality, classic pieces in neutral colors: a well-made trench coat, a perfect white t-shirt, a tailored black blazer, a great pair of dark wash jeans, and a classic leather handbag. These are my “blue-chip” stocks of fashion. They are the foundation of my wardrobe that I can then accent with a few, less expensive trendy pieces each season.

The One Color Theory Trick That Makes You Look More Vibrant and Youthful

I Was Wearing the “Wrong” Black

I wore black all the time because I thought it was chic and slimming. A color analyst explained that as we age, our skin tone can lose some of its pigment and warmth. A harsh, true black can often be too severe and can drain the color from our faces, making us look tired. She suggested I switch to a “softer” black, like a charcoal gray or a deep navy blue. It’s a subtle switch, but it made a huge difference. I instantly looked brighter and more vibrant.

I Hired a Personal Stylist for a Day. Here Are the 10 Secrets I Learned.

The Best $500 I’ve Ever Spent on My Confidence

For my 40th birthday, I hired a personal stylist for a three-hour closet consultation, which cost about $500. It was the best money I’ve ever spent. She didn’t just tell me what to wear. She taught me how to dress my specific body shape. She showed me which silhouettes were most flattering. She helped me identify my personal “style words.” And she “shopped” my own closet, creating 20 new outfits from clothes I already owned. I learned more in those three hours than I had in 20 years of reading fashion magazines.

How to Dress “Modern” After 40 (Without Looking Like a Teenager)

The Key Is in the “Third Piece” and the Shoes

My mom wanted to update her style but was afraid of looking like she was trying to be 20 again. Her stylish friend gave her two simple rules. First, the “third piece” rule. A simple outfit of jeans and a t-shirt can be instantly elevated and modernized by adding a third piece, like a cool blazer, a leather jacket, or a long cardigan. Second, focus on your shoes. A pair of modern, stylish sneakers or ankle boots can make even a very classic outfit look current and cool.

The Best Jean Silhouettes for a Flattering, Ageless Look

I Broke Up With My Skinny Jeans

I was still clinging to the skinny jeans of my youth, but they just weren’t feeling right on my 45-year-old body. I went to a denim specialist. She had me try on a few more modern, ageless silhouettes. The winners were a high-waisted, straight-leg style, which was elongating and comfortable, and a slightly cropped “kick-flare” style that looked amazing with ankle boots. She taught me that finding the right jean silhouette for your current body is one of the fastest ways to update your entire style.

I Did a “Closet Cleanout.” It Was a Ruthless but Necessary Makeover.

My Closet Was a Museum of My Former Selves

My closet was a source of daily stress. It was packed with clothes I hadn’t worn in years—clothes that didn’t fit, were out of style, or belonged to a version of me that no longer existed. I finally did a ruthless cleanout. I made four piles: Keep, Tailor, Donate, and Trash. It was an emotional process of letting go of my past selves. But the result was a clean, organized closet where every single item is something I love and that makes me feel good today.

The “Third Piece” Rule That Instantly Elevates Any Outfit

My Secret Weapon for Looking “Put-Together”

I learned the “third piece” rule from a stylist, and it has been a game-changer. The idea is that any basic outfit of a top and a bottom (two pieces) can be instantly elevated by adding a third piece. This could be a blazer, a cardigan, a vest, a leather jacket, or even a great scarf. That third piece adds a layer of intention and polish to your look. It’s the difference between just “getting dressed” and creating an “outfit.” It’s my secret weapon for looking instantly put-together with minimal effort.

How to Find Your Personal “Uniform” That Makes Getting Dressed Effortless

My Decision-Free Morning Outfit

Steve Jobs had his black turtleneck. I decided I needed my own “uniform” to eliminate decision fatigue in the morning. I figured out the silhouette that makes me feel most confident: a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers and a simple, fitted cashmere sweater. I now own this outfit in three different neutral colors. On busy mornings, I don’t have to think. I just grab my uniform. It’s my personal, stylish shorthand for looking polished and feeling great without any mental effort.

The Best Undergarments That Smooth and Support (The Foundation of Any Great Outfit)

My Bra Was Sabotaging My Clothes

I was spending money on nice clothes, but they never looked quite right. A professional bra fitter at a department store changed my life. She showed me that I was wearing completely the wrong bra size. The right bra didn’t just support me better; it completely changed my posture and made all my clothes hang better. I learned that your undergarments are the true foundation of your outfit. A well-fitting bra and some seamless, smoothing shapewear can make a $50 dress look like it was custom-made.

