How to Dress Age Appropriate

Just because you are getting older does not mean that you have to dress in drab and boring clothing. But, you are getting older and it is no longer appropriate to dress in the same clothes as students in high school. You can still be fashion forward while dressing age appropriate.

Instructions

For Women

1. Know your body shape; this is essential to dressing appropriately for your age. Get in front of a full-length mirror and try on all the clothes in your closet. Get rid of anything that is too tight and too revealing.

2. Show skin appropriately. Tops that show off your shoulders and neckline are timeless and can be worn at any age. As you get older, stay away from teeny mini-skirts and the itty-bitty midriff-baring tops.

3. Stick with the classic looks. A well-tailored jacket paired with classic-cut pants always has been in style. If it is dresses that you adore, choose wrap dresses. These classic dresses look good on women of any age.

4. Follow trends in small doses. It is OK to be trendy, but do it with accessories such as jewelry and scarves. Wearing a few accessories shows that you are still fashion forward but not a slave to clothing trends.

For Men

1. Own a suit. If you don't already have one, buy one. If you are purchasing a new one, be sure that it is a classic navy, black or charcoal gray.

2. Choose clothing that fits your body. Buy button-down shirts that fit both your neck and arm measurements, get your pants tailored and don't wear anything that is too tight or too loose.

3. Say no to double-breasted suits. They aren't flattering, nor are they attractive. Opt for the classic four-button, single-breasted suit.

4. Wear appropriate casual clothing. Choose jeans and khakis with straight-cut leg and collared cotton polo shirts.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your pants simple. Buy classic cut pants that break at the top of your foot and not any shorter or longer. Look for the label "straight leg" for jeans and khakis and "classic cut" for dress pants.

• Keep your shoes in good shape. Make sure your shoes have a shine on them. Get rid of shoes that are falling apart or are worn.

• Don't buy pants with pleats. Pleats don't flatter any body type. Choose flat front pants instead.

• Don't reveal too much on top. If you have great cleavage, that's great, but there is a fine line between sexy cleavage and too much cleavage. Too much will ruin even the most beautiful ensembles.

• Keep cargo pants at home. These pants are great for working around the house or in the yard because they are so functional. Outside the home they make you look like you're trying too hard to hold onto your youth.

• Don't reveal too much on top. Don't show your chest hair; button up.

Resources

• Visit the Men.Style guide for resources on men's fashions.