Ageless Dressing
Not just a soundbite! Yet hard to define, or perhaps not – maybe I’m overthinking this.
Let’s start with the blindingly obvious, those hot pants from my lithe limbed teens do not qualify. Does the cardi that I imagined as a cosy cover-up, but in reality is a dowdy cloak? I think not.
The ever luminous Yasmin Le Bon has very few red lines, the only NO NO is ‘granny chic’, most definitely agree. If someone so gorgeous can’t make it work, small hope for the rest of us. She still happily dons her mini skirts, I say good for her, perhaps we’re not all so blessed. I feel the mini is a bit marmite and so goes into the category marked for the few, not the many (and the very young).
Let’s get down to some specifics here. I’m thinking of items in my wardrobe that absolutely deserve the accolade. My tres chic Betty Jackson side stripe tuxedo trousers are approximately 30 years old, I adore them. At a recent event a fashion aficionado remarked that people imagine this trouser detail is a current trend, it’s a time honoured classic! Also deserving their place, my 35 year old Sara Sturgeon blazer which heartbreakingly no longer fits, and my exquisitely cut, very ancient Banana Republic chinos – both go into the box marked can’t bear to part with, alongside many more old faithfuls.
Where to begin when the choice is so vast and confusing.
Ageless dressing has absolutely nothing to do with dressing your age, I abhor that concept. It’s about patiently building a wardrobe of timeless, interchangeable, staples that my adult daughter and I both WANT to wear, sometimes quite differently. (No, not the celebrity mini-me Tik Tok craze)
If I could be so bold to offer a few tips, gleaned from a long life with plenty of fashion faux pas along the way.
Focus on Forever Fashion with no more than a nod to trends. Ignore those fleeting fads – leave to the teens.
Buy the best quality fabrics and tailoring your budget allows – trust me, you will buy better and less.
Choose versatile, hardworking pieces that effortlessly balance casual and formal.
Less is always more when we’re talking ageless style.
Remember, the joy of finding that perfectly cut investment piece is unsurpassable.
Don’t feel guilty, think of your purchases on a cost- per- wear basis.
If you feel the need for an uplifting, impulse buy, make it a scarf or a necklace.
Think about those times in your life when you looked in the mirror and had a ‘that’s it’ moment, how good did that feel? What do you return to time and time again, view those pieces as your ‘uniform’ – treasure, refine, repeat.
The first piece in ‘my uniform’ would be an indulgent cashmere v-neck sweater, probably camel to team with a pair of elegant, fluid, wide-legged palazzo trousers, probably black, maybe dark navy. I would then build and add, as and when – a classic, timeless blazer, a couple of great shirts – white, stripes, chambray – all good, a slim cigarette leg trouser. A collection of soft jersey tops in subtle, tonal neutrals for layering and a smart, casual track pant to dress up or down. The very best coat (preferably long) and accessories you can stretch to are wardrobe staples. A fabulous dress, flattering skirt along with a small dose of sparkle and holiday delights are essential and can follow. I’m not a puritan, I adore clothes and a touch of frivolity is good for the soul. Prioritise your ‘must haves’ according to your lifestyle, be it the boardroom, work from home or weekend, family time. Make a list if it helps and focus on those building blocks that work for every season and in between.
As with everything in life, confidence is key.
Trust your instincts, especially your first one.
If they’re failing you for whatever reason, ask for help, buy your favourite magazine, visit a trusted website – I call on my oh so stylish BF.
When I’m displaying the best version of myself I feel invincible and strong.
My ultimate ageless style Icon
The irrepressibly beautiful and chic
Lauren Hutton