I Stopped Wearing All Black. My Whole Vibe Changed.

I Was Hiding in My Favorite Color

My wardrobe was a sea of black. I thought it was chic and slimming. But as I got into my forties, a color consultant pointed out that the harshness of the black was actually draining the color from my face and making me look tired. She encouraged me to try softer, richer neutrals, like navy, olive green, and chocolate brown. The switch was transformative. I instantly looked more vibrant and approachable. I realized I had been using black as a way to hide, and embracing color was a way of stepping back into the light.

The Art of Accessorizing: How to Look Polished and Not “Overdone”

My Accessories Were Stuck in the 2000s

My accessories—the chunky statement necklaces, the dangly earrings—were making my outfits look dated. A stylist taught me the modern art of accessorizing. She said to focus on fewer, better pieces. Instead of a big, bold necklace, try a few delicate, layered gold chains. Instead of a flashy cocktail ring, try a set of simple, elegant stacking rings. And a great pair of classic hoop earrings or simple studs always looks polished. The modern approach is about subtle, personal touches, not loud, overwhelming statements.

The Most Flattering Necklines to Wear As You Age

It’s All About Highlighting the Collarbone

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more conscious of the necklines I wear. A stylist told me that one of the most flattering and ageless things you can do is to highlight your collarbone. Necklines like a “boatneck,” a “ballet” scoop neck, or a simple V-neck are all great for this. They draw the eye upward and create a sense of openness and elegance. High, crew-neck t-shirts, on the other hand, can sometimes feel constricting and can make your neck appear shorter.

I Invested in a Quality Handbag and Shoes. It Leveled Up My Entire Wardrobe.

The “Bookends” of Your Outfit

I used to buy cheap, trendy handbags and shoes. They would fall apart after one season. I finally decided to invest in two key pieces: a classic, well-made leather handbag, and a stylish, comfortable pair of leather ankle boots. The cost was significant—around $800 for both. But these two “investment” pieces have completely leveled up my entire wardrobe. Even a simple outfit of jeans and a t-shirt looks intentional and expensive when paired with a great bag and great shoes. They are the “bookends” that pull the whole look together.

The Best Fabrics That Drape Beautifully and Are Comfortable

I Broke Up With Cheap Polyester

I did a purge of my closet and realized all the clothes I was getting rid of were made from cheap, synthetic fabrics like polyester. They didn’t hang right, they trapped heat, and they looked worn out after a few washes. I’ve started to invest in clothes made from high-quality, natural fabrics. Things like Tencel, modal, merino wool, and high-quality cotton drape beautifully, they are breathable and comfortable, and they last for years. It’s a focus on quality over quantity.

How to Rock “Gray Hair” with the Right Colors and Styles

My Gray Hair Was My Newest, Coolest Accessory

When I decided to let my hair go gray, I had to rethink my wardrobe. The warm, earthy tones I used to wear now made me look washed out. I learned that cool tones, like jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby), as well as crisp black and white, look amazing with silver hair. I also updated my makeup, focusing on a stronger brow and a brighter lip color to create a bit of contrast. I started to think of my gray hair not as a sign of aging, but as a bold, built-in accessory that I could style around.

The “Capsule Wardrobe” Experiment: I Lived with 33 Items for 3 Months.

Less Clothes, More Style

Overwhelmed by my massive, chaotic closet, I tried the “Project 333” capsule wardrobe challenge. I chose only 33 items of clothing (including shoes and accessories) to wear for three months. The first week was hard. But then it became liberating. Getting dressed took two minutes. I became much more creative with the pieces I had, finding new combinations I had never considered. And I realized how little I actually needed to be stylish and happy. At the end of the three months, I donated about 70% of my old wardrobe.

The Best Athleisure That Looks Chic, Not Sloppy

I Wanted to Be Comfortable Without Looking Like I’d Given Up

My weekend uniform was a sloppy pair of old sweatpants. I wanted to be comfortable, but I also didn’t want to look like I had completely given up on life. I invested in a few pieces of high-quality “athleisure.” The key is in the fabric and the fit. I bought a pair of well-fitting, structured joggers in a high-quality knit. I got a matching sweatshirt. Paired with a pair of clean, white sneakers and a nice coat, the outfit is just as comfortable as my old sweats, but it looks chic, modern, and intentional.

How to Find a Bra That Actually Fits (Most Women Are Wearing the Wrong Size)

The Bra-Fitting That Changed My Life

I thought I knew my bra size. I had been buying the same size for 20 years. But my bras were uncomfortable, and my clothes didn’t look right. I finally went for a professional fitting at a good lingerie department. I was shocked to learn I was wearing the wrong band size and the wrong cup size. The fitter brought me a bra in my correct size. It was a revelation. It lifted and supported me, my posture improved, and my shirts fit better. A proper bra fitting is a free, 15-minute service that can completely transform how you look and feel.

The “Cost Per Wear” Formula That Justifies an Investment Piece

The Math Behind a Smart Splurge

I was agonizing over whether to buy a beautiful, classic wool coat that cost $400. It felt so extravagant. My financially-savvy friend told me to calculate the “cost per wear.” I knew I would wear this timeless coat at least 40 times a year for the next five years. That’s 200 wears. So, the cost per wear was only 2 dollars. My trendy, $50 fast-fashion jacket that I only wore four times had a cost per wear of over $12. This simple formula helped me see that the investment piece was actually the smarter, more frugal choice.

I Learned to “Dress for My Body Shape,” Not the Trends.

I’m a “Pear,” and I Was Trying to Squeeze Into “Apple” Clothes

I spent years trying to wear trendy styles that looked terrible on me. I finally learned about dressing for my “body shape.” I realized that I have a “pear” shape (smaller on top, wider on the bottom). The trendy, boxy tops and skinny jeans I was trying to wear were all wrong for me. I started looking for clothes that would create balance—A-line skirts, bootcut trousers, and tops with more detail around the shoulders. The moment I started dressing for the body I have, instead of the body that’s in fashion, I felt so much more confident.

The Best “Statement” Coats That Make You Look Instantly Put-Together

Your Coat Is Your Entire Outfit in the Winter

In the winter, your coat is your outfit. It’s the first and often only thing people see. I decided to invest in a great “statement” coat. It didn’t have to be a wild color. I chose a beautifully tailored, long camel-colored wool coat. Even when I am wearing a boring outfit of jeans and a sweater underneath, the moment I put on that coat, I look instantly chic and put-together. A great coat is one of the most powerful and practical style investments you can make.

How to Update Your Eyeglass Frames to Take Years Off Your Face

My Glasses Were Stuck in 1998

I had been wearing the same style of small, rectangular eyeglass frames for over a decade. They were a style that was popular in the late 90s. An optician pointed out that my dated frames were aging me more than my wrinkles. She had me try on a pair of modern frames with a slightly larger, rounder shape and a more interesting color. The change was instant. The new frames looked more stylish and actually lifted my features. Updating your glasses is one of the fastest and easiest ways to update your entire look.

The Best Shoe Styles That Are Both Stylish and Comfortable

I Broke Up With My Painful Shoes

I used to believe that stylish shoes had to be uncomfortable. In my forties, I’ve declared a truce in the war on my feet. I’ve discovered a world of shoes that are both chic and comfortable. My go-tos are a pair of stylish leather loafers, a classic white leather sneaker, and a low, block-heeled ankle boot. These styles are versatile, timeless, and I can walk for miles in them without pain. I’ve learned that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort; you just have to choose smarter.

I Ditched “Fast Fashion” for a Year. My Style and Bank Account Thanked Me.

The True Cost of a $15 Shirt

I was addicted to “fast fashion.” I would buy cheap, trendy clothes for a quick thrill, wear them a few times, and then they would fall apart. I decided to go on a “fast fashion diet” for one year. I only bought secondhand items or high-quality, ethically made pieces. It was a huge mindset shift. I bought fewer things, but the things I did buy, I loved. My personal style became more defined. And at the end of the year, I had actually saved money because I wasn’t constantly replacing cheap clothes.

The “French Girl” Style Secrets for an Effortless, Ageless Look

It’s About the Attitude, Not Just the Breton Stripes

I’ve always admired the “effortless” style of French women. A Parisian friend told me their secret. It’s not about owning a specific striped shirt or a trench coat. It’s a philosophy. It’s about investing in a few high-quality, timeless pieces. It’s about a focus on impeccable fit and great fabrics. It’s about a “less is more” approach to makeup and hair—looking polished, but never “overdone.” And most importantly, it’s about an air of confidence and a slight indifference to trends.

How to Wear Scarves in a Modern Way

The Difference Between “Chic” and “Frumpy”

I had a drawer full of beautiful scarves that I never wore because I was afraid they would make me look like a frumpy old lady. A stylist showed me how to wear them in a modern way. The key, she said, is to keep it simple. Instead of a complicated, perfect knot, just drape a long scarf once around your neck and let the ends hang. Or, tie a small, silk scarf loosely around your neck, like a choker. The goal is to look effortless and relaxed, not perfectly coiffed.

The “Business Casual” Dilemma: How to Look Professional and Modern

The Khakis and Polo Shirt Uniform Is Dead

The “business casual” dress code can be a minefield. The old uniform of khaki pants and a polo shirt can look dated. My stylish boss has perfected the modern version. His go-to is a pair of well-fitting, dark-colored chinos (not baggy khakis), a crisp, untucked button-down shirt in a modern print or a solid color, and a pair of clean, leather sneakers or loafers. It’s a look that is comfortable, professional, and current. It strikes the perfect balance between looking relaxed and looking respected.

I Tried a Clothing Rental Service (Rent the Runway). Was It Worth It?

A “Cloud Closet” for My Special Occasions

I had a series of weddings and special events to attend and didn’t want to buy a new, expensive dress for each one. I tried a clothing rental service, Rent the Runway. For a monthly fee of about $90, I could rent a rotating wardrobe of designer dresses and outfits. It was fantastic. I got to wear beautiful, high-end clothes without the cost or the closet clutter. For someone who has a lot of events, or who just loves to experiment with fashion, it’s a brilliant and cost-effective solution.

The Best Swimsuit Styles That Are Flattering and Confidence-Boosting

I Found a Swimsuit I Actually Felt Good In

Swimsuit shopping after 40 can be a demoralizing experience. I finally found a few styles that are both flattering and confidence-boosting. A well-constructed one-piece with some subtle ruching around the midsection can be incredibly forgiving. A high-waisted bikini bottom provides great coverage and support. And a “tankini” with a flowy top can be a great option if you’re self-conscious about your stomach. The key is to look for good construction, supportive fabrics, and a style that makes you feel secure, not exposed.

The Power of a Good Tailor: How to Make Inexpensive Clothes Look Custom

The $20 Trick That Makes My Zara Blazer Look Like Armani

I bought a blazer from a fast-fashion store for $60. It was a bit boxy. I took it to my tailor. For $25, she took in the waist and shortened the sleeves. The difference was astonishing. The blazer now looks like it was custom-made for me. A good tailor is the ultimate secret weapon for looking stylish on a budget. They can transform an inexpensive, ill-fitting garment into a piece that looks incredibly high-end. It’s the best money you can spend to elevate your wardrobe.

The One Hairstyle Mistake That’s a Dead Giveaway of Your Age

My “Mom” Haircut Was Instantly Aging Me

I had a “safe,” practical, medium-length hairstyle with some feathered layers. It was a classic “mom” haircut from the 90s. A modern hairstylist told me that a dated haircut is one of the fastest ways to look older. She gave me a more current, blunt bob that was just above my shoulders. The sharp, clean lines of the cut were instantly more youthful and stylish. She said the key is to avoid overly “coiffed” or complicated styles and to opt for a cut that has a modern, simple shape.

How to Mix High-End and Low-End Fashion Like a Pro

The “Sandwich” Method of Styling

The secret to looking chic without spending a fortune is mastering the “high-low” mix. A stylist taught me the “sandwich” method. Your “top” and “bottom” pieces should be your high-end investments—a great pair of shoes and a quality handbag or coat. The “filling” of your sandwich—your top and your pants—can be more affordable, fast-fashion pieces. The high-quality “bookends” instantly elevate the less expensive pieces in the middle, creating a look that feels luxurious and intentional.

The Best “Special Occasion” Outfits That Aren’t Frumpy

I Wanted to Look Elegant, Not Matronly

I had a formal wedding to attend and was struggling to find a dress that wasn’t either too young or too “mother-of-the-bride.” I found that the most elegant and ageless options are often not dresses at all. A beautifully tailored jumpsuit in a luxurious fabric can be incredibly chic and modern. And a pair of elegant, wide-leg silk trousers paired with a simple, sophisticated top can be more stylish and comfortable than any traditional cocktail dress. It’s about thinking beyond the expected “frilly dress.”

I Created a “Style Mood Board.” It Clarified Everything.

A Visual Guide to My Own Taste

I felt like my personal style was a mess. I didn’t know what I liked anymore. I decided to create a “style mood board” on Pinterest. I spent a few hours pinning images of outfits, colors, textures, and general “vibes” that I was drawn to. I didn’t overthink it. At the end, I looked at the board as a whole. The patterns were clear. I was drawn to simple silhouettes, neutral colors, and natural fabrics. That visual mood board became my personal style guide, and it has made getting dressed and shopping so much easier.

The Best T-Shirt That Isn’t See-Through and Has a Perfect Fit

My Hunt for the Holy Grail of Basics

The perfect white t-shirt is the holy grail of any timeless wardrobe. But it’s so hard to find one that isn’t thin, see-through, and shapeless. After years of searching, I’ve learned what to look for. The fabric should be a high-quality, substantial cotton, like Pima or Supima cotton. The fit should not be too tight, but it should skim your body. And the neckline—whether it’s a crew neck or a v-neck—should be well-constructed and not flimsy. It’s worth spending

        40−40-40−
      

50 on a perfect t-shirt that you will wear for years.

How to Wear White Without Looking Washed Out

The Secret Is in the Undertone

I love the look of an all-white outfit, but it often made me look pale and washed out. A color expert explained that not all whites are created equal. If you have a warm skin tone, you should look for a white with a creamy, ivory undertone. If you have a cool skin tone, a crisp, brilliant “true” white will be more flattering. The secret is to match the undertone of the white to the undertone of your skin. It’s a subtle difference that has a huge impact.

The Evolution of My Personal Style from My 20s to My 50s

From Trendy and Cheap to Timeless and Tailored

In my twenties, my style was all about chasing trends and accumulating a lot of cheap clothes. I wanted to look “cool.” In my thirties, as a new mom, my style became all about practicality and comfort—hello, yoga pants. In my forties, I started to invest in quality, timeless pieces and get them tailored. And now, in my fifties, my style is a confident and edited version of all of the above. It’s about feeling comfortable, looking polished, and expressing my authentic self, with zero regard for fleeting trends.

I Found the Perfect Pair of “Tummy Control” Leggings.

The Confidence-Boosting Power of Good Engineering

I love the comfort of leggings, but after having kids, I was self-conscious about my midsection. I went on a quest to find the perfect pair of “tummy control” leggings. The secret, I found, is in the waistband. The best ones have a very high, wide, and compressive waistband that gently smooths and supports your midsection without feeling constricting like old-school shapewear. A good pair of these leggings makes me feel so much more confident and “held-in,” whether I’m at the gym or just running errands.

The Best Jewelry for an Ageless Look (And What to Avoid)

Dainty and Delicate vs. Big and Bold

My chunky, colorful jewelry from the 2000s was starting to look very dated. A stylist told me that to achieve a more modern, ageless look with jewelry, I should focus on delicate, classic pieces. Think a simple pair of gold hoop earrings, a delicate chain necklace, or a classic watch. These timeless pieces add a touch of polish and sophistication without being overwhelming. The big, bold, “statement” jewelry of the past can often look loud and dated.

How to Organize Your Closet So You Can Actually See What You Own

I “File” My T-Shirts, I Don’t Stack Them

My closet used to be a disaster. I couldn’t find anything. I learned two key organizing tricks that changed everything. First, I bought thin, velvet hangers. They take up less space than bulky plastic ones and your clothes don’t slip off. Second, for my t-shirts and sweaters, I stopped stacking them in my drawers. Instead, I “file” them vertically, using the Marie Kondo folding method. Now I can see every single shirt I own at a glance, instead of just the one on top of the pile.

The “Vacation Wardrobe” That Fits in a Carry-On

The 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Method

I used to be a chronic over-packer. I learned the “5-4-3-2-1” packing method, and it has been a game-changer for fitting everything into a carry-on. The rule is to pack: five tops, four bottoms (like jeans, skirts, or trousers), three pairs of shoes (one walking, one dressy, one casual), two dresses or “one-piece” outfits, and one of each key accessory (like a swimsuit, a coat, and a handbag). It’s a simple framework that ensures you have a versatile, mix-and-match wardrobe without over-packing.

I Took a “Color Analysis” Test. It Blew My Mind.

I’m a “Soft Autumn,” and It Explained Everything

I always felt like certain colors made me look amazing, and others made me look sick. I finally invested about $200 in a personal “color analysis” session. The analyst draped different colored fabrics over me and determined that I was a “Soft Autumn.” She gave me a palette of colors that harmonized with my natural skin, hair, and eye color. It was mind-blowing. Wearing the colors from my palette makes me look more vibrant and healthy. It has made shopping so much easier and has taken all the guesswork out of getting dressed.

The Best “Transitional” Pieces for a Seasonless Wardrobe

The Clothes That Work for Spring and Fall

The key to a smart, versatile wardrobe is having great “transitional” pieces that can work for multiple seasons. My three workhorses are: a classic trench coat, which is perfect for both spring rain and cool fall days. A collection of cashmere sweaters, which are lightweight enough to be worn on their own but also great for layering under a coat in the winter. And a pair of dark-wash, straight-leg jeans, which can be dressed up with boots or down with sneakers. These pieces bridge the gap between the seasons.

The Confidence I Gained From a Great Outfit Was Better Than Any Cream

Enclothed Cognition Is a Real Thing

There’s a psychological concept called “enclothed cognition,” which means that the clothes we wear have a direct impact on our own mental state. I’ve found this to be absolutely true. On days when I am feeling down or insecure, if I force myself to put on a “power” outfit—an outfit that is well-fitting and makes me feel confident—my entire mood and mindset can shift. A great outfit can be a powerful tool. The confidence boost I get from looking my best is more potent than any expensive anti-aging cream.

I Started a “One In, One Out” Rule for My Closet.

My Closet Is No Longer a Bloated Tick

My closet was at maximum capacity. It was a source of constant stress. To stop the endless cycle of accumulation, I adopted the “one in, one out” rule. It’s simple: every time I buy a new piece of clothing, one old piece of clothing has to be donated or sold. This rule has been a game-changer. It forces me to be much more mindful and intentional about my purchases, and it keeps my closet at a state of beautiful, manageable equilibrium.

How to Find Your “Signature” Scent or Perfume

My Scent Is Part of My Personal “Brand”

I wanted to find a “signature” scent, a perfume that felt uniquely “me.” I went to a high-end department store and got samples of several different fragrances. I didn’t just smell them on the paper strips; I wore each one for a full day to see how it developed on my own skin. I learned that I was drawn to warm, woody, “unisex” scents, not sweet florals. Finding my signature scent was like finding a key piece of my personal style. It’s an invisible accessory that makes me feel confident and complete.

The Best Online Shops for Women Over 40

I Was Tired of Stores That Only Catered to 20-Year-Olds

I was frustrated with online shopping. All the models were 20, and the clothes were clearly not designed for my 45-year-old body. I did some research and found a handful of amazing online shops that cater specifically to women over 40. Brands like J.Crew, Everlane, and M.M.LaFleur offer timeless, high-quality, and stylish pieces that are designed for a grown-up woman’s body and lifestyle. Finding retailers that understand my demographic has made online shopping a joyful and successful experience again.

The “Three Word Method” for Defining Your Personal Style

My Words Are “Classic, Comfortable, and Confident”

I was struggling to define my personal style. A stylist taught me the “three word method.” She had me go through magazines and my own closet and choose three words that best described the look I was trying to achieve. My three words were: “Classic, Comfortable, and Confident.” Now, whenever I am shopping, I hold up an item and ask myself, “Is this classic? Is it comfortable? Does it make me feel confident?” If it doesn’t hit all three, I don’t buy it. It’s a simple filter that has created a very cohesive and authentic wardrobe.

My Style Icon Isn’t a Celebrity, It’s My Future Self.

I’m Dressing for the Woman I Want to Become

I used to have celebrities as my style icons. Now, my style icon is my future self. I have a vision of the woman I want to be at 60 or 70. She is elegant, she is confident, she is engaged with the world, and she has a timeless, personal style. I use this vision of my future self as my guide for my purchases today. I ask myself, “Would the wise, stylish, 70-year-old version of me buy this?” This helps me to invest in pieces that are truly timeless and that will serve the woman I am becoming.

